Haruki skidded across the ground a bit. Hopping up, he had a dark bruise on the side of his face. Xander hasn't used a full power one, just enough to pack an extra punch. Haruki smirked, but soon, the look faded from his eyes.

"OH, You little… INSIGNIFICANT… Gnat… I'm going to crush you underfoot. If you want my best shot, then here we go… WELSH DRAGON, BALANCE BREAKER!!"

Xander was prepared, taking up a stance and getting ready to hit and get hit. This was going to be one hell of a fight, and Xander knew it. He stood no chance against Haruki's Juggernaut Drive, and he knew that too. Haruki approached slowly, and soon, he and Xander began to walk in a circle, staring at each other. They each watched, waiting for the other to make the next move. Haruki's stance suddenly changed, and Xander brought up his guard, knowing this was the start of their fight.

Haruki charged forward, a maniacal laugh filling the air. That, however, wasn't the only thing in the air. The power of the two filled the place, leaving it crackling with their great power. But, Haruki was quickly closing in, and Xander was ready to take a hit. The Red Dragon Emperor's Sacred Gear began its signature power, one Xander had only heard of before all of this began. The ability to rapidly increase the user's power.

"BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST!!!"

The Sacred gear chanted loudly. Haruki wound up and he punched Xander. Xander, luckily, had brought up his arms to block the blow. He flew backward and he smashed into a rock. The pain was tremendous, but Xander had gotten used to pain like this. He looked at Haruki and watched his movements. Haruki wasn't coming in for another attack, he just stood, looking at Xander. Xander had a strange feeling, unlike most feelings before this. Haruki was seeming to hold back. He could tell, especially since he knew what a life or death blow felt like. Haruki still wasn't taking this seriously. At least, not yet.

"What's wrong Silver? A single punch has already beaten you! Come on, let's give everyone a show to remember!!"

As Haruki cackled, Xander crouched. He concentrated his energy on his knees and he fired his Obliterate ability through his knees and into the ground. Xander flew forward, the blinding speed something he'd practiced many times before. And before Haruki could react, Xander tackled him to the ground. Wrestling him down, he pinned Haruki onto the ground, holding his head there while Adamant Absorption began its own chant.

"ABSORB ABSORB ABSORB ABSORB ABSORB ABSORB!!"

"Haruki, you may want to take this seriously! I won't use my full power if you won't!!"

He began to rapidly drain Haruki's power. However, the Red Dragon Emperor got his foot against Xander's chest, and he kicked him with everything he had.

Xander flew upward, hitting a spire of rock. He grit his teeth, his chest feeling an astronomical amount of pain. Touching his chest, he could feel that he'd cracked his ribs. Haruki laughed from below and his gear began boosting his power once again. He seemed to be taking it more seriously now, so Xander could go full throttle against him.

Xander made a fist and aimed it at Haruki.

"OBLITERATE!"

Firing the compressed energy, acting as a physical force.

Haruki had just enough time to dodge, but Xander had planned for this. He had broken free from the spire and was falling downward.

He released the fists he'd made, and he began firing tiny Obliterates from his fingers. Because he expended such little energy, he could rapidly fire them, and each possessed enough force to knock someone on their ass. And with 5 blasts going at Haruki, it would be harder for him to dodge.

As they hit Haruki, they knocked him down onto his back. However, before Xander could go at him, he quickly rolled away. However, not before Haruki aimed a kick between Xander's legs. Xander quickly dodged, rolled away, and landed. Crouching down once again, he fired another Obliterate from his knees. Flying toward him, using his Obliterates at the knee, Xander punched him in the stomach. Haruki flew back, but before he could hit something, Xander once again fired his Obliterate through his knees, flying past the Red Dragon Emperor in time to clothesline him. Falling to the ground, Xander took his earlier shot at his groin as fighting dirty, so he responded in kind.

Xander stomped on his shoulder. A bellow of pain roared from the man as a sickening crunch came from his shoulder. Before Xander could flee, Haruki grabbed his leg and he squeezed. Xander felt a tremendous pain, but that was nothing compared to what was going to happen next. Haruki pulled Xander's leg, and Xander fell. Haruki got on top of Xander, and he began punching him in the face over and over with his one good arm. However, when Xamder tried to block, Haruki punched one of his arms, a crack being heard as Xander felt a sharp pain. Haruki's confidence had turned into anger, and he grabbed Xander's neck, pulling Xanders face against his own.

