Hey guys I just got to get this my chest... Holy Crap! This chapter man... This chapter just kicked my butt, writing took me a while but I finally got it all done and now here it is ready for your viewing pleasure. Now just a warning here I will be working on some other stories after this chapter but I am no where near finished with this story. Not even close so you guys will have to wait and see what I have planned next. Now I want to say thank you to everyone who faved and followed my stories it means a lot to me. Really it does guys. Same to my reviewers. Every time I see a review or a fav or follow it means a lot and it makes me glad to know that you guys like the content I am putting out there. Now onto the reviews! Merendinoemiliano If you think that last fight was epic you haven't seen anything yet! ALso yep Akeno was smarter this time around and yeah her new spell will take some time to work out the kinks but she will get there. Trust me I think you will be pleased with Magnus's fight here. Franciskanneh007 Yes I will be and trust me I have big plans my friend. Kiba was pretty good but then again if you want my thoughts on the matter he is one of the more powerful members of the Gremory team because he uses his brain. Pretty sure if he wanted to he could stand up to the likes of Vali and Cao Cao and others. As for Magnus's evil pieces... Well parts of his soul are stuck in them but if you mean will he become a devil again? The answer is wait and see. Trust me this next arc will be big in a lot of ways. Oh and if the girls ever did get Magnus alone with no one else able to enter... That boy is done for. He can only hold out against them for so long. Also thank you for reading hope to see more reviews from you and everyone else. Now I need to get to bed I have important things to do in the morning. Anyway see you all later!
Rias POV:
As the last match ended that I felt more relieved than sad after seeing Sairaorg using his phoenix tears after his arm was cut off. The damage Kiba and the others caused was enough to force my cousin to give up his only healing item. I was extremely proud of them and the fight they had. It's funny but in the past the lose of my precious servants would have been more than I could bear, yet now it was different. I felt nothing but joy that they were able to push Sairaorg into a corner.
Have I become used to the cruelty? Or has my love for them lessened?
No, it's neither of them, seeing all precious my servants fighting so desperately for me and their friends something within me changed. Seeing all of this I have become stronger… No, we have become stronger and not just in body but in our hearts. After everything we have all endured up to this point has made us stronger as a team. Sighing I slowly shook my head, it was now time to focus on the next match, which would involve Sairaorg's queen and Magnus… Looking toward my boyfriend (Still a little strange to say) I was quite confused….
The bronze haired teen was utterly still, so much so that he could have been confused for a wax statue. He was utterly calm, which was strange since Magnus was known for blowing his cool whenever anyone he cared for was hurt and yet this entire time he seemed to get more and more calm. The entire situation was eerily off putting, so much so that even Asia had backed away from Magnus out of confusion.
…. Yet if I knew my boyfriend as well as I did…. He was holding his frustration and anger back, he was learning to bide his time.
"Now, we are near the endgame! Will the two kings roll their dice please!" The announcer called for the dice roll.
The act of rolling the dice was stressful mentally, in some ways I think I preferred the style in which we fought Riser. Dice figure games put more stress on kings then it looks, each roll of the dice I had to think and predict especially early on. The more pieces each side had to work with the more the more stress. Though having less pieces can be just as bad if not worse. Whatever you have you are stuck with and if you lose a powerful player near the beginning.
Sensing my anxiety Magnus turned around and gave me a smile… Flushing slightly at that smile I shook my head and smiled back at him. Something about him just seemed to calm me down. Once I was centered I slowly picked up the dice and rolled… The value is five. Now what about Sairaorg? Looking at the screen I crossed my arms he rolled a four. With a total of nine that means Magnus and Kuisha will be facing one another.
Standing to his feet Magnus gave Asia and myself a smile that never reached his eyes. "Rias, Asia… See you guys on the flip side." Slowly he turned around and walked to the magic circle.
As he was transported Asia turned around to face me a look of concern on her face. "Rias… You saw it didn't you? That look in his eyes…"
Nodding stiffly, I could only shudder. "There was a fire in his eyes…"
The battlefield Magnus was transferred to was a massive colosseum with nothing but empty seats, and two large gates. Stepping through one was Magnus and on the opposite side was Kuisha Abaddon who looked like she was still recovering rom Akeno's attack.
Kuisha seemed rather confused from Magnus's lack of anger. "Magnus Maverick you seem rather calm, I would have thought you would be happy to face off against me."
Forcing a small smile on his face Magnus cracked his knuckles. "Trust me, I am more than happy to face you… I need to get some pay back for Akeno."
"… Rias he's…." Asia turned to look at me in concern.
Nodding I could only sigh, Asia and I knew Magnus very well and given from his reactions…." He's going to explode."
For Magnus the people he cares about they mean everything to him and to see everyone fall one by one and seeing as there was nothing he could do about it… Yes, he was going to explode, and it didn't look good for Abaddon.
The arbiter appeared on the field in between the two, looks like the match is going to begin.
Magnus slowly spread his arms out and started to talk to himself. "Kiba, Akeno, Koneko, Xenovia, Gasper, and Rossweisse… This is one is for you guys…"
"What are you muttering?" Abaddon asked turning her head in confusion.
"The seventh match! Begin now!"
The signal was given but Abaddon didn't do anything and neither did Magnus… He just stood there.
"Red Dragon Emperor get into your armor. My master Sairaorg wishes to see you fight seriously, and as his queen I will see his wish come true." Abaddon said with such conviction that I was positive she had feelings for Sairaorg.
Shaking his head Magnus sighed looking. "Surrender now, I am going to give you one chance."
"You sure talk big, but I won't surrender. Whether it's the Red Dragon Emperor or any other foe, for my master I will-"
Sighing Magnus cracked his knuckles. "Just remember I gave you an out."
"Welsh Dragon Ascension!"
In a flash of light and a sudden wave of power Magnus's entire form was covered in a fiery aura, without another word Magnus vanished from sight. The only trace of him was a line in the dirty that headed for Abaddon. Appearing directly in front of her Magnus's fist stopped short from hitting her in the face. The force of his punch however didn't. A sudden wave of power sent the black-haired queen flying back into the gate she walked out of and in a flash of light she vanished, while the surrounding parts of the colosseum fell apart.
"Sairaorg Bael's queen retires."
Magnus won… he just went full throttle right from the beginning, Abaddon didn't even have a chance to perform a counter. Slowly Magnus dropped out of his ascension form and slowly rubbed his shoulders… Was he still wearing the weight restraints? Slowly shaking my head, a strange thought came to my mind, his attack didn't even touch her and despite the force that threw Abaddon back she received no damage. It seems like she was forced to retire by Sairaorg.
"Speak of the devil." I said with a small smirk as Sairaorg's face appeared on the monitor, and from the looks of it he was mortified.
"… I made Kuisha retire forcefully. You would have killed her if your hit connected." Sairaorg said as he stared down at Magnus.
Looking up at the screen Magnus let out a small rumble from his chest. "I gave her an out, she should have taken it. However, I will ask you forgive my actions." The bronze-haired teen bowed his head slightly. "But I did this for my friends."
And there it was, Magnus can play it pretty cool but when it comes to the people he cares for he can go crazy… Just like when Vali threatened to kill his family or us.
"Your eyes… They're filled with such killing intent…. Amazing." Sairaorg smiled happily. "I had dreams about fighting against the Red Dragon Emperor… I wish to pose this to the committee. Isn't it enough now? It's foolish to let this man fight under the rules! For the next match, I wish for a team battle with everything on my side against everything from their side!"
A team battle? Does he mean to fight against Magnus, Asia and myself with only his pawn and himself? That's the most likely case. Sairaorg's intention is to fight Magnus while he's fired up, and now would be the best time. With Magnus filled with anger his sacred gear's response to his emotions would only empower him. At Sairaorg's suggestion the crowd began to stir, seems like they really want to see this finally match up.
"Ohh! We have received a suggestion from Sairaorg and what a suggestion it is!" The announcer then turned to the two commentators for the battle. "What are your thoughts on the matter? Emperor? Governor?"
Emperor Belial smiles. "Certainly, it is easy to predict the flow after this. Since the rule states that you can't participate continuously, the next match will be between Bael's pawn and the Gremory's bishop, and after that it would have been the final battle between Sairaorg and the Red Dragon Emperor. That is easy to predict and boring."
Azazel had a smirk on his face as he cupped his chin. "Since that's the case they can settle it with a team battle. Plus, it's much more exciting to watch a team battle with this much tension in the air. Now, will the higher-ups of the committee choose to stick with the current rule or will they take that collective stick out of their own asses and let us see a team battle?"
"I don't mind if that helps speeds the process along." I agreed, after all if we kept to the system in place it would be a waste of time. It's much easier just to continue with a team battle, and honestly if Magnus had to wait any longer I think he would finally lose it.
A few minutes passed, and a report was handed over to the announcer who looked over it with a smile. "Eh, yes. I just received the report from the committee. It seems like they agree to it! The next match will be a team-battle which will settle everything! It will be an all-out battle with all those remaining!"
The people within the stadium began to cry with excitement at the news.
"So that's how it is. I might overdo so I ask that you give me your all Magnus." Sairaorg smiled showing his teeth. "If you don't I can't guarantee that you'll survive."
Smiling back Magnus crossed his arms across his chest. "I am going to fight you with the intention of killing you. It's the only way I know for a fact that I can beat you. Plus, if I didn't give my all I don't think I could face my friends."
The battle between these two men…. The Red Dragon Emperor and the Strongest Youth... The final match is about to begin.
Magnus POV:
I had to leave the field briefly for them to change the field, once there the remaining members on our side had a quick discussion before Rias and I were transported to the field of combat. Looking around I saw we were in a spacious grassy plain. After snapping slightly at Sairaorg I started to calm down…. Man, my temper can really get the better of me… I felt kind of bad for almost killing Kuisha like I did… I need to apologize to her and Sairaorg after the battle. Shaking my head, I slapped my face, focus on the task at hand and that was the fight.
"Now The final battle between Bael and Gremory groups is in it's last stages! This last battle is a group battle, as was suggested by Sairaorg! The Bael side has the king, Sairaorg, and the mysterious masked pawn, Regulus! The Gremory side who is opposing them consists of The Crimson Haired Princess of Ruin, Rias the king! And everyone's Hero, The Dragon Knight, also known as the pawn, Magnus Maverick The Red Dragon Emperor!"
Man, our introduction was good… Shaking my head I looked around as the screen showed off the children in their own section with Irina and Ravel leading them in cheers.
"Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight!"
"Maverick Emperor!"
Smiling slightly, I shook my head and gave them all a wave, thanks kids. The screen briefly showed an image of our friends who were healing nicely in the medical areas and of Asia who we left behind at the base. The reason simple, as a healer she would be targeted first so having her on the team would make her a liability. Even with her barrier Rias and I both agreed that it would be best if she were too remain behind. Because if she was on the field Sairaorg and his pawn would target her, and it would force Rias and I on the defensive and in a battle like this… That could mean the end.
On the other side of the field was Sairaorg who crossed his arms. "I would like to start the battle."
The arbiter appeared between our two teams and nodded. "Then let the final match start!"
Finally, the last battle commenced, Regulus the masked and cloaked pawn promoted to Queen quickly While I summoned my sacred gear I began to boost my power. Rias and I both dropped into a fighting stance, but Sairaorg chuckled softly.
"Rias. There's something I want to say before the fight." The black-haired devil said placing a hand on his hip. "Your servants are wonderful. They care about you so much that it makes me jealous. Because of that, they were all strong foes." Honorable as always Sairaorg, and that's what makes you a good guy. "We only consist of myself and my pawn over there. Your side is same, this is the end game." Sairaorg then turned at me a smile on his face. "Magnus this is finally it."
We haven't fought since that sparring match after that whole Satan Ranger thing… I know for a fact that I lost that battle, but this time is different. I am not worn out and I am way stronger than before, and this time the outcome will be different. "Sairaorg, I want to say that I have nothing against you. Hell, I consider you a rival and a friend…. "Stretching my hand out I pointed at him. "However, I am getting payback for all my other friends here today so prepare to lose!"
Chuckling Sairaorg shook slightly. "Like I thought. You are a man who can't handle seeing your friends hurting or in pain. You have done well to endure till now, but let all of that anger and pain out let us have a good battle!"
Spreading out my arms and legs I released the weight seals on my body and charged at Sairaorg my body incased in my armor. Meeting me head on Sairaorg surrounded his body with his touki, rearing back the both of us reared back sent our fists flying straight into the other's face. Even through my armor it felt like I was being hit by a freight train, the force of his attack destroyed my helmet…. Damn it, Ddraig let's do it!
You got it partner!
"Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!"
I transferred all the boosted power to my fist forcing my attack to be even stronger then it was before. The force of our attacks caused the entire area around us to shake and tremble, jumping back I rubbed my nose and wiped away some blood. Looking at Sairaorg I had a small smirk on my face, he was bleeding from his mouth and nose as well… And from the looks of it I broke his nose. "That is for my friends." I said with a grin.
Slowly Sairaorg wiped away the blood from his face and with a quick twerk fixed his nose. "What a strong punch! It felt like your spirit was entering my body. You truly are a monster, to have attained such power in a short amount of time… You have only been in this world for a few months and look at you? What kind of hellish training did you endure?" Grinning the black-haired devil shook his head. "You know I thought you were holding back when you didn't use that Ascension form, but I was wrong, your Balance Breaker is just as strong."
Of course, I train my balance breaker just like I do all my other forms, I really think that any form or power can get stronger if you just train it.
That's right kid and because of that kind of hard work and attitude you have my respect. Ddraig spoke to me with admiration and respect.
Thanks buddy but I couldn't have gotten this far without you or my other friends. Ddraig I am going to need you to increase either my damage output or defense as needed alright?
Understood, though your stamina will drain each time, your lucky that the training you under went increased your stamina beyond the norm.
A small smirk appeared on my face. "Well otherwise it would be boring…." After that Sairaorg and I began to trade blow after blow. It's funny there was very few people that I fight that are just martial artists and Sairaorg was one of them. It's funny as we fought it felt less and less like a battle between two people but more of a struggle between two animals fighting for territory. Neither one of us would give the other an inch of ground to the other.
As we were fighting I took a moment to check on Rias and the enemy pawn. The pawn who was fighting against Rias took off his mask and revealed he was guy who was about the same age as me. However, that changed soon enough as he tore off his cloak and his body bent in an unnatural shape and his body began to grow and morph into something else. Golden fur spurted from his body and his limbs became thicker and more muscular. His mouth filled with sharp fangs and a long feline tail appeared from his backside and finally a large amount of golden fur appeared around his neck.
"He's a lion…." I said in shock as the giant lion let out a massive roar. Covering my ears, I stared in shock… This lion had to be anywhere from fifteen to tall… And it had a strange jewel in the middle of it's forehead. To be honest… I would have found such a creature majestic if it wasn't so terrifying….
"Ohhhh! The identity of the Bael Team's mysterious pawn is a huge lion!" The announcer said in complete shock.
"Wait! Is that the Nemean Lion!? No, that jewel is…" Azazel must have realized something because he gasped loudly.
"What is going on Governor?" The announcer asked looking at our teacher.
"… The Nemean Lion was originally a monster who the original Hercules faced in one of his twelve labors…. The God from the Bible captured its spirit and sealed it inside the Sacred Gear. It became listed as one of the thirteen Longinus. If you master it, you can split the earth in a single swing, and it can also transform into a huge lion. The Regulus Nemea! It also has an ability to protect the possessor from projectile weapons. However, I received the information that the possessor has been missing for the past several years. I never thought it would have become the pawn of Bael Team…"
You have to be shitting me… he has Longinus user on his team? That's… Well then again Rias has me, so I guess it's a little fair.
"No. Unfortunately the possessor is already dead. When I found the actual possessor of the Regulus Nemea, he was already killed by a mysterious group. The sacred gear that had the form of an axe was the only thing left. The battle-axe was supposed to disappear because the host died but it turned into a lion by its own will, and annihilated the group that killed its possessor." Sairaorg explained to all of us… and just wow… A sacred gear that could move even after it's user had died? I had never heard of anything like this before.
"That's when I made it into my servant. I thought it was a fateful meeting brought by my mother's lion ruler bloodline." That could make sense since Sairaorg's mother is from the house of Vapula which rules over lions… It had to be destiny.
"…A Sacred Gear that moves by itself by its own will, and it's a Longinus! On top of that it reincarnated into a devil! Is it the lion that is amazing or the Evil-Piece that is amazing. Either way, this is interesting! Very interesting indeed, no wonder we couldn't locate it. What is with the rare phenomenon happening to the Longinus in this era! Forget that! Sairaorg! Bring that lion to my laboratory I really want to study it!"
That's Azazel for you, he is obsessed with everything sacred gear related. Oh well at least it keeps him out of trouble. Hey Ddraig, have you ever heard of anything like this before?
Even I'm shocked, that something liked this happened. In my case I shut down when the possessor dies. The next time I regain my consciousness, I'm already inside the sacred gear of the next possessor.
Wow… It's that rare huh?
"His power is very unstable maybe because it doesn't have its possessor. I couldn't send out until this game, it could go berserk and attack friend and foe alike. Which is why is why if anything goes wrong I am the only one that can stop him." Sairaorg explained… Well now that makes sense he is the only one that can team up with him and under the dice-figure rules he couldn't send him out… Not without the possibility of the lion losing control.
"…Either way, my opponent is the Longinus then." Rias said narrowing her eyes, nodding at my girlfriend I turned my attention back toward Sairaorg.
