::Author's Note::
Something I wanted to bring up that was mentioned in the comments in regards to Rias's age. Rias definitely considers herself to be an adult. And indeed, she has the maturity of an adult as well. Devil's don't develop slowly in my canon, they age like a normal human until they're a young adult at which point they just stop aging.
The fact that Rias is still considered to be barely an adult at her age is purely a cultural thing. Devil's, especially older ones, consider younger Devils who have not lived through at least several centuries worth of history, to be prone to brash decision making, and short minded in their scope of thinking. Whether this is true or not is debatable, but nevertheless it's an ingrained part of their culture and their society.
The reason I've extended Rias's age the way I have in my story, is that there are several ideas I want to explore that require her to have lived longer than just twenty or so years like Jon. These are things I want to explore in the next Arc.
But that's a future project. For now, here's Chapter Eleven.
::End Note::
A week had passed and training was going well. While Rias's Servants continued to hone and refine their skills for the upcoming competition, the President of the ORC busied herself with the task of forming an effective strategy against Riser's Peerage. After finishing their morning training session, Rias called for a meeting to see where it was they stood.
"I'm still confused as to what exactly the Rating Game is." Asia admitted, sitting back in his seat at the Parlor table. "I get it's a battle royale of sorts, but where did it come from? Why does it exist in the first place?"
"Good question." Rias commented, taking her place at the head of the table. "I already told you about the Great War and the impact it had on all three factions. What I didn't tell you was just how catastrophic the effects of that War had been on our people. Our species is still in danger because of it."
"Is it really that bad?" Asia asked worriedly.
"It was terrible for everyone." Rias admitted. "But we got hit especially hard. Of the 72 pillars that made up each Noble House, only 33 remain. Including mine, Sona's, and Riser's. Out of the 72 pillars, we are the only survivors."
"And that was when you started recruiting other races and turning them into Devils." Jon surmised.
She nodded in confirmation. "Exactly. After that, the Rating Games came about. This allowed Devils that were the Masters of their households to provide resources and combat experience to newer members. As well as show off their own abilities. Nowadays the Rating Game's still have quite an impact, one's record in the Games provides a huge boost to nobility and influence for their house."
Jon listened intently to every word she spoke before nodding his head. "Alright, I think I've got it."
"Excellent. How about a break then?" Rias suggested. "Some tea would be lovely."
"I'll go make us some." Akeno offered before standing and heading for the kitchen.
Asia stood as well. "Wait a minute, I'll come help you."
"Oh, hey Asia?" Jon called out to her as she left.
She turned around and peered at him curiously.
"Sorry about last night." He chuckled awkwardly. "You know...while you were helping me with that thing?"
She let out a small surprised noise as a light blush settled on her cheeks. "Oh, it's no trouble. You're getting so much stronger Jon. The way that you-"
"Shhh." He placed a finger over his lip. "Let's keep this between just us for now. At least until I've had time to perfect the technique."
"Absolutely! This new move is definitely worth waiting for. So there's no need to rush. Just let me know if you need my help."
"What new move?" Kiba asked curiously.
Asia giggled sweetly. "We can't tell you yet."
"That reminds me. Asia, remember today we'll be starting the next phase of the training."
Asia looked up at the President and then gasped, as if having just remembered something. "Oh that's right! I almost completely forgot!"
Asia left the parlor and returned with three objects. One was a glass bottle filled with water. Another was a copy of the Bible. And the last object was none other than the case containing Jon's old Revolver. She placed the objects on a table in front of the group and stood at the front.
"So for today's lesson we're going to talk about adapting to the light, and light based magic." Asia explained.
"As useful as that sounds, is it really going to help us considering we're going up against our own Kind?" Jon asked.
"Just pay attention." Rias insisted. "You'll understand why we're doing this in a moment."
"Let's see." Asia peered at the three objects curiously. "Well, since I was trained in how to help perform exorcisms, I guess we could start with that." She held up two fingers. "While exorcism equipment varies depending on what you're trying to purge, there are two universal items every Hunter or Priest should have." She picked up the bottle of water. "The first is Holy Water. Though Devils need to be careful, it's vital that you never actually touch it or it will burn your skin like acid."
"It isn't just us. This goes for you too." Rias warned. "You're a Devil now as well, Asia."
She chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah, I know. Anyway, I guess there's no point in talking about how to make it. So let's just move on to something else." She then picked up the Bible sitting next to the holy water. "The second item is the Holy Bible." Asia appeared to be a little down as she held the book to her chest. "I used to read it constantly when I was a little girl." She clutched it lovingly. "It was my favorite. But now every time I start a verse I get a terrible headache and I can't get through it."
"Because you're a Devil." Rias insisted with an amused grin.
"You're one of us now, Asia." Kiba added.
"You should write it down." Koneko also added.
Akeno chuckled awkwardly. "Probably, not a good idea."
"I just want to read one verse, it was always my favorite!" Asia whined loudly before opening the Bible. "Okay here it is-waaah!" She clutched at her head. "I didn't start yet!" She shut the book again and tried once more. "Ahhh! Why do you hate me?!" She pouted.
"If it was anyone else I'd think she was doing a bit right now." Kiba mumbled to Jon, snickering at his own joke.
Jon frowned and turned his head away. As far as their relationship had gotten, he still felt guilty that something so important in her life was taken away from her purely for his sake. That one was going to take some time to get over. No getting around that.
"Is there a reason you're putting yourself through this, love?" Akeno asked curiously.
"Because she believes with enough practice she can build up a tolerance to the pain and get through the verse." Rias explained.
"Sort of like how we can build up a tolerance to sunlight?" Kiba asked.
"Oh sweetie." Akeno frowned at her pitifully. "I'm afraid that's not likely to happen. That sort of thing is just impossible for our kind."
"Maybe so…" She pouted, rubbing her aching forehead. "...but it may not be impossible for Jon."
Jon immediately perked up. As did the rest of the ORC. Now having their full attention, Asia then moved on to item number three.
"Last but not least." She said, opening the wooden case and tilting the box for everyone to see. "We have Jon's old weapon. A Model 26 Smith and Wesson with pearl grips." She smiled at Jon, a light blush sinking into her cheeks as she was hit with nostalgia. "I always thought this weapon was really pretty. And I would see Jon practicing with it all the time back at the old Monastery."
He smiled along with her. "It's one of the last memories I have of my time there." His smile glowered somewhat. "I'd give just about anything to hold that weapon again."
"You've been trying, haven't you?" Asia observed. "I would see you trying to pick it up all the time in our room."
"And according to Asia you can hold it in your hand a little longer each time." Rias commented.
"Is that true, Jon?" Akeno asked in amazement.
"It's still not for very long. But yeah. I can hold it in my hand a little longer each time."
"It must be because you're a Dragon." Kiba surmised. "The power of the Red Dragon Emperor would be substantial enough to slowly override what should be an immutable law when it comes to holy weapons."
"That's why, in addition to your normal training, I want to experiment with ways we might be able to expedite the process." Rias explained.
"Doesn't that seem a little bit dangerous?" Akeno asked worriedly.
"If there's a chance it will allow me to hold that weapon again, I'd say it's worth it." Jon declared. "It could give us a decisive advantage against our opponents."
Rias nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Which is why I've taken the liberty, Jon, of preparing your next lesson."
Rias and Jon descended the spiral staircase of the Mansion's basement together. It was surprisingly well lit considering how deep below the building it truly was. Aside from a few alchemy stations the only thing down there that was noteworthy was a massive ball of light at least twelve feet in total diameter hovering on a pedestal in the center of the room.
"This used to be one of my Father's laboratories." Rias explained. "He spent his summers up here for his research. Something about the mountain air seemed to help him think. Or so he claimed."
"What was it your father was studying?" Jon asked curiously, inspecting some of the nearby flasks.
"Everything." She replied. "Anything that might help him better understand the nature of magic and how it affects us. My father was one of the Devils that helped Ajuka Beelzebub complete his research into transferring power into mortal beings. His work helped create the Evil Pieces and greatly bolstered our Families influence in the Underworld."
"So if your family is so powerful, why do you have to go through with this marriage in the first place?"
Rias frowned softly, her eyes glancing about the room. "Times have changed. The balance of power has shifted in favor of the other houses. My Father believes this union will help us regain some of our lost status."
Jon didn't comment. As pissed as he was, he wasn't about to dog Rias's Father in front of her. Instead, he focused his attention on the ball of light. "So what's this thing, exactly?"
"This is tempered light." She explained, quickly switching gears. "A hold over from one of my Father's earlier experiments. He was hoping he might be able to harness its power in some way to create weapons and poisons that would be effective against other Devils. But ultimately nothing ever came of it."
"It's just been sitting here this whole time?"
"That it has." She walked over to a nearby table and put on a pair of black gloves. She then very carefully approached the ball of light and plucked a tiny orb no bigger than a quarter from the main body. "And this is what we're going to use as our trump card. By slowly exposing you to raw light magic, I'm hoping your Dragon biology will allow you to overcome the Devil's weakness."
"Hold on...if you have gloves that can hold light-"
She stopped him. "I know what you're thinking, but no it wouldn't work. The amount I'm holding right now is barely anything compared to the blessing in your holy weapon. Sorry Jon, but there's not glove on Earth that could help you hold that revolver again." Rias presented the tempered light to him. "This is the only way. By introducing pure light into your system, I'm hoping your Dragon Biology will adapt and overcome the Devil's Weakness."
He frowned at the small ball of light in her hand. "Be honest, is there a chance this could kill me?"
"There's always that possibility." Rias spoke honestly. "But the amount I'm using is very little. It shouldn't kill you."
"It's still gonna suck though. That's what you're trying to say."
Her frown deepened. "Take a deep breath and prepare yourself."
Jon did as instructed, taking a breath and then shutting his eyes. Bracing for whatever was about to happen. Rias blew the small ball of light towards him as if blowing him a kiss. The orb flew from her hand and floated all the way over to him before making contact with his chest.
The moment his body absorbed the small ball of light the entirety of his being was hit with a surging, unyielding, damn near indescribable pain the likes of which he had never felt before. It was as if all his veins had spontaneously begun to boil him from the inside out while his skin and flesh began to rip itself from his still conscious body. He seized and fell to the floor, convulsing in silent, unbearable agony.
Finally, mercifully, it stopped. Jon continued to writhe on the floor, gasping for breath in between bouts of dry heaving and choking. Rias rushed over to him and knelt down, running her hands along his trembling frame reassuringly.
"It's okay. It's okay." She repeated soothingly. "Just breathe. It's over now."
"That was…" He coughed painfully. "That...I can't…"
She shushed him calmingly. "It's alright. Don't speak for now, just rest."
After calming himself down, Jon took a moment to collect his thoughts and process the ordeal he just went through. "I'm gonna have to do that again, aren't I?"
She nodded sadly. "Twice a day for the next five days. With any luck, it will be a little less difficult each time."
The color drained from his face. Every nerve in his body was screaming at him not to put himself through that again. Yet beneath it all there was a stubborn strength that was keeping his panic in check. Terrified as he was, he knew he had no choice. If it meant giving his team a decisive edge and saving Rias from her accursed fate, then he would simply have to grin and bare it.
"Sure...no sweat." He lied through his teeth.
Training resumed as normal for the remainder of the day. Kiba continued to work on honing his speed and agility while also developing new sword techniques. Asia and Akeno worked together to help develop their magical repertoire. And Koneko...well she mostly went out into the Forest and punched things.
Jon spent a healthy bit of time working with all three groups, and the rest of the time alone to work on his new technique in private.
Despite having endured that hellish experience down in the basement twice along with a full day of training. Jon once again found himself restless that night. They were slowly running out of time, and he was genuinely beginning to wonder if they could really pull this off. So he did whatever he normally would do when he couldn't sleep. Grab his guitar and his smokes then head outside.
As Jon grabbed his things he gently kissed the still sleeping Asia on her cheek, who sighed contently as a small smile formed on her lips. He loved it when she did that.
With his guitar slung over his back, Jon made his way out of his room and down the stairs. Waiting for him at the bottom was Koneko. Her eyes were cast to the floor and she looked deeply troubled by something.
"Having trouble sleeping?" Jon asked, slowly descending the staircase and approaching her. The moment he got within a yard, however, she took a step backwards. Still not looking at him. "What's wrong?" He asked.
"What gives you the right?" She asked in a low, frightened voice.
Jon gave her a concerned look. He had never seen Koneko behave like this before. "What are you talking about? Koneko, what's wrong?"
"Stay back." She insisted, moving backwards another foot the moment he walked forward. "Just answer the question. What gives you the right to do this to me?"
"To do what to you?" He asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "I haven't done anything."
"That's not true." She gripped her knuckles until they turned white, her arms starting to tremble. "You know exactly what you did. Stop lying to me, Jon. I can smell it on you."
"Smell what?" He asked in exasperation.
"The truth!" She insisted, glaring up at him with hateful, terrified eyes. "The truth about these feelings I have. You may have the others fooled, but you don't fool me. I know you're using a spell to make me feel this way."
He froze in place and his mouth dropped open as it slowly dawned on him what it was Asia had said the night before.
"Koneko...do you have feelings for-"
"Shut up!" Her tiny voice cracked, sounding more scared than angry. "Just...don't say another word."
He sighed, rubbing his temples vigorously to massage the stress from all this craziness away. "Look, I barely understand these feelings I have for you girls, myself." Jon insisted vehemently. "But I swear to you, I would never force you into something against your will!"
"Then release me." She demanded, looking up at him with newfound determination. "Whatever it was you 'didn't' do just undo it, right now."
"I barely even know what it is!" He responded desperately. "Koneko, if I could seriously make all these weird feelings go away, don't you think I would have by now? You think this is any less frustrating for me?"
"You don't understand!" She sounded desperate. "I can't be feeling this way!
"What the hell do you want me to do about it?!" He shot back angrily. "It's not like I can just flip a switch and stop caring about you!"
She gasped, staring at him with wide eyes as her cheeks turned red. "What did you say?"
"I didn't cast a spell on you." He assured in a much calmer voice. "That's not how this works. The only thing I'm guilty of is liking you."
She turned away sharply, her whole face heating up. "You don't mean that. You can't possibly have any real feelings for me."
"And why not?" He challenged.
"You just want to control me." She insisted.
"I just want to know you!" He blurted out.
The room fell silent save for the quiet chirping of crickets and the sound of Koneko's heart beating madly out of her chest.
"That's all I've wanted this whole time." He confessed, his face turning slightly red.
Again she didn't respond.
"Koneko...I want to see the real you. The you I've seen buried underneath all that ice around your spirit. The you I see occasionally poking through whenever you smile."
She clenched her fists tightly, her whole body starting to tremble.
"If you want me to never speak to you again, that's fine." He continued. "I just felt you should know the truth. And the truth is I-"
"Just shut up!" She yelled before darting away. Her arm covering her face until she was well out of sight.
"Koneko! Koneko wai-dammit!" He cursed loudly as she ran away, kicking a nearby potted plant in anger. Jon sat on the stairs and buried his face in his hands. This was beyond frustrating.
"She's not angry with you." Came a calm, nurturing voice.
Jon turned behind him to see Rias standing at the top of the stairs, dressed in a see through lilac neglige. She was wearing her spectacles and carrying a war strategies book with her.
"Out for a late night stroll?" She asked.
He smiled sadly at her. "I should be asking you that." Jon sighed, turning back around and leaning on his knees. "Koneko's right. It isn't fair what I'm doing to her. Even if I have no clue how I'm doing it."
Rias descended the stairs and brushed a finger along his shoulder. "Come with me. We can talk out in the alcove."
Jon and Rias walked through the grass in the cool night air out to the alcove in the garden. Once they were there, Rias found a seat overlooking the forest while Jon tuned his guitar and lit a smoke.
"So I take it that manual's meant to help you work on the attack plan?" Jon surmised, taking a drag from his cigarette.
Rias nodded. "I've been formulating a few strategies we can use against Riser...unfortunately they're not very good ones. We still have a lot to be worried about."
"You're kidding." He lurched up, his smoke dropping to the ground carelessly. "You've been busting your ass, same as the rest of us. You don't even sleep anymore."
She smiled sadly at him before returning to the manual. "Doesn't matter. We can't control who our opponent is. You realize we're up against Phenex right?"
He scoffed, grumbling under his breath as he returned to tuning his guitar. "Should I be impressed?"
"Let me assure you, the name is most appropriate." She warned. "Riser is a Devil, but his family is also the rank of Marquis counted among the seventy two pillars. We've got our work cut out for us." Her smile faded. "Ever since the Rating Games were put into effect. The House of Phenex has dominated the playing field. They've always had the highest score. Riser's win lose ratio is eight to two. However, those two losses were accepted out of respect for a family he's close to...he lost on purpose."
He strummed one of his notes two hard, emitting an ugly twang as his attention was once again pulled away from his guitar. "Wait...so you're saying no one has been able to actually beat him?
"No one." She admitted, tucking her knees up to her chest thoughtfully. "The crazy thing is. Riser isn't even the strongest member of the family. Not by a long shot. His older brother Ruval is far more powerful than Riser. In the centuries he's been competing in the Rating Games, he has never lost a single match."
Jon's blood ran cold.
"And then there's Lord Salazar. As the head of the family, he is gifted with the same trait as the bird for which his family is named. Immortality."
"He...he's immortal?"
She chuckled humorlessly. "He's won every Rating Game he's ever been in. He's won every battle he's ever been in. Can't say I'm surprised. How are you supposed to lose if you're immortal?"
The air sat quiet for a moment, as the gentle sound of crickets chirping filled the empty space.
"I'm sorry." Jon finally spoke up.
"What for?"
"I'm the one who tried to tell that jackass where to stick it. Now we're forced to fight him." He sighed shamefully. "I should have just kept my damn mouth shut."
She shook her head gently in opposition. "Not at all. Thanks to you I get a chance to tell my Father and the others where to stick it. They set up this game because they anticipate me losing. And now I'll be able to change the score and prove them wrong."
He smiled at her. "I'm just glad you're not going along with this stupid engagement. It takes balls to stand up to your family."
She smiled back at him in return, Rias stood up from her seat and leaned against a nearby stone pillar, gazing up at the moon. "The proposal was to the heiress of the House of Gremory. Because of my title I've never been recognized as Rias. My family will always come before me." Her expression glowered heavily. "I've learned to make adjustments and lower my expectations for life accordingly. Make no mistake, my title is always something I will take pride in…" She closed her eyes and lowered her head, clutching a hand to her heart. "But when it comes to the subject of love, I want to share that with someone who sees me as Rias. A man who can peer into my soul and hold my spirit in his hands. I don't want my love to worry about how my status can improve their life." She sighed wistfully. "I understand history is not in my favor, and dreams are often simply that and nothing else. But this is one dream I want to hold onto no matter what...because…"
"Because why?" He asked, picking up on the sound of her heart beating faster in her chest.
Her smile returned as a glowing deep blush enveloped her face. "...because I've fallen in love with a being so beautiful and enchanting that I couldn't possibly imagine being anywhere else than by his side. Yes...that I get to spend a small part of the vast and insurmountable life that he will live, no not just that. That I can spend his formative years with him, watching him grow into something so much more than I could ever hope to be, is all I want."
Jon frowned deeply, Asia's words ringing in his head.
"Your life is going to be so much grander than anything I could possibly hope to comprehend. Anything we could possibly hope to comprehend. But, I am so blessed that you have chosen to spend a small part of it with me."
"Are you really content with that?" He asked warily, gazing up at his President with nervous eyes.
She gazed down at him curiously. "What do you mean?"
"Sacrificing security and stability with a man who can give you all his heart, to spend it with a man who can't?" His voice filled with emotion. "I'm not saying Riser is the answer. I'm definitely not saying that. But…"
"Jon…"
"But that doesn't mean I am either!" He insisted. "I mean...Rias, you're incredible." He hung his head in shame. "But...what if I can't be what it is you're expecting? What if I get greedy? Or I turn into something like Riser? You deserve so much more than that. All you girls do, and I just…"
She took a step closer to him. "Jon…"
"I just can't stomach the thought that I might hurt any of you!" He finished angrily.
She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head in his chest, sighing contently. "You'll never be anything like Riser. I'm all but sure of it. You're going to be so much more than any of us."
"How can you say that so confidently?" He asked her, pulling back some and looking into her eyes. "How can you possibly know for sure when I'm so full of doubt?"
"You lack confidence because you haven't come to terms with what you truly are yet." She explained in an almost motherly voice. "But you will in time, and I intend to help you reach that point."
"What are you saying?"
She smiled sweetly at him. "You'll know soon enough."
He nodded in understanding, a small frown still on his face. "I guess none of it really matters though until after we win."
Her smile glowered somewhat. "I'm afraid so. It's all pointless speculation unless we can succeed in beating Riser at his own game."
"Be honest with me, Rias. Do you really think we can win?"
For a moment she didn't reply, which made Jon nervous. "I have to believe we can. I have to. Otherwise…" Her body began to tremble slightly. "...otherwise-"
"Hey." He clutched her assuringly. "Forget I said anything. I'm sure we can win." Jon smiled down at her. "We're the Devil's Colt and the Empress of Ruin after all."
"I…" She frowned up at him, but finally nodded her head. "...yes, yes you're right."
Again, the area fell into silence as the two gazed into each others eyes for the briefest moment. Rias finally pulled away. "There's something I'd like you to do for me."
He peered at her curiously. "What is it?"
"I want you to sing to me." She requested, a slight blush creeping over her cheeks. "I want you to play your guitar and sing me something. It doesn't matter what. All I ask is that you play something that makes you think of me, and no one else."
His mouth dropped in surprise. "Rias…"
"Please, Jon." She implored, getting slightly emotional. "I need this. Just this one thing I can hold onto in case-"
"Okay." He quickly interrupted before she could finish saying what neither of them wanted to hear. Jon sat back down and picked up his guitar. "Okay...just give me a moment to think."
She nodded and sat back down next to her manual, waiting patiently as he finished tuning his guitar and thinking of a song. After about a minute of thought, he gazed up directly into Rias's eyes and began to slowly play. He let the emotions he felt in that moment translate into the gentle rhythm he strummed before he opened his lips and began to sing.
"This is perfect. Come Kiss me one more time."
"I couldn't dream this up, even if I tried."
"You and me in this moment, feels like magic, only…"
"I'm right where, I wanna be."
Rias broke into a glowing smile as he continued to sing, his voice increasing in decibel as he broke into the chorus.
"Everybody's talking about heaven like they just can't wait to go."
"Saying how it's gonna be so good, so beautiful."
"Lying next to you, in this bed with you, I ain't convinced."
"Cause, I don't know how, I don't know how, heaven, heaven, could be better than this."
She shut her eyes and listened intently as he sang through the rest of the song. A small, content, sigh escaped her lips in between one of the melodies. Rias couldn't help but laugh quietly to herself in certain places. No matter what happened, she would always have this one moment.
And the idea that she would never have it again killed her.
When the song was over she was half tempted to ask him to play it again. And though she was certain he would have if she asked him to, Rias knew better than to be that selfish. That would have simply cheapened what he had given her.
They both sat silently, gazing back at one another with eyes full of affection. Finally, Rias stood up and began making her way back inside.
"It's late. We could both use some rest." She stated quietly, a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Rias...no matter what happens, I want you to know I-"
"Don't say it." She pleaded, turning her back to him. "Whatever you do, don't say it. Not yet. If you do that now...I'll be too tempted to say it back."
Pain gripped his heart. Jon opened his mouth to speak again, but stopped himself. Tempting as it may have been, he wasn't about to let himself cause her pain.
"Goodnight, Jon." She quietly made her way inside, not daring to show him her face.
He sat there, taking in the cool night air and doing his damndest to ignore the aching feeling in his chest. He would do everything in his power to make sure they win, no matter what it took.
He would defend his Treasure, no matter the cost.
Ten days of training past. In that time, Jonathan Hyodo went through hell and back to get stronger. Between the gruelling physical and mental exercises, to the nights spent with Asia perfecting his new technique. To the absolutely horrifying experience that was exposing himself to tempered light. Yet despite the rare few moments where Jon's will began to waver and his resolve was put to the test, ultimately he came out of it in one piece.
Today was the final test. It was time for him to put together everything he had worked on over the past ten days and bring it together. First up was to test if he could hold his old gun again.
"Don't think about it too much. Just grip it like you would any other weapon." Akeno encouraged.
"Come on, Jon. I know you can do it!" Asia cheered.
The entirety of the ORC had gathered to witness if Jon had successfully managed to gain an immunity to light. As they gathered around the small table in the parlor, Jon slowly reached out and opened the box that contained his revolver. He gingerly took the weapon into his hand and squeezed the grip.
"I don't believe it…" Kiba stared wide eyed at what he was witnessing.
Just as he was about to say something, the silver started burning his palm again. Jon dropped the weapon and clutched at his seared hand for what felt like the hundredth time.
They all fell into somber silence. It hadn't worked.
"It would seem you've reached the limit of your tolerance." Rias explained glumly. "Jon I'm so sorry it-"
His rage boiled over and Jon flipped the table over on its end.
"FUCK!"
They fell silent once more, giving him a moment to regain his composure. He took a deep breath and allowed the anger in his face to subside before turning and addressing the group.
"Sorry guys. Looks like this one's a bust."
Rias shook her head insistently. "Maybe so. But this is far from over. Let's move on."
The members of the ORC formed up outside to move on to the next test. It was time to see just how much stronger Jon had managed to make himself in the ten days since they started training. He removed his shirt and faced Kiba, who was now armed with his sword.
"Before you begin the match, Jon, I want you to remove those sweatbands." Rias commanded.
"You sure? I thought you said I was supposed to keep them on as long as we were training."
"Training's over." She explained. "It's time to see your full potential."
He nodded in understanding and removed the sweatbands before dropping them on the ground. Almost instantly he could feel a major difference. Magical energy surged through his body at a rate he had never felt before. The instant rush jolted him awake and sent his senses into overdrive.
He was ready.
Kiba drew his sword and prepared to attack. "I'm not going easy on you, Jon. Be ready."
Jon smirked at him as his body became covered in the dragon's mark. Two gauntlets appeared on his hands as well as two metal boots on his feet. His forehead grew horns and his wings unfurled.
"It's you who's gonna need to get ready, Kiba. I'm not holding back this time either."
His body erupted with magical energy, sending waves of his powerful aura outward strong enough to violently shake the trees around him. He pulled magical energy into his body at a rate that far exceeded anything he had successfully done in the past.
And then promptly activated his boosted gear ability.
His power doubled. Then tripled. With each activation of his boosted gear, the aura of energy that enveloped him grew stronger and stronger.
"Unbelievable." Akeno marveled. "This has got to be a new record in terms of how far he's managed to power up."
"Just look at how far he's come." Rias beamed with pride. "He's never been able to endure this much power before or control it this well."
Kiba charged at Jon, moving at superhuman speed. Jon reached out with his senses and monitored the spiritual energy field around him. As his opponent came in to strike he was able to effortlessly deflect the sword blows that followed with a green energy shield without even raising his arms into the air.
Kiba continued to give him everything he had. Darting around the grounds and hitting him from every conceivable angle. But nothing could connect. Jon's ability to manipulate his own energy field was now at a Master's level. After a few more unsuccessful attacks, Kiba leapt back and gained some distance.
Now it was Jon's turn.
He called forth a large ball of energy he had gathered into his left gauntlet, forming a small red orb of ungodly power in the palm of his hand.
"What's he doing?" Asia asked worriedly.
"Perfecting a new ability it seems." Rias observed. "It looks like he's gathering a large amount of energy to unleash it in one massive blast."
Kiba charged again, which Jon deflected with a swift kick from his boot. His opponent landed backwards and stood up to charge once more.
Before he could, however, Jon unleashed the stored up power he had gathered into his gauntlet. Kiba barely had time to dodge the massive beam of energy that followed. The power that fired from Jon's gauntlet hurled itself towards a mountain several hundred miles away and exploded. Sending a shockwave that nearly knocked every member of the ORC off their feet.
As the smoke cleared, Asia and Akeno both stared up at the aftermath. Jon had managed to carve a massive hole into the top of the mountain, having obliterated trees and blasted away stone.
"Well, it looks like that worked." Akeno commented in a half state of shock.
"You broke the mountain." Koneko couldn't help but marvel.
"I can't believe you did that!" Asia gawked. "You're amazing, Jon!"
At that moment, Jon's wings disappeared and the mark receded. His armor faded away and the strength in his legs failed him. As his vision blurred, Jon collapsed to one knee, taking a few deep breaths.
"Jon! Are you okay?" She quickly darted over to him.
"Looks like he used all his energy with that blast." She turned to Kiba. "What do you think? I'd say he's improving."
"I'll say. That last attack was unlike anything he's ever thrown at me."
Rias smiled at Jon, who at the moment was being tended to by Asia. He had officially become the linchpin of their Rating Game. That attack could very well prove to be the deciding factor in the competition. If they trusted in Jon, and more importantly, if Jon trusted in himself, they could do this.
As she gazed at her beloved Servant, her heart swelled with hope.
We can do this. We can win!
The training was over. Tomorrow they would be heading back to the ORC Headquarters and preparing for the Rating Game. That night, Jon found himself sitting on the roof of the building near the balcony of the second floor, hopelessly lost in his own thoughts. So much had happened in the past ten days and yet they seemed to have flown by as if they were nothing.
Sleep wasn't an option. Not after everything that had happened.
"I hope you're not thinking about jumping."
Jon turned around to see Akeno leaning against the doorway to the balcony, a mischievous smile on her face. She was wearing a set of onyx black women's pajama robes that seemed to be one size too small for her.
"You that worried about me?" He shot back playfully.
She shook her head. "Honestly, I just don't want to be stuck cleaning up the mess."
He laughed at her little jibe before offering Akeno a spot next to him. "The stars are gorgeous tonight. You should join me."
"Gladly." Akeno casually sauntered over to him and took a spot on the roof, curling her legs up to her side daintely. "So what's on your mind?"
"Alot." He spoke truthfully. "I can't help but wonder how these past ten days have changed me."
Akeno nodded in understanding. "Honestly, I feel like they've changed us all." A small smile crept over her lips. "But you know, despite how gruelling the training was, I think it was a lot of fun."
He smiled as well. "Maybe one day we'll get to take a real vacation."
She gave a pleased groan. "Fuck yes. That would be incredible. I desperately need a vacay."
Jon chuckled in amusement. "You and me both." He propped his arm up on his knee and looked back up at the stars. "Do you think we'll make it?"
"Of course we will." Akeno insisted. "Together, the six of us can take on the planet. I've always believed that."
"I wish I shared your optimism." Jon admitted. "As it is, I can't help but have my doubts."
"It's because you're young." She insisted. "Give it a century or two. Shit like this stops bothering you after awhile."
He blew a breath through pursed lips, resting back on his hands. "See...you say that so casually."
She giggled in spite of herself. "You need to loosen up, Jon. Most guys would kill to be in your position." She then added rather cheekily. "I can think of at least two who might give you an earful for sulking like this."
He rolled his eyes at her. "I guess that's a fair point."
They both chuckled in amusement at one another.
"Rias and Asia both love you." She continued. "And you clearly love them as well. I know it seems like it has to be more complicated than that, but it really doesn't. Not for us anyway."
"That doesn't mean I can just do whatever I want without consequence." He insisted. "If what Asia told me is true, then I have to be smart about this. You know me well enough to know I could never do anything to hurt either one of them." He gazed away worriedly. "But I'm afraid I'll fail. That no matter what I do, they're both gonna end up hating me...like Koneko."
At that, Akeno burst into a fit of laughter. "First of all, Koneko does not hate you. I guarantee it." She continued to snicker quietly to herself. "Second of all, no one said it was going to be easy. Even 'normal' relationships can be challenging. You of all people should know that."
"Love isn't something that should be toyed with." He clutched at his sternum, feeling the beat of his Devil heart. "No one should ever have to feel the pain of betrayal."
"Pain can be a good thing." Akeno spoke in earnest. "Pain, to me, is the great equalizer that reminds us all of how fortunate we truly are."
"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me you think that."
She shoved him playfully and the two continued to laugh at one another.
"Personally, I don't see any correlation between love and morality." Akeno admitted. "I've personally felt that love can be just as much a hideous beast as it can be a bright beacon of happiness." She shrugged at him. "That's just my personal take on it. Though others might disagree. I feel like when it comes to the subject of love, however and whenever it happens, with whoever and however many people, so long as everyone's happy, then no one can truly say that what you're doing is wrong."
He thought about her words for a minute before gazing up at the stars again.
"Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O, no! it is an ever-fixed mark,
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved."
She quirked an intrigued brow at him. "You know Shakespeare?"
He nodded. "It was one of the few studies at the Monastery I could sit through without falling asleep."
Akeno shook her head in disbelief, an amused smile on her face. "You wear so many hats Jonathan Hyodo." After a moment of silence she joined him in the stargazing. "Rias and Asia are both two incredibly lucky women. I don't think you'll ever need to worry about losing their happiness." She sighed. "And as for Koneko, well...she'll come around. She just needs to come to terms with her own feelings."
It was as they were both looking up at the stars that Jon suddenly realized something. He turned to Akeno and gazed at her intently.
"And what about you? What are your feelings?"
A small gasp escaped her lips. Akeno craned her head down and bit her lower lip thoughtfully. "I know what my heart is telling me. And I'm…" Her cheeks turned red. "...still coming to terms with it myself."
He smiled at her affectionately. "You've always been the strongest out of all of us. You're a hell of a lot stronger than me. That's for sure." Jon placed his hand over hers, causing Akeno to cast her rose tinted gaze at him with her lips pursed wantingly.
"But there's nothing saying you can't be strong and find happiness too."
They both stared into each other's eyes for a moment. As the wind gently blew through their hair, Jon and Akeno slowly began to lean in close. Their eyes closed and their lips came within a hair's breadth of each other.
Before she pulled away with a bashful smile on her face.
"I can't Jon...not yet."
He cast his eyes to the ground. "I'm sorry…"
"Don't be." Akeno kissed him on the cheek and stood up, making her way back inside. Before leaving, however, she turned back to him. "For now, your focus should be on Rias." She then added with a sultry grin. "But when my time does come Jon, I promise you…" She turned away and slowly began to shut the door, her eyes filled with lust.
"You'll see the real me. All of it."
The door shut. And Jon was left alone to gaze up at the stars once more.