Issei and Chris find themselves in the mountainous wastes of dragon valley, "God damn it, Chris! You told us… you told THEM that you wouldn't let anything happen to them or us! You fucking let this happen to them!" Issei yells at Chris.
"I understand what I said, but you blaming me isn't going to get them back!"
"What happened here guys, where is everyone?" Azazel appears behind the pair with Odin and Baraqiel.
"Chris fucked up and got the girls taken!" Issei points at Chris with tears in his eyes.
"Fuck you, Issei!"
"What do you mean, where is everyone? Where is Akeno?" Baraqiel looked around, growing frustrated.
"They… took them. They took everyone!" Issei said.
"No… Akeno… no," Baraqiel looked down.
Chris looked at Baraqiel and asked bashfully, "Is Akeno important to you?"
"Yes, you see… she's my daughter." Baraqiel said quietly.
Chris's eyes got big and his breathing became heavy. Issei grabbed Chris, "Get them back damn it! What are you doing just standing here!"
"Both of you knock this shit off! Are you just gonna sit here and play the blame game or are you going to go save Rias and the others?" Azazel scolded Issei and Chris.
Chris took a deep breath, "Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry to you both. I will make this right!" Chris paused for a moment, "What did Sorrell say before he left? Something about 'you'll know where to find us?'"
"Yeah! What are you thinking?" Issei gave Chris a puzzled look.
"I'm not sure, but I think I know where they might be. I think it's at the old training grounds where Baraqiel and I were at."
"That makes sense, kind of an end where it all began vibe." Azazel said.
"I think that's exactly why they are going there. Why not finish off the Oathbreaker where it all started?"
"I hope you're right." Issei said quietly.
"Yeah… me too." Chris looked down at the ground.
"Let's head back and get a game plan together." Azazel transports everyone to the club house. A few moments go by when the doors to the room open and Sona and her peerage walk in, "We heard what happened, what can we do to help?"
"Damn, that was quick! How did you hear about that already?" Chris gives a puzzled look.
From behind Sona a little bat thing flew and landed on her shoulder, "This is Rias's familiar. She sent me a message before you went to battle to meet you guys here. We were expecting more of you. What happened to everyone?"
"The paladins took them, they took everyone." Issei clenched his fists.
"We're going to get them back," Chris puts his hand on Issei's shoulder, "We'll need your help though. Those paladins are powerful and I'm not sure if I can take them on my own. I'll need everyone we can get to be on standby if I can't destroy them."
Saji steps forward, "You mean to tell me you're going to try to kill both of them? Are you fucking nuts?"
Chris smirks and looks over at Issei, "I made a promise and I don't intend to break it. Issei and his family are like family to me now. I will destroy anyone that hurts my family."
Issei nods at him, "Hell yeah, man. Let's get them back."
The group works out a strategy for the rest of the evening and part ways at nightfall. Chris and Issei head home that night. They head in and head to their rooms, not speaking to each other; their minds heavy for what may happen in the coming days. When Chris walked into his room and turned the light on, he found Sirzechs looking out the window with Greyfia behind him. Startled, Chris says, "Damn man, this ain't creepy at all! What's up Sirzechs?"
"I heard about my sister and her peerage. I'm deeply troubled by this transgression to my family. What these paladins have done is grounds for war!" Sirzechs said growing angry.
"Listen, I get it! Kicking these guys' ass for hurting your little sister, totally a brother thing. These paladins are crazy strong though. All they want is to kill me and I can't let anyone else get hurt because of their blood lust. I will destroy them and make them wish they'd never laid a hand on her. I give you my word, sir."
Sirzechs walks over to Chris and places his hand on his shoulder, "I would be in your debt if you would save my sister, please Chris. You will have my forces to assist. Whatever you need."
"I'll keep that in mind; however, I can't have anyone else interfere. Your sister's and everyone else's life depend on it... I will fight them on my own. If I can't then everyone else can have a go at them." Chris looks down and clenches his fist.
"I can't imagine the struggle you are going through right now. Just remember, you are not alone in this fight. Let that give you comfort if the day should become dark." Sirzechs nods to Chris and walks with Greyfia in tow toward the bedroom door.
"Chris..." Sirzechs looks at Chris over his shoulder, "Give them hell!"
Chris smiles, "I will!"
The next day came all too quickly and Chris meets up with Issei downstairs, "You able to sleep at all?" Chris looks over at Issei as they head downstairs, "No man, not a wink. You?"
"Not really, I'm scared man. What if... what if I can't..." Chris is quickly interrupted by Issei, "Don't think like that man! We've got your back and you're a man in the Gremory house! Keep your head up and always keep fighting, even if it looks like a losing battle."
Chris smiles, "Bro, I'm not Gasper. You don't have to give me pep talks like that. I know what's at stake and I will make good on my promise."
Issei and Chris find several people downstairs already, including Rias's parents, Azazel, Odin, Baraqiel, and Michael, "Damn, what are you all doing here?" Chris looks around to all the people.
"Everyone wants to see the safe return of the Gremory Princess... and to see what you are capable of. Everyone has the utmost faith in your abilities. Now it's time to see if you can deliver." Azazel stated.
"No pressure..." Chris said sarcastically.
"Is everyone ready?" Michael gathers everyone around him, "I'll transport all of us to the arena, however any devils must stay near me. The area is technically neither heaven nor hell, but it has a very strong holy presence."
In a blink, everyone is transported to the arena. Chris looks up at the tall walls and wonders of the horrors that he may witness when he enters... and the unholy asskicking I'm ready to unleash on these assholes. Issei and him step out of Michael's protective barrier and walks toward the entrance of the arena when he hears someone yell from behind him, "Chris! Please save our daughter and her friends!"
He turns around, smiles and throws a big thumbs up, "You can count on me!"
Issei and Chris come to the main archway of the arena, no gates or barriers to stop them from entering, "Issei, remember what the strategy is right? Once I have these guys occupied, get the girls and get out!"
"Right!" Issei nods and the pair bumps fists. Chris enters through the massive archway and continues to the main arena grounds. As the dark hallway opens to the familiar sands that he and Baraqiel trained at, he finds Rias and the others chained to the arena walls and clothes tattered. "Rias!" Chris rushes over but is swiftly stopped by a massive blast from above, "Not yet speedy!" Chris looks up as the dust and debris settle around him. He sees Sorrell floating in the air above him waving his finger at him, "I don't suppose we could settle this over some kumbaya shit and call it a day?"
Sorrell laughs and drops to the ground, "This is way too good to pass up! Besides, you're in no position to try bargain. We told you to come alone, however you decided to bring half the damn underworld with you!"
Chris looks over and sees Gregor pressing a small dagger to Gasper's throat, "Stop! Stop... I get it, I fucked up, but they aren't here to interfere. Only as an audience. Besides isn't that what you two want? To kill the Oathbreaker and show the entire underworld what you're capable of?"
"Well, unintended consequences... and I do like an audience!" Sorrell crossed his arms and smiled.
Chris's armor flashes to life and his swords energize in his hands. He gets low into a stance, "What are we waiting for? Shall we get this party started?"
Sorrell pulls the pole sheathed behind his back in front of him as the head of the axe flares to life. Gregor throws Gasper to the ground and walks toward Sorrell, "Yes! I've been waiting for this!" Gregor builds speed and charges Chris from the side, sending him skidding across the arena. Chris stays upright and slides on his two feet to a stop and Sorrell is instantly there to meet him with a swing from his axe. Chris parries with this his swords and connects a punch to Sorrell's face. Gregor swings his hammer from around the side of Sorrell and it finds purchase at Chris's ribs. Chris coughs out blood and gasps. Sorrell shrugs off the punch and connects a knee to Chris's face and sends Chris into the wall of the arena. Chris drops out of the hole in the arena wall and gets to his feet. Gregor leads with a swing of his hammer looking for Chris's head. Chris drops as the hammer sails overhead and connects a fist to Gregor's abdomen followed by a kick to Sorrell's head sending him into the air. Chris's swords light up as his power increases and he rolls over Gregor's back slicing it in the process while also giving himself a better striking position. Sorrell stops himself in mid-air and fires an energy blast at Chris who deflects the blast away with his swords. Gregor quickly body slams Chris and continues to pummel him with punches. Chris puts his arms up and blocks each punch while wrapping his legs around Gregor's torso. As Gregor comes down with a massive punch, Chris dodges and grabs and twists Gregor's arm upward. Gregor yells as Chris continues to put pressure on the arm until something cracks and snaps. Gregor yells in pain as Chris wraps his arm around Gregor's head and flips him over. In an instant Gregor finds their positions now reversed as Chris pummels him with punches. With a broken arm, Gregor is not able to block Chris's onslaught and several punches make connections to his head and torso. Sorrell charges and knocks Chris off the now beaten and bloodied Gregor. Chris spins around as he comes to a stop and stands up, "Oh man, that looks bad, you didn't need that did you?"
Gregor stands up with the help of Sorrell, his arm dangling at his side, "You fucking punk! You'll regret that." Sorrell's power increases as he charges at Chris swinging his energy axe. Chris deflects most of the attacks with his swords except a couple that connected to his armor, chipping away at it, "You will not destroy both of us! We will end you and anyone that steps into this arena, starting with that red-headed bitch and her friends!"
"You'll regret ever saying that..." Chris's power skyrockets and pushes Sorrell a good distance away. His swords disappear as he gets low in a stance. A dark energy grows around him and shadows surround his fists. Chris disappears and, in an instant, reappears in front of Sorrell, unable to react in time. Chris throws both fists directly at Sorrell's chest and unleashes a massive blast of dark energy that sends Sorrell to the other side of the arena with a massive explosion. As Chris stands up and looks around, he finds Gregor against some debris sticking up from the ground. He lets out loud yell and rotates his once incapacitated arm, wiping the blood from the corner of his eye and mouth, "You little shit! You are nothing against us!"
Chris looks beyond Gregor and sees Issei grabbing Asia and Kiba. The only others left were Akeno and Rias.
Good, we've almost got away with it, Chris thought to himself.
Sorrell appears next to Gregor and smirks at Chris, "Gregor, it appears that we have a bit of problem. This little rat has had a helper get our captives out during this fight."
Gregor turns around to see only Rias and Akeno left chained to the walls. Gregor growls as he slowly turns back to Chris, "Why… you little…" Sorrell put his arm out to stop Gregor from pursuing Chris, "Why don't we play a little game?"
"Wait, what?" Chris looks dumbfounded.
Sorrell and Gregor vanish and appear in the center of the arena with Rias and Akeno, one of the girls in front of each of them. The girls were weak and barely able to stay sitting up, "What… what are you doing?" Chris put one his hands out.
"Play stupid games, win stupid prizes kid! I know present to you the perfect conundrum. One of them will die, you get to choose which one!" Sorrell laughed as they charge an energy blast directly behind each girl.
Chris's heart begins to race as he begins to think of a way to save both girls. He can see Issei at the opposite of the arena, ready to pounce, "Come on Oathbreaker, this should be easy! You haven't gone soft have you?"
"Sorrell! I'm not sure what you think this will accomplish, but you don't want to do this. You'll start a straight up war with the underworld." Chris pleaded.
Sorrell laughs sinister like, "YOU THINKS SOME FUCKING DEVILS STAND A CHANCE AGAINST US!"
"This devil fucking does!" Issei appears behind the pair of paladins ready to attack, however, in what seemed like an instant, the paladins disappeared and reappeared behind Issei. Sorrell drives Issei immediately to the ground as Gregor slams his hammer onto Issei, knocking him out nearly instantly. Sorrell wipes his hands, "Well now that that little rat is taken care of…" The paladins assume their original positions.
"Chris… please save… the others!" Rias weakly pleads with Chris; tears start falling down her face.
"Chris… save Rias… she's the next head… of the house of Gremory." Akeno pleads.
"I will not sentence one of you to death! Sorrell, you must stop this! You do not want a war with the underworld." Chris again pleads with Sorrell.
"Make a decision, Oathbreaker! Either the next king of the underworld or the girl you so desperately love. Clocks ticking!" Sorrell smirks.
Chris begins to panic and starts weighing his options, "If I save Rias, the Gremory house will keep going and an all-out war stopped. I can't sacrifice Akeno, Rias and the others would never forgive me."
Chris hears Sorrell start counting down, "3… 2… 1..." Chris snaps up and reaches out. Before he could get any words out, two massive blasts speed toward Chris, a direct hit. The detonation sends Chris into the wall behind him and buried him in debris. As he crawls out of the hole and shakily returns to his feet, he sees the path the beams took and finds that both Rias and Akeno were no longer present. He looks down and his heart starts pounding loudly in his head, "What… have I done? I've failed… again… I couldn't save them. I'm not strong enough…"
"But you are strong enough... stronger than you know." A voice began to speak sounding like Malek, only distorted, "You can destroy them, avenge those that you have lost to these paladins."
"I want to destroy them. I hate them." Chris thought to himself.
"Yes, use your hate and destroy your enemies. You will know a power beyond measure." The voice pushed.
As Chris sat on the ground, his legs under him and arms limp to the side, Sorrell and Gregor laugh, "Seems we've broken his spirit, Gregor! I believe this battle has been won. I'll let you have the honor of disposing of him."
Gregor pops his knuckles, "Oh, I've been looking forward to this!" Just as he steps forward toward Chris, the ground begins to tremor. Lightning strikes around Chris and it grows in frequency and intensity, "What do you make of this Sorrell?" Gregor looks over at Sorrell.
"Not a fucking clue!" Sorrell looks surprised at what is happening around Chris.
Chris slowly stands up as his upper armor breaks off, exposing his arms and chest. The armor on his legs lessens as well. His hair lengthens and spikes on top. His eyes turn white as his body begins to grow significantly.
"Kill them, destroy everything as they have destroyed all that you cherish in this world," The voice begins to be more forceful.
Tears roll down Chris's cheek, "You… will fucking… die. You killed them. I hate you… I HATE YOU!" Chris's yell turns into a roar as his energy grows exponentially.
The group feels Chris's energy from outside of the arena as Azazel looks over to him, "Do you feel that Odin? Is that… Chris?"
"It is, something must have happened. His energy is… dark, very dark. Any chance we can get a better look? This is getting good!"
Michael lifts the group up into the air, high enough to see into the arena, "YES, I knew it!" Odin exclaims, "He's done it!"
"Done what?" Azazel asks.
"There is a legend in our culture that some warriors are able to invoke the berserker within. This ability is known as Berserkergang. Any time our people have seen this, it's been humans and they take an all most unworldly appearance. But this… this a whole 'nother level!"
"His energy keeps growing! It's becoming overwhelming." Michael states.
Chris continues to roar as he looks up to the sky and starts to pound his chest. His roaring stops and breaths heavily, his glare moving now to Gregor. Chris's white eyes fixed on Gregor's position, "Shit, Sorrell. I think something happened, he's stronger! Like a fucking lot stronger!"
"Don't be a pussy Gregor, we wiped the floor with him last time, this time will be no different." Sorrell said with confidence.
Chris bares his teeth as Gregor charges Chris, hammer raised. Gregor reaches Chris, surprised at his size increase, and swings his hammer toward his head. Chris raised a hand and stopped the hammer easily. Gregor pushes harder into the hammer to push Chris's hand out of the way, but it does not budge. Chris grabs Gregor's throat and pulls him close, "Tell me paladin, do you fear me?" Gregor drops his hammer and grabs Chris's hand, struggling to get loose, "I… fear… nothing…" Gregor struggled to speak as Chris's grip tightens, "Let's change that."
Chris flings Gregor's body against the arena wall, knocking the wind out of him. He continues his onslaught by grabbing Gregor's head and slamming it continuously into the wall. Eventually, Gregor's body goes limp, and Chris throws him to the ground and his body skids to the feet of Sorrell.