"You weak, miserable human… I WILL NOT LOSE TO HUMAN TRASH LIKE YOU!!! GOOD LUCK ESCAPING WITHOUT YOUR ARMS OR LEGS!! YOUR OBLITERATE CAN'T SAVE YOU LIKE THIS!"

Haruki Pulled Xander's left arm out of its socket and Xander cried out in pain. As Haruki began to laugh, Xander suddenly had an idea. He shouted out, anger and adrenaline filling him.

"I can use any joint, HARUKI!! OBLITERATE!!"

He fired an Obliterate from his neck joint, smashing his head against Haruki's. Both of their helmets shattered and Haruki flew back, Xander stood up and Haruki tried to regain his balance. Xander felt blood dripping down his head, and he guessed he'd cracked his skull. Not only this, but Xander knew his left arm was going to be useless unless he could fix it. He smashed his shoulder up against a rock, and he cried out in pain. Taking deep breaths, he panted softly. It hurt like hell,but his shoulder was fixed, even if only temporarily. Haruki clenched his fists and he shook his head.

"I CAN'T LOSE!!! I WON'T LOSE!!! NOT TO TRASH LIKE YOU!!! I AM GOING TO MARRY VALERIE AND THEN I'LL CRUSH YOU, THE ANGELS, AND ALL THOSE WHO STAND IN MY WAY!!! I WILL NOT LOSE TO SOME LOWLY HUMAN!!"

Xander leaned against the rock as Haruki began running at him. Taking a moment to catch his breath, Xander put a finger up to his broken arm. He fire a small Obliterate to reset it. But, having regained his breath, Xander began charging at Haruki, though the pain of his broken ribs was growing and he was sure he wouldn't be able to take too many hits to the chest. Thus, Xander had one option. When Haruki and Xander got close enough, Xander ducked down and he kicked Haruki in the leg. With a snap and a bellow of anger, Haruki fell onto his face.

Xander stood over him and he panted, fatigue and pain being all that was on his mind. Haruki panted, but soon, he was growling loudly. But, after a moment where the two stayed still, there was suddenly an explosion of energy. Xander skidded back and Haruki's voice changed as he began to chant.

"I, who shall awaken, am the Heavenly Dragon who stole the principle of domination from God. I mock the Infinite, and Fret over the dream… I shall become the Red Dragon of Dom-"

Before Haruki could finish, Xander packed every last bit of his power into the largest Obliterate he could muster. He fired it from his right arm, the bones inside breaking from the force it created. It smashed into Haruki's chest and his Scale Mail shattered. He fell onto his back and he laid still, twitching.

"Y-you… W-why…?"

"What, did you expect me to sit there and let you do some chant to make you stronger!? Agh… No!"

Xander panted, his energy reserves refilling slowly from him absorbing some energy around him. He collapsed backward, falling on his back. He'd won! He had no ides how he'd done it, but he had! His Scale Mail disappeared and he leaned his head back. Suddenly, the ground began to shake and Xander opened his eyes. Haruki rose and his eyes glowed. Xander's eyes widened, and he closed his eyes. He stood slowly, raising his hand.

"ADAMANT ABSORPTION!!! SILVER DRAGON BALANCE BREAKER!!"

He cried out and began to rapidly absorb the power in the area. It siphoned into his gear and soon, his Scale Mail was back. Haruki couldn't walk with his broken leg, but now he had his Devil wings, keeping him flying in the air. Haruki flew down at him and he bellowed.

"SILVER!!!!!!"

Xander clenched his fists, and in a rush of adrenaline, he bellowed as well.

"RED!!!!"

Xander and Haruki were heading toward each other once again. Xander's right arm hung limply at his side as he sprinted at Haruki. He knew what he needed to do. He channeled his energy into his left elbow, readying his Obliterate. Xander had promised that he'd give this fight his everything. And that was what he intended to do. He prepared for the pain, gathering his power in his left elbow

As Haruki headbutted Xander's chest, Xander uppercutted Haruki's, using an Obiterate to power-up his punch. Haruki's Scale Mail shattered once again, and Xander spat up blood, feeling like he'd somehow been punched in the lungs. Xander hit a rock, and Haruki fell in front of Xander. Xander remembered his promise to try and stop this, even if it meant giving his life. His breathing was labored, and he felt like he could barely gulp down a breath. Haruki looked at Xander and he growled out.

"No… I'm not… Done… I won't… I REFUSE… To lose to you."

Slowly, he tried to get up, rolling over and using his good arm and leg to slowly rise. His wings flapped, slowly raising him up. Xander slowly stood, his gauntlet appearing on his right hand. He wasn't done yet, not by a long shot. Xander shakily spoke out.

"When two opponents… Are evenly matched… The one with more determination wins… Isn't that right, Wannabe Beelzebub…?"

"Me… Evenly matched with… A worm like you… No… NO! I EARNED MY PLACE! I WILL NOT BE FELLED BY A USELESS, INSIGNIFICANT HUMAN!"

Slowly shuffling toward each other, Xander raised his fist, and Haruki did as well. However, Haruki began to slowly fall, and Xander took his opportunity, putting his entire weight, everything he had left, his all into one punch. And he decked Haruki, knocking him away and leaving him unconscious. Xander fell on his face and winced having landed on his chest. It was finally over, and needless to say, the pain he was feeling was well worth it to stop a possible war.

That was when Xander suddenly heard the sound of people rushing toward them. Next thing he knew, he had his head being lifted up and placed in someone's lap. He thought it was Valerie, but he could only hear the sounds of his own heart, and the sounds of anger coming from his opponent. Duran stood by, while his servants helped Haruki up. Haruki spoke quietly, likely something most couldn't hear. But Xander heard it clear as day, even as his consciousness faded away.

"Next time… I won't play around… Xander Phillis…"

.

.

.

Xander quietly found himself awakening on a strangely comfortable bed. Opening his eyes slightly, he looked around. He wasn't home, but the place felt very comfortable. Looking around, this place was very familiar.. it reminded him of some of the places he'd heard of.. that is when it clicked, he was finally at the official United headquarters. Quickly groaning, he pressed a button and a woman came in.

"Please, would you… Get me some medicine…?"

"Of course dear…"

Xander closed his eyes and took a deep, shaky breath. His chest was still in astronomical pain, and his arm and chest were wrapped tightly in gauze and another material. It felt hardz so he assumed it was to help hold his bones in place. However, before he could think about it further, Nicodemus came into the room. Seeing his friend, Xander tried to sit up, but Nicodemus came to his side and sighed softly.

"Hey, hey… Take it easy man… Haruki fucked you up pretty damn good…"

"Hey… That'll be… 10 bucks for the swear jar…"

"Yeah, yeah… But that doesn't excuse you being stupid. Your right arm is broken, your left is going to have to be adjusted, you cracked your skull and ribs, and you bruised your lungs. You're kinda lucky your alive and we patched you up as quickly as we could… You are gonna be out for maybe a week… Maybe a mon-"

"No…"

"No? Xander, please don't tell me…"

"I said… No… If you need me to go on a mission… I'll go on a mission…"

"Xander, please, you won't be of use to us if you're DEAD. Now come on, please-"

"I won't… I refuse to just… Lay down and do nothing… But we can discuss this later. How is Valerie…?"

"OH? Valerie went home… She was very tired by the time she left. She stayed up all night by your side while we healed you."

"Heh… What a good friend…"

"... Yeah. Anyway, Xander, you should go back to sleep. You are at least gonna get some rest."

"I can't I'm waiting for-"

Before he could finish, the woman from earlier came back in with some pills and a small glass of warm tea. Nicodemus raised an eyebrow, and Xander sighed. Slowly sipping the tea and swallowing the pulls he quietly groaned, and he looked at Nicodemus once more.

"Mmmf… Fine…"

"Atta boy… Don't worry, I'll make sure you're ok…"

Closing his eyes again, Xander felt like he was slowly drifting to sleep once more. His wounds hurt, but he studied the pain. Noted it, dissected it. Every wound he took, he'd make sure to etch the pain into his memories. That way he'd always remember and could learn from it. After falling asleep, Epsilon spoke to Nicodemus.

"So, Nicodemus… Should we tell him that… Since he defeated Haruki, he is TECHNICALLY Valerie's Fiancé?"

"... NAH. I personally want to see how long it takes before Valerie comes to Earth, Tired of waiting, and chokes him out…"

"You are one cruel bastard, Nicodemus… I love it."

"It's his fault… Handsome as the Devil, but dense as Steel."

.

.

.

Haruki groaned as he punched one of the servant girls. They had made it back to the Beelzebub manor, a dark and dreary place with barely any light. Haruki had already begun treatment, but he was whining and hurting plenty of the staff trying to help him. His eyes glowed and he yelled out.

"GET ME MORE MEDICINE! ANYTHING TO STOP THIS PAIN!!"

Haruki was being temporarily rolled in a wheel chair while Duran and his servants worked on stabilizing and healing his leg. However, before much could be done, Duran and Haruki were told that they were needed. Duran and Haruki were brought before a long, dim shadow, coming from a woman in front of a glowing screen. The room was so dark, they were unable to see her inside if it. Not only this, but her form almost seemed to flicker, as if she was some sort of sci-fi hologram. Duran spoke first, to cut the silence short.

"My lady… Just as you said, United came and stopped us. The wedding is off and Haruki is not to marry Valerie Penning anymore..."

Haruki quietly grumbled under his breath.

"Yeah, thanks a lot…"

That, of course, was when the woman spoke. Her voice was soft and rich, but it dripped with venom so deadly the floor might corrode.

"Ah… Just as I told you, my dear Duran… It gave us a chance to see the Silver Dragon Emperor… And teach dear Haruki some manners… So far, things are going as I planned."

The chilling voice of the woman filled the room. Her presence, while normal, was immensely dense. Even Duran had always struggled to keep himself standing in her presence.

"Lady Mara… Haruki held back just as you asked. But as a result, he-"

"He was hurt…? Oh don't worry, he's a strong boy… He'll be ok."

"I… Alright my lady… But-"

"Duran, would you please leave me and Haruki alone…?"

"I… Of course, Lady Mara…"

Duran left the room, and the woman named Mara turned around and she approached Haruki. Her cold pressence augmented by her sashay, and the echoes of her footsteps filling up the room they were in.

"So, Haruki… Did you… Hold back…?"

"Y-yes, of course I… No… I… After we exchanged blows, and I saw some of his power. I used my full strength…"

"And he still beat you?"

"... Yes, he did… But I didn't take it seriously, and-"

"OH, my dear, kind Xander… He chose not to hurt you and to have honor… How adorable and naive of him…"

"Y-yes… I suppose you're right… I do owe him a favo-"

"Hush! Hmmm… My beloved… My dear Xander is doing so well… Haruki, you take your time healing. There are plenty of other things that will be sent the way of Xander Phillis… But you two will meet again…"

"Yeah… And next time, I'll crush him! I swe-"

"My dear… Have you ever heard of the turtoise and the have Hare? Well, my dear Haruki… The bravado and hubris of the hare… Make him lose. The tortoise wins the race… You must learn to take your opponent seriously! The human and the Haruki might be the next title if you don't learn! Now, Haruki, please leave me… And lock the door! I must see to several things… No disturbances, or you will face my wrath!"

"...Yeeeeah… Alright Lady Mara…"

Slowly rolling over to the door, he heard the sound of the woman clear her throat and bit his lip. Locking and leaving the room quickly, he had some servants help bring him up to his room. However, there, Duran was waiting. Shooing the servants off, he approached Haruki and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Haruki... My Adoptive son... What a disappointment you are. You fought a human, and even if you may have held back... You were hurt much more than needed. Now, I'm a patient man..."

Suddenly, Haruki felt a tremendous weight press down on him and his father threw him out of his wheelchair.

"I have waited years to see your skills. And although you may impress me slightly... You disappoint me. I saved you... RESCUED you from dying like the sewer rat you were... And you repay me... With your failure. Trust me when I say... I can and will annihilate you... As I told you once, the only one you're out for is yourself. And I may call you my son... And even give you my praise... But you are nothing but a tool to me. Don't go blunt yet-"

Duran called the servants back in, and they slowly picked him back up, laying him on his bed. Haruki stared at his father, and Duran gave him a cold, heartless stare before he left him. Once he was laid on his bed, and the servants brought in Healers and medicine for him, Haruki quickly and quietly stared at his left hand. His father didn't know he'd actually been serious and still been beaten, but he wasn't going to say anything. Because he was going to be stronger, by any means necessary.

"... Ddraig… I… I need your help. I need to beat someone… And I think it's finally time we create a… Formal partnership…"