Stratos263: Thanks.
Neonlight01: Thanks. I picked Blaire's form so it went along similar lines with Kalawarner and Seraphina given they are to two closest to Kazuhiko and would most affect Blaire's choice of human form.
DragonXDelinquent: Kazuhiko's outfit is more based to allow him to move freely and I wasn't aware of Guilty Gear before now. Yes that is a reason for including Metatron with Kazuhiko but also I wanted to have him with an Angel in his second Sacred Gear to put something different into the story.
ChaosEmperorNex: With having Kazuhiko's magic style come from an anime it made more sense to put in a few references to other animes just so it didn't feel like I was focusing on having Katekyo Hitman Reborn and not a majority of others included.
FallenSymphony963: Thank you, I hope that the Rating Game doesn't disappoint.
Universal Crunch: I agree that Riser is easy to hate because he's a womanising ass. I hope you enjoy what I have Kazuhiko do to Riser and his peerage. It probably won't show in this chapter but I do consider Kazuhiko's relationship with Akeno to be partly better then Rias, although with her being Rias' [Queen] he has to watch what he says with her in case anything important got back to Rias.
ShadowUzumaki55: Yeah, I wanted Matsu to make Rias see her flaws and try and become a better [King] because of it. Kazuhiko's new battle suit is Matsu having a bit of fun with Kazuhiko seeing as it just about falls into what he doesn't mind wearing.
Raidentensho: I have plans to include other love interests although I'll keep what I have planned to myself for now given that I haven't started coming up with them. Thanks for the songs, I'll try and see if I can use them during the Kokabiel/ Excalibur Arc. I hadn't thought to have Kazuhiko having 'Shotgun Greaves' like Mercury's but I may have to include them as some sort of upgrade for his greaves later on.
Giest: Thanks. Hope you enjoy the fight as well.
Lightwave: I wouldn't say motivate but more make Rias angry enough that she trained to prove a point to Kazuhiko. Also I wanted to have Rias grow to be a better [King] quicker so she would realise that she needs to become stronger as well as her peerage.
SargentFalco: Your wait is over, hope you enjoy the battle.
Oh, Merry Christmas to everyone and consider this a present from me. Also this is my first time putting in background music to the fights so hope you all enjoy that as well.
…
"" – Speech
'' – Thought
[] – Sacred gear
[] – Albion
{} – Metatron
## - Music
…
"…Right" Kazuhiko spoke with a sigh as he stood outside the front of the old school building, Koneko next to him as he checked his equipment for a final time while running over the changes to his own battle plan within his mind.
'Looks like I can use the gym skirmish as a good distraction to find the birdbrain's [Queen] and then I just have to wait for a good time to surprise her'
"Okay then, Yuuki-kun, Koneko. You won't be able to avoid the battle once you get into the gym. Move accordingly like we discussed. That location will be an important place." Rias spoke from the entrance, Koneko nodding as she spoke
"…Yes Buchou"
"Then I will be going as well." Kiba spoke as he got ready by sheathing his sword to his hip, Rias turning to him as she added
"Yuuto, move accordingly like we discussed."
"Roger that." Kiba replied with a nod as Rias continued
"Mittelt will stay with me. Her Light Magic will help in the latter stages of the Game and can help us defeat Riser. When we get the signal she and I will move out."
"Alright…" Mittelt spoke with a disappointed tone, preferring that she was more involved in the battle then she was going to be as Rias turned to Akeno
"Akeno, I trust you to move when you think it's the right time"
"Yes, Buchou" Akeno spoke with a nod, Rias checking everyone over as she spoke clearly
"Now then, my adorable servants. Are you ready? We can't turn back now. Our enemy is Riser, who is said to be a genius from the immortal House of the Phenex with a promised career. Now then! Let's go and blow them away!"
[Yes!] The others, minus Kazuhiko, replied, the brunet frowning at being called an 'adorable servant' as they headed off.
"Kazu-kun beat those weaklings for me as well!" Mittelt shouted, Kazuhiko smirking as he gave her a nod and a wave back to her. The trio of Kiba, Kazuhiko and Koneko ran towards the gym, Kiba leaving into the trees during the way so he could ambush those servants who tried to [Promote] themselves early on as he spoke
"Then I will be waiting for you ahead!"
"Yeah, you just do that!" Kazuhiko retorted with a roll of his eyes, moving to catch up with Koneko as they headed to the backdoor of the gym and look around the back platform of the stage.
[Looks like our distraction is here] Albion muttered, Kazuhiko picking up the auras as Koneko muttered
"…Presence. Enemy"
"We know you are there, servants of Gremory! We watched you coming inside." A female voice called, Kazuhiko and Koneko walking onto the stage to see four female Devils standing in the court, Mira, Nel, Ile and Xuelan.
{Three [Pawns] and a [Rook] just like we thought} Metatron commented, Kazuhiko smirking slightly at seeing Mira gulp nervously as she looked at him.
Drawing [White-Fang], Kazuhiko spared Koneko a glance as he spoke "Deal with the [Rook] and I'll handle the [Pawns]"
"…Right" Koneko spoke as they hopped off the stage. The two [Rooks] taking martial arts stances while Mira got into a ready stance with her stick and the green haired twins pulled out chainsaws from their bags as they called happily as they revved them
"Disassembling time "
[Wasn't expecting that] Albion spoke with a hint of surprise, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes before starting to build up invisible [Mist Flames] around him so he could make a start with his plan. The loud bangs from the Rook fight nearby were easily heard as Koneko took advantage of her small build to avoid punches and kicks.
Mira charged at Kazuhiko after twirling her stick, the brunet launching dozens of indigo coloured butterflies while hiding himself with more Mist Flames as he dodged the attack.
"What the…?" Mira spoke confused, looking around at the large amount of butterflies flying around above them, the green haired twins looking confused as well before they started to gather near the main entrance of the gym and formed into Kazuhiko, who smirked as he held his hand out and [White Fang] appeared from out of more [Mist Flames].
"Did you really think I was going to let that hit me?" Kazuhiko asked with a smirk, the twins charging forwards as they chanted while letting their chainsaws grind against the floor
"Split, split, split, split, split!"
Albion smirking softly as he watched the twins' swings cut through the brunet's body with no resistance or blood before [Mist Flames] knitted the two large cuts back together, looks of shock covering there faces as Mist-Kazuhiko smirked and spoke "Oh, I should say that I'm just as immortal as your precious [King]"
Changing his grip on his sword, Mist-Kazuhiko slammed the pommel into one of the twin's stomach, knocking the wind out of her before the other twin's chainsaw cut through his shoulder, separating his right arm from the body only for the arm to move back and reconnect with the body and he swung [White-Fang] to make a large cut on that twin's stomach as she jumped back with her sister.
Mira charged forwards to meet with the charging Mist-Kazuhiko, thrusting out with her stick only for it to go unimpeded through its chest, making her eyes go wide as the sword stabbed right into her stomach, a cry of pain leaving her lips as she shook before Mist-Kazuhiko put a hand on Mira's head before pushing her off his sword as she glowed white before disappearing as Grayfia announced
(Riser Phenex-sama's one [Pawn] retired.)
The chainsaw twins charged at him then swinging there weapons wildly to open up dozens of cuts along Mist-Kazuhiko's body as they spoke angrily at seeing each one knit itself back together after a few moments
"Ah, geez! This is so frustrating~!"
"Why isn't it hitting him!?"
The Mist-Kazuhiko matched each cut the twins tried to put on him before finishing one of the green haired twins by cutting deeply into her side. Her sister brought down her chainsaw on the hand that held the sword, the [Mist Clone] grabbing the chainsaw from the twin it had injured before swinging it into her sister's gut and bringing out a loud, painful scream from her as the whirring blade cut into her stomach.
(Riser Phenex-sama's two [Pawns] retired.) Grayfia announced as the twins disappeared, Mist-Kazuhiko grabbing his sword a few moments beforehand and swung the blade to get rid of the blood on it.
'Looks like the first part of the plan worked' Kazuhiko thought to himself with a smirk from where he was floating outside of the gym, invisible due to the [Mist Flames] that covered his body, turning his gaze to the purple haired young woman who was flying above him, hiding the some nearby trees as Albion added
[Looks like we found the [Queen] as well]
{I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't try and eliminate our stronger piece here in a surprise attack} Metatron added seriously, Kazuhiko nodding as he heard Rias speaking through the communicator as he spotted Koneko pinning Xuelan to the ground
(Yuuki-kun, Koneko. Can you hear me? It's me.)
"Yeah Gremory…" Kazuhiko spoke in a level tone, watching as his Mist Clone lip synced him exactly as Rias continued
(Akeno's preparation is completed! I want you two to move accordingly with the plan!)
…
#Blow Me Away – Breaking Benjamin#
Mist-Kazuhiko and Koneko ran out of the gym, barely a second passing before a large flash of lightning destroyed the gym instantly.
"Take." Akeno spoke with a smile, dressed in a miko outfit with her devil wings spread on her back and her right hand raised upwards while sparking with electricity as Grayfia declared
(Riser Phenex-sama's one [Rook] retires!)
[So that's the power of the [Priestess of Thunder]…] Albion muttered curiously, Kazuhiko nodding as he watched his Mist version smirked to Koneko as he spoke
"Looks like we did it"
"Yes Sempai" Koneko spoke with a barely there smile before Rias spoke up
(Everyone, can you hear me? Akeno did a perfect attack and finished it. With this, the first phase of our plan is completed. That lightning takes time to charge it to use for the second time after she uses it. So using it continuously is impossible. Though the enemy still has a greater number than us. We will also head out as soon as Akeno's demonic-power recovers, so I will leave the rest to each of you till then. So please move on to the next phase!)
"Yes!" Koneko and Akeno spoke seriously, Kazuhiko silently activating [Divine Dividing] as he watched Yubelluna aim her staff at Koneko and launch a ball of orange magic which exploded upon hitting her as Akeno called concerned
"Koneko-chan!"
[White-Fang] burst from out of the smoke cloud as if thrown, forcing Yubelluna to dodge as Kazuhiko revealed himself behind her as he grabbed his sword with one hand while the other was covered in [Rain Flames] as it slammed into Yubelluna's shocked face, knocking her towards the ground and making her lose her staff as his Sacred Gear called out
[Divide!] Kazuhiko smirked as he sheathed his sword and felt the extra power flow into his body, a look of shock on Akeno and Yubelluna's face as they looked between the real and Mist version of Kazuhiko before the Mist version dispelled itself to reveal a confused looking Koneko from inside.
"What…?" Yubelluna spoke shocked, turning to look at the flying Kazuhiko as he smirked at seeing the small lag in her movements as he asked
"What's wrong…? Your surprise attack not working for you?" Yubelluna thrust a hand towards Kazuhiko, an orange ball of magic shooting at him and exploding as Akeno called concerned
"Yuuki-kun…?"
Sparks of [Lightning Flames] came from the smoke cloud, Kazuhiko appearing completely uninjured with one of his hands held out before him and a green sparking dome shaped barrier formed before him.
"You know that's not nice…" Kazuhiko spoke with a frown, mentally counting down the seconds before [Divine Dividing's] effect would activate again
[Divide!]
"Akeno-san, Koneko-san get going… I can handle her" Kazuhiko spoke as he dismissed the [Lightning] barrier and then drew both of his pistols and took aim at Yubelluna as Akeno replied
"She's a [Queen] Yuuki-kun…"
"Do you want to win or not!?" Kazuhiko snapped back, keeping his eyes on Yubelluna as he added
"I can handle her especially now she's at a Quarter of her original strength"
"Die!" Yubelluna shouted as she started to fire fireballs at Kazuhiko, the brunet dodging the barrage or firing [Storm] bullets back which destroyed the closer ones as Akeno and Koneko shared a look of realisation before hurrying off towards the school fields.
"How did you hide yourself and the [Rook] from me?" Yubelluna asked enraged, watching Kazuhiko fired back a barrage of [Rain] bullets with his two guns. A small smirk working on her face at realising that were only leaving small burns on her as he answered
"I was just using illusions to hide myself and make a few fakes to confuse you" Kazuhiko replied as he smirked at Yubelluna's arrogance as she allowed his attacks to hit, slowly starting to impede her movements as she shot balls of explosive magic back at him which he dodged with greater ease.
(Riser Phenex-sama's three [Pawns] retired.) Grayfia announced, Kazuhiko smirking as he fired back two beams of [Rain Flames] back at Yubelluna, hitting her in the chest and knocking her back as his Sacred Gear called out again
[Divide!] Yubelluna's anger rose again as she realised she was at only an eighth of her original power and that Kazuhiko was easily dodging her attacks that no ordinary [Pawn] could have as she thought
'How is he dodging my attacks?I am Riser-sama's [Queen], a [Pawn] like him should be nothing to me! Is he getting faster…?'
"So [Bomb Queen], I was expecting more from you really…" Kazuhiko spoke in mock uninterested, Yubelluna's scowling deeply despite her shock as she turned to see him floating behind her with his pistols holstered before a [Rain Flames] covered fist slammed into her stomach and knocking the wind out of her as her eyes widened in shock.
"H-How…?" Yubelluna gasped out, only to realise that Kazuhiko had already disappeared again as she frantically looked around before spotting him a few feet away and now holding a small vial of liquid in one hand as he looked at them interested as he mused
"So these are Phoenix Tears? Able to heal any injuries…"
'Still not as good as Asia-san's Twilight Healing' Kazuhiko mentally added as he pocketed the vial.
"How did you get those?" Yubelluna spoke angry shock, patting down her burnt robes as he mused to himself
"I didn't expect your reactions to slow down this much… Guess [Rain Flames] with [Divine Dividing's] ability is affecting you more then I expected"
[Nearly at your limit, Kazu] Albion spoke up, Kazuhiko nodding to himself as he waited for his Sacred Gear to call
[Divide!] Yubelluna's eyes widened as the drain on her powers came quicker then she had expected as Kazuhiko pocketed the vial before creating a tennis ball sized orb of cyan coloured magic in his hand, quickly turning it bright red as he smirked at seeing the open school field behind his opponent as he allowed the orb to double in size as an idea hit him.
'Let's see how many of Phenex's peerage survive this?' Kazuhiko thought to himself, Yubelluna's eyes widened as she quickly summoned a large magical barrier before her as Kazuhiko declared
"Dragon Shot: Storm!"
The ball of [Storm] energy, exploding into a large beam of red energy as it shot towards Yubelluna, slamming into her barrier with such force that it shattered instantly before hitting its target. Yubelluna was launched by the beam towards the school field, screaming as the [Storm Flames] ate into her body before a large explosion of red energy erupted from where the attack had hit the ground, Kazuhiko whistling to himself in surprise at how large the attack had been as he took a moment to regain his breathe as Grayfia announced with a barely noticeable hint of shock
(Riser Phenex-sama's [Queen], one [Bishop], two [Knights], one [Rook] and two [Pawns] retired.)
(Rias Gremory's [Knight] and [Rook] retired.)
[I think you overdid it, Kazu. Putting all of the stolen power into that attack] Albion laughed happily, Kazuhiko sweatdropping slightly as he looked at the large crater he had made as Metatron frown as she spoke
{You could have warned them…}
"…And alert Phenex's pieces there? I don't think so…and I thought I held back some with that attack, Albion?" Kazuhiko spoke seriously, taking a few deep breathes due to the power he'd used as Albion shook his head and retorted
[No if anything you probably become too use to adding extra power from Karasuba's training]
Kazuhiko laughed nervously as he floated about the giant crater he had made not noticing either Riser or Rias' shocked look at him while Mittelt smirked at seeing the giant smoking crater.
"W-What kind of monster did Rias claim?" Ravel spoke scared as she swatted off the lingering [Storm Flames] on her still regenerating body, looking around to see the same flames littered the crater around her. Sparing a glance to Akeno, Ravel was surprised at how battered up Rias' [Queen] was.
Akeno had lost most of her kimono top, leaving it sleeveless and open to show off her ample chest, and the lower half of her skirt to the destructive magic attack, a look of pure lust on her face as she looked through her unbound hair towards where Kazuhiko was floating over them despite the burns that littered her body as she moaned "Oh my Maou…"
#Music End#
…
"H-He took out Koneko and Kiba as well and doesn't look very winded from his fight with Riser's [Queen] or that magic attack" Sona spoke shocked, Seraphina, Blaire, Kalawarner and Asia's smiles growing at watching Kazuhiko's training pay off. Issei and Saji were staring in shocked amazement along with Sona's peerage
"What the…?" Ise stuttered out before Saji shouted out as he pointed at the screen
"How did he get that strong!?"
"He was training really hard with Karasuba-san" Asia spoke innocently, everyone of the Student Council looking at her in shock as Sona asked
"Who…?"
"She is Tiamat-sama's first student" Seraphina explained, making the others shock grow as Tsubaki stammered
"T-The Chaos Karma Dragon has a student… and she trained Yuuki-san?"
…
Karasuba laughed loudly as she sat next to Tiamat, Ageha and Sayuri, the latter who was still drooling over at the way Kazuhiko's clothes clung to his body as he fought. Tiamat and Ageha smiled proudly as they watched him on the large holographic screen set up in the town. Many other dragons were cheering as they watched, having seen Kazuhiko training during the time he had been there before the game or because of there dislike for Devils.
"Oh my… It looks like your training has paid off" Ageha spoke with a smile, Karasuba grinning as she added
"Yep, and he's not even promoted yet…"
"He had a good plan, absorbing the opponent's strength and using it against them means he doesn't use up too much of his own energy" Tiamat mused with a smile as Karasuba nodded as she added amused
"Also adding in those [Flames] of his means he can make his attack even more destructive or can defend himself better"
…
Riser gulped nervously as he looked at the crater Kazuhiko had created in one attack, one side knew he had to finish this match quickly while the other was confidence that the brunet couldn't keep producing that level of attacks from how he was breathing slightly harder then before. Summoning a large ball of his flames in one hand, Riser threw them at Rias and Mittelt, aiming to win the game quickly to avoid finding out what side of him was right about Kazuhiko.
Rias summoned a barrier to block the attack only for her eyes to widen as Kazuhiko appeared before her with [Sky Flames] around both of his hands, burning larger as Kazuhiko threw a hand forwards to catch Riser's fireball before his Sacred Gear called
[Divide!] The fireball halved in size as Kazuhiko continued to hold it back, a flick of his hand sending it skywards and away from harming anyone before he extinguished his flames as Rias spoke shocked from behind him
"Yuuki-kun?"
Kazuhiko didn't glance back at Rias as he focused on Riser, missing her frowning annoyed as she asked annoyed "Why did you have to take out Koneko and Yuuto without even warning them?"
"They were a good distraction for that group… Plus I was taking a page out of the [Bomb Queen's] book"
"A distraction!? Don't you care about your team mates at all" Rias spoke angrily at Kazuhiko's response, only getting him to glance back at her with an annoyed look in his eyes being his only answer to her as she closed her mouth in realisation that she hadn't exactly done much to earn his trust in the first place.
"Mittelt-chan, get her out of here… This is about to get messy" Kazuhiko spoke seriously, the blonde girl nodding as she grabbed hold of Rias' arm and started to pull her away as Riser launched another fireball at them as he shouted annoyed
"I won't let you get away!"
Riser's fireball exploded harmlessly as a thin beam of [Storm Flames] shot through it, the Phenex turning to see Kazuhiko holding one of his pistols towards where the fireball had been launched as he spoke while holstering his pistol "You really should focus on me, Phenex… After all I have taken out most of your girls during this game"
#Inside the Fire - Disturbed#
"Damn you!" Riser shouted darkly as his flames erupted around his body, Kazuhiko quickly drawing [White-Fang] as Riser launched a pillar of flames at him.
"[Divider]" Kazuhiko called as he swung his sword down to meet the flames, making them split away from him while some of them was absorbed into his sword, carving a large V shaped cut into the roof around him. Riser fumed as he continued to launch fire beams at him, Kazuhiko using [Divider] upon each one as he charged forwards, making the blade glow brightly with energy.
"Fang Slash: Storm!" Kazuhiko shouted as he launched a wave of [Storm Flames] enhanced energy back at Riser who smirked and stood his ground, even as the attack left a trench in the roof as it shot towards him, as he retorted
"Fire doesn't work on me-ARGH!" Riser shouted in pain as the [Storm Flames] disintegrated parts of his body, his own regeneration acting to undo his injuries as Kazuhiko sheathed his sword and charged forwards with [Rain Flames] covering his fists as he thought
'Just need one touch and I can start taking his power' Riser blasted away the smoke with his flames, his eyes widening as Kazuhiko's fist slammed into his face with a smirk.
[Divide!] Riser was knocked back before charging back at Kazuhiko, quickly throwing a punch into Kazuhiko's stomach and making the brunet glad that Matsu had made the clothes he was wearing. Gritting his teeth, Kazuhiko countered with a punch of his own as he and Riser started to trade punches and kicks upon the school roof, blue and orange flames roaring around the pair as they fought.
[Divide!] The call was heard as Kazuhiko flipped back as he landed on his feet a short distance away from Riser, a few burn marks on his clothes and body as the blond laughed arrogantly
"You think dividing my strength will help you? I'm a Phenex, I can regenerate my own power as well as my body"
"I know…but you make the perfect battery for me to keep fighting… Sun Restore!" Kazuhiko smirked as he chuckled, [Sun Flames] roaring into life for a few moments around him and healing what injuries he had in a matter of moments while also making his hair grow a few centimetres, Riser looking shocked as he gritted his teeth and shot several large blasts of flames at the brunet who created an orb of [Storm Flames] in his hand as he threw it forwards and shouted
"Storm Barrage!" A dozen of large bullets of [Storm Flames] shot from Kazuhiko's hand destroying the attacks aimed at him and taking large chunks of Riser's body on contact which quickly regenerated from flames flaring from him at a slower rate then before.
{You could've used the Phoenix Tears Kazu-kun, to recover… You know that Sun Restore uses up some of your stamina when accelerating your own healing rate} Metatron spoke concerned, Kazuhiko shaking his head as he mentally replied while taking to the air
'I was going to save them for later on when I need to conserve my stamina, Metatron' Kazuhiko glanced around quickly so he knew where everyone else was, spotting Rias, Mittelt and Akeno flying a good distance away, as he summoned an orb of [Cloud Flames] in each hand as he pointed them towards the school roof that Riser was on as he called "Cloud Bombardment!"
From each orb of purple energy shot out dozens of beams towards Riser which split off into identical beams, each one destroying part of him and the roof and hiding both from view as the attacks destroyed the whole school building while the dust knocked up hid Riser from view. Stopping his own attack, Kazuhiko took a moment to regain his breathe while looking over the whole dust cloud and wondered what sort of state Riser would be in when he came out.
[Divide!]
"The [Rain Flames] must be making a noticeable effect if he's not came out of there by now" Kazuhiko spoke to himself with a frown, flying down towards the rubble to see Riser burst out from it covered in flames as he tackled into the brunet. One of Riser's arms was still regenerating as were half of his head and parts of his torso and legs.
Riser's fist met Kazuhiko's crossed arms, knocking the brunet so his back hit a nearby tree before a large magic circle formed around him and a giant pillar of flames erupting out from it as Riser chuckled, his body finishing healing itself as he turned to see Rias flying above them with a shocked look on her face as he sneered victoriously
"Looks like you'll need a new [Pawn], my dear"
…
"Oh no… Kazu-san was Rias' best chance" Sona spoke concerned, a stunned silence in the room which was broken by Seraphina as she smiled
"No…Kazu-kun is still alive" Everyone looked at her surprised, Asia and Blaire nodding in agreement to Seraphina while Kalawarner smirked as she asked
"So he learnt it then…?" Asia nodded with a smile as she answered
"Yes Kala-san"
…
#I am Bulletproof – Black Veil Brides#
"Kazu-kun!" Rias and Akeno called in shock, Mittelt biting her lip as the pillar of flames continued to roar. Riser laughing loudly as he turned to approach where the trio had landed nearby while Ravel looked unsure at the pillar of flames before looking shocked as the pillar started to flicker and wane as she called
"O-Onii-sama!" Riser turning to see the pillar shrinking in size before his eyes widened in shock at see Kazuhiko through the flickering flames, his hands held in a rectangle with his thumbs touching the forefinger of his other hand, his left palm facing away from him while his left was facing Kazuhiko. The flames of Riser's attack was being drawn into the space between his hands while particles of light slowly fell from [Divine Dividing] on his back.
"What the…?" Riser spoke in disbelief, Rias realising the stance instantly as she whispered to herself
"Zero Point Breakthrough… but that means…"
"Buchou?" Akeno asked confused, Mittelt smiling brightly as Kazuhiko finished absorbing the flames before breaking his stance and unleashing a massive silver aura that formed into the shape of a dragon for a few moments before fading.
"Amazing…" Ravel spoke begrudgingly impressed at what the brunet had done before he disappeared with flickers of [Sky Flames] only to reappear in front of Riser with his leg already in mid roundhouse kick, covering in [Lightning Flames] as he smirk
"Hey Phenex, bye Phenex" With that Kazuhiko kicked Riser in the side of his head, making the blond [King] fly off and roll head over ass along the ground and setting a few trees alight from his wings, before Kazuhiko's wings shone brightly as his Sacred Gear called out
[Divide!]
[A few seconds more and we would've been roasted] Albion commented as Kazuhiko took a moment to calm his breathing down, Metatron adding in a concerned tone
{We should try and finish this quickly, Kazu-kun}
Kazuhiko nodded to himself as he held one hand out towards where Riser had been kicked, an orb of [Sky Flames] glowing in his hand as an semitransparent white dragon formed around his hand and forearm as he called out "Dragon's Harmonic Roar!"
The beam of [Sky Flames] shot forwards as light, petrifying the tree between him and Riser before starting to turn parts of Riser's body to stone, the blond luckily managing to cross his arms before him to protect his head from the [Harmony] based attack.
"Mittelt-san get them out of here" Kazuhiko spoke seriously as flames covered Riser's body, breaking apart the petrified parts of his body as his regeneration started to work overtime to heal his wounds. Rias and Akeno protesting as Mittelt pulled them away from Kazuhiko before Riser shot out of the burning forest as he angrily shouted
"Why don't you die already!?"
"Sorry I don't do requests, birdbrain!" Kazuhiko called back as he allowed his body to be covered in [Sky Flames] as he covered the rest of the distance quickly and started a brawl between the pair about a foot from off the ground as trees were set alight by errant flames.
"He's amazing…" Akeno spoke with a flushed face, Rias frowning at her friend's lustful looks to Kazuhiko as he continued to fight with Riser but being unable to stop a small blush from growing as she watched him.
"Why are you even fighting for Rias if you don't like her?" Riser asked as the pair of fighters panted, Kazuhiko scowling as he answered
"It's so you can't cage me any more then I am for being stuck with Gremory, Phenex… And I know what you'll try and do to Sera-san if I don't kick your ass"
"Oh, that blue haired beauty… Heh, well you can't expect her to stay with a loser like you…" Riser retorted arrogantly, regretting it instantly as he felt the wave of power from Kazuhiko explode as [Divine Dividing] declared another [Divide], noticing Kazuhiko's eyes were glowing blue with reptilian like slits for pupils.
"You will not walk away from this battle, Phenex" Kazuhiko spoke darkly, the [Sky Flames] around his hands dispersing as he started to walk forwards.
"Then you'll just have to die now!" Riser shouted as he gathered flames above his head into a massive ball which he threw towards Kazuhiko, his eyes widening as Kazuhiko threw his fist at the attack as he spoke
"Storm Cannon!" The giant fireball exploded upon hitting the [Storm Flame] fireball that Kazuhiko had used to counter it. Riser stepped back nervously as he wondered how much power the brunet had as Kazuhiko closed the distance between them quickly and ignited his hands in an unfamiliar icy blue flame, the core of which was a pure snow white and small snowflakes were falling from the outer edge of them.
Kazuhiko grabbed the thrown punch Riser had thrown at him, ice bursting out over Riser's arm originating from where the [Snow Flame] touched him as the brunet muttered "Snow Sealing"
Riser tried to pull his arm free from Kazuhiko's grasp only for Kazuhiko's other hand to grab his shoulder and a new burst of ice started to cover him from there. With each second that passed by as Kazuhiko held his grip on Riser, the ice grew over him even as the blond's flames licked at his body or attempted to destroy the ice
"Mere ice won't stop me!" Riser shouted, half of his body covered in ice as he flared
flames around his body in an attempt to melt it only for his eyes to widen as the ice didn't melt and only continued to spread and grow before Riser was completely frozen in ice. Kazuhiko's [Snow Flames] dispersed as he pulled his hands from the ice, panting heavily as he managed to take a few steps backwards before dropping to one knee as Metatron spoke up
{Are you alright…? You did use a lot of magic to do that, Kazu-kun}
'Yeah, I'll be fine Metatron… I just hope the ice holds' Kazuhiko thought tiredly as he quickly downed the vial of Phoenix Tears to heal himself, Albion taking a moment to check things over before musing
[It looks like it worked… and at the very least Riser isn't coming out of that any time soon]
"O-Onii-sama!" Ravel called shocked, creating a ball of fire in her hands before throwing it at Riser's frozen form only to gasp as it was absorbed into the ice before more jagged spikes erupted from it.
"The Zero Point Breakthrough: First Edition" Rias started in awe as she landed nearby, shifting her gaze from Kazuhko to Riser as she asked
"Ice that can stop Dying Will Flames being made completely… h-how did you…?"
Mittelt and Akeno moved to help Kazuhiko stand up, only for him to wave them off as he staggered back to his feet as he watched Ravel hit away at the ice with her flames as he spoke "That ice will never melt, Phenex-san… Your brother is sealed."
(Riser Phenex-sama is unable to battle. The winner is Rias Gremory-sama.) Grayfia announced as Riser's body and the ice he was encased in disappeared from view as did the remaining players of the game.
…
Kazuhiko sighed as he grumbled tiredly as he stood before Akeno, Koneko and Kiba, wanting to get out of the Devil hospital before someone had the bright idea to try and check him over for wounds as he created a ball of [Sun Flames] in each hand as he muttered "Sun Healing"
Pointing the two balls towards the trio of burnt Devils, waves of yellow energy left the twin sun yellow balls of flames and bathed the trio of Devils. The trio of Devils started to heal from the warm energy, there hair and nails growing as he paid no attention to the two young women watching him, Rias and her flaxen haired lookalike mother, Venelana. Rias had awed expression at watching Kazuhiko using an anime based ability before her while Venelana had a curious look.
By the end of the healing, Kiba's hair easily reached his waist and his fingernails were rather long, Akeno's knee length hair now pooled around her feet while Koneko's reached about chest level, both of there nails now making there hands look more claw like.
Dismissing the flames, Kazuhiko wobbled slightly from using more of his already drained magic, the trio looking over themselves before Kiba asked "Why did our hair and nails grow?"
"It's…" Kazuhiko started only for Rias to but jump forwards as she explained
"[Sun Flames] don't actually heal. They just make the healing rate of a person they are used on more active so they recover at a quicker rate meaning it uses up what's in the body as well. It also affects the whole body and so hair and nails which grow the quickest for people grow along with the exposure of flames"
Rias turned to Kazuhiko, hoping her knowledge about his abilities would impress him only for her smile fading as she saw Seraphina hugging his side, Asia, Mittelt, Kalawarner and Blaire around him as well, as she asked concerned "Are you alright, Kazu-san!?"
Kazuhiko smiled and kissed her lightly on the lips before answering "I'm fine… Just tired"
"Are you sure…?" Asia asked concerned, her Sacred Gear activated as Kazuhiko patted her on the head as Blaire answered
"Kazu-sama drank Phoenix Tears before the match ended so that healed his physical wounds" Kalawarner leaned against Kazuhiko as she added
"Yeah… the only thing he really needs now is rest"
"Let's get going… before I collapse of exhaustion" Kazuhiko spoke, Seraphina nodding with a smile as they started to leave the room, not catching Venelana's confused look or Rias and the other Devils saddened looks as they left.
…
Two days had passed since then, Kazuhiko easily feeling fully recovered after a long night sleep, as he sat dressed in some formal tuxedo in the bustling hall that had been turned into the party venue. The party was to celebrate Rias' win in the Rating Game which annoyed Kazuhiko as she hadn't contributed to there win and he had taken out most of Riser's peerage during it.
[This is boring…] Albion grumbled, Kazuhiko nodding in agreement as he wondered what Seraphina, Kalawarner, Blaire and Asia would be doing now they hadn't been allowed into the Underworld for the party. Rias was in the middle of a small group of people who had been congratulating her on her victory, Akeno, Kiba and Koneko were surrounded by admirers while Mittelt had to deal with admirers as she tried to get back to where Kazuhiko was sitting. There was several groups of young women glancing at him every so often before gossiping with others, Kazuhiko's eyebrow twitching as he thought
'What the hell is with them…? It's like I'm a Seraph'
{Well you could reach that level, Kazu-kun} Metatron spoke with a giggle, Kazuhiko smiling wryly as he took another sip of his juice as Metatron added as she noticed
{There seems to be lots more ladies here then men} Kazuhiko blinking as he realised she was right before jumping slightly at hearing a seductive female voice asked
"Not enjoying the party, are we?"
"Not really…" Kazuhiko replied as he turned to see a young woman with long purple hair and wearing a dress that had the sleeves cut open along with a few diamond shaped holes running down the front as she gave him a small bow and introduced herself
"Kazehana Zephyr…"
"Yu-erm… Kazuhiko Yuuki" Kazuhiko introduced himself with a bow of his head, blinking in surprise as Kazehana draped herself over the chair next to him as she swirled a glass of wine in her hand as they both saw a tall black haired young man approach where they were sitting.
"Yuuki Kazuhiko…? I'm Sairaorg Bael, I wanted to congratulate you on your victory against Riser especially after taking out most of his peerage" Sairaorg spoke, offering a handshake to Kazuhiko who accepted it as he shrugged and replied
"Thanks…But I didn't actually win, I just made Phenex unable to continue fighting"
"It's the same thing in a Rating Game… And I must admit I would quite like to spar with you, the Hakuryuukou, but it would probably ruin the evening's plans" Sairaorg spoke disappointed, Kazuhiko arching an eyebrow as Kazehana spoke
"Well that would be interesting to see, a battle between you two"
"I'm curious, why do you seem so distant to Rias? Being a servant of the Gremory Clan is a dream for most servants" Sairaorg asked curiously, taking a seat opposite him as Kazehana spoke up
"I was curious about that as well"
"Let's just say I wasn't recruited in the best way by Gremory and she's not done much to make up for that since" Kazuhiko replied with a scowl, Sairaorg looking confused as he asked
"Really…? I thought that Rias was the reason you are so strong for being such a young Devil"
"No… Gremory's had no hand in how strong I've gotten, I just happen to have made a few friends since I was forced into Devildom who have good connections" Sairaorg looked surprised, having expected his cousin to have taken a dominant role in the brunet's training but with this new information it would mean that anything Rias knew about him was what Kazuhiko didn't care that she knew.
"Why did you fight for her then?" Kazehana asked curiously, Kazuhiko turning to answer her with a scowl
"I didn't fight for her… It's just if I didn't I'd have to deal with Phenex's trying to control me as well and he'd probably try and make a move on my girlfriend and friends if he got the chance"
"Well I guess that'll make a lot of she-devils happy… Rias-chan is seen as the most sought after young Devil by male devils and your… performance… in the Rating Game has drawn a lot of attention from other High Class she-devils and now you saying you don't like her will only make them think your more attainable to them even with you having a girlfriend" Kazehana explained, Kazuhiko roll his eyes as he replied
"I'd rather face a Cadre level Fallen Angel then ever try anything with Gremory or a redhead for that matter"
Sairaorg's eyes widened at hearing that, wondering how bad Rias had done to recruit him to make him think like that as Kazehana smiling sensually as she spoke "I hope it doesn't come to that, Kazu-kun~. It would be such a shame to lose such a handsome young man"
Kazuhiko did his best to suppress his blush as he took a drink from his glass, Kazehana smiling at catching it before noticing that several other young women around them were frowning at her or blushing as they looked at him.
"Everyone, can I have your attention!" A red haired young man spoke from near the front, Kazuhiko and Kazehana turning to look as the latter commented
"That's Sirzechs Lucifer, one of the current Maou and originally from the Gremory Clan"
"I know" Kazuhiko muttered with a frown before taking a sip of his drink as they listened to the Crimson Satan as he continued with a smile
"Now as you all know, this party is to celebrate my cute sister's victory in the Rating Game against Riser Phenex and as you all have seen if you've watched the video yourselves then you will know that one of her servants was the main bringer of this. Yuuki Kazuhiko, the Hakuryuukou, will you please come up here"
'What is he planning?' Kazuhiko thought as he frowned and noticed everyone turn to give him a curious look, taking a moment to stand up and walk through the crowd of people. He noticed the confused look on Rias and his fellow servants' faces as he walked past them before stopping a few feet in front of Sirzechs, whose smile faltered slightly at seeing Kazuhiko's stoic gaze on him as he continued
"Yuuki Kazuhiko to be able to defeat eleven of Riser's group during the Rating Game, including Riser himself and his [Queen], is impressive for someone so new to our world and as such you deserve a reward that fits with the large increase in your reputation. You can pick any single High Class she-devil here, even my cute little sister, and you will be put into an arranged marriage with them"
"Seriously…? You call that a reward, its more like a punishment" Kazuhiko started in an annoyed tone, to the shock of everyone in the room, a look of bewilderment crossing Sirzechs face as the brunet continued
"I would have thought that after Gremory's engagement to Phenex, you would have learnt that arranged marriages don't work… and this attempt to butter me up won't work either. I'll release Phenex when I feel like it as I am the only one who can undo the seal on his ice prison"
Sirzechs smiled sheepishly as he realised he had been found out, blinking in surprise at seeing Kazuhiko already walking away from him before he caught Grayfia's slight shake of her head before starting to move around the outside of the crowd to leave. All of the devils there were surprised at what had happened, several groups of she-devils breaking out in hushed whispers.
…
Kazuhiko frowned as he found himself sitting before Rias' parents and Sirzechs, Rias and his fellow servants sitting off to the side while Grayfia stood behind her master and Mittelt sat next to him. The party had ended soon after the brunet had left, most of the she-devils having been there to see him while most of the male devils had made renewed efforts to gain Rias' attention. Grayfia had soon caught up with Kazuhiko and told him that both of Rias' parents had wanted to talk to him which let to him now feeling like he was going to be interrogated.
"Thank you for helping out Rias…" Rias' mother, Venelana, started as Kazuhiko wondered where this would lead as he waited as she continued
"…But can you explain why you are so distant to her, especially since you became her servant?"
Kazuhiko took a moment to calm himself, not wanting to show how angry he was that Rias hadn't explained anything to them, even as he noticed her face start to pale as he started to answer in a level but angry tone "Your daughter, wilfully, allowed Fallen Angels into her territory and allowed their leader to kill me when she knew full well that I was in danger. She was also aiming to recruit me before hand but used my death at the hands to one of them, who pretended to be in love with me, to force myself into her servitude, fully aware that I do not like redheads."
Eyes turned to focus on Rias, Venelana and Grayfia frowning as Rias shrunk where she sat while Sirzechs and Lord Gremory looking shocked as Kazuhiko added "Plus she abandoned me for a week after I had been revived and only approached me when I appeared at school with my girlfriend, Sera-san, the week after my murder… And during that week I would have died again at the hands of a Fallen Angel if not for Albion and my boss Matsu-san who both brought me into the supernatural world, which meant I understood what had happened to me, and began my training in my own abilities. Is that a good enough reason for me?"
An understanding look passed the group's features, Venelana and Grayfia giving Rias stern looks as the redhead was going to speak before Venelana spoke "We will talk about your conduct later, young lady"
"Yes Mother" Rias spoke, keeping her head down as Sirzechs tried to lighten the mood as he turned to Kazuhiko with a curious look
"It's alright Okaa-sama, if it wasn't for Rias training Kazuhiko he wouldn't have been able to defeat Riser right?"
"Wrong. I wasn't trained by Gremory, nor did she arrange for my training. I was trained by Tiamat-sama's first student, Karasuba-sensei, for the Rating Game after Sera-san talked to her" Kazuhiko answered coolly, much to everyone's, aside from Mittelt, surprised as Sirzechs asked
"The Chaos Karma Dragon's student…? How did your girlfriend arrange that?"
"Sera-san is a dragon, Sirzechs-sama" Grayfia answered seriously, mentally sighing at Rias, Akeno, Koneko and Kiba's shocked reactions while Kazuhiko nodded as he added
"She's also Tiamat-sama's niece" Rias gulped nervously at hearing that, realising that Seraphina could have easily beat her if she had wanted to for what the redhead had put Kazuhiko through at the beginning.
{I can't believe Gremory didn't know about that Sera-san was a dragon} Metatron commented, Kazuhiko mentally nodding as Albion added
[Well she doesn't seem good with sensing aura full stop so I doubt she could tell]
"Is there anything else you want to ask?" Kazuhiko asked curiously, Lord Gremory opening his mouth to speak only for Venelana to hold her hand up to stop him as she offered Kazuhiko a small smile as she answered
"No, that will be all Yuuki Kazuhiko-san and thank you for having to go through this with us but Rias neglected to explain how she had gained you."
…
Author's Notes
And now Rias knows where Kazuhiko's magic style came from while Riser is now an ice sculpture. Also now Rias' family knows what she did to recruit Kazuhiko and Venelana is not happy. Sirzechs hasn't helped Kazuhiko's opinion with redheads' either given his choice of reward for him (I mean taking out most of an enemy's peerage is a massive deal). Kazehana has been introduced as well and figured it made sense to have Sairaorg express an interest in Kazuhiko as well given the Rating Game was shown to the whole Underworld.
Obviously Grayfia and Serafall will probably express an interest in Kazuhiko's [Snow Flame] and ice at some point later on but haven't decided when that will be or when Kazuhiko will free Riser at the moment.
Next chapter will have Miya in as well as the convention and a few surprises in it.