Hey everyone and get ready for this chapter. And here, this chapter will be part three of this Rating Game. I plan on ending all the remaining fights with this chapter, and starting with the main event fight, so things should be wrapping up next chapter. Hope You Enjoy.

Disclaimer: The following is a non-profit fan-based parody, Highschool DxD, Highschool DxD New, Highschool DxD Born, Highschool DxD EX, and Highschool DxD Hero are all owned by Funimation, Fushimi Shobo, TNK, Passione, and Ichiei Ishibumi. Please support the official release.

"Shirou" Regular speech.

"Shirou" Thoughts.

DRAGON SHOT Attack names.

(Shirou) Words said previously.

"SHIROU!" Shouting speech.

[Ddraig] Dragon talking.

Raging Flames and Swallowing Darkness

Shirou Tsukiharu… Was a mystery.

That was something Kiba had come to understand at some point.

He had listened in on the conversation between Mika, Akeno, Shirou himself, and Raiser's Queen, Yubelluna, and the outcome surprised him once again.

In all the chaos, he wondered how much he would've been able to hear, but he heard everything from Shirou, though Akeno didn't seem sure how she should react. Kiba himself wasn't too sure either, if he was honest. Even less sure about how everything was able to play out so well. Of course, his ignorance is natural, given he knows practically nothing about said, Silver-haired delinquent.

Shirou was someone who hardly ever spoke about himself, but he was a reliable teammate and a strong comrade, so no one really minded.

And yet, Kiba was now starting to understand just how little they knew about him. Their whole characterization of him seems to be based solely on seeing him in battle, but besides that, he's more or less a stranger to all of them.

Everything he does just makes it harder and harder to understand.

Even hearing that he was able to think of such a simple yet detailed plan and then perfectly execute it was something he didn't expect from Their group's Pawn.

At times he's Calm and then Aggressive, Smart yet Simple, Open yet Distant, Caring yet Heartless, Noble yet Cruel, Clever yet Reckless, Inspiring yet Intimidating.

His very existence is a contradiction.

"Where do you think you're looking at, pretty boy?! I'm over here!"

However, Kiba quickly dispelled these thoughts as his opponent charged through the brush and swung her Sword with incredible speed that normally would not have been possible with a blade that large. Kiba brought his medieval-themed Sword to counter her strike. Sparks were flying out from the point where their blades made contact.

Siris, Raiser's Knight, was disrespectful and just as dishonorable, but her Swordsmanship was no joke.

She would resort to tricks like kneeing Kiba in the groin when they looked blades or kicking up dirt to try and blind him, but her timing was impeccable enough that she chose only the moments when it was most important to act.

"I'll show you what happens when you underestimate the Phenex!" Demonic power gathered around Siris' blade. She started swinging it violently, producing gale-force winds that disrupted Kiba's balance on the ground below them. The trees around them that weren't struck down by random swinging creaked with the threat of being blown over.

She rushed forward in the brief second before the winds weakened, again parrying Kiba's blade. The shockwave produced an even stronger wind.

Kiba wasn't knowledgeable of magic, but he never really utilized it in his fighting style the way Siris did. It was a style based on disruption, and the advantage over wind magic provided to her by the traits of her served household only further built upon her style. She would distract Kiba with her magic or tricks and then try and break his guard with the weight of her blade.

However, it wasn't his guard so much as his Sword that broke with her next attack. The top half of the Sword was sent flying through the air before embedding itself into the trunk of a nearby tree, while Kiba used the remaining half to deflect the remaining blow before creating some distance between himself and his opponent.

"Awww~ Did I break your tiny little Sword~?"

Though this taunt was meant to demoralize and insult Kiba, he couldn't help but smirk. "No, that's alright. I have more." He closed his eyes, imagining a certain image in his mind's eye. "You're not the only one with a few tricks up you're sleeve."

"What?" Siris was taken aback by Kiba's confidence.

Kiba opened his eyes, a confident smile appearing on his face. "Allow me to show you my own Sacred Gear! Sword Birth!"

A flash of light appeared in Kiba's palm, stretching out into a longer form and taking a distinct shape.

It was an almost normal blade with a black core, a sliver outer edge, and a golden trim. The thing that made it distinct was the end of the blade, which curved into a crescent-moon-shaped hook.

Siris gritted her teeth, glaring daggers at her opponent. "Who cares if you can create more Swords! I'll just break them again and agai—"

It was at that point that a small shape collided with Siris' unsuspecting form, knocking both of them to the ground in a dirty pile.

Kiba stared, mildly miffed that he had not been able to continue his verbal and physical duel with the enemy Knight. His eyes widened when he made out the figure that had collided with Siris.

"Koneko!" The Rook of the Gremory family was somewhat injured, her uniform damaged in several places, mainly a slashing-like tear over the front-right side of her T-shirt and skirt, exposing a portion of her pink bra and pink panties, but for the most part, she was unharmed.

"I'm fine." The White-haired loli whimpered, pushing herself to her feet. She pulled the fighting gloves on her hands tighter. "I won't lose to her lightweight attacks."

"Grrrrr! What the Hell, Xuelan?!" Siris jumped to her feet, seething as she pointed her Sword at the woman dressed in Chinese style, Raiser's other Rook. "Warn me next time you throw your trash this way!"

"It's not my fault you can't keep your eyes open." The Rook, Xuelan said nonchalantly. "I suggest you keep your guard up next time."

With the announcement of the retirement of the Rook, Shirou had been fighting, which left this woman, Xuelan, as the only Rook left. The same could be said with Siris. After all, Kiba and Koneko witnessed Shirou's quick work of the other Knight.

It still was a shock to him, though. Shirou's raw magical power and brute strength had come so far that he was able to brush off her attack like it was nothing. And then he defeated her with the effort it takes to swat a fly. It was a feat that he still couldn't stop thinking about.

With eight Pawns, one Knight, and one Rook defeated, that only left Raiser with the two pieces Kiba and Koneko were facing, his Queen, and his two Bishops. Then, of course, there was Raiser himself.

It was hard to tell where they stood. Akeno and Mika were confronting Raiser's Queen, which meant the only fighters currently unengaged were Rias, Raiser, Raiser's two Bishops, and Shirou. Both Rias and Shirou were powerful, but it would depend on whether or not Raiser grouped up with his Servants to try and defeat her.

"The whole point of splitting them up was so we WOULDN'T get in each other's way!" Siris barked, butting heads with her alleged comrade.

"Well, maybe if you weren't so slow, you would have dodged in time!" Xuelan barked back. "Then again, with the amount of candy you eat, it's a wonder you can move at all!"

"What'd you say?!" Siris roared.

"I said maybe you should cut down on the sweets! It's really easy to see how much of it goes to your fat ass!"

"Oh, that's it! When we're done with the Rating Game, I'm going to knock your head clean off!" Siris threatened.

"Bring it on, Bitch!" Xuelan responded.

For a moment, it seemed like the two enemies would go ahead and finish each other off, saving Kiba and Koneko the trouble. Unfortunately, they seemed to put aside their petty squabble, returning their attention to the enemies they had just been fighting.

For Kiba and Koneko, who had much less experience than those two, and the fact that they spent a lot of their training on learning how to fight together as a team, seeing them squabble like children just felt awkward for them.

"No, please." Kiba said teasingly. "Continue. I do admit it was an amusing show."

Siris gritted her teeth. "Oh, that is it! You're dead!"

The two Knights vanished in a flash, the only signs of their movements being the rustling of the leaves and the sparks that would appear whenever they would clash, along with their brief appearances.

Koneko, meanwhile was busy avoiding the deadly kicks of Raiser's more Technique-oriented Rook.

Kicks coated in flames seemed highly impractical but, in contrast, rather effective. The mastery of wind and flame boosted by the Phenex family was not to be underestimated.

Of course, neither was Koneko Toujou.

As long as she kept her guard up and dodged when she felt a particular blow would wind or wound her, Koneko found it rather easy to deal with her opponent. Xuelan was skilled but weak compared to Koneko. In contrast, Koneko was unskilled but much stronger.

Even if Xuelan kept hitting her with her nasty blows with her legs, Koneko could still take more damage than she could dish out. The same could not be said vice-versa.

Koneko side-stepped one kick, grabbing Xuelan by the leg and delivering a powerful punch to the woman's stomach. However, Koneko did not release her grip. She held tightly onto Xuelan's leg before slamming her to the ground, binding Xuelan's leg with her own.