"You got it Rias." Grinning at I charged toward Sairaorg, as Rias released her power of destruction toward the lion. As I fought against Sairaorg I considered using the Dragon Promotions, but I decided against it for now. None of the forms would right now could give me an edge. Panzer was to slow and despite it's defensive and destructive powers I would be a sitting duck. Paladin while fast was too lightly armored, then there was Wizard it's power was more focused on long range attacks and given how fast Sairaorg was I doubt I could charge up a truly powerful blast. Pulling my head back into the game I sent a kick toward Sairaorg's right arm and that is when I saw IT. The Strongest Youth dodged out of the way and tried to do a round house kick. Dodging out of the way I felt a triumphant grin appearing on my face. The wound that Kiba and Xenovia gave him… Despite the amazing power of phoenix tears, they can only do so much against a holy sword… And from the looks of it he was still recovering from his wounds…Kiba you magnificent bastard if I wasn't straight and if I wasn't with the girls I would kiss you.
Racing toward Sairaorg I aimed for his right arm again, but the black-haired devil tried to avoid the attack. "OH no you don't I see it now! Ddraig now!"
"Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!"
My boosted punch smacked directly into his right arm. The force of the hit caused Sairaorg to flinch. This is it! Time to hit him with everything I got. "Dragon Explosion!"
An explosion of red energy blasted straight from my arm into Sairaorg and sent him flying. I needed to follow up with another attack and I knew exactly which one I should go with. Cupping my hands, I charged up the next of my attacks. "Dragon Wave!" The intense wave of red energy headed straight for Sairaorg who tried to get out of the way by flying but it was no use he was smacked by the power. However, it wasn't over yet, despite the pain he was in this fight was far from over. looking at the black-haired devil as he slowly descended to the ground I could tell his body was littered with wounds… I am sure my body looked the same… I think by far this one of the tougher fights I have been in.
Though I don't think I will be able to exploit his right arm wound again. He would definitely be more careful now. Looking closer I could see he was applying extra touki to his right arm to strengthen it. Good plan which means I may need to switch things up and start using the Divine Dividing Gauntlet and attack the parts of his body he wasn't covering.
As I was playing Sairaorg had a satisfied smile on his face. "Strong, for you to be this strong in your base balance breaker…" However, before he could finish I heard a scream of pain.
"Gah!" Rias! Turning around I saw my girlfriend was on her knees bleeding…. Badly. In front of her was the lion…. Gritting my teeth in anger I quickly turned around blasted off at full speed and slammed my fist into the lion knocking the massive beast away from the red-head. Bending down I dismissed my armor and checked on Rias… the wound looked bad… but it wasn't in any vital spots… If the wound was left un treated she would pass out from blood loss…. Turning around I stared up at the massive lion that seemed to have gotten up from my attack and it was staring me down.
"Rias Gremory will retire due to blood loss at this rate. If you wish to save her you will need to use the phoenix tear." Holy shit that lion spoke…. Wait that isn't the point right now… He did this on purpose he wanted us to use up our phoenix tears…. Looking at this wound he could have taken out Rias in close combat at any moment… Damn it.
"If I say that it was 'unnecessary', then my quality as a king will decrease." Sairaorg sighed and shook his head. "Very well. I will allow that, but I will have the battle between Magnus and I continue without further interruptions, Regulus. Do you understand?"
"I understand very well. My apologies. I took this action because of my loyalty towards you, my master."
Slowly reaching into Rias pocket I pulled out the vial of tears. "Don't worry Red I got you."
"…. I'm sorry Magnus… I didn't mean to hold you back…." Rias sighed in frustration.
Frowning I gently touched her face. "You are to hard on yourself." I knew for a fact that despite my words Rias was still going to blame herself, her pride as a king wouldn't allow her to forgive herself for being caught off guard like that. Uncorking the tears, I slowly poured the liquid over the wound which began to smoke. Sighing slightly, I threw down the vial as the wound was now gone. Slowly helping the red-head to her feet I turned around to stare at Sairaorg. Despite his wounds he could still fight… Which means I may need to result to using the promotion power right away… Now that I have some distance I could probably get at him with the one of them now….
"Lord Sairaorg! Use me, please "wear" me! If we use the Balance-Breaker, then you will transcend The Red Dragon Emperor! Are you trying to throw away a match that you can win- "
Shaking my head, I stared at the lion…. It has a balance breaker? Wait can Sairaorg use him as a weapon in battle?
Gritting his teeth Sairaorg shouted in anger. "Shut your mouth! I decided to use it only during a crisis in the Underworld! What will come out of it if I use that in front of him!? I will fight this man, only with this body!"
…. Now call me crazy… but I wanted to see this… Sairaorg wanted to face us with everything we had and, yet he didn't want to use his entire power? I don't know why but a part of me was kind of upset… I mean I thought we were fighting on equal terms here and yet here he is holding back something. Seriously the Aslan over there said his power would transcend my own? I want to see if that is true.
Taking a deep breath, I made up my mind. "Sairaorg use the power Simba over there was talking about." As I spoke Rias gasped and looked at me like I was an idiot… Which I am to be honest but hey she loved me as I was so… Deal with it. "Listen you wanted to fight us at our full power and, yet you refuse to your own? Bull in my opinion. This battle will have no meaning if we both don't fight with our full power. I will beat you but only if you are serious. Because if you're not fighting me seriously then I guess your dream doesn't mean much." That seemed to light a fire underneath Sairaorg as he really stared to consider what I was saying. "So, prove to me your dream is worth fighting for and fight me with EVERYTHING!"
Rias who was listening to this sighed slightly. "You're an idiot." She said with a small smile… "But you're my idiot and I had a feeling you would do this."
Sairaorg slowly started to smile a very wide smile. "... I'm sorry. Somewhere inside my heart I thought that this is was game. That there will be a second chance. It seems like I was being naïve thinking like that…. I'm angry with myself for not realizing that sooner and I won't fight like that again! Regulus!?"
"Sir!" The lion ran up to his master his entire body glowing with a golden light and the light was slowly moving onto Sairaorg. "Then let's do this this is the final stage Magnus don't be to upset if you die." As Sairaorg said this the lion fully turned into a golden light which began to float onto Sairaorg. "My lion! King of Nemea! You, who has been called King of Lions! Answer my howl and turn into my armor!" The entire field shook violently… Seriously I am from California and none of the earthquakes there could compare to this. It was like the artificial space was starting to come loose because Sairaorg was getting truly serious.
"Balance-Break!"
A dazzling light spread around the field. Because of its intense light, Rias and I had to cover our eyes… I mean holy crap this was even brighter than that light Michael gave off whenever he appeared… And then just as soon as it came the light had vanished and standing in front of us was Sairaorg in golden plate armor which had a lion motif. The helmet had a long mane of golden hair and on the chest, was a lion face and the eyes glowed as if they were alive.
"The Balance-Breaker of the Regulus Nemea the "Regulus Rey Leather Rex! Magnus thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me serious. That's why I will reward you with my fist. Come don your armor. Let's see that Panzer form of yours." Slowly walking toward, me Sairaorg had a smile on his face as his armor was covered in touki…. Yeah this may be harder then I thought… You know now that I think about it most of my rivals all have armor type balance breakers… Weird.
You can say that forms like that are of the shape that is the closest to the ultimate power, for those who mainly fight using direct attacks. You wear a mass-of-power-like armor, and hit your opponent with it. That's typically why it always ends up like that.
Ddraig explained to me… Huh that makes sense Shaking my head I activated my armor and stared at Sairaorg who was now standing in front of me.
"Now. Give me your best shot." He said a smirk on his face.
Standing to my feet I nodded my head. "You asked for it."
"Dragon Promotion: Panzer!"
My armor became thicker and much heavier, rearing my fist back I transferred as much power I had into this strike, this was a new technique that I had developed with this promotion. It used the spike like dagger on the armor as a piston which pulled back and struck out and would hit with the force of well… A hammer. "Hammer Claw!"
However, my attack was stopped… Sairaorg caught my fist with ease…. Holy shit… The dagger smacked straight into him and he didn't even so much as flinch. Slowly Sairaorg squeezed crushing my armor and revealing my normal hand.
"So, this is your limit." Sairaorg said slightly unimpressed with attack.
I would have responded with something witty but… I found I was only able to say something along the lines of. "Gahhh…." The reason I said this was the fact that I felt Sairaorg's fist was deeply imbedded in my stomach. Coughing up blood through my helmet I fought to stay awake but to be honest…This was perhaps the worst pain I ever felt since I first entered this world… I once compared Sairaorg's punches to that of a freight train but this… This was like having twenty freight trains, that are on fire…. While having Godzilla step on top of you and for good measure he scrapped you off his foot with a sky scrapper.
Slowly my armor started to crack and fall apart… Shit… Why is everything… going dark? I can still fight….
I can….
Fight…
Groaning I slowly opened my eyes and looked around… I was in a pure white void… "Seriously Sairaorg hit me so hard I was sent into the depths of the boosted gear?" Looking around I found that the bar and tables were still here… and so were all the past users of my sacred gear were… And they looked angry while a black aura surrounded their bodies… Okay that is different. They were never this lively…What is going on?
"Juggernaut Drive…"
"…. Its Juggernaut Drive."
Okay they were even talking… And it's about the Juggernaut Drive. "The hell is going on with you guys?" Suddenly a flat screen appeared showing me…. What is going on outside of my body... I could see myself…. Rias was holding my head in her lap… I wasn't in my armor and from the looks of it I looked bad…. Not bad enough to retire but damn… I need to get back out there… But if I did…. What could I do? I mean Sairaorg beat me like the red-headed step child… He knocked me out of the Panzer form like it was nothing… And as bad as shape as I seem to be in… What could I do to stop him?
"Juggernaut Drive."
"Juggernaut Drive is the only solution."
"It is the only way."
"Look at him he is seeking it."
The past users all stood from their chairs a creepy smile on their faces…. Slowly they started to surrounded me and the same black aura that was coming from their bodies was coming from mine as well…. A wave of new feelings welled up within me… Hatred for… Sairaorg… How dare he try and beat me? He thinks he knows power… I will show him true power…. I will eliminate him… I devour his essence… He will be no-
No! Elsha! I need your help… Please I know your there…. Belzard… I know we haven't met yet but please I could use your help…. Please! As I struggled against the darkness of the past users… I felt like I was going to be lost in the utter darkness that was their combined hate and anger when I heard a cry… Looing toward the flat screen I could see and hear the crying kids… It was heart breaking to be honest.
"The Dragon Knight died!"
"No!"
"Please stand up!"
They… They're crying for me… I'm sorry kids… but I don't know if I can hold out much longer…. Looking down I bit my lip… I can't break my promise and not use the Juggernaut… but these guys… They could over power me…
"You can't cry!"
I know that voice…. Looking at the flat screen I saw a familiar looking kid… With a hat. It was Lirenkus… I remember him he was at that Hero show thing I did, and he was crying when he couldn't get my autograph… What's going on with him? He seems to be shouting at all the kids who are crying.
"Dragon Knight told me…that we shouldn't cry over the little things and this is nothing to him! He has beaten tons of bad guys there's no way he will lose! We need to cheer him on!" Well holy crap…He took my lesson to heart… and he was rallying all the other kids.
"He's right Dragon Knight won't lose! Dragon Knight!"
"Please stand up Dragon Knight!"
"Dragon Knight!"
"Dragon Knight!"
"Maverick Emperor!"
I couldn't believe… They were all cheering for me… The screen suddenly changed to show Irina who was leading all the kids in a cheer. "That's right! Everyone! Magnus…The Dragon Knight kept on standing up no matter what and defeated so many enemies! That's why let's cheer for him, let's believe in him! The Dragon Knight is everyone's Hero!" Irina desperately appealed to all the kids. "Everyone!? Do you like the Dragon Knight!?"
"Yes we like him!"
"I also like him! He can be bit of an idiot sometimes… But he's always comes through, he doesn't give up. He works hard, and I know that he fights for those he loves! Everyone knows that as well right!?" Irina stared at all the kids her arms spread wide.
"We do!"
"That's why lets root for him! Let's send our voices to him! Dragon Knight! He stands up no matter what! Underworld and Heaven! He fought for people from many different Worlds!" Irina shouted her voice filled with what I would call her… religious vigor.
"Dragon Knight!
"Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight!
"Everyone join in! Dragon Knight!" Ravel spoke up standing to her feet. "Dragon Knight, Dragon Knight, Dragon Knight!"
"Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight!"
I was crying… I can freely admit that all the cheering for me touched me… However, that wasn't even the icing on the cake… I heard another voice loud and clear the voice that belonged to perhaps the best girl in the world. "Magnus can you hear me? Everyone is calling for you… So please wake up."
The screen changed again showing Rias… her crimson colored hair dominated my vison. It's funny but if I were to die now… This scene would always be with me… Her long beautiful crimson hair. You know when I was about to die the first time when Raynare stabbed the last image that appeared before my eyes was her hair… It reminded me of the color of blood, but now it's different that color was warmer and inviting now… Just like her…
"Magnus I'm like them I believe in you to but its more than that because…." She was going to say it…. Rias… I love you… And I-
"Now, current Red Dragon Emperor Magnus Maverick. Let us rampage. Let's activate the Juggernaut-Drive."
One of the past users interrupted my thoughts as he came closer to me…. I heard not just the voices of the kids but my friends my teacher… the girls… My family.
"Dragon Knight!"
"Do your best!"
"Stand up!"
"Come on little brother!"
"You can do it Big Bro!"
"We believe in you son!"
Even Sairaorg was speaking up. "This can't be the end of you Magnus I know your stronger than that."
There was someone else's voice… It was weirdly enough… Vali.
"What's wrong Magnus Maverick? Is this really the end for you? I expected more from my rival."
…. Yeah, I am not finished…I'm not. Everyone…. Is cheering for me… I need to stand up… I will stand up.
"Now. Let's destroy him. With the power of destruction."
"Shut up." Gritting my teeth, I glared at the past users. "Can't you hear it? Everyone is all calling for me, Rias… the other girls, my friends, family, my kids hell even my rival. I don't need your fucking power."
One of the past users stared at me in anger. "No. It is the way of the Heavenly Dragon to become the King of Destruction. To do anything else is impossible."
"You're wrong… I won't become like you, you all lost yourself for your lust of power…. No, I won't lose myself like you did. I'm Magnus Maverick and you hear what they call me out there? I will become a Knight! No, an Emperor if I must but not one of destruction!" I shouted at them pushing some of the users away, I don't know how but I will get out of here and I will find a way to beat Sairaorg without their darkness.
Frowning another one of the past users tried to get closer to me. "No, you will be the King of Destruction. The Juggernaut Drive is the true path for- "
"Leave him be."
"You idiots will leave him alone."
"Hmph."
Slowly through the crowd three figures appeared, was one Elsha…. The other two I didn't recognize… The first one was a rather large man dressed in ancient clothing… I am not sure why, but I felt oddly calm around him… If I was to guess right this was Belzard… but the next guy… he looked like a fighter pilot from the WW2 and he was covered in a white light.
"Elsha… You came…" I said in shock before looking at the others.
"You are…."
The man in white light smiled and slowly walked up to me holding out his hand. Taking it, I could only blink in confusion. "I am one of the previous possessors of the Divine Dividing."
Elsha smiled. "And the big lug here is Belzard."
Staring down at me the large man smiled brightly and nodded at me.
"Wow… I… I have so many questions…. But first how- "I started to ask staring at the guy in the white light.
Smiling he turned his head. "Do you remember that time when you inserted the jewel of Albion into the Boosted Gear; it seems like a fragment of my thoughts was in it. Though the real me is still inside the Divine Dividing."
Wow… So, I didn't just get a part some of Albion's power… I got him too… Weird how he is just now showing up… But you know what I am fine with that.
"Red Dragon Emperor, this must be fate I shall help you. I will try to use my ability of halving to suppress down the thing that is swirling inside the Boosted Gear."
Elsha smiled and gently placed a hand on my shoulder. "We'll do our best to keep them down as well."
Belzard nodded again and turned around and started to push some of the other past users away from me… The three of them were forming a circle around me to help keep me safe. Looking at the past user of the Divine Dividing I had to ask. "Are you sure? I mean I am not Vali… I am the Red Dragon Emperor…. Aren't we supposed to be enemies or something? I mean I won't look a gift horse in the mouth… Or dragon but…"
The former user of the Divine Dividing smiled at me. "You are interesting. I can understand why two of the strongest Red Dragon Emperor's in history never shut up about you. Your enthusiasm, and need to protect. I believe you can blow away the curse, then you might be able to change the Heavenly Dragon…. No. You may be able to lead the Two Heavenly Dragons to a new possibility. That's why…" Raising his hand the white light spread out attacking the dark users of the past. "You must become this new dragon together with Vali."
The white light that touched all of the past users and I could literally feel the hate and anger die down… Amazing… Looking around I could see they all looked more open…. Now is my chance if I could break the curse… Maybe I can get these guys to work with me. "Come on guys… Hatred? Sadness pain? That isn't the way for us to go…. Where has it led you? To a world of nothing but pain… Look at this…." Multiple pictures appeared all around us showing off everyone important in my life. "My friends, my family all of my loved ones… They gave me strength… We don't need to give into the darkness… We can live in the light… We can be protectors we can use our power to protect and save people."
However, my words fell on deaf ears as they began to chant. "I who shall awaken I am the Heavenly Dragon that has stolen the principle of domination from God…"
As they chanted I could feel the darkness spreading out from them…. Frowning I bit my lip… This isn't right…. No, I won't use that darkness… I won't break my word…. However, … I won't deny that it exists… Closing my eyes I took a deep breath, I knew what I needed to do.
Opening my eyes, I stepped out of the protection I was provided. "You all want to use the darkness, that's fine but I am going to use the light and it will cleanse all of you." Slowly a bright crimson light surrounded me. "I who shall awaken. I am the Red Dragon who walks the path of light."
"I laugh at the infinite and fret over the dream."
"I follow my dreams and have an infinite hope."
"I shall become the Red Dragon of Domination"
"I shall become the Crimson Emperor!"
"I shall drown you in the depths of crimson purgatory!"
Smiling at them I finished the last part of the chant. "I shall show you a bright new future!"
The past users stopped before they could invoke the Juggernaut Drive they all froze and stared at me in shock….
"Future…. You will show us the future…?"
Nodding I spread my arms out and looked around. "Yes, that's right, all of us by working together we can create a better future and not just for us but everyone and all the future Red Dragon Emperors!"
All the past users looked at one another and nodded the darkness surrounding them was now gone and replacing it was a bright crimson light. "The future… We will create the future! Not by destroying, but creating!"
Smiling I nodded and looked back at Belzard, Elsha and Former possessor of Albion. "That's right now come on guys I am the Red Dragon Emperor, The Dragon Knight, The Maverick Emperor, Magnus Maverick!" As I shouted I looked up at the screen to see outside my body, Rias was now glowing with a bright crimson light. "Hold on Red I am coming for you."
"Magnus… Please… Wake up…" I begged once more… "Please Magnus… I love you…" It was true, and I was not finally able to say it, why does it take me so long to say things like this… Wait what is this light? Looking down at Magnus I gasped softly as his body and mine were glowing a light crimson color. What is going on? Suddenly on his arms two gauntlets appeared. One was the Boosted Gear the other was the Divine Dividing Gauntlet. They both began to boost and divide in turns but for the life of me I didn't understand why though, until I looked down all the wounds on his body began to vanish.
Could his sacred gear be boosting his natural healing and then dividing the wounds…? And he was doing this while he was unconscious?
Suddenly Magnus stood up the white gauntlet now gone his dragon armor appearing around him. Suddenly the crimson light that came from my body shot straight from me and into him and then his armor began to change. The armored boosts which had dragon claws on them fused together forming a pointed clawed boot lined with golden, silver/white and crimson. The entire armor became sleeker in some areas while the more vital areas became thicker. On his thighs and shoulders four blue gems appeared wrapped in gold, while in the center of his chest a green gem appeared with… My family's symbol in it… His helmet became more like a knight with the visor/mouth guard becoming silver/white with several slits, while around his head the rest of the helmet grew two dragon like wings which was crimson as well.
The transformation was stunning to say the least… Magnus looked more like a… a knight…However it wasn't over yet. The tail like thing that spread from his helmet became thinner and silver and looked more like tassels and from his back… Six massive feathered wings of ethereal light appeared while in his crimson clawed hands appeared an ethereal silver sword bathed in a blue light.
"Dragon Promotion: Crimson Emperor!"
Slowly opening my eyes, I felt… Different I felt… Stronger then I ever did before. Looking around in confusion I turned behind me to see Rias her body was still covered in a crimson aura, but she had a shocked look on her face. "Magnus… Your… that… Appearance…"
Wait my appearance? Looking down I blinked in confusion. "The hell…?" There was an ethereal sword in my left hand… When did that get there…. Wait… Looking around I spotted a screen that was giving a 360 view of my armor… And it freaked me out! I had wings! Feathery wings! When did this happen. In fact, my entire armor has changed and the color… It was a brilliant crimson color… The same color as Rias's hair? Wow… That girl really got to me, didn't she?
"Ohh! Just when I thought that Red Dragon Emperor was down and out he was enveloped in red aura by the Dragon Princess herself and suddenly he stood up and his armor changed!" The announcer shouted…. Wait is that what happened? I don't really remember… I mean I remember what happened in the depths of the sacred gear but anything after that is a complete blank.
Partner!
Finally, Ddraig… The hell is going on?
Your consciousness was blown into the depths of the sacred gear. I tried to go in there but the past hosts consciousnesses was so dense, I couldn't enter. Then suddenly we created a new transformation. What happened inside? The curse the previous possessors had has vanished.
… Well long story short but I got some help from Elsha, Belzard and one of the previous hosts of the White Dragon.
You mean the jewel of Albion we took had a fragment of consciousness left? So, it was moving around in the depths of the sacred gear.
Yeah and he helped me out… In fact, all three of them were able to hold the others off long enough for me to convince them to work with me.
So, you were able to destroy the curse of the Red Dragon and in turn created a power that could match if not out strip the Juggernaut with this final promotion.
Wait this is my final promotion form? Sweet… I like it. The wings are a bit much but hey they are cool looking at least. However, I was pulled from my thoughts by Azazel commenting on the match and most likely my new form.
"A Red aura…. No. That isn't red. It's a more brilliant and noble color. That is… crimson. Yes. Crimson. The same color as the hair of the man called as "Crimson Satan", and the same hair color of the woman that idiot fell for." Azazel chuckled to himself as he cupped his chin. "Only that kid could pull something off like this… Though from the looks of it he was impowered by Rias herself."
Really? Rias impowered me? I… I am fine with that… More than fine, this form was created because of everyone's help… Including Rias… Damn I love that girl.
"Crimson Emperor? A fitting name, as it's color really does look like Rias's hair." Sairaorg smiled as he placed a hand on his hip staring at me.
Chuckling to myself I stared at Sairaorg the crimson light still going strong. "You know Sairaorg someone once told me I was forged as a sword, but I acted like a shield and I would never realize my true potential if I continued acting that way… However, I realize now… He was wrong. I am a sword and a shield and the reason why I am this way is because… I am the sword and shield of Rias Gremory the woman I love!" Shouting out my feelings for Rias in front of the audience. "I will defend her and fight for her and today… I will win for her and today I will defeat you in front of her and everyone here. I will fight for her dream and today Sairaorg Bael I will surpass you!"
Rias face became as red as her hair which was a sight… Well I told you once before that I loved you, but you don't remember well this time you won't ever forget it.
"Hahahahahahahahahahaha!" Laughing happily Sairaorg clapped his hands together. "Seems like you achieved something great after combining your power with Rias's. Very well I shall defeat you and make you a stepping stone for my dream!"
Spreading my wings, I took off at speed that was even faster than I thought possible, it was like the world around me was nothing but a blur. Raising my sword, I struck at Sairaorg and watched as the black-haired devil flinch at the attack… This sword was pure light… Looking back I could see my wings were letting off an aura of white light… I can use these things for attacking as well huh? Interesting. Shaking my head, I was drawn back into the fight as Sairaorg punched me in the chest once more and, yet my armor didn't even crack… Not one… Is this armor even stronger then the Panzer? Hell, I am faster than the Paladin that's for sure…
Be careful kid this power hasn't stabilized yet, if you take to much damage the armor will shatter.
Is that right? Well I guess I will be careful but keep me posted on what this new armor can do.
Will do partner.
Backing off from Sairaorg I took off into the air and thus started the new wave of attacks I could either move in and attack with my new sword which I found out could drain his strength, but not by much. Or I would use the wings of light which could act as a shield, a barrier or I could shoot feathers of lights out as projectile weapons… This new armor was well amazing… However, as we were fighting Sairaorg took everything I threw at him and returned it with interest.
Partner I thought you would like to know there is a new attack available in this form, but you'll need your girlfriend to use it. If that doesn't work, then just go straight for fist fighting him. I will try to keep the armor together if it comes to that.
"Got it Ddraig!" Avoiding another attack from Sairaorg I headed straight for Rias as my dragon fed me the information about my new attack. "Rias I need your help." As I said that I landed right in front out of her. Turning around I spread my wings out. "Remember that time we fought those magicians and we created a combo? Well time to do it again…. Just put your hands on my back and charge your power through me."
Nodding Rias ran up to me and placed her hands on my back. "Magnus… I…"
"Later Red, let's win this." Spreading my legs slightly I had my fists resting at my sides my fists balled up as I felt the gem in the center of my chest began to glow.
"Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!"
The gem on my chest then began to shake as Sairaorg charged at us. "Now! Diablos Dragon Blast!" Firing from my chest was the black power of destruction but it was tinged with green power and it was in the shape of a dragon. The attack raced toward Sairaorg and he… Dodged it slightly but he was hit in the shoulder and from the looks of it the armor was now gone… Damn…
Taking a moment to inspect the armor Sairaorg shook his head with a grin. "Impressive Magnus but I thought you wanted us to finish this with just the two of us?"
(AN: Play Devil's never cry - Devil may cry 3 OST start around 1:03 in for the fight)
Chuckling I shook my head. "Seems like I don't have a choice now… If it was anyone else, he would be done… But looks we're going to have to finish this the old-fashioned way…"
"You want to win then come and get me." Sairaorg slowly started to walk toward me.
Grinning I slowly walked toward him as my wings vanished into my back. Cracking my knuckles, I dismissed my helmet showing a grin on my face. "Human to Devil."
"Bael to Maverick." Sairaorg had a grin that mirrored my own.
"Dragon to Lion!" We both shouted at the same time. That is when the real fight began, Sairaorg and I traded blow after blow. It truly was a battle of martial artists, for every attack I sent him he returned with two more. Every time we hit the other the field began to shake, slowly holes in the dimensional barrier began to appear. As we fought the image of a black lion appeared before me… So, this is who he truly is… A lion… And I am sure if he looked at me he would see a dragon. We were both animals, both rulers of our domains and now we would finally see who would win. The Black Lion or the Crimson Dragon.
"It's a fist fight! An incredible fist fight is occurring at the center of the field! It doesn't have any magnificent tactics, it's not a fight of fine-tuned devil powers! It's a fight between two masters of the martial arts! Even the audience is fired up. Viewers young and old are on their feet cheering! Hot damn this is perhaps one of the best fights I have seen in a long time!" The announcer shouted excitedly.
"Sairaorg! Sairaorg!"
"Dragon Knight! Dragon Knight!"
Despite the crowd cheering us on, I wasn't focused on them, my full attention was focused on Sairaorg, this guy who ever taught him hand to hand combat taught him well. Spinning around I sent a kick into his stomach and sent him back a few feet but he came right back and delivered a series of quick blows toward my stomach… Damn he likes going for the stomach. Well fine let's see how he likes getting roshamboed. Delivering a quick kick into his groin I watched as Sairaorg flinched but just as I kicked him he slugged me across the face. Spitting out blood I rubbed my face and sent a friendly glare at him before jumping back into the fight
Kid! Your body hasn't fully synchronized with this new form. Anymore blows like this the armor will vanish.
Maintain as much as you can Ddraig we can beat him I promise you but only if we can keep this power going! "This is it! You're done!" Suddenly my left hand began to glow gold and then it caught fire. "This hand of mine is burning red! Its loud roar tells me to defeat you! Burning Dragon Claw!" Shouting as the power of light and dragon fire raced out and slammed into Sairaorg's stomach. However, my attack was still caught by the lion… Fine that's how you want to play it. Then I got a surprise for you. "Now Explosion!" The lion armor then shattered as my attack when straight into Sairaorg's body. Close by the lion reformed into his own body but he stayed out of the fight at a word from Sairaorg.
Falling to one knee Sairaorg's leg shook but despite that he still tried to stand. "What happened…why are my legs shaking? This is just the start." Slowly getting back to his feet Sairaorg took a shaky step toward me. The touki was still around his body but the amount of it was way down. "Endure it… Endure it body… Do you think I could call myself the next heir of the Great King of Bael if I couldn't stand up in a fight like this…"?
Shaking slightly, I couldn't believe it… He had such will power… It made me respect him even more… Sairaorg you had such a difficult life and I understand that… Hell I want to help you achieve your dream. I think you and Sona have the right ideas for the underworld… However, I can't lose this fight, getting ready to attack again I raised my fist but stopped as Sairaorg fell to one knee again… Now I am not entirely sure, but I swear I heard a voice coming from his ear piece….
"…up."
It was a woman's voice and it was familiar but where had I heard it before?
"Sairaorg."
Eyes going wide I shook slightly as I realized who was speaking… It was his mother… She came here to the match and she was speaking to him… That's just wow…
"Stand up. Stand up! Sairaorg!"
Sairaorg's mom seemed to be slightly scolding… But not in the 'I'm upset with you' type but the more of the encouraging type of scolding. "Didn't you promise me that you will become stronger than everyone?"
Slowly Sairaorg stood to his feet his body shaking in pain… I don't need to imagine how much pain he is in… Because I could feel it… even without the senjutsu.
"Fulfill your dream for the world you desire. For the future of the Underworld. For not allowing others to feel the pain you felt! Isn't that the reason why you continued to hold tightly to your dream?"
I'm not sure what to say… I was at a lost for words.
"A world anyone can position themselves in a place with their ability and not where they were born from. Was that not the world you dreamed!? A world where the children who are about to be born won't have to live as second-class citizens! Are you not going to create a world like that!"
Sairaorg's mother sounded proud of her son. "Now go. My lovely Sairaorg. You are my son and I am proud of you."
It happened at that moment. The man in front of me completely stood up from the ground while bleeding from the many wounds on his body, and that is when it happened he and his lion let out a roar that shook the stadium… The roar it sounded magnificent… majestic, and brave but it was tinged with pain. The entire arena shook violently at the sound of the roar. Hell, I began to shake too… That sound… It wasn't the sound of ultimate suffering… No, it was the sound of a fighter never willing to give up.
It was a sound that I knew all too well.
"Magnus Maverick I will defeat you to fulfill my dream!" Sairaorg slowly started to walk toward me, despite his battered state.
Panting I felt my armor leave my body… Gritting my teeth I slowly started to walk forward. "… I can't lose here Sairaorg…" Rearing back the both of us slammed our fists into the other's face. Staring at Sairaorg I knew for a fact that he wasn't going down with that hit… Hell he took everything I have thrown at him and, yet nothing knocked him down… No matter how or were I hit him. I had to wonder what would it take to bring him down? Well whatever it took I would do it… He really is a great king, who needs the power of destruction… This guy is a one man wrecking crew... Much like Vali or even Cao Cao but there is a real difference between them… Sairaorg was obsessed with winning… He had to win. If he lost here there was no second chance… He couldn't give up. No, he wouldn't give up. That wasn't an option for him.
Sairaorg… You are an awesome guy and to be honest I am proud to know you and I promise you that I will help you achieve your dream… But I can't give up here and I think you know it don't you? So, I will give my all and beat you Sairaorg. "I have a dream too… And so, does Rias… She wants to be at the king of the rating game…. And I will become stronger I will become the Celestial Dragon!" Sending another attack, I hit Sairaorg as hard I could, the force of the attack made him fall back but he wasn't done yet.
"Fine… One more time…. "I started to say as Sairaorg reared back and tried to attack me, I went to go punch him myself but stopped short my eyes going wide.
"…. Red Dragon Emperor It's alright now… "The Lion started to say as he looked down. "My master… Lord Sairaorg…" The lion then began to shed tears.
Sighing I nodded my head. "Yeah… I see it…." Sairaorg lost consciousness mid punch… And yet he was smiling still….
"…. Lord Sairaorg had already lost consciousness a moment ago and yet even still… He kept on going, because he truly enjoyed the fight…." The lion explained to me with a small sigh.
Shaking slightly, I walked straight up to Sairaorg and wrapped my arms around his bruised and broken body. "It's okay buddy… It's okay… You gave it your all…we're done..."
"Sairaorg Bael loses. Rias Gremory wins." The broadcaster made the announcement… just as the stadium filled with cheers…. Why is everything spinning?
Groaning I slowly opened my eyes with a frown. I was in what I think was a hospital room. "I'll bite where am I?" Looking down at my body I could see I was covered in bandages… I must have passed out after the fight… You know maybe I should get my head checked out because all this passing out is not good for me. Not one bit.
"Look who's finally up."
Blinking I turned to look at the source of the voice and grinned slightly at seeing Sairaorg was in the bed right next to me, and from the looks of it he was wrapped up just like me. Chuckling I winced slightly at the pain. "Hey buddy… Looks like we're roommates."
Sairaorg smiled slightly and nodded. "Coincidently, yes. There are supposed to be plenty of rooms, but I think Sirzechs or even Azazel had us moved together so we both would have someone to talk to while we recovered."
"Well I wouldn't say no to the company." I said honestly… Sairaorg is a good guy and to be honest I kind of wish we spent more time talking and hanging out. Hmm… I wonder what we could talk about… I better not bring up the game, maybe we can talk about… our work out routines or who taught him how to fight….
"… So, I lost." Sairaorg said plainly screwing up my plan about not talking about it. "It's not bad, it's probably the first time I've been beaten, and I can accept it. However, I don't remember the last part of the battle, I was here before I realized it." Sairaorg chuckled despite the pain. "All I know it was the best fight I have ever had."
Smiling slightly, I nodded at the black-haired devil. "Yeah, same here… You know it's strange… You know during the battle I saw the image of a black lion standing over you…."
Turning his head Sairaorg raised an eyebrow. "You did huh? That does sound a little strange."
"I think you earned yourself a new title buddy… Sairaorg the Black Lion." Grinning I watched as Sairaorg laughed, though he did begin to wince every few laughs.
"I was beaten to a pulp, and I also beat you to a pulp. Strangely enough… I'm in a good mood." Smiling at me the two of us then began to talk really about some of our more favorite moments during the fight when someone walked into the room.
"Excuse me."
Turning to the voice I smiled and waved at my future-brother in law. "Hey big bro."
"Lord Sirzechs." Sairaorg said bowing his head.
Smiling the crimson haired devil king walked toward us. "Magnus, Sairaorg, that was a truly magnificent fight, everyone at the top myself included was satisfied with it. It made me hopeful for the future." Sirzechs smiled as he pulls up a chair and sits down. "Now I have something to tell you Magnus. Sairaorg may I speak with him for a bit?"
Shaking his head "I do not mind…. Do you want me to leave?"
"No. I don't mind. Do you Magnus?" Sirzechs asked but I shook my head, smiling slightly the devil king's expression became serious. "Magnus, there is talk about you being promoted."
Blinking I turned my head in confusion… Promotion?
Luckily Sirzechs was more than happy to clarify. "To say it precisely, there is talk about a promotion for you, Kiba and Akeno. All of you have fended off the attacks of the terrorists. The terror that occurred at the Big-Three-Faction meeting. The mess started by Old Satan Faction. Then facing off against the god, Loki. Then the incident at Kyoto and the splendid fight you had today. Soon the three of you will rise in ranking. Congratulations. This is an irregular type of thing." Sirzechs said rather happily.
I opened my mouth then closed it again. "…. I am so confused… Sirzechs I'm human… How can I get promoted?"
Sirzechs smiles at my question. "Remember you're considered a devil by the underworld Magnus. As long as parts of your soul are within my sister's evil pieces you are a devil, and given everything you have accomplished it is only fitting you get this."
As I was thinking over this Sairaorg pulled me from my thoughts. "Take it, Magnus, you accomplished many things in your short time you deserve this. You will become a Hero of the Underworld."
Wow I…. Just wow. I didn't know what to say.
Smiling slightly Sirzechs stood to his feet. "I will send you the details later. We still need to decide on the location and a few other details. Excuse me gentleman."
"Um. I will send the proper details to you next time. We still need to decide the location of the stadium and proper details from now. Then I will excuse myself." Nodding at us both the devil king left the room, leaving Sairaorg and me alone…. This can't be real? I must be dreaming because I can't be getting a promotion… I mean that I will be considered a mid-class devil… And that is one step from being a high-class like Rias… Which means…
… I could become a king… Which meant I would be getting my own evil pieces… Which means Asia and Xenovia would be joining me… Holy shit… This is too much way too much! My brain is overloading!
Sensing my distress Sairaorg pulled me out of it. "The promotion will work itself out, for now focus on something different. Rias… You love her, don't you?"
Blinking I nodded my head remembering that I did in fact shout that in front of the entire stadium. "I do… More than I ever thought I could…"
"Then how about you tell her your feelings once again? This time with only the two of you. You already shouted out that she is the woman you have fallen for in front of all those people." Sairaorg stared at me with a smile. "I hear women like that kind of thing."
Chuckling slightly, I looked down at my hands. "You know before this whole fight happened… I asked her to be my girlfriend… She said yes… Though before all this… Back when she was lost in the Gap… After I saved her… Well I did tell her I loved her… Of course, she forgot it… Funny right? I am almost afraid to tell her again, because what if she forgets again?"
Snorting Sairaorg started laugh loudly. "That's your weakness?" Clutching his sides Sairaorg had tears in his eyes. "The great… Magnus Maverick… Can face down a hydra… Fight against the White Dragon Emperor, terrorists, fallen angels and the terrors of the Dimensional Gap and yet… Telling the woman he loves he loves her… scares him?" Gritting his teeth in pain the black-haired devil kept on laughing for a few minutes.
Rolling my eyes, I looked away with a pout… Hey we all have fears or things that bug us.
Finally, his laughter dying down Sairaorg sighed happily. "I haven't laughed that hard… In a long time… Tell you what Magnus if you need help come over to my place and we can talk over coffee."
Snorting slightly, I looked at him and smiled. "Tell you what… I'll take you up on that deal but as long as it's over tea or dr. pepper."
"Please line up in one row!"
Asia who is wearing a cute looking waitress outfit was making the students line up in the corridor for the café. Turns out it's a really long line for the café…
"Yes! This is a fortune-telling and purification corner. Koneko Toujou and Akeno Himejima will be doing the fortune telling and purification." Irina who was also wearing a waitress outfit was helping by directing people to either Asia or the fortune-telling booth or the purification area.
If you can't tell it was the day of the school festival, the Occult research club's activity which was of course in the whole old school building was a big success! We had a ton of people come here, and not just the guys who only came to ogle the girls. A bunch of the girls also came and a lot of the local people from around town. Hell, even my family showed up to walk around and have fun.
"Say cheese."
Oh yes, Rias was talking pictures and she was also in a waitress uniform.
See we made a system where you can take pictures with the club members, it was a smashing success. You get to take a picture with the club member of your choosing, and it seems to be a very popular option. Hell, even I was dragged into it… Though it mostly by girls… And not the girls of our club. The head of the tennis club Kiyome Abe, who was a very beautiful girl who long brown hair, she was also a member of a beast taming family. The reason she wanted a picture with me is… well she had a thing for me and I had no idea why, see I met her when she tried to get a date with me via a tennis match, but she lost. Then of course Tsubasa Yura the blue-haired rook of Sona's also had a thing for me… She apparently started to have a thing for me after my little fight with Sairaorg… Seriously I have enough women trouble as is.
"Magnus don't just look around, it's time for us to switch." Coming out of one of the corner rooms was Kiba who was dressed like a blonde werewolf. "I have to go and help in the café so can you handle the customers?" He asked.
Grinning I nodded and headed for the haunted house section where Gasper was waiting dressed as ironically as Dracula. Heading into a quick changing room I applied the make up and put on the costume that I was supposed to wearing. Initially I was supposed be Frankenstein's Monster, but I changed the girls mind and was now dressed as Jack Skellington. The only thing that I kept different was my hair. I left it out.
Also, I did something a bit different, see we 'monsters' were supposed to be hiding under a trap, but I did things a bit differently I decided to hide among the rafters of the celling or behind things… I preferred to give everyone a big scare when and where I could. Once I was in the room I spotted a few girls coming into the room. Grinning I found a nice little low hanging rafter and when they came up in front of me I pulled out a red light and hung upside screaming madly at them with the light under my face.
"Ahhh!" All the girls screamed and ran past me and straight into Gasper who did his best to scare them but sadly they all found him too cute, so he started to calm them down… Dang it Gasper your supposed to be scary not cute… Maybe we should trade him out for Mason… Then again bad idea if we Maverick's start scaring together we could cause unknown problems. Oh well at least I get to have my fun.
"All the higher-ups who were supporting Sairaorg withdrew?" Sighing I shook my head and crossed my arms. After working the haunted house for a bit, I was finally allowed a break and, so I spent it talking with Azazel. After losing the match all the support Sairaorg had garnered was now gone.
"Yeah, that's about it. It means that they aren't kind people who would continue to gather around a loser. Didn't I tell you if there isn't any worth in it, they will discard it." Azazel spat out in disgust with a small frown on his face.
"I know but still that is so stupid…" Shaking my head a small glare appeared on my face. "He fought extremely well, and I bet you he could destroy more than half of those idiots…"
Azazel placed a hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry to much about it kid, Sairaorg will land on his feet I promise, this is the world of the devils. It's a world where only strength has value. You live in this world Magnus. You'll have to get used to this like this."
Nodding I sighed before something came to mind. "How about the seat for the next-heir for house of Great-King?"
"That hasn't changed yet. I don't know how the house of Great-King will move, but even if Sairaorg doesn't have the power of destruction he is someone with that high caliber, so they can't just reject him also because of how society will see it." Azazel explained… Oh well that's good at least, and a damn it I really hate politics.
I see, so the seat for the next heir for the house of Great-King hasn't changed yet. I feel a bit relieved. Deciding to change the subject to something that was bugging me. "Azazel, I got to ask you something, it's about my new promotion."
Chuckling slightly Azazel leaned against a wall. "I figured you were you going to ask me about it. To be honest I had questions of my own."
Smiling I looked at my left hand and began to tell him how I somehow achieved it with the help of Elsha and Belzard and along with the past White Dragon Emperor. "And while I was in that form… I felt like I had control over not just my own powers but the ones I took from Vali as well…. In fact, I was able to use them simultaneously. It was like the powers were totally in synch with one another."
Azazel rubbed his chin in thought his eyes closed for a moment before he opened them with a thoughtful look. "Well this is just a speculation, I won't know more until we test it out, but if I am right I would say you are another step closer to your own goal. You took a major step being able to use the powers at the same time."
"Wow…" I said slightly in awe… I was close to my own goal… Which in turn would help me with Rias's dream among everything else.
"However, kid I would be careful, Ddraig and Albion are conflicting existences and that power could be unstable. For now, just work on mastering the Crimson Emperor power and I will keep running tests." Chuckling Azazel placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled before shaking his head and walking away muttering. "What is with this generation… becoming so strong."
Smiling I shook my head and began think over what Azazel told me and agreed. I should work on mastering my new power. Though now that the curse on the boosted gear was broken I could probably work hand in hand with all the past users.
As I was thinking, two idiots by the name of Matsuda and Motohama came up to me... You know ever since the school trip I noticed a slight change in these two. They were less perverted and acted more like they did during the trip. It was a nice change of pace to be honest and I even hung out with them a few times and I kind of enjoyed hanging with them. Though sometimes they're inner pervert escaped but it wasn't that often.
"Hey, Magnus we got a little problem… We can't seem to get into any of the club rooms." Motohama said pushing his glasses up his nose.
Matsuda wrapped an arm around my neck and sighed. "Damn…All of the fortune-telling, purification, and café queues have a long lines! Magnus as your friends can't you give us the hook up?" He asked with a grin.
Yeah sorry guys but I can't do that. See since the festival started we were always full which meant the lines were longer than Disney Land which is hard to believe. Personally, most people came here because of the club members. Then again, I don't blame I mean the girls were totally stunning. Of course, some people came for us guys but eh what can you do.
"Sorry guys no can do." I shook my head. "We're sold out of tickets hence why I am on a break. Though once Ravel is back I can sell- "I stared to say as the familiar blonde girl came walking up with a stack of new tickets. "Speak of the devil."
"Here you go Magnus I have the new tickets." The blonde smiled as she set them down.
"Thanks Rave." Taking the tickets in hand I removed the 'sold sign' on the ticket counter and suddenly I was swarmed by a bunch of people. "Where did all of you people come from?" Sighing I went back to work selling tickets to all the events we had going on, I noticed that Ravel was enjoying herself. Good, you know she really is awesome and I am glad she is enjoying herself. Ever since she first came here I was worried about her, but she was fitting in greatly, making friends and having fun.
"… Magnus?" Turning toward me, Ravel turns her head cutely. "I was well… deeply moved by the match and when I saw you hugging Sairaorg at the end I ended up crying." Looking down Ravel blushed brightly… It was rather cute.
Rubbing the back of my head I chuckled slightly to myself with a small blush as well. "Yeah? To be honest I did it because I think in the end we both needed… We were both tired… Kind of weird right?"
"I don't think so! T-That's right! I'm thinking of making a cake for the end of the day!" Ravel said happily… Wait she's making cake… Sweet.
Grinning widely, I shook with excitement. "Ravel I swear if I didn't train or exercise as much as I do I would get fat off your cakes. Because honestly, they are amazing, I am looking forward to it."
When I said it, Ravel got a little high and mighty. "O-Of course! It's special after all!"
Laughing I shook my head, there's the Ravel I know. Going back to my job I kept selling tickets… Okay seriously where are all these people coming from? You know I think I can understand why movie theater employees are so grumpy most of the time.
"Hey Magnus, is there like a sexy shop or something? Motohama asked with a lecherous grin.
"Matsuda then asked me something that started to annoy me. "Yeah dawg, where do I go for the hot photo shoot!?"
Taking a deep breath, I looked at Ravel who took over selling tickets, as I went to go and punish the two idiots.
"So, you guys just ended up playing capture the flag?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah. So, we had to run around the field… and I am still sore from it." Saji said rubbing his shoulders.
Saji and I were both talking about the game the Sitri group had, which sounded kind of interesting but not as cool as some of the other rating game ideas I heard about. See I was on another break and I was walking around the school with Koneko who said something about getting the winning straw. As we walked we ran into Saji who was as a student council member checking on everything in the school.
As we walked around we got on the topic of the rating games. It seems like the game that Sona had against Agares was just capture the flag, only with more flags. "It seems like the Dice Figure you had was also hard Magnus."
"Yeah, we didn't have to run around like you did, but the problem is we had to send only certain people out if they're numbers matched up correctly to their pawn pieces." Placing my hands behind my head I sighed. "The rating games sure can be hard on you." I knew that Sona wanted to build a school in the underworld for ratings games, and Saji I knew wanted to become a teacher. "Anyway, how did your match go?" As we got outside I bought a hotdog from a local stand, they even had some soft pretzels, so I got one for Koneko and Saji.
"We won by a narrow margin. Since it's a battle to take each other's flags, flashy strength or powers isn't needed. However, at the very end, I turned into a Dragon-King and went berserk… The battlefield was totally wrecked, and they say that we got bad ratings for it… And I made trouble for Sona." Sighing Saji took a bite from his pretzel.
Damn, without me there he can't control that form huh? Dude that really sucks. We need to find a way for him to control it without me… You know I just had a thought how did they get him to calm down after he went out of control?
Sighing Saji shook his head. "Yeah seems like it is impossible for me to use that power without your help… Oh no hey you get off that flower bed…. What how did itching powder get mixed in with the salt!? This is the sixth prank today… Gah I need to go handle this, see you two later!" Saji waved as he ran off to go handle the issue.
Taking a bite out of my hot dog I had a small smirk on my face, until I felt Koneko tugging at my jacket. Looking down at the former nekomata I raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"
"… You were responsible for those pranks, weren't you?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
Gasping slightly, I touched my chest. "Now Koneko how could I do anything like that? I have been busy all day… The only way I could do anything like that is if I snuck into the school last night and set it all up ahead of time. However, I promised Sona that I wouldn't pull any pranks for a couple of months… Wait that deadline has already past hasn't it?"
"You're an idiot…" She smiled up at me. "Can we go do something?"
Laughing I nodded. "Okay, Koneko. Tell you what, if you beat me in a game I will buy you all the snacks you can eat."
"…. Good thing you live up to your promises. Prepare to lose."
In the end I lost but hey when it comes to snacks Koneko will go to any end to get hands on some.
The school festival was now at its end and there were camp fires all around the school. Right about now the guys and girls were having fun dancing, which sounded like fun. After I sold all my tickets I returned to the main club room to relax. I still hadn't fully recovered from the match against Sairaorg. Plus, with the Crimson Emperor power had just awakened and so there were still some things I needed to work out with the power. Luckily Ddraig was helping, and with my talk with Azazel I was starting to form a training plan for the power… As I was walking I caught sight of Sirzechs and Serafall. Waving at my two favorite devil kings I smiled as they were dragged off by Grayfia and Sona.
Chuckling I slowly went into the club room, lucky we didn't use this room for anything, so it was untouched by the horde of people. However, as I came into the room I saw Rias was sitting at her desk, she was no longer in her waitress outfit but instead in her school uniform.
"Oh Magnus…" Rias mumbled slightly at seeing me… Yeah things have been a little awkward since I confessed my love for her in front of the entire freaking underworld. "Good work today…"
Nodding slightly, I smiled. "Thanks… So, what's up?"
"Since I'm in my third year, this will be my last year. That's why I wanted to come back here for a bit."
"Understandable." I said rubbing my shoulder a little nervously… We both didn't say anything for a while now… Damn it… See things were bad enough but sadly with me confessing to her the way I did, meant that the entirety of the underworld media knew about us and the fact is it had been headlining for a while. The newspapers were filled with articles about us, the talk shows kept going on and on about us and relationship. Looking down I thought over what Sairaorg told me and to do… sighing I took in a deep breath and looked at the red-head.
"… Rias?"
"Hm…?" Raising her head Rias looked at me with a strange look on her face, it was something I couldn't quite place.
Slowly I walked up her desk. "I know that I kind of blew it but I… I love you. I told you this once before back in the Dimensional Gap, but you forgot… And I wanted to tell you for a long time after words but… I was a little afraid kind of stupid huh? However, I do love you… and I will do anything and everything in my power to protect you."
Rias seemed like she was at a loss for words… Then she started to shed tears… Slowly standing up Rias walked around the desk and wrapped her arms around my waist and buried her head in my chest. "You idiot… what took you so long…?" Slowly looking up at she wiped away her tears. "You have no idea how happy it is to hear you say that… Magnus I.., I love you too."
Blushing brightly, I felt my heart skip a beat as she said those words, gently placing a hand on her cheek I slowly leaned in. "Rias…"
"… Magnus." Leaning up Rias slowly started to close her eyes, closer and closer our lips almost touched when suddenly a loud thud interrupted our moment.
"Hey …hey, don't push me Xenovia!" Irina's voice came from the door, turning around Rias and I both saw everyone in the club peeping on us both. Groaning slightly everyone came into the room and looked at us.
"Congratulations Magnus, and Rias. Now, I can hit on you without fear." Xenovia said in a stiff tone… Don't you do that anyway?
"Um… congratulations both of you! With this I can follow after Rias." Asia said a little to happily… Seriously Asia you as well?
Laughing slightly Akeno covered her mouth. "With this, I can now become serious at having an affair with Magnus." Oh, come on Akeno really?
"The good part was about just about to start?" Okay seriously Koneko what the hell is going on?
"Sorry, I was also watching." Gasper said rather nervously.
"It was so moving." Kiba said with a smile.
Come on guys you betray me to? Why!?
"I can allow an illicit sexual relationship just for today." Rossweisse said with a blush on her face… Oh no from that look she was giving me… Crap not another woman…. When will my life get any easier? Wait I just now registered what she said… Seriously Rossweisse your supposed to be a teacher!
"Ewe no thank you, I don't want to see my big bro get it on but congrats you two." Mason grinned putting his hands behind his head. "Man, I should call Nat and let her know what's going on."
"I borrowed the kitchen, so I finished making the cake!" Coming into the room with a large cart with a delicious looking cake was Ravel and what she just said at least she wasn't peeping in on us… Thank goodness for small favors. Looking around in confusion Ravel frowned with worry. "Did something happen?"
Shaking slightly Rias looked upset. "Geez! All of you! This was supposed to be the most important moment in my life!" Yeah you tell them Rias… Wait why are you now turning your beautiful but angry face toward me? "What will you do about it!? This is all your fault, Magnus? This happened because you confessed to me here!"
"How is this my fault!?" I shouted in shock… I didn't expect everyone to come peeping in on us.
"Yeah it is!" Everyone agreed… Okay that's some grade A bull shit in my books. Sighing I shook my head with a small smile, despite everything… I was happy, the match with Sairaorg was over, so was the school festival and now Rias knows I love her and she loves me… Things are going way to perfectly. I wonder when the shit will hit the fan again? Eh forget about it, let's focus on the good stuff, time to eat cake!
