Phew, really long chapter for you guys. The entire Riser arc. Enjoy.
""It really is you..."
The purple haired woman and white haired teenager stared at each other. Crimson melded with purple as the tight grip on each others hand increased.
"Yube..." Asher murmured. He still couldn't believe the person standing before him. There was doubt in his mind that she was really there, holding his hand. But it felt so real the more he squeezed. "I...I thought you were dead..." He muttered. "All those years ago... The cathedral. I..." He stopped, his emotions beginning to overwhelm him.
"Yubelluna, do you know this boy?" Riser asked from behind her. He was genuinely curious of his queen's relation to the low life human.
There was a short period of silence.
"...Yes, I do, Riser-sama. He was the one I told you about from 'that' day," she answered back.
The purple haired woman looked up at the young man. He had grown much taller and matured so much since she last saw him. It was over a decade ago but the small child he once was is now replaced by this strong man. She felt so proud of him, she could see he had gotten so strong.
But, at the same time, she felt dirty standing in front of him. She was a devil now and to stand before him, she felt so disgusting standing in front of him. She didn't deserve to look at him now.
"Ah yes, the child you trained. Well isn't that lucky that he didn't die in the fire," the blonde man said without the least bit of remorse. He folded his arms and grinned as he reminisced. It was the day he got the best prize out of his peerage.
Asher completely ignored the man for the moment. He looked into the woman's eyes and smiled. "It's a blessing you're safe..." He said soft and sweetly to her.
Yubelluna didn't say anything. She just looked at him with a wide eye. What had he just said?
She was a devil now, standing before him, the exact opposite of the thing the God he served. Wasn't he repulsed at her or disgusted?
No, instead he was thanking that same God who hated people like her that she was alive. He said it with no sarcasm or force. He said it truthfully and with a large amount of emotions behind him.
"Alright, that's enough. Get away from my [Queen], low life," Riser demanded, becoming quickly annoyed at his queen's reaction to the human. He reached forward and grabbed Yubelluna's shoulder, using more pressure than he intended, forcing the girl to jerk from the jolt of pain.
The man of God saw it easily and there was a sudden snapping in his mind.
No one, not even Grayfia, could have registered what happened next. It was a split second between Riser standing behind the duo and being embedded in a wall with a light dagger to his neck.
Asher had an arm pressed across the blonde's neck with his cross now a sharp light dagger, held up at the Phenex's eye. The exorcist's eyes were blank, as if his mind was no longer there.
[Riser-sama!] His peerage yelped in surprise. They didn't even see the two males move. They only followed the sound of impact and turned to see their king in danger.
"Asher!" Rias shouted. She didn't even see him move.
The boy blinked, his senses returning. He noticed where he was and quickly backed up, releasing the blonde from his grip.
Riser fell onto his hands and knees, coughing violently as he held his throat.
Asher looked confused as he looked down at the older man, who was now surrounded by his servants. The boy looked at his hands before looking back up at the Phenex, who was standing with the help of his peerage.
Riser growled as he regained his balance. He turned to the white haired teen with bared teeth and clenched fist. "Insolent brat! I should kill you for that," he spat, raising his hand to punch the exorcist.
Asher reacted on instinct and dodged the attack before grabbing the devil's wrist and elbow, turning and bending over, pulling the blonde over his shoulder and slamming him on the floor.
He quickly jumped back and regretted his action once the counter registered in his head. He didn't mean to and had only acted on impulse.
"M-My apologies. I didn't mean to do that...," he said quickly, raising his hands in front of his face. "It was an accident."
Riser stood again and bared his teeth more at the boy, the rage visible on his face. He rose a hand, a large fireball forming at a high temperature.
"Sorry is not going to cut it. You're a big thorn in Riser's side and he's going to make sure you pay," he growled, the fireball growing bigger in response.
"You shall do no such thing, Lord Riser," a stern voice spoke up. The temprature had quickly dropped and everyone tensed at the ice cold tone.
It was Grayfia who intervened. And she didn't look the least bit accepting on what the Phenex was planning. Her eyes were narrowed and she looked to dare him to try anything.
"[Queen] of the Maou Lucifer, you can not be serious. This mere human has touched me and attacked me. How can you condone this?" Riser asked, obviously angered by the silverette's intervention. Grayfia didn't bat an eye as she turned towards the blonde.
"This boy acted out of instinct and training. If you spent your days doing the same, instead of sleeping with multiple women, you would have known as well. You made a move that he saw as a threat and acted as he was taught to do. No one is but you Lord Riser," she chastised towards him.
Riser growled in response. "This is unacceptable! I will not allow this boy to get away with this," he yelled at the maid. She narrowed her eyes.
"Then you'll have to go through me," she replied. This shocked the room. The normally stoic Grayfia was protecting a human?
Asher looked towards the maid, then to Riser, then to Yubelluna. She had been quiet up until now. Obviously, she didn't want to be involved in this. The human could see she was conflicted between him and her king and he didn't blame her for being silent. Still, the look on her face showed that she wanted to do something.
The exorcist then turned to Rias. She was looking back at him with concern. Twenty four hours ago she was upset and depressed. Now, he could see why. Looking at Riser, Asher absolutely hated the guy. Being a man of God, that was something the Bible didn't condone. He was taught to love everyone but he couldn't find love for something that consider themselves above life. Everyone sins, even angels, hence why they fall. But this one, Asher would be sure to do the right thing with it.
"Grayfia-san, it is alright," he stated, stepping to the maids side. She looked at him confused but he paid no attention to it and glared right at the Phenex.
"If you want to fight me, Riser, I'm more than happy to indulge you," the human replied. This shocked the entire room. Rias and Yubelluna's eyes were the widest out of everyone elses.
"Asher, you can't be serious!" Rias shouted. He didn't even glance at her.
"I am, because it seems me and this guy have a lot to confess to one another," he replied, the holy pun being very unnecessary.
"You're asking for a death sentence, brat," Riser replied with narrowed eyes. Asher shared the same look.
"Is that so? Well then, how about a duel between you and I?" The exorcist challenged. The entire room released a loud gasp.
"D-Darling, you can't be serious!" Kalawarner said from behind him.
"I'm dead serious," he replied back without skipping a beat. He glanced over to Yubelluna who tensed at his gaze. He was more sure about this than anything. "There are some things I want answered first, before I continue on."
"..."
He took everyone's silence as acceptance.
"First off, I want to know what happened during the cathedral incident in North America," he stated, staring at the purple haired devil.
Riser saw where the boy was staring and smirked. He could see that the connection the boy still had with his queen. It'd be a sickly sweet way to taunt him. Maybe even discourage him before the fight.
"I heard rumors of a very powerful mage from a Cathedral in the human world. So, one day I went there to see for myself. It didn't take long before I decided she would be mine. I burned down the church and took her for myself. It was so easy as well, the followers of that church were pathetically weak, so it was really easy to kill them all," he answered, folding his arms with a malicious grin. Asher glared at him with a large amount of malice before he turned to Yubelluna.
"Did you choose to go with him?" He asked monotone. This made Riser's eyes widened a bit.
"She doesn't-" Grayfia rose a hand in front of him, silencing him before he lied.
Yubelluna didn't answer. The blonde relaxed a bit. Maybe she was too scared to tell him.
"Yubelluna, did you choose to go with him?" The human asked slightly louder, clenching his fist. She turned away.
"What does it matter? I'm his now," she muttered. Riser's grin returned. It seemed his power over her was stronger than their bond. Looks like the boy lost his fire.
"That isn't what I asked," the human growled. This made the whole room take a step back. There was such an intensity released from his words.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"No, I didn't," she finally answered. Asher looked away from her and turned back to the blonde man. Riser himself looked like he had been betrayed. The anger on his face towards his queen was clearly seen. He then turned to Asher who looked at him with narrowed eyes.
"How about we make this interesting, Yakitori-san?" He asked lowly. The blonde rose a brow.
"Oh, and how could we do that?" He asked, genuinely interested in what the human had to say.
"Two things," Asher stated, raising to fingers. He then lowered one. "If I win, first, I want this marriage between you and Rias abolished. And she is to never see you again," he answered. This made Rias', along with the rest of the ORC's, eyes widened. Rias felt like she had been hit with a sack of bricks. Asher asked for her freedom. First and foremost.
"Hmmm, interesting. But I don't see myself losing, so why not. The second one?"
Asher rose his second finger. "I want Yubelluna and any others forced into your peerage released," he stated.
This shook the Phenex slightly. He looked back with a less confident gaze but an equally heated glare.
"There is no way I'd-"
*Tug*
Someone pulled on his sleeve. He looked back to see one of his girls. She was a beautiful, young girl with dark blue eyes. She had long blonde hair, tied into twintails with large, drill-like curls with two blue ribbons keeping them in place. The front of her hair had several bangs hanging over her forehead, with a v-shaped fringe hanging over the bridge of her nose.
Her attire consisted of a light purple dress with dark purple accents and a blue bow at the front. At the back, three feather-like extensions, mimicking a bird's tail, protrude from the dress, giving her an almost bird-like appearance.
"What is it, Ravel?" Riser asked. She motioned him down, which he did, before she began to whisper into his ear.
(Incoherent mumbling)
"Okay but what does that have to do with-"
(Incoherent mumbling)
"What!? There's no way-" Riser had shot from her but she grabbed his collar and pulled him back down.
(Incoherent mumbling)
"Yes, and while I appreciate this, I-"
(Incoherent mumbling)
"Huff. Fine but you owe me big time. It'll already be hard not to kill this fool," he replied before standing up. He straightened his collar before looking back at Asher with narrowed eyes.
"I'll agree to your terms, low life. But only on one condition," he stated. Asher folded his arms.
"And what would that be?" He was prepared for the worst. Even death.
"You become my little sisters [Knight]," he answered.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Excuse me...?"
The entire room was dumbfounded at the request. Of all the things Riser could have proposed, that was it!?
He could have made him a slave. Could had told him to disappear for good. Even wished to kill him. But that was his request!? To become his sister's knight!?
Asher looked at the blonde girl who smiled and winked at him. His eyes widened. She must have had a very big influence on her brothers decisions. He must have been a very considerate brother. It actually lowered the boiling anger the white haired teen had for the older man
"A-Are you sure? There's nothing else that you want!?" He asked the older Phenex.
Riser looked to be fighting himself internally. He seemed just as awkward of this turn of events as Asher was. It was a completely different path that neither of them expected.
He looked at his sister who folded her arms and nodded.
"Yes... I'm quite sure," Riser answered begrudgingly.
Before either of them could say anything else, Grayfia stepped between them.
"If both sides have come to an agreement, I shall notify my king of the change of events. Shall a week be a reasonable amount of time for both parties?" She asked, switching looks between the two.
Both men quickly composed themselves, regaining the tense pressure they exerted towards each other.
"Riser is ready any time," the Phenex responded, folding his arms.
"It's more than enough time," Asher replied, punching his open palm.
"Then it is settled. One week from now, a duel between Lord Riser and the warrior of the Church, Asher," the maid announced. She then disappeared, via magic circle, leaving both sides alone.
"Be prepared human. When I'm done with you, you'll fear the name Riser," the blonde stated. Asher didn't back down.
"I'm setting free those you've wronged, Riser. I don't know the stories but I'll fix what you've broken," the exorcist replied.
Riser sneered and he, along with his peerage, disappeared in a pillar of flames.
-XOXOXOXOX-
The next day came and the weekend finally had finally arrived.
Rias had just woken up and sat up, releasing a yawn that would have been seen as cute by any man. She was, of course, stark naked and the sheet fell off her shoulder, her breasts jiggling as she relaxed her tense muscles and sighed. She slowly opened her eyes, rubbing the remaining sleep away before the memories of the day prior came back. Her lips thinned and she lowered her head as she recalled what transpired.
After what happened the past twenty four hours, she found Asher on her mind, constantly. Challenging a Phenex to a one on one duel. She knew he was strong but to go against someone like Riser...
Not only was the blonde womanizer adept in controlling the natures of both wind and fire but his immortality was also a difficult force for even the strongest of foes to battle against.
To be able to heal any injury, almost instantaneously, how would Asher, a mortal man, stand against that?
The exorcist was strong, she believed that till the day she died, but he was just a human. He had so many limitations, points to which Riser outmatched him. Endurance and the ability to heal being major factors.
What could the teenager do? It was like pushing against a wall. It wasn't going to move but it was going to tire a person out.
What made it worse was that Rias left him alone too. She didn't try to stop him or encourage him, spite Riser or warn Asher of his capabilities. No, she just stood there, shocked and stunned that he even challenged Riser.
Asher wasn't just the average person or a regular human. He was smart, wise, loyal, and confident in his abilities, so what would drive him to make such a decision where the odds were against him? What would make him challenge a powerful devil?
And for what? Her and some other devil's freedom!? Was he life worth risking for just that?
A human versus a devil was already hard due to the difference in magic, physical strength, and speeds. Sacred Gears gave humans the chance to fight back. Asher, however, wasn't gifted with a Sacred Gear. Everything he had, he worked for and it still left him so far behind Riser.
Fighting someone immortal, someone with the power to turn large areas into cinders, it was asking for suicide.
Rias thought back to the way the exorcist looked at Riser's queen and her. The disgust and pure rage at the idea of those to being bound to Riser over such poor excuses, the redhead saw how much he despised it.
But she still had to ask herself... What was his relationship to that woman? What drove him to ask for her, and Rias', freedom as well that he'd fight a man who had near limitless endurance and great power?
The princess immediately decided. She needed to know why Asher was doing all of this.
She rose from her bed and threw on a bright red tank top and a pair of black short shorts and stepped out into the hallway. Immediately, she was met with the two women of the house, both who had also stepped out into the hallway at the same time.
"""Ah! What're you doing!?""" They asked in unison towards one another.
The trio then heard a knock at the front door. The questions would continue to pile up as they opened it to see the rest of the ORC there as well.
"What are you guys doing here?" Raynare asked in surprise.
"I invited them," came a low voice, answering the question.
Everyone turned to see Asher at the archway that separated the kitchen, leaning against it with his arms folded. He was dressed in a tight fit tank top with black sweatpants. His hands were tapped from just below the fingers to the wrist and his feet were the same way from the toes to the ankles. Still, around his neck, the silver cross hung, the white ribbon still holding it together.
"I know you're all wondering why I would make such a decision to battle someone like Riser," he stated, speaking everyone's mind. When no one answered, he took it as the correct answer and sighed. "Take a seat, this'll be a long story then," he said, lowering his head.
The large group casted glances at each other before the group of eight came inside and found a seat anywhere they could inside the tiny apartment.
It was a snug fit but everyone was finally seated around the living room and Asher walked over, his aura releasing a chilling feeling throughout the room. It was scary to feel such a thing from the normally bright and holy man of God. What was usually so warm and comforting was now icy and distant.
He took a seat and was surprised that Koneko came to him and planted herself in his lap. She looked back at him with a solid gaze, one that released some of the negative emotions he was feeling.
"This started back when I was around seven. It was when the Church had first took notice of my magical prowess..."
-XOXOX- Flashback -XOXOX-
"Okay, now focus on the energy around you and release it through a focal point."
"Alright, here I go! HAAAHHHHH!"
"You're doing well. Don't loose focus, Dear."
It was a small room. There was only one door but no windows. A few candles lit the small confines and it revealed two people inside.
The first was a small boy about seven or eight years old. He had flowing white hair that reached his shoulder blades, a few strands falling in front of his face. He was sitting cross-legged in the middle of the room with his eyes closed. He wasn't moving, except for the slight motion of his chest to show he was still breathing. His palms were up at chest level, turned inwards to face each other, held a few inches apart from each other. In between his palms, a ball of white light was formed, releasing rays that danced across his body like flickering lights.
Behind him, watching over the boy, an older woman stood. She looked to be in her teens, maybe older. She was dressed in pure white robes with a matching cowl over her head. Her hair was a luscious purple, cascading down the to her back, tied by a white ribbon at the very end with a small tip reaching her posterior.
Matching crosses were around both of their necks, being silver in color and held by simple silver chains.
"Now, visualize the holy chains and restrict my movements as best you can," the young woman continued to instruct.
The boy didn't say anything but continued to focus. He visualized a stream of chains wrapping around his instructor, allowing no movements at all.
...
...
...
"AAHHH!" He heard the young woman yelp from behind him. He opened his eyes and shot around, trying to figure out what happened. His eyes widened when they landed on his sensei.
She was suspended in the air, four magic circles surrounding her. The first held her left arm out horizontally. The second did the same with her right. One was below her, wrapped tightly around her ankles and keeping them held straight down. The last one was above her, wrapped around her waist and neck. It was a crucified position.
"Ah! Yubelluna-sensei, I'm so sorry. Lord, please forgive me," the child exclaimed before he released the spell. He closed his eyes and began to pray about his mistakes, saying how sorry he was every other sentence.
The teenager, known as Yubelluna, smiled at him and placed a hand on top of his head. He was surprised by the affectionate touch and looked up. He could see the purple haired girl looking back down at him with a soft smile.
"You did great, Dear. No need for you to apologize. God is proud of you," she praised.
The boy was, at first, confused before a large grin appeared across his face. He wrapped his arms around the young woman and smiled brightly. It didn't take much to cheer him up, it seemed.
"Yay! Thank you, Yubelluna-sensei," he cheered as he laughed excitedly. God was proud of him and the purple haired maiden was too. That was all he wanted and it made him very happy.
"I told you, call me Yube-chan or Luna-chan. I'm not that old," she replied playfully with a small giggle.
"Okay, Yube-chan!" The young boy said back, his smile as wide as it could be.
Yubelluna continued to giggle and rubbed his back soothingly. She loved the boy to death. He was her bright light, sent from God, everyday and she thanked the Lord for bringing him to her from day one.
She was training the one who was suspected to be Jesus Christ's reincarnation. It was a blessing indeed that she was the one chosen to train him to control the holy chains. There were many far better but if it wasn't for...
*Knock Knock*
"Hey, you guys," someone said from the door. Yubelluna looked back and she saw Dulio poking his head in. Speak of the devil, as wrong as it was to say that about that man.
"Ah, Dulio-sama, is it that time?" She asked with a soft smile.
"Yeah but we'll only be gone a week. He's my little protégé, so he has to learn at some point," he said with a shrug.
"Yes, that is true. We haven't trained him for nothing," the young woman replied with a soft nod. The blonde nodded back before he turned to the little boy. "Ready to go, Asher-kun?" He asked with a smile.
"Yeah! My first time devil hunting!" The boy shouted with excitement as he zoomed out the door with his arms spread like an airplane.
Both older humans watched and smiled as his innocence. They looked at each other. "You'll be alright without him? I know he means a lot to you," Dulio said with a weak smile.
"You make it sound like I'm his mother. We're only a few years apart, Dulio-sama," Yubelluna reassured. She bowed, her hands folded over one another on top of her thighs. "Don't worry, I'll be awaiting both of your safe returns," she added, putting added effect on "safe". Dulio nodded before walking out the door, chasing down a happy and jumpy Asher.
Yubelluna watched as the small white haired boy dragged the blonde by one of his arms down the hall and disappeared around the corner. She stayed there and watched for a bit, a content smile on her face.
Reaching up, she touched her cross and prayed for their return. She knew that the boy would be fine with Dulio protecting him but she could never be too safe.
"Yube-chan!" She heard. The maiden looked up and saw Asher standing in the hallway, waving his arm wildly with his big smile. "I'll be back and I'll get stronger, so that I can protect you!" He shouted at the top of his lungs.
Yubelluna just smiled and nodded her head. She then watched as he ran off again and he didn't return this time. She placed a hand over her heart and prayed even stronger for the return of her Ash.
-XOXOXOXOX-
A week had passed and Asher was walking down the street with Dulio at his side. The blonde was in his usual priest clothing while the boy was cladded in a black shirt, pants, and boots, with a tight white hoodie over his head.
The duo had finished their job and Asher had killed his first Stray Devil. It wasn't as bad as he thought and Asher knew it was because God gave him the strength to do His bidding. He even used his holy chains which made it much easier for the two humans to capture the fleeing devil.
Asher said a quick prayer then ended the devil's life, all in one strike.
He was now bounding back to the church with his sensei, excited to tell Yubelluna of his first mission. He hoped she would be proud of him.
Asher really loved Yubelluna. She was his first friend, outside of Dulio, and had been so kind and caring to him. He promised himself that he would get stronger so that he could always protect her and pay her back for all she did for him.
"Asher, wait..." Dulio suddenly said, grabbing the child by his arm. The boy was confused and looked up at the blonde.
Never before had he seen such a serious look on the exorcist's face. Without another second, the blonde took off, leaving a confused white haired little boy.
Asher didn't take long before he was following behind Dulio, curious to why the exorcist looked do troubled.
After a few seconds of running, he then realized why Dulio's mood had changed. There was a strong smell of burning wood. A thick cloud of smoke was seen in the sky and it was as black as the night, soot falling around him as well. It was thick but not thick enough to hinder his breathing.
Asher increased his speed, trying to find Dulio or the church.
Finally, he made it to the end of the path and his eyes quickly widened in horror. He froze at the sight and nearly fell over from the speed he was running.
The church...it was burning. He could see charred bodies around him, most likely visitors and people of the church. The smell of burning flesh and fresh blood invaded his nostrils and he nearly vomited. He keeled over and started coughing violently as the crackle of wood pierced his ears. A loud pop echoed throughout the area and Asher placed his hands on both sides of his head to try and control himself.
His mind started to run a mile a minute and questions began to race through his head. What was happening? Why was it happening? Who had done this? Where was...
"Yube-chan!" He shouted frantically.
Asher looked around, trying to find her. There were no signs at all. He saw Dulio talking with the priest of the church and the child ran over.
"Father, how can this be happening!?" Dulio asked the man.
"I don't know. It was a devil, he surprised us and easily killed sevaral inside before he lit the church on fire," he explained.
"What about Yube-chan!?" The boy questioned as he ran up. Both men turned to him.
"Asher!?" Dulio said in shock. He didn't expect the boy to follow him.
"I don't know. No one has seen her," the priest answered receiving a look of shock from both surrogate father and son.
Asher looked between the two older men and the burning church. It didn't take him long to choose and he ran towards the fire at full speed.
"Asher! Wait!" Dulio shouted towards the boy. The child didn't hear him and continued on. He shot through the front door, a plume of flames and a flaming support beam collapsing over the entrance afterwards.
"ASHER!"
-XOXOX- Flashback End -XOXOX-
"After the entrance collapsed, I searched the entire place. I used the chains to help me bypass a lot of caved in areas and move a lot of things out of my way. By the time I reached her room, all I found was her cross, Bible, and this ribbon," Asher explained as he grabbed the white ribbon that held his cross.
"There was nothing else left and I thought the worse. In a fit of ultimate rage and sadness, I cried and released a massive wave of energy. Chains bursted from everywhere and destroyed everything. If it wasn't for Dulio-san saving me, I would have truly died that day..." The exorcist finished explaining with his head lowered straight to the ground.
The entire room was quiet. No one knew what to say or what to do. They just sat there and stared at the man of God. Neither knew whether to comfort him or leave him there until he had calmed down.
In the end, everyone stayed silent and waited.
...
...
...
"Listen, everyone," Asher finally said. They gave him their undivided attention. "For the next seven days, I want no one to bother me. A few of you may think that you can help me but this is something I must do on my own," he stated his bangs covering his eyes.
This elicited a quick response from a certain redhead. "Asher, this isn't just your battle! It's my marriage that's involved in this as well. We want to help," Rias spoke up, voicing everyone's opinions. The boy couldn't take on a devil alone.
"I know," he said in a hush tone. "But, if you want to help me, don't bother me. I must focus all my energy into connecting with God. It's the only way I'll be able to win. I'm at the peak of my physical condition and none of you can help me with my faith in God," he stated matter-of-factly. "That's something only I can do."
The group lowered their heads as well. He was right, none of them could help him. But there must be something they could do, some tiny thing that could give him a better chance.
"Rias," the exorcist said softly.
"Yes?" She immediately replied.
"...Do you believe in me?"
"Huh?" This caught her off guard.
"Do anyone of you believe in me?" He asked the group.
Silence...
"If there's anything you could do, it's believe. As a faction that relies on believers and faithful devotion, I ask you to strengthen me with your beliefs and faith. Stand behind me and give me the power I need so that I can win. So that I can set Rias free and avenge those that Riser has wronged."
No one said a word. For several seconds complete silence was all he heard. Then, he felt a shift and looked up slightly to see Koneko hugging him tightly.
"I believe in you, Onii-sama," she said softly. He smiled slightly and nodded. He heard more shifting and looked up. Rias moved by his side and hugged him.
"I believe in you," she stated strongly. He felt another pair of arms and looked to see Kalawarner.
"I've always had faith in you," she said with a soft smile.
Slowly, the entire room moved over and wrapped their arms around him or gave him some form of encouragement. Soon, all that was left was Issei, who watched the emotional scene. When everyone looked back at him, he tensed but leaned forward, putting out a fist.
"Just make sure you kick that Yakitori's ass. It'd be funny to see him lose all those girls, heh," he joked. Asher smiled up at the brunette and put his fist out, bumping them together.
"I'll be sure to," he said confidently. "I'll make sure everyone is saved."
-XOXOXOXOX-
A week had passed and the time for the fight had finally come.
Abiding by Asher's wishes, everyone left him alone for the one hundred and sixty eight hour period. They never heard anything from him and his room was always in complete silence.
Rias had Sona cover for his absences and the entire ORC played a huge part in explaining to the student body, if they were asked. They simply said he was sick to which they students accepted.
Finally, the time came. The group was in the clubroom, waiting for Asher's arrival. The duel had been set for midnight and the time was growing near.
Everyone sat around the room, anxiously awaiting for the exorcists arrival. Nervousness was on everyone's face but not as much as Rias'. She was visibly trembling and no amount of comfort would easily stop it. Her life was in the hands of her best friend and crush and she couldn't help but worry for his safety.
He was going against a devil when he was just a human. Despite the odds, she still kept faith in him, just as everyone else did.
*Knock Knock*
That was the knock everyone had been waiting for.
"C-Come in!" Rias said quickly.
The door opened and a figure walked inside. It had the body structure of a male and was tall and muscular. He wore tight white pants with three gold belts strapped to the left thigh and two chains on his right hip. On his feet, thick white boots were strapped tightly with gold lacings. Above that, he wore a white v-neck that looked slightly old and worn out. Over that, he wore a gold trenchcoat with the hoodie pulled over his head. The bottom hem was cut down the middle, the two ends poking out like they defied gravity just slightly. And, around his neck, the silver cross hung by the white ribbon, shimmering in the clubroom's light.
The male removed the hoodie and revealed himself to be Asher. He had such a serious look on his face and he held so much battle experience within his eyes. They were cold and he looked ready.
"Sorry it took me so long," he said with a small bow. Rias quickly shook her head and stood, making her way over to him.
"No no, we're all happy that you're here. That's more than enough," she said softly. He gave a small, almost unnoticeable, smile and nodded.
It was then that a bright red magic circle appeared in the middle of the room. Asher looked at it before turning back to Rias.
"Looks like I can't chat long," he said with a sigh.
"So it seems. Listen, I..." She stopped herself and looked away. This gained a curious look from the human. "Just make it back, okay?" She blurted out.
"I will. I promise," he replied. He then shocked the room as he moved forward and kissed her forehead.
This was the second time he did that. The first time, however, was only meant as only buddies or friends. This time, it meant a lot more. His emotions were deeper and his affection had grown over time with the redheaded devil.
It was a loving kiss.
He broke it and leaned down slightly to look into her eyes. "I won't let him take you away from me," he said softly before he stepped past her. She looked back to see him step into the magic circle with a smile on his face. He pulled the hood over his head and and the circle lit up in a bright light.
Everyone had shielded their eyes and opened them again, once the light faded, to see him gone. Rias' heart was pounding as she stared at where the exorcist disappeared. She had a hand over her heart as the other softly touched her forehead.
She felt his emotions and knew, he loved her. She could feel his love for her. She felt even more nervous now. More anxious than ever before. This was possibly the only chance she would have to get out of the arrangement and she placed it in the hands of a human.
But she believed in him. That he would survive and come back to her.
Because he loved her.
-XOXOXOXOX-
*Flash*
Asher appeared in, what looked like, a chess piece themed arena. Looking around, he could see large chess pieces surrounding the opening. There were knights, rooks, bishops, a queen piece, a pawn piece, and the king piece in front of him. He could only assume that he was somewhere in the devils territory.
He couldn't enjoy the scenery long as a pillar of fire erupted a few meters away from him. It died down to reveal Riser, dressed in clothing fit for a duel, albeit a little flashy as well.
"So, you showed up. I commend you for not being a coward, human," Riser said with a smug tone. He had full confidence in himself that he would win. It was inevitable for a High-class devil to defeat a low class human. Then, he would claim his beloved Rias and make her his.
"I won't turn away from a fight, Riser. Especially when too much is at stake," Asher replied as he grabbed his cross. "I have too many promises to let this nightmare continue."
Riser's grin grew as he set himself in a fighting stance. "Then come at me with your best shot!"
*POOMMM*
A fist connected with Riser's jaw, sending him flying back with enough force to send him skipping off the ground twice before he could fix himself and stand.
The blonde touched his cheek, feeling the sting of the blow. He never saw a human move so fast and land such a powerful blow. The wound quickly healed but the Phenex was still stunned. It was like he was something else. Only heroes could move that fast.
"Don't freeze up now, Riser!" Came a shout from his right. He turned to see Asher above him with a leg high in the air. The Phenex's eyes widened and he crossed his arms over his head to block the blow.
The exorcist brought his leg down in a powerful axe kick. The force was more than enough to create a small crater in the ground and shatter the blonde's forearms. He back flipped under the devil's defenses and landed a precise strike to his gut, before using his other fist to strike him in the face, shattering his jaw, throwing him back again.
Asher then straightened himself and took a deep breath as he steadied himself. He never felt so light in his life. It had been a while since he had to go all out.
'I always wore arm and leg weights of twenty-three kilos (roughly fifty pounds) to school and training. Removing them, I've become faster and I can hit a lot stronger than all of my other battles.'
Asher followed close behind the Phenex but the blonde had other ideas.
Riser lit himself on fire and smirked. He knew the human wouldn't touch him out of fear of getting burned.
That was short-lived when a powerful high kick landed to his chest. The blow was an even exchange as the blonde grabbed the teens leg and threw him into the ground. Riser had made sure to dig his feet in and tanked the blow, allowing him close combat with the teenager. He summoned a large fireball and slammed it down into the crater, hoping to roast the boy alive.
Asher quickly rolled to his right before curling and flipping back to his feet. As soon as he straightened himself he was forced to dodge again and again. He took off, running and flipping, as Riser began a powerful counterattack.
The devil continuously rained fireballs down at the human, shooting them with enough force to kick up dust and create a small crater.
As his wounds healed, he kept the boy at bay, making sure to keep him in one direction and avoid confrontation.
He didn't expect a quick change of plans from the exorcist.
Asher flipped over another blast of fire before he grabbed his cross. The bright light shined before revealing a bow of light in his left hand.
What he did next shocked Riser and anyone who might have been watching.
Asher ducked into a vertical split, dodging a fireball aimed for his face and notched the bow, an arrow forming. He quickly released it and the attack collided with a fireball that exploded directly between the two combatants.
Black smoke covered the entire area, combining with the dust, leaving everyone in the dark on what was happening. No one could see a thing and the rising smoke and debri only made it harder. Also, it restricted both sides breathing due to the thick clouds of smoke and dust.
"Holy Chains!" Asher shouted through the thick cover.
Riser looked around, listening for the slightest clink of the chains. The blonde at least glanced at the boys profile to see he was adept in the Holy Chains, similar to Jesus Christ.
The blonde male heard the metallic rattle but they sounded nowhere near him.
Was the boy searching for him? Or was it something else?
Suddenly, a bright light shimmered through the smoke, alerting the blonde to the white haired boys position. Riser took it as a chance and shot a powerful blast of fire through it.
The smoke moved out of the way, creating some form of sight line as the torrent of flames surged forward.
It wasn't until they hit that the Phenex's eyes widened. His attack was completely absorbed by a bright white tower shield. He fell for the boy's trap!
Asher rose from behind the barrier with a grin. With a mighty heave, he released a large torrent of wind, with the great shield, and alleviated the thick smoke, allowing both sight and the ability to breathe again for both sides.
Riser smirked as he stared down the fellow man but, soon after, his eyes went wide. Looking past the exorcist, he noticed a large wall of chains behind him. Riser proceeded to look around to see that a dome, made from the holy chains, surrounded them. It was tall and looked to be sealed completely shut. There was no way for either of them to escape.
"What is the meaning of this!?" He shouted in outrage. Asher just smiled and released his shield, reverting it back to his cross form and tucking it into his fist.
"You see Riser, the first assault I gave you, throwing you around the entire arena, forcing you to use your fire, it wasn't for nothing," he explained as a sword of light formed in his palm.
"What do you mean?" The blonde asked, summoning a blade of fire.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. You see, air surrounds us, and what is it made out of?" The white haired teen asked rhetorically. "Eighty percent nitrogen, twenty percent oxygen, and less than one percent other gases. But what happens when you have numerous torrents of continuous fire filling a set area? Well, it usually becomes hard to breath, hence the thick black smoke," he explained with narrowed eyes. "You weren't leading me with those multiple fore blasts, I let you think that."
Riser growled, now realizing what the teenager had been planning.
"You can heal any wound but your endurance has a limit, no matter how immortal you think you are. Everyone else may be fooled but I can see it easily. You grow tired just like everyone else and, with your lack of training, your exhaustion has hit you rather quickly. Now, it's just finding out how much longer you'll last." With a small smirk, Asher charged the Phenex.
Riser growled and moved the wind, forming large scythe blades and sent them flying towards the exorcist. He may not be able to wield fire but he still had wind.
Asher didn't flinch.
Chains shot from the ground and formed solid walls, easily blocking all of the attacks. Once the blast hit, he sidestepped the wall and continued forward. Riser continued to grow frustrated and wasted more and more energy trying to land an attack on the human.
Asher took one more step before he disappeared in a wisp of wind, shocking the Phenex again.
Riser then felt as a sharp, searing pain came from his back. He arched from the force, his eyes shot open, and he released a loud scream of pain. Light magic began to burn him from the inside. Not even his regenerative powers could heal him completely from such a blow.
He coughed up a large amount of blood before he was forcefully kicked off the blade. He fell to the ground, clutching his side where the blade entered. It still burned, even without the sword. He felt another surge from his gut and coughed out another mouthful of blood.
Asher spun the sword before letting it fade, holding the cross tightly in his hand. He looked down at the blonde, his smile gone and his eyes now cold. He walked towards the Phenex, who was trying to stand, shaking as he did so.
"This is impossible... There is no way that I should lose to a low life human. I am Riser Phenex!" He shouted, turning with his fist engulfed in flames. Asher ducked the blow and, with the cross strapped over his knuckles, shot up, landing a hard uppercut to Riser's gut, making him keel over, before landing a hard hook to his jaw.
Riser spun twice before landing on his back and releasing a grunt of pain. Asher then snapped his fingers and a large white magic circle appeared below the older man. Chains jutted out and wrapped around his wrists, ankles, waist, and neck.
"H-How...could this happen!?" The blonde shouted.
"You still have a lot of energy to shout, don't you..." Asher stated, walking over to the man's side.
"Shut it! How did you defeat me!? I'm immortal!"
"*Sigh* That's why, your arrogance," the exorcist answered.
"What are you saying!?"
"You didn't take this fight seriously until it was too late. You awarded yourself the win before you even battled me," the exorcist explained.
"That means nothing! That should also mean that you are arrogant! You did the exact same as I!"
"No, it doesn't and I didn't. I was confident because I friends who believed in me and I had something to fight for. With them behind me, I knew I could defeat you."
"That still explains nothing!" The Phenex shouted.
Asher sighed again and face palmed before dragging his hand down his face. "Your bragging and Grayfia's short explanation of you helped me deduce what kind of fighter you were. You never trained a day in your life, so that led me to suspect that you rely heavily on your family traits. Because of that, I was able to create a strategy to defeat you easily and everything went according to plan," the human finished explaining. Riser just growled in anger. "If you had studied my abilities as thoroughly as I did yours the results would have been very different. But because of your arrogance and reliability on one thing, you were easily and utterly defeated."
Asher than lifted his leg, Riser's eyes widening.
"Now, this is where I claim victory and free those that you have kept chained down. May God have mercy on your soul, Riser Phenex. Amen!"
-XOXOXOXOX-
Rias couldn't believe it. None of them could believe it.
[Winner: Asher Chael]
The announcement had appeared on the screen as Grayfia said it but the result was still unbelievable, itself. He had won so easily. There was no moment of doubt, not a single instant where he wasn't in control. But...how? Riser was...well, Riser, and he never lost. But here he was, outsmarted my a human.
"He...won..." Raynare said in awe. Slowly, it began to register for everyone else as well.
"He won." Kalawarner said. Smiles began to appear on everyone's faces.
"He won!" Issei said with a fist pump.
And then, it registered for Rias.
"Asher...won..."
*Flash*
The magic circle lit up in the middle of the room and out from it, Asher appeared. He smiled triumphantly as he looked around at everyone. He then turned to Rias and stepped over to her. The redhead had stood and was now looking at him, tears forming in her eyes.
"You did it... You really did it..." She said, sobs sinking into her words.
Tears streaked from the corner of her eyes and she trembled from the joy that filled her. A large hand caressed her cheek and she looked up at Asher, who was smiling down at her. It was warm again, he was warm again, and so comforting.
"I told you, Rias. No one is going to take you from me. I'll always protect you," he said softly. Her eyes widened before she began to tear up again.
The devil princess shot forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
"You stupid idiot! You stupid, stupid idiot! What if I lost you!? I hate you so much!" She cried as she squeezed him in a death grip. The exorcist just laughed softly as he rubbed her back, soothing her with soft sayings and sweet nothings.
"I'll always be there, Rias. No matter what."
The heiress pulled back, looking at him in the eyes, blue-green staring into crimson red. She then swallowed the lump in her throat, as well as the large amount of nervousness, and closed the gap between them, planting her lips to his.
Asher's eyes widened while the entire room gasped. Everyone was shocked at the redhead's actions. No one had expected her, of the two, to have made the first move. It was shocking but felt just right as well.
Issei glared in jealousy and envy of the white haired teenager. "I hate bishounens..." He muttered, cursing the exorcist.
It fell to deaf ears, as everyone else focused on the scene between the devil and human.
Rias broke the kiss, opening her eyes to look back into Asher's. His were still wide in shock and his mouth was still slightly opened.
"Don't stare at me like that... That was my first kiss..." She said softly, a heavy blush on her face. Asher blinked before coming back from wherever he went and focusing back in on Rias.
"S-Sorry, I was just really surprised..." He replied, smiling and chuckling awkwardly. He had know idea what to do in this situation. The tactician who outsmarted Riser ten minutes ago was now completely stuck. Rias just pouted and sighed.
"Honestly, what am I suppose to do with you," she said with a sigh. The human just scratched the back of his head with a bashful smile. "Guess I'll have to watch over you. It'll be my job as your girlfriend," she stated with a soft smile.
"Hehe, yeah, I guess so," he unknowingly agreed.
...
...
...
It finally registered.
"Wait, what!?" Rias giggled and brought their noses together.
"I said I'm your girlfriend now. Don't make a lady repeat herself. Unless...you don't want that..." She said, pouting and looking up at him with saddened eyes. Asher found himself unable to fight it.
"No! I really do, it's just-"
"Great! Then it's official!" She exclaimed with a big smile.
She tricked him.
Asher regretted his words, noticing the two jealousy-filled signatures behind him.
"Darling..."
"Onii-sama..."
He spun out of Rias' grip to meet Kalawarner and Koneko's deadly glares.
"Uhh...ano, I..." He stuttered. He couldn't think of anything. He was definitely dead. He looked around the room for some kind of help.
"Ara ara, well, I'd better get home," Akeno said with her trademark smile.
"Asia, let's get home. Raynare, you want to stay over tonight?" Issei asked, ushering the blonde girl to the door.
"I'd be delighted, Issei-kun!"
"I wish you the best of luck," Kiba said with a bow before following everyone else.
"Wait, you guys!" Asher shouted.
"Darling..."
"Onii-sama..."
Asher thought that he was for sure dead. He then felt a hand grab his and looked back to see Rias smirking. A magic circle appeared below their feet, both devil and fallen angel taken off guard. Asher looked at it in shock before back to Rias.
"Sorry girls, but I win," the redhead said triumphantly before the magic circle lit up.
Koneko and Kalawarner shielded their eyes before opening them again to see the couple gone. Kalawarner growled while Koneko immediately began her plan against her master and Onii-sama.
"You won't get away that easily, Gremory!" Kalawarner shouted at the top of her lunges.
"This isn't over!
Alright hope you enjoyed the chapter. Both the back story and Asher and Rias' moment.
Harems:
Asher: Rias, Akeno, Kalawarner, Xenovia, Gabriel, Griselda, Yubelluna, Ravel, Kuroka, Koneko, and Rossweisse
Issei: Asia, Raynare, Irina, Mira, Kiyome, Tsubasa, Ophis, Le Fay, Isabella (others who avoid my dead brain)
With nothing else. Review and PM. Love you all.
-stormgreywolf