"You…You little pest!" Xuelan growled. She lifted her other leg with the intent to slam it down on Koneko's, intending to break the smaller girl's own legs, but Koneko twisted her around, causing both girls to end up on their other side. Xuelan's leg was kept restrained and twisted by Koneko while the other one was pinned against the ground. "Augh! Let me go! Let me g-Aaaaauuuuuuuuuuuuugggghh!"

Koneko gave another twist for good measure, eliciting another scream of pain from Xuelan.

It wasn't that Koneko was sadistic so much as the fact that she couldn't afford to play around. If obtaining victory meant she had to cause serious pain, then so be it.

"Get- OFF OF ME!" Xuelan bucked violently, kicking out of Koneko's hold before rolling back to her feet. She launched herself at Koneko, spinning around to give her burning kick extra momentum.

Koneko, feeling rather confident, gave a small smirk. "…You're not half bad in a fight, but you're also pretty predictable!"

Xuelan's eyes widened. "What?" Koneko leaned back, limboing under the first kick with ease. Deciding to mix things up, Xuelan dropped down to her hands, using them to twist her body at an angle to maneuver her legs above Koneko, kicking down (forward technically) on the smaller girl.

Koneko caught the first kick on her guard and was able to back-step on the second one following it. It tore through her clothes like some kind of blade, but it didn't even cut down to her bra (Which was a small relief), but it cut apart the left side of her already torn T-shirt, leaving only the front of her torso completely exposed, save her bra. Xuelan pushed off of the ground, trying to damage Koneko with a powerful drop-kick, but Koneko raised her arms in a solid X-guard, tanking to blow with all her might.

Koneko let out a small groan from strain, but she was still able to shove Xuelan back.

Despite her failure, Xuelan could not help but feel a hint of respect for her Rook opponent. Even a Rook would have trouble getting back up after that one, but Koneko shrugged it off like it was no problem.

"Not bad." She admitted. "Wha?!"

No sooner than Koneko had shrugged off the last attack had she committed herself to a head-on charge, ramming her shoulder into Xuelan's gut, knocking all the wind out from her, and knocking her flat on her back.

"Damn it." Xuelan growled. "I let my guard down-HUH!?"

Her suffering was not yet at an end. Amidst Xuelan's daze, Koneko had taken the opportunity to climb up a nearby tree. It was not the deed itself that stunned Raiser's Rook so much as the cat-like ease with which the girl clawed her way up. It was honestly a little adorable in a way.

Unfortunately, Xuelan had been confused enough to enable Koneko to reach a high-up branch far above Xuelan's head.

"…Masked Wrestlers everywhere would be proud." Koneko said, with her usual monotone.

It hit Xuelan at that moment what the smaller girl intended to do. "You can't be serious!"

But it was too late.

The smaller girl had already leaped from the branch with the grace of a cat but the ferocity of a lion pouncing upon its prey.

Xuelan struggled to get up, still winded from the last strike.

But then a sudden realization dawned on her. "That Pawn…"

Xuelan had remembered that first blow that Shirou had landed on her before the fighting had been; he had aimed a hit on her stomach, and throughout her fight with Koneko, she had been concentrating her attacks specifically at her stomach as well. That's when she realized, Koneko had been using Shirou's attack as a starting point, and her attacks were to keep piling on the damage like attacking a weak spot until she was at a point where she couldn't get back up.

Like right now.

She was smashed harder back into the dirt as Koneko landed elbow-first on her stomach.

If it wasn't the pain or the air Xuelan lost in the brief moments before her black-out, it was probably the several organs Koneko had ruptured with the attack that did her in.

Xuelan let out several pained gasps before her eyes rolled back into her head.

Her body was surrounded by a glowing light, quickly dissipating into nothingness.

[Lord Raiser, One Rook, Retired.]

Koneko spat a bit of blood on the ground, then looked off into the direction Shirou had left in. "Sempai… Thanks."

In Kiba's case, the tables had already begun to turn as well. His opponent just didn't know that.

However, it was easy to discern the way her movements became slower, more cautious yet irresponsible. She was far from exhausted, but the swings of her blade, while still very powerful, were not as well-aimed as they were before.

Kiba began parrying or deflecting her strikes with ease, his own blade delivering several decent scratches on the enemy Knight's flesh. Kiba had yet to receive a single serious injury unrelated to Siris's wind magic. That was clearly the skill Siris relied on, making up for any apparent or real Sword skills.

"It's like I thought." Kiba thought. "A Sword that large is unsuitable for a Technique-Type like a Knight. She's wearing herself out just by swinging it around. Her movements are wasteful. That's the hint Shirou-kun wanted to show me after he landed that first strike."

Kiba had realized it. Shirou's demonstration of speed that he showed them when they first encountered the enemy wasn't just to get one blow in on them. He was trying to give Kiba and Koneko a hint about their opponent's fighting styles by having them watch how they attempted to counter them. It took a bit of fighting, but after a while, they finally realized it and worked to take advantage of it.

Koneko had succeeded, and now Kiba was attempting to as well.

Kiba hooked her blade on the end of his own Sword, using his momentum to fling her into the brush. Siris recovered mid-air, landing on a particularly large branch, her Sword clutched in one hand.

Though she boasted and bragged about her power, Siris had clearly stopped taking amusement in their game. "You can buzz around all you want, but you're just some rookie piece of shit who treats battle like some kind of art show! I absolutely hate your types!" If there was one apparent weakness, Kiba had noticed in his opponent besides her lack of real talent. It was her temper.

Kiba narrowed his eyes. "Battle isn't an art, but the method with which one carries it out is a representation of their character. You consider yourself to be some kind of loyal servant, but all you are is a dog with no Pride as a Knight."

"Oh, so because I don't dance around like some stupid fairy, you think you're in a position to look down on me?!" Siris growled.

"You misunderstand." Kiba said. "I wouldn't mind it if you were the sort to lay traps or refused to even face me in person. I've accepted that not many are stubborn like me who would rather have an honest battle face-to-face. However, you are not a true warrior. You treat battle not as a contest or sport but as something to take for granted. You don't care for me, this battle, or even your own Pride. As a Swordsmen myself, someone who has no Pride in how they fight is lower than garbage."

Siris' eyes twitched in irritation. "You know what, pretty boy? You're really starting to piss me off!" Siris yelled, gripping her Sword while gathering her magic. "I'll cut you in half. Then I'll go catch up to that monster."

Kiba narrowed his eyes. "Monster?" He knew she was referring to Shirou.

Siris smirked. "I admit, I wouldn't want to go up against that monster myself, but watching Lord Raiser burn him to a crisp will be too good to miss!" She taunted.

Kiba now glared at her while he also gripped his Sword harder.

Siris raised her massive Sword again to unleash another burst of wind. Kiba acted quickly, extending his other hand. "Got her!" Another bright light flashed in Kiba's open hand, revealing a sliver blade that ended in a diamond shape, two prongs sticking out from either side of the bottom of the ring. "This is one of the many Swords I've learned to create! Replenish Calm!"

A small black dot formed at the center of the ring of Kiba's Replenish Calm, growing to the size of a golf ball and quickly sucking up the wind Siris's magic had produced with the violent fury, like a small black hole.

"Another Sword!" Siris gasped, her eyes going wide. "Another Sacred Gear? Don't tell me you're one of the rare Dual-Wielders?!"

"Wrong!" Kiba corrected her as his Sword continued absorbing her magic. "This is just another facet of my Sacred Gear, which allows me to create almost any Sword from your imagination! You made a mistake in underestimating me!" Kiba leaped from the branch he had stood on at his foe.

Siris, still reeling from the previous use of her magic, was slower in raising her Sword, too slow to keep Kiba's hook-shaped Sword from crashing down on it, pinning it to the tree.

"And this is so you don't forget it!"

"No way!"

Before Siris could counter, Kiba struck her with his Replenish Calm, carving a deep gash through her shoulder all the way down to her stomach.

A scream of agony ripped free of Siris' mouth before she slipped from Kiba's Sword, vainly clutching her wound to stop the bleeding. It was in her pain and her shock that she seemed to forget where she was, tripping and falling off the edge of the large branch she stood on, plummeting to the ground.

A bright aura surrounded her body before it dissolved into sparkling lights.

[Lord Raiser, One Knight, Retired.]

Kiba landed on the ground and looked to where Siris was previously standing, his eyes still narrowed. "That monster is my comrade. Garbage like you has no right to insult him."

After saying his piece, Kiba let out a sigh before dropping into a sitting position. "She's not very talented, but she was freakishly strong. It's a wonder why Raiser didn't make her a Rook." Kiba then took a breather. "I still wish I could've fought that other Knight."

"…Hey, Kiba-Sempai!" Kiba looked down to see his White-haired junior, banged up with her clothes torn but still more than capable of fighting more. "I've finished fighting on my end, too."

Kiba nodded. "Still, I have to admit. We won that fight a lot easier thanks to Shirou-kun." Kiba smiled. "Think we should tell him that."

"…I think he already knows." Koneko guessed.

"True." Kiba nodded. "And with that, Raiser only two Bishops and his Queen left. I think we can take his Sister out of the equation for this battle. However, since she didn't strike me as much of a fighter, we only have three enemies to defeat now."

"…Only three, but two of them are the Strongest yet." Koneko pointed out. "…And even though Shirou-Sempai told us to stick to the plan, things aren't going how we were told they would. Chief went to confront Raiser with Asia-Sempai, but that's all I know."

"You can't reach Mika?"

Koneko shook her head. "…She's not responding, and neither is the Vice-Chief." She frowned, clearly trying to analyze their situation. "…We should go help them, but Raiser's Queen is a magic user."

"That's true. Even if we went to go help, neither of us is very capable of fighting in aerial battles." Kiba added. "At the same time, it's dangerous to just leave them alone. If Raiser's Queen defeats them, we'll end up having to worry about a pincer attack. Not that leaving Chief to fight Raiser alone is a much better situation. If our King is defeated, we will lose the game anyway."

"…So what should we do?"

The two servants knew they were wasting time debating it, but both options provided very apparent disadvantages.

Allow their master to face the dangers all on her own and abandon their comrades as possible sacrifices in hope that Mika and Akeno could defeat Yubelluna. If they chose wrong, it would be all over.

A terrible risk.

{Hey, you two hearing this?}

Both Koneko and Kiba perked up at the sound of Shirou's voice in their earbuds.

{I heard the announcement. Good, you've finished things up over there. Now hurry up. I'm already on my way to Raiser.}

Kiba tried to speak. "Bu—"

{And let me guess, you're worried about the others and think you should go help them, right? Well, don't; you'd just get in their way.}

Shirou interrupted him and bluntly shot down one of their ideas without any tact. But he wasn't done.

{Besides, they don't need your help.}

That statement somewhat confused them.

{Do you know why I left even though I was with them before? It's because there's no doubt in my mind that they've got this. Mika's a lot stronger than you all seem to think, so just follow the plan. Trust me; it's our best bet.}

And with that, Shirou ended the conversation by cutting off communication.

And all without letting Kiba or Koneko say a word.

After thinking it over, they decided. Right now, they didn't have time to debate; however, Shirou had a plan and was going for it, which was better than standing here doing nothing. So they decided, despite the risk, it was the only choice they had at the moment, so they put their trust in Shirou.

The two of them handed to the New School building.

Play OST - Fairy Tail - Mystogan Theme

Akeno… Was not sure what she was seeing.

What WAS she seeing?

Of course, obviously, the answer to that would be violent magical explosions consisting of lasers, water, ice, fire, lightning, and various other spells that flew through the artificial sky, but the sheer chaos was not what stunned her into a gawking silence. It was natural that she, Rias Gremory's Queen, would be a skilled magic user capable of fighting on par with Raiser's Queen.

What she hadn't expected was to have an ally just as capable (If not more so) of giving Raiser's Queen a run for her money.

"Is that is?" Mika taunted. "I thought a Queen was supposed to be… Good?"

"You want more? Then take this!" Yubelluna conjured multiple magic circles in the air around her, unleashing a heavy bombardment of magical blasts.

Her opponent, Akeno's teammate, hovering at a position in the sky above Yubelluna, conjuring an equal number of magic circles in the air around her, unleashing an even wider variety of spells that struck Yubelluna's, causing the explosions that Akeno bore witness too. The shockwaves clearly jarred her, but she seemed to recover quickly for someone who was usually so frail.

Her overall appearance was disheveled and clearly wearing down. Her ribbons accessory and miniature hate were blown off, allowing her hair to flow wildly around her head, and her clothes were singed in several areas, but Mika Tsukiharu was still standing tall and proud…or…flying anyway.

"Let's see if you can keep up with this!" Mika roared, firing out another barrage of spells.

"Mika, pay more attention!" Akeno flew behind Mika, creating a barrier. She winced as several other magical attacks exploded on impact. Akeno herself trembled somewhat from the exertion, but her magic was able to quickly soak up all the damage. "You can't keep behaving so recklessly!"

Mika's response was just to clench her teeth and didn't look at Akeno. "Akeno, don't distract me! I need to concentrate!"

Akeno was still not entirely sure what had happened.

It had begun when Yubelluna had obliterated the school that Mika's older brother, Shirou happened to be passing through. There was no announcement of his retirement, yet no person could survive a violent explosion such as that, not even a Devil. With that thought in mind, Yubelluna taunted the younger girl, tormenting her with her brother's apparent disappearance. But to her and everyone's shock, Shirou had reappeared unscathed and with a counterattack. Shirou then left after being requested by his little sister to continue his advance while she would stay behind to face the Bomb Queen. To her surprise, Shirou had accepted and departed the scene.

(Big Bro. Go on ahead.)

(Give 'em hell, Mika.)

Akeno could only guess that Mika desired to finish the enemy before her as retribution for her attempted murder of her brother.

But Akeno never expected Mika had the power to do so.

She began releasing a highly abnormal amount of demonic power…Well abnormal for someone who was so recently reincarnated as a Devil. Mika's use and mastery over many of the elements placed her at what Akeno suspected to be that of a High-Class Magician. She was able to go blow-for-blow with Yubelluna, managing to land just as many attacks on the Queen's body.

Unfortunately, given Yubelluna's defense and strength thanks to her Evil Piece, these attacks did far less damage than they would have to a normal Devil, and Yubelluna met Mika's attacks with just as much force. Only one thing kept Mika Tsukiharu from being utterly obliterated.

"If that isn't enough for a pesky little bitch like you, then how about this?!" Yubelluna raised her staff, conjuring an almost perfect sphere comprised of magic circles, in the process of casting her spell.

Mika Tsukiharu didn't even flinch. "Naïve."

She raised her hand.

The blinding explosion that erupted from Yubelluna's spell was blinding, and the shockwave blew Akeno at least twenty feet from where she had been floating moments earlier.

Music Off

"Mika!" Akeno knew what would happen, but the brief thought that something had happened so soon after Shirou had left to follow up on the plan was enough to send a jolt of terror through Akeno's heart.

"I wonder, is that enough for you?" Yubelluna teased. "Or should I punish you a little more? Considering you will soon belong to Lord Raiser, I suppose I shouldn't mess up that obnoxious face of yours too bad. He does so hate it when people break his things. However, once this battle is over, I will take IMMENSE pleasure in breaking you down. The same will be said for that rotten pathetic—"

"Could. You. Just. Shut. Up?"

A bored voice interrupted her.

Yubelluna's eyes went wide as the smoke cleared, revealing the still-floating shape of Mika. A small part of her clothes was burnt here and there, revealing a small portion of her back skin, upon which Akeno could have sworn she saw unpleasant-looking markings (though these were mostly obscured by the smoke and the distance between her and Mika). Besides that, she appeared not all that much worse for wear, as if the explosion barely even touched her.

Mika was like a tank, able to take on a massive amount of damage, more than the average person, without batting an eye.

That was the trait of the Rook piece Rias had used on her.

At first, Akeno had questioned her friend and her master's sanity, making someone who was so obviously unqualified for battle into one of their most important frontline fighters, but it was then and there that Akeno saw what she had not before, what Rias had apparently seen before her.

It was because of the Rook's trait that Mika was able to stand on even ground with Akeno when it came to facing Raiser's Queen.

Mika was a Magic Cannon.

Still, that didn't explain how she was able to tank that explosion so well. Even if she was a Rook, that spell was extremely powerful. She should have taken more damage.

"Are you alright?" Akeno asked.

Again, Mika didn't so much as glance at her, as if she was too busy focusing on this fight to focus on anything else.

"I told you, don't distract me." Mika kept her eyes on Yubelluna while preparing for her next attack.

"But I need to know, how did you survive that last attack?" Akeno questioned. "That was far too powerful for you to just brush off."

"Obviously, it's because the attack didn't it me."

Both Akeno and Yubelluna could hear their conversation and were bemused by that answer, simply because it shouldn't be possible.

"What are you talking about?" Yubelluna asked, not believing her. "My spell completely hit its mark. It couldn't have missed."

"On the contrary, yes, it could." Mika argued. "Every magic user knows this; every magic attack has its own equations; it's like you're imagining them."

Yubelluna frowned. "Of course, that's obvious, but so what?"

"Different types of spells require magic power and using your imagination to execute them, as well as being able to sense the difference." Mika continued. "So, in essence, magic is just knowledge to control equations i.e. using your head and making calculations. So while different types may seem similar, they are very different from each other." Mika explained in detail. "However, if you flip that around, it means magic of the same types might seem different but are actually similar. So after seeing your spells enough times, I could say that no matter what you use, there are still just explosives. Once I figured out the equations you used, I was able to use my magic to slightly redirect them, making them only graze me."

The two Queens gasped after listening to Mika's explanation. "Th-That's not possible! To be able to do that would require a large amount of magic power and control. There's no way you could be able to redirect my explosions like that!"

Mika smirked. "I do admit; it was hard. I had to see a tone of your spells first before I could try it, and even then, I was only half sure it would work, but my gamble paid off. And as for impossible, the truth is it will only work if I have two things over you." She revealed. "I need to have a higher amount of magic to match the spell's density, and it takes a strong mind to pull it off at all." Mika then pointed at Yubelluna. "So, in other words, my mind and my magic were stronger than yours."

Yubelluna's eyes widened as if she was told something she couldn't believe even though the evidence was right in front of her. "That's impossible!" She denied, loudly. "There's no way that could be true! You're saying that my mind and magic power are lesser than some worthless wretch like you!"

"Hmph… And why not? Makes perfect sense to me." Mika retorted, amused. "Think about the differences between use. When it comes to magic, we're not that different. But right now, I'm fighting for my Brother and my freedom." Mika then narrowed her eyes at her foe. "But you're just here to please some posh, pampered, bratty, rich boy you call a master, and it'll be a cold day in Hell before my mind is weaker than some glorified sex slave like you." Mika then sighed. "But seriously, this whole constantly being underestimated thing is getting really annoying. Is this what Big Bro deals with all the time? 'cause if so, then I'm starting to see why he's usually feeling so stressed."

Yubelluna was now seething with anger, both at Mika's words to her and to Raiser. Not to mention she was enraged by this current situation. She was a famous Queen of an undefeated Peerage, someone like Mika, someone who was practically a newborn Devil, someone who to her was completely beneath her, like a bug.

Akeno was now greatly impressed. Mika's description of magic was correct, but the fact was the action she just took was an extremely difficult one to achieve success; to do so would require a level of IQ that was above a genius level and the strong nerve to be willing to take such a huge risk, one where if you fail it could result in taking damage so great you both retire and take crushing damage without even being able to defend yourself. Not once did she ever think a strategic player like Mika would be willing to that such a risk, nor a novice in battle like Mika would be successful.

In truth, though, the feat that Mika pulled off was actually much harder than she was letting on. In truth, even though she succeeded in redirecting the course of Yubelluna's attack, both the cost of magic and the mental strain were enormous. Mika was almost certain that it would be impossible to pull it off a second time during the course of this game, but to her, that wasn't necessary. She was already preparing her end game.

One by one, more magic circles blinked into existence around her. They numbered at least fourteen.

With a snap of her fingers, magical beams shot forward, chasing Yubelluna through the air like homing missiles. No matter her sharp turn or movement, the beams would instantly turn and follow after her in pursuit. Eventually, Yubelluna extended her hand, using her own magic to cancel out Mika's attack with equally powerful bomb-type spells.

Not stopping, she continued flying through the air, reaching Mika within seconds with her Knight-like speed. Wanting to knock her out of the sky, Yubelluna used the end of her mage staff along with her Rook-like physical strength to try and beat Mika with a strong blow. However, once she thrust her staff as hard as she could, the result wasn't what she had expected. Instead of hitting her, her staff just went through Mika's body as if she was a mirage, and then she completely disappeared. Yubelluna didn't understand what had just happened, but she didn't have time to think about it. At that same moment, she caught a bright light in the corner of her eye and turned to her left to see Mika hovering a short distance away, with five magic circles around her, all of which had already fired more beams that were already right in front of her.

Without being able to do anything, the magical beams struck Raiser's Queen resulting in a powerful explosion and sending her flying into the earth with a bone-breaking, earth-shattering impact.

Mika, who still hovering in the air, looked satisfied. "I'm actually surprised that worked." She admitted. "But, I'm not complaining."

"Mika!" Akeno immediately flew over to where she was flying, "Are you all right? What happened back there?"

Mika smiled. "Just a plan I thought up of, and it worked perfectly."

Yubelluna then suddenly burst off from the crater in the ground that was made after she was hit by that last attack. She was covered in dirt, having some specs of it all herself, her hair was now a mess, and she had a few scraps already on her skin while having a small trail of blood leaking from her forehead. Her robe was now in tatters, the was a small scorched hole in her right sleeve, and on her chest area, her left breast was now sticking out.

Yubelluna's expression looked calm, but both the Gremory Queen and Rook could tell her eyes were practically burning holes through them with hatred.

"What did you just do back there?" Yubelluna questioned. "My staff just went right through you; why?"

Mika grinned. "It's actually pretty simple. What you hit was an illusion."

Yubelluna's eyes widened. "What? Illusion magic?"

Mika then snorted. "Seriously, the oldest trick in the book, and you actually fell for it." She was close to laughing. "I guess we all know Raiser didn't make you his Queen for your brains."

Yubelluna gripped her staff and gritted her teeth. "You little brat." She continued. "But how?"

Mika shrugged. "Very well then, I'll explain it," She then turned to Akeno. "You should pay attention too because I won't be going over it again." Akeno was caught off-guard for a second but then nodded. Mika then turned back to her foe. "I already knew you'd try something like attacking me directly; as a Queen, you have traits that I don't, like speed, for example. But, I have traits you don't have, one of them being that I'm smarter than you."

Yubelluna frowned while clicking her tongue. While she couldn't deny it, she still hated hearing it.

"And by using that to my advantage, all I had to do was what for you to take the bait." Mika continued. "When I fired my beam spell, I made an illusion which switched places with. You were so busy dodging and evading you didn't even notice. Because this fight was so intense, you lost focus on your surroundings. That's why my strategy worked."

Yubelluna sneered. "Well, aren't you just full of tricks?"

"I know a thing or two."

"But that's all you can do. You're just some weakling who can't do anything but try and struggle with petty parlor tricks." Yubelluna accused mockingly. "You have no real power like me. That's why you have to keep resorting to things like that. After all, you just some pathetic worthless—"

FLASH!

Yubelluna didn't get to finish, as her words were caught off by a sudden spell. Before she could react, a bolt of thunder shot past her, blasting through a small clump of her hair on her side. That immediately shut her up, and she saw Mika, who was still in front of her with her hand left arm up and a small spark coming from her hand while bangs covered her eyes.

"Blah, blah, blah, the only thing strong about you is your ego." Mika retorted, her eyes shown beneath her bangs, revealing a glare. "It's amazing how you can still keep up that attitude even though you're losing. Parlor tricks? Cowardly? I'd rather be a coward than an idiotic woman who can't do anything besides blowing stuff up."

"What?!" Yubelluna said, insulted.

"I said, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." Mika repeated, not seeing any reason she shouldn't. "You're just a one-trick pony, Bomb Queen."

Yubelluna then had a displeased expression on her face. "I've always hated that name because it's in bad taste."

"Then it's perfect for you." Mika argued. "A tasteless name for a tasteless woman."

And just like that, their conversation was over. Yubelluna raised her staff and unleashed several explosion spells at Mika. Mika met them in kind and unleashed an equal number of spells to match them.

Just as it had been before, the two Magicians restarted their massively destructive scale clash, tearing the artificial world around them to pieces.

Akeno, who was watching, currently feeling like a forgotten background character, couldn't take her eyes off this intense battle.

How would this turn out in the end, Akeno wondered…

Rias could not shake the ever-increasing tension in the air as she walked down the hall towards the Student Council room.

It was quiet. Too quiet.

Of course, given the fact that it was mostly due to the fact that her servants wiped out most of the enemy forces, it should have been natural, but the suspense made it hard to consider it as anything other than a supernatural occurrence.

Rias had encountered one of Raiser's Bishops earlier but had been allowed to pass without conflict. Well, technically, the enemy Bishop had just walked past Rias, but there was a moment where their eyes had made contact. It was hardly that the Miko had missed Rias. More than likely, she had been under orders to let both Rias and Asia pass.

Rias had expected them. He wanted them to come to him.

And so Rias did, followed closely behind by Asia.

They kept walking until they had reached the door to the Student Council room.

Without waiting, Rias blow the door to smithereens with a concentrated magical blast.

The furniture had obviously been rearranged to suit Raiser's tastes, resembling more of a throne room than a meeting room for school governments. Raiser himself sat on an impressive throne at one end of the room, leaning on his arm. He looked almost bored until he laid eyes on Rias. After that point, a spark of life flowed into his expression.

Well, well, well, if it isn't my lovely Rias." He said, standing up from his seat, arms wide as if he was welcoming her. The cocky smirk on his face pissed Rias off. "Raiser does hope you've come here to deliver your surrender in person. Raiser would hate to have either of us dirty our hands with what we both know to be a foregone conclusion."

Rias scoffed, using one of her arms to more securely push Asia safely behind her.

"Hardly. The last I checked, Raiser, my adorable servants had thoroughly crushed your forces."

Raiser showed irritation on his face but didn't lash out. "Raiser thinks you misunderstand the situation. Whatever advantage or power you believe you have obtained by defeating my own beautiful ladies, you are sorely mistaken." Raiser opened his hand, letting a soccer ball-sized flame flicker to life in his palm. "If Raiser had wished, I could have burned your entire team to ashes." He closed his hand, snuffing out the fire. "But where would be the spectacle in that? Our families came to watch a thrilling game between the soon-to-be husband and wife, to see our strength and how we lead our Peerages, and, to your credit and no surprise, my lovely Rias, you held your own well enough. But the farce ends here." Raiser pointed an accusing finger at Rias. "You can't defeat Raiser!"

"Wanna bet?" Rias conjured a large, black and red mass of demonic power, carrying it in one hand before launching it at Raiser.

It took out a clean chunk of Raiser's side, but she may as well have scratched him with trimmed fingernails for all the reaction Raiser showed aside from mild pain.

Though the wound was grievous and oozing blood and entrails, Raiser's flesh quickly began to mend itself back together.

"Feisty." Raiser praised with a perverse smile on his face. "Raiser can't say he hates that in a woman. It's part of the reason Raiser finds my adorable Mika so endearing. There's nothing more enticing than a woman who looks down on you." Raiser's perverse smile became even darker. "More so when you finally make them bow to you, ensnared by pleasure and ecstasy."

A cold wave of disgust rolled down Rias' spine at Raiser. "You're repulsive, Raiser. It's bad enough you entertain these delusions about me, but I will not tolerate your filthy fantasies about my cute servants."

"Don't be so harsh, Rias." Raiser said dismissively. "Once our families merge, all that belongs to you will belong to me and, in a way that includes your servants as well."

Rias grit her teeth. "And if you think Shirou Tsukiharu would ever bow to you, or allow you to anything to his Sister without having your arms violently ripped apart, then you are even more delusional than I had thought."

It was Raiser's turn to scoff. "That inexperienced Dragon brat? Raiser can't even begin to comprehend why you would put your faith in someone like him. He's insolent, vulgar, and doesn't understand his place is beneath Raiser, like all other Low-Class. The only thing Raiser is looking forward to right now is seeing the look of humiliation and despair on that arrogant commoner as his Sister is enlisted in my household's service." Raiser chuckled at the increasingly dark look in Rias's eyes. "Oh, come now, my dear, you mustn't be so jealous. Even if Raiser plays with other toys, It does not lessen your value as Raiser's wife. Why Raiser imagines you'll get along swimmingly with my cute Mika once Raiser has finished training her."

Rias stared blankly for several moments, more aggressively ushering Asia outside the range of any possible collateral damage.

Rias' dark look slightly cleared up and was replaced by a mocking smile. "Shirou is insolent and vulgar, you say? What makes you think you're in a position to say that about anyone? After all, you're the textbook definition of vulgarity." Rias accused, which caused Raiser to feel mild irritation. But Rias wasn't done. "And as for his place being beneath you. Well, then it must have really stung for you when he blasted you into the wall like a rag doll the last time you two met." Rias couldn't wipe the smile off her face when you saw the look on Raiser's face. He was completely livid. "You never answered, though. How did it feel to have him look down upon you?"

Raiser dug his fingers so deep into his fist that his grip almost caused his palm to start bleeding, though even if they did, his Phenex heritage ability would automatically heal it anyway. All his arrogance was now replaced with hatred at being reminded of his humiliation. "You should be more careful, Rias. Raiser is beginning to run out of patience."

"No Raiser." Rias argued, unfazed by his warning. "I'm the one who's run out of patience with you and all of this. Now, do you hear that, Raiser?"

Now the Pure-Blood frown. "Hear what?"

"That was the snap of the final straw."

Rias extended her hands in front of her.

The last thing Raiser saw before his head was suddenly blown to pieces was the ball of destructive power flying right at him.

Rias glared, ignoring the smoke rising from her fingers as Raiser's head began to quickly regenerate from nothing.

"Go ahead and heal yourself, Raiser. I'll make you die several deaths before you've atoned for your revolting behavior towards my servants!"

Rias began casting another spell.

"Get blown away!"

It was hard for Akeno to gauge who had the upper hand over the course of this fight between Mika and Yubelluna.

Since they started their fire-fight, Yubelluna had become more proactive in battle. She did not wait for Mika to attempt to attack. The moment Yubelluna spotted an opening, she took advantage of it.

And Mika had stopped remaining in one spot while firing spells and instead was continuously moving around while seeming more focused than before. Apparently, whatever Mika had to concentrate on was preventing her from moving before. But now, that longer appeared to be the case.

Their battle was now even more intense than the one they were having before. Perhaps it was because Yubelluna had to expend more effort for a moving target.

Even then, there was a large gap in their experience and the fact that their magic should be starting to wane after this long. Mika still seemed to be able to carry on very well in his battle. A fact that still impressed Akeno.

It wasn't nearly as slowed-paced as it was previously.

They went back and forth, time and time before Mika was again able to down Raiser's Queen.

Mika was breathing heavier than she was before. Though Yubelluna was much worse off, while she still had the strength to keep fighting, her magic power was basically at its last drop at this point. It was all she could to stay in the air.

"Unbelievable." She commented. "I didn't even expect the Priestess of Thunder to push me this far, to think you of all people would."

Mika crossed her arms and smirked. "Heh, you better believe it. Now then, I think it's time we settle this."

Yubelluna had a dark look and a malevolent smile as if she knew something they didn't know. "That might be the one thing we agree on." She then reached one of her hands into her immodest bosom like she was planning to take something out. "Time for my trap."

After a second, her eyes blinked a few times before they widened with confusion. Something was wrong. Whatever she was looking for, it obviously wasn't there. Mika noticed her look and had the expression of some who had just pulled off a Checkmate.

"What's wrong?" Mika called out, getting her attention. "Have you lost something?" She then gave her a grin that was oozing smugness. "Maybe a Phoenix Tear?"

Yubelluna gasped. "What? How do you—"

"How do I know about Phoenix Tears?" Mika finished her sentence. "It wasn't really that hard, honestly."

"Mika, what are you both talking about?" Akeno asked, feeling out of the loop. "What are Phoenix Tears?"

"It's actually really interesting. You see the House of Phenex has a very special magical item called Phoenix Tears." Mika elaborated. "As the name suggests, they have to ability to use the House of Phenex's instant healing ability on whoever it's used on. Think of it as an instantaneous version of Asia's healing only on a higher level." She then looked back to Yubelluna. "And as for how I know about them, surely you haven't forgotten, the Rating Games are a public sport, and you can watch them freely, including the ten matches your team has been in. While making our strategy these past ten days, I watched them all. You really thought I wouldn't notice some of you using them once in a while?"

Yubelluna gritted her teeth, realizing she had been played.

"Though it wasn't just your team." Mika continued. "After becoming curious, I decided to check out some other Rating Games from the Pro Circuit. Among a lot of new and useful information for future reference, I learned that a lot of teams use Phoenix Tears. Raiser's family became rich from sealing them because they're the only ones who can make them." She then smiled while placing a hand on her hip. "Even if I hadn't seen your past matches, it would have been obvious you had one after learning that."

Akeno inwardly agreed. If Phoenix Tears were such a useful game-changer and Raiser's family made them, then anybody could guess he had some for his Peerage.

"After that, all I had to do was figure out who had one, and I knew the obvious choice would be the Queen." Mika continued. "Since there's no rule against stealing them, the plan was to take it from you."

"Wait, that still doesn't add up!" Yubelluna argued. "Even if you knew all that, how could you have stolen it? You weren't anywhere near me!"

Akeno and Yubelluna then waited to hear Mika's response, but after several moments of silence, to their surprise, Mika just started laughing, amused.

"What's so funny?" Yubelluna asked, frowning.

"Haha, oh my, it seems you're misunderstanding something." Mika said through her laughter. "When did I ever say I was the one who stole it?"

"What are you saying?"

"The one who stole it was the first and only one among us that directly landed a blow on you."

Yubelluna processed those words for a moment, but then her eyes widened. She remembered.

Flashback…

[BOOST!]

Shirou, quick as a flash, smashed his right fist into Yubelluna's left cheek as if he was hitting her with a hammer. With the strength he possessed along with his doubled power, the attack was so strong it left her stunned and dizzy. That's why she was unable to dodge his second punch, though his boost wore off since he had already landed the first blow. He already had the momentum and was taking advantage of it by turning his body around just as fast and smashing his left fist with the Boosted Gear, covering it into Yubelluna's right cheek like a side-ways wasn't finished with his assault rush as he lifted his knee cap and hit Yubelluna hard in the stomach with a strong Muay Thai knee attack as if he was slamming a wrecking ball into her stomach. The force of the attack was so strong it caused Yubelluna to cough out a small glob of blood.

However, he quickly began his real objective once Shirou was at a point-blank distance from her.

Quickly before Yubelluna could even notice, Shirou's hand flashed out and reached into her cleavage. Then just as fast reached out hold a small yet decretive-looking vial.

He then hurried and hid it inside his glove before anyone noticed.

Yubelluna was now shaking with anger, realizing she had been played for a fool by Shirou. "That bastard."

Mika smirked. "Looks like you finally figured it out."

"But wait." Akeno chinned in. "How did Shirou-kun know it would be there specifically?"

Mika shrugged. "Actually, that was my question too." She then grinned. "But he said."

(I know because I met them, it couldn't be more obvious.)

"And he was right. Looks like being a sexually deviant came back to bite you."

Yubelluna sneered with a displeased expression. "Disgusting, that wretched Lowborn actually touched me."

Mika scoffed. "Oh, don't even try and highroad anyone, this coming from a woman who let herself be French kissed and fondled in front of an audience." Mika ridiculed. "I'm pretty sure Big Bro wanted to wash his hands after touching you."

"ENOUGH!" Yubelluna yelled. "I will not let myself be insulted by scum like you any longer!" She raised her staff. "I may not have my Phoenix Tear! But I can still destroy you!"

"Actually, you can't. You see, I was waiting for this moment." Mika said in a low tone.

Yubelluna raised a brow. "What?"

"From the start, I was planning on doing this, but it was harder than I thought, so I needed to concentrate for a while. That's why I couldn't move." Mika was referring to the beginning of their battle. "But after that was done, all I needed was to wait for the right time. My signal would be when you go for your Phoenix Tear. Now I know I can end this."

Now it was Yubelluna's turn to scoff. "What on earth are you talking about? What could you possibly do this late in the game?"

"This!" Mika then held out her arms wide to her sides.

Play OST - Fairy Tail - Dark Mage

Suddenly in front of Mika appeared two pitch-black magic circles on her arms, and her body was wrapped in a blackish-purple magical aura that was wrapping itself thickly around her body. Both the Queens present knew exactly what this meant.

"Black Magic?" Akeno spoke in disbelief.

Among all the different types of magics that are usable to Devils and Magicians, there are some that are much more advanced than others. One of them is Black Magic. Black Magic is a type of magic that is extremely powerful but also difficult to learn and use successfully, it is one of the most Higher-Leveled forms of magic that very few have been able to completely master, and the ones that do master it are those whose level surpasses that of a High-Class Magician, and who are very few in number. It's the Ultimate form of Demonic magic that can be learned.

Hence why, Akeno and Yubelluna were shocked.

Though Yubelluna soon gained a confident expression. "Heh, oh please, that was your final trump card?" She taunted. "I'll admit, it is amazing that you can use Black Magic, but with how long the preparation time takes to active a spell, I'll be able to blast you into oblivion before you can even finish."

"No." Mika denied. "Actually, preparations are already finished."

Yubelluna's eyes widened and she looked down to see, on the ground directly beneath her there was a black magic circle that was glowing, ready to activate. "But how?! When?!"

"This whole fight." Mika responded. "From the start, I was using my mind to create the magic circle for this spell, but it took a lot of concentration so I couldn't move around, and it took a lot of time because I couldn't use my hands." She explained. "Once I was finished, I just had to damage you to a point where you would feel you'd need a Phoenix Tear. That's when I was sure this would end this."

Yubelluna now started to sweat, she knew there was no way she could survive a spell of that magnitude, but she had no way to escape. "This can't be!"

"Your mistake was underestimating me!" Mika shouted. She then brought her arms up and then extended them forward, right in front of her, with her arms crossed between each other and her hands opened with her palms facing forward.

LET THERE BE DARK!

The spell had activated. It was a spell that shook the world.

On the ground outside the artificial replica school, a massive magic circle fired off a Pitch Black beam pillar rising horizontally into the sky.

It was a great and massive beam, three times the size of the magic circle, shot up into the sky like a Demon Lord unleashing his wrath towards God.

A devastating blast that tore the earth asunder, completely consuming the foe of the one who had cast the spell.

It blacked the artificial sky.

Observers, spectators, and even those on the battlefield who saw the attack gawked, honestly not even sure how they should react.

The thing that broke the silence was the announcement that soon followed.

[Lord Raiser, One Queen, Retired.]

Music Off

Akeno, who had just witnessed what had transpired, was among those who were gawked.

"I can't believe how far Mika's come in such a short amount of time," Akeno thought inwardly. "Black Magic is something even I can't do. There's no doubt that Mika's a stronger Magic user than me, or maybe even Rias. But with her and with how fast Shirou's growth rate is, it shouldn't be possible. The Tsukiharu siblings, who are they? There's no way they could have been just ordinary humans before becoming Devils."

At the time, Akeno didn't realize how right she was.

However, she was quickly brought out of her thoughts when she saw the girl in question was suddenly falling from the sky.

"Mika!" Akeno called out, worried as she quickly flew over to catch her.

After Mika was half to the ground, Akeno caught her and held her close, examining her for injuries.

She breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness you're okay."

Mika looked at her, feeling extreme-fatigued after the battle she had just won. "Yeah, thanks for the save."

Akeno nodded, accepting her gratitude, then looked at her seriously. "Mika, where did you learn all those spells?"

Mika sighed. "I figured you would ask me that." She muttered. "I learned them from reading."

Akeno blinked. "What?"

"It took me a little while to fully understand the Devil's writing language, but after playing so many games that weren't translated and learning different languages to fix that problem, learning new languages became a regular thing for me."

Akeno sighed. "Of course it did."

"Anyways," Mika continued. "After I got that done, I had Rias give a bunch of different books on learning all kinds of spells. I was immediately hooked, I wanted to learn as much as I could, and eventually, I also picked up Black Magic." She explained. "Though I admit I still haven't completely gotten down much of it, besides that one spell, not to mention it leaves me drained afterward."

Akeno processed all this information. "But, how could you have learned so much in just ten days?"

"Ten days?" Mika repeated. "Akeno, I didn't start doing this during our training. I've started learning all this magic a few days after becoming a Devil."

That new revelation surprised Akeno. "You've devoted that much time to honing your magic?"

Mika raised a brow. "Yeah, what did you think I spent all that time doing nothing?"

Akeno opened her mouth to respond, but Mika stopped her.

"You know what, don't answer that." Mika then breathed in and then out. "Still though, that was closer than I hoped," She said, displeased. "If things were any closer, I might have lost."

"That's another thing. Why did you fight her alone?" Akeno questioned, wanting to ask that from the beginning. "There was no reason to exert yourself that much if we fought her together. We could have easily beaten her."

Mika didn't answer at first, but she looked down while still in Akeno's embrace; her expression seemed a bit sad. "I don't know. I just… I felt like I had to beat her on my own. This is the first fight I've ever been in, and I don't mean as in a Rating Game or as a Devil. This is literally the first fight of my life, I just felt like if I didn't win this on my own, I wouldn't be able to move forward with myself, and I wouldn't get a second chance." She then had a small smile. "Besides, like my Brother, I hate losing."

Akeno listened to her and then gave her a warm smile. On some levels, she could understand where Mika was coming from. She had been helpless her whole life. To her, this fight was her way of proving to herself that she had finally become more than who she once was. "I understand."

Mika then looked her in the eye. "Akeno… Take me to him."

Akeno looked a little confused. "What?"

"Take me to where my Brother is."

Akeno's eyes widened. "What? Mika, Shirou-kun's on his way to fight Raiser. He might even already be there by now."

"I know that." She responded, not wavering. "That's why I want to go. Now that the fight's over, I want to be beside him, no matter what else happens."

"But look at the state you're in." Akeno still wanted to talk her out of it. "You can barely walk on your own at this point. Even if you go, there's nothing you can do at this point." She pointed out. "You've done enough. Let me heal you."

While her healing was nowhere near as good as Asia's, it would still help improve Mika's current state.

"Then heal me on the way." Mika retorted. "I know, alright, I already know I can't do anything if I go there… But." She bit her lip. "But he's going to fight Raiser now, and that's the most important fight in this game. Both my fate and Rias' depend on the outcome, so don't I deserve to see it!" Mika asked as if daring her to say otherwise. "Take me there… Please."

Akeno saw the pleading look in her eyes; she knew even if she said no, Mika would just attempt to go there on her own. Thus she gave in.

"Okay, I'll take you to him."

"Thank you." Mika said genuinely.

And with that, Akeno gently landed back on the ground and started walking to the inside of the building.

Towards the Student Council room.

To the place where everything would be decided.

A Few Minutes Earlier…

Shirou was walking down the hallway of the new school building, heading to Raiser's base.

It was a while since he parted ways with Mika and Akeno, allowing them to fight Raiser's Queen.

If they were someone else, he might have felt concerned, but Shirou knew Mika could get the job done. Well, either her or Akeno.

"Well, what a surprise to see you here." A High-Class, almost self-centered young girl's voice spoke.

Shirou noticed Raiser's sister had appeared at his side, though he didn't stop walking.

Noticing this, Ravel Phenex started walking to keep up with him. She had been sitting around some dusty old building for close to an hour now. She deserved whatever form of passing the time she could get at this point, and even if they were an enemy, she had no intention to fight, so what else could she do? After all, her Brother wouldn't actually let her stand and watch the battle, claiming it was "Too dangerous". The same thing he did every single time she tried watching his fights in person…

"I really don't get why you bother fighting." Ravel started with a taunt. "My Brother is undoubtedly already claiming victory over Lady Rias, and when that happens, nothing you do will matter in the slightest."

Shirou kept walking. "Even if you say that, neither you nor I have heard anyone announcement saying so yet." He pointed out. "So she hasn't lost yet; why would I stop now when there's still a chance to win this?"

His defiance only succeeded in surprising and irritating the younger girl.

"You know he's immortal, right?" Ravel asked. The more closely she walked alongside him, the more she noticed the strange lack of any real injury, which should be impossible considering he personally fought almost a dozen of their forces. "You're just going to get crushed like everyone else who tried in vain to defeat my Brother! You may as well give up. Your odds of victory are less than 10%"

"So what?" Shirou replied; that response stopped her taunting and made her stare. "It's not Zero, so it's plenty." He said confidently. "Besides, I did not fight my way here for nothing. Regardless of what happens, I'm ending this on my own terms."

"Are you serious? Lady Rias and the rest of your team are probably already at their limits." Ravel pointed. "What makes you think you can face my Brother by yourself? Why would you even risk it? I know it's not for your master. So then what could possibly be the reason you would put so much on the line to still fight?"

Shirou didn't stop walking. "What reason? Have you not been paying attention?" He asked, not caring about the offense she took. "I fight for the sake of someone who means more to me than living. Her fate's on the line too, so I'll win. Why is that so hard for you to understand?"

Ravel stepped back a bit. She honestly didn't have a retort to that. She remembered how protective he seemed of his Sister back in the clubroom. It would only make sense he would throw himself into an uphill battle for her sake. Even though Ravel doesn't often show it, she cares deeply for her Brother as well, so she knows why there's nothing more to say.

She quickly caught up and changed the subject. "Even so, despite what power you may have, the House of Phenex is a powerful force in the Rating Game and not just because of our immortality." She gloated.

Shirou nodded. "I heard, like how you've got those "Phoenix Tear" things."

Ravel smiled and reached into her pocket to take out a small vial, which was her Phoenix Tear. "That's correct. This is our family's treasure. Phoenix Tear. I'm surprised you've heard of it. With this, our tears can heal all types of injuries." She explained. "Your group also has a person who possesses the Twilight Healing, correct? This is like an instantaneous version of that, but much more potent. And it's even in the rule book that Only two Devils participating in the Rating Game can use it. It was restricted because it was too powerful. Well, that would be natural. In our case, our Queen and I were in possession of it. Also, our tears are sold for high prices. Thanks to that, the House of Phenex is very wealthy. Only good things have happened since the game was created. Immortality and tears, this certainly is our age." She finished with a snooty laugh, with her open hand over her mouth and her eyes closed.

"Yeah, I can see that." Shirou said, now holding the vial himself. "These things are so useful. You could make a killer profit selling these."

Ravel continued her attitude. "Yes, I know. Truly just one of the many benefits of being of the House of Phenex." Ravel then stopped and noticed her hand felt oddly light. She opened her eyes to see the vial containing the Phoenix Tear was no longer in her hand but rather in the hand of the enemy Devil walking beside her.

"Hey!"

"Huh? You just now noticed?" Shirou asked deadpan. "Guess being egocentric also runs in the family."

"Give that back!" Ravel demanded.

"Yeah right." Shirou replied, amused. "Just try and take it."

Ravel clicked her tongue, knowing that even if she tried to take it back, she possessed no fighting ability, so it would be impossible. "This is why I can't stand Low-Class Devils. They always act in such a distasteful manner."

Shirou snorted. "Don't even try it. It's your own fault for just showing it off like that." He pointed out. "Besides, like you said, these things are way too useful. Now I have both."

Ravel puffed her cheeks and was upset. Oddly enough, she somewhat resembled Asia when she was upset with something Shirou had done. Though after a moment, she blinked in confusion, noticing something odd about the last thing Shirou had said.

"Both?"

Shirou nodded with a smile. "Yep, see it and believe." He then took out the second Phoenix Tear, the same one he took from Yubelluna.

Ravel's eyes widened. "That's! Yubelluna's?"

"The very same."

"But how?" Ravel asked. "You couldn't have defeated her, there was no announcement, and there's no way she would have let you just take it and run."

"What? Who do you think I am?" Shirou asked, almost offended. "I didn't run from that Queen Bitch. Rather I took this after landing the first blow, though I left fighting her to Mika."

Ravel's eyes widened again, this time with confusion. "You what? You left your Sister to fight her; that's insane. I thought you wanted to protect her?"

"Don't get the wrong idea." Shirou told her. "I do want to protect her, but I also know what she's capable of, and I understand that there are times I need to believe in those capabilities."

Ravel blinked. "What she's capable of?"

"I know she can handle that fight. Aside from me, I'd say she's the Strongest member our team's got." Shirou said, without a shred of doubt.

Ravel, however, looked like she completely doubted it. "That's not possible."

[Lord Raiser, One Queen, Retired.]

After hearing the announcement from Grayfia, Shirou smiled, knowing that his trust and belief in his sister were right. While Ravel just looked at a loss for words, wondering if maybe she heard wrong.

"What was that about impossible?"

"This…This can't be…" Ravel had trouble finding the right words.

"Well then." Shirou stopped walking, arriving at the stairs. "I guess this is where our conversation ends."

"What?"

"The Student Council room is just a straight turn above these stairs. You're not a fighter, so it's a given you won't be going." Shirou explained. "As for me, I going to finish this game already."

He started claiming the stairs.

"H-Hold on!" Ravel called out. "Don't you understand what I'm saying to you!? You are going to lose anyway, so it's safer to stay here with me!?" Ravel then immediately covered her mouth in embarrassment.

It wasn't like she desired the Silver-haired Red Dragon Emperor's company in particular, but it was hard to deny the fact that she was becoming increasingly bored just sitting around while everyone else went out and did things. She obviously wouldn't admit to either, but still…

"As nice as that option sounds." Shirou said while making his way upstairs. "I'll decline. After coming this far, turning back now would mean everything up until was meaningless, and besides…"

Shirou stopped at the top of the stairs and turned around to face Ravel.

His usual fearless smirk was on his face, while his eyes were covered by his bangs.

"Let me tell you one thing. It doesn't matter who they are; I don't lose." He said to her, then Shirou slightly lifted his head, and his eyes could be seen. "I'm the best."

Once he finished saying that, he left to head for the Student Council room.

Ravel was still at the bottom of the stairs, but she felt a strange feeling come other her. After Shirou had said those words and the feeling of the weight behind them that she felt, an usual and unfamiliar sensation was starting to affect her. She felt the same way for some reason the last time she saw him in the ORC meeting room before. And just like then, without either of them noticing, there was a small pink blush on her cheeks.

Ravel could only look on in a mix of awe and disbelief…

Rias knelt on the ground, panting from exhaustion, infuriated by her weakness.

"Chief!" Asia, as before, had been healing Rias' wounds.

Raiser stood across from her, looking down upon her condescendingly. "Really, my dear Rias, after coming so far, Raiser admits even Raiser is a little crushed to see you reduced to this state. You've defeated Raiser's Pawns, Rooks, Knights, and even Queen. That's a feat none of Raiser's opponents thus far have been able to honestly claim. Regardless of the outcome, you've earned Raiser's deepest respect."

Rias glared mercilessly at Raiser, causing a victorious smirk to appear on his face.

"But this game is already over. Your pieces are no match for Raiser, and regardless of how many times you attempt to attack Raiser, it will always amount to nothing."

He was referring to the fact that Kiba and Koneko had arrived and attempted to assist Rias a short while ago, but they were powerless before Raiser and were quickly defeated. They now lay there in the Student Council room at the side of the room. They were a painful sight to see. Kiba was face down with two broken blades at his side, his sleeves were burnt off, and his arms were burnt, while both his legs were broken at an unpleasant angle. Koneko was down next to him. Her clothes were almost completely burned away. All that remained was her pink bra and panties, and her gloves, though her student uniform along with her shoes was nothing but ash. Her appearance was pathetic as she curled up in a fetal position due to her pain.

Severe burns covered much of Kiba's body while cuts and bruises littered Koneko's.

It took everything they had not to pass out and let themselves retire from the game. All they could do was watch helplessly as the situation worsened.

Asia wanted to go over and heal them, but Rias begrudgingly ordered her not to leave her side, knowing that the moment she did, Raiser would eliminate her next.

So instead, Rias' response to Raiser was to fling another blast of demonic power at Raiser's smug face, erasing its top half.

"Oh, don't be so precocious now." Raiser said. "Could it be you're furious because of what Raiser did to your two pieces of there? Raiser gave them fair warning of what it meant to oppose the Phenex. They really only have themselves to blame." His smile became even crueler. "Or could it be that you're still waiting on that mongrel you call your "Pawn"?"

Rias' glare intensified, and Asia was upset as well with Raiser's insistence on his continuous insults towards Shirou. Kiba and Koneko, despite their injuries, heard him too and grit their teeth in frustration. Regardless of what others might think, Shirou was the main reason the two of them were even able to reach Rias. They couldn't contain the anger they felt towards Raiser for talking shit about him after that.

The next thing they knew, Rias held out both of her hands, unleashing an even larger blast of demonic power that blew away the entire upper half of Raiser's body along with several walls behind him, clean through the rest of the building.

"Don't you dare call my servant a mongrel!"

"Touchy." Raiser quipped dismissively. "Beloved, if you insist upon clinging to broken things, it will make it a great deal harder to plan out our wedding."

"I've said it once, and I'll say it again." Rias said bitterly. "I have no intention of losing to you, and I certainly will not marry you."

"It's time you stopped living in a fantasy, Rias." Raiser taunted. "It doesn't matter if you've defeated most of my servants. Raiser could easily wipe out your entire team single-handedly. Raiser sent his girls to fight only because it makes for a more entertaining show, but Raiser is beginning to grow bored with your petty resistance." Raiser conjured a fireball twice the size of his own body. Even without being thrown, it began to set the space around it alight. "Submit!"

"Never!" Rias shouted defiantly.

Raiser scowled. "Then Raiser will finish it myself!" He threw the fireball at Rias. Rias raised her barrier, but there was no telling whether or not she had the magical reserves to block another powerful attack.

The only reason she had survived so far was thanks to the struggles of Kiba and Koneko…

She pushed those thoughts aside. She had to.

For Kiba, Koneko…And Shirou. If she lost, she would never be able to look any of them in the eye ever again. Not after all they've done for her.

Any doubt now would disrupt her focus. She could not let all their efforts have been in vain.

Raiser launched his attack, and Rias braced herself.

SLAM!

Then the doors burst open, and a figure was thrown right on through.

Rias only recalled a sharp scream as the figure was consumed by Raiser's attack, absorbing whatever harm had been intended for Rias. The only feature she could detect was the bright light that consumed it, signaling its retirement.

[Lord Raiser, One Bishop, Retired.]

It was Raiser's turn to appear shocked. "WHAT?!"

It was not his loss so much as the fact that his loss resulted from his own attack that disturbed and angered him.

Using his own servants as shields? The nerve of it all!

"Who has the balls!?"

"Not you!" A defiant voice answered.

As he stood in the knocked doorway, the lone youth could not stop the grin on his face.

"I, on the other hand, though." Shirou Tsukiharu jabbed a finger over his shoulder. "In case you're wondering about the live ammunition, I found some Miko chick patrolling the halls and remembered she was one of yours. I sensed her attack, and so I did what was convenient and threw her in the way. Better that than wasting a good punch, right?"

The five individuals inside the room were too busy gawking to give a proper response.

"I could have used the little Sister Bishop, but I decided not to. It's against my policy to attack someone so non-threatening."

Raiser grit his teeth, snapping out of his shock. "YOU—"

"Shirou!"

"Shirou-san!"

Rias rushed to her Pawn with a bright, joyful, and relieved smile. Asia dropped all pretenses of calmness, instead immediately running out and embracing him.

"Even though we've only been apart for such a short time, I've been so worried about you!" She cried, tears streaming down the concerns of her eyes. "I was so afraid without you, I knew you would be mad if I worried about you, but I couldn't help being afraid! I'm sorry!"

Shirou shifted uncomfortably as Asia's tears stained his front, but he sighed, reached down, and patted her head.

"Hey, no more tears, Asia." Shirou said soothingly. "You've worked real hard to last this long. I'm sure everyone's glad about that." He gently wiped away any tears on Asia's face, no different from how he would for Mika. "You've already done enough, so rest now. Leave the rest to me."

Asia sniffed, then nodded.

Shirou smiled, then looked to Rias. "Looks like you're in a real mess."

Rias smiled back. "True, It's fortunate you arrived when you did. Thank you for saving me, Shirou."

"Ignore Raiser, will you." Raiser growled, reminding Shirou of his original reason for appearing there at all.

Shirou's expression became dark as he pried Asia away from him, gently nudging her over to Rias. "I'll deal with you in a second." He stepped away from Asia, walking towards the fallen forms of Kiba and Koneko. "First, I have something I need to take care of."

Raiser was tempted to just attack him right then and there, but he considered such an action beneath him, so he decided to wait.

Shirou stopped and processed the sight in front of him.

"Man, you guys look like hell."

Kiba coughed. "Sorry, Shirou-kun, we couldn't even slow him down despite all our efforts." Kiba said regretfully. "Raiser was so much stronger than we were expecting. I can't even feel my limbs."

Koneko was in too much pain to speak.

Shirou scowled. The conditions of Kiba and Koneko's bodies… They weren't the result of a battle or any kind of brawl. It was the result of a one-sided, deliberate brutalization. The kind that Shirou couldn't stomach the most.

Shirou reached into his pocket and took out the two vials of Phoenix Tears he had.

"Well then, this'll fix that."

And with that, he dropped the contents of the vials on the Knight and Rook lying in front of him.

Then by a breath-taking effect. The Phoenix Tears droplets, no bigger than water droplets, landed on the two of them and caused a bright glow of light to cover their bodies. It was different from the retirement light as it was more silver than blue, and instead of dissolving their bodies, it was healing their wounds. Kiba and Koneko could feel it. It was like the warmth of a gentle summer breeze was coating their bodies, all the injuries they had were disappearing, and all the pain felt like it was just a dream.

They both stood up, their clothes still tattered and for Koneko ruined, but their conditions were good as new.

Kiba and Koneko looked at each other, confused by their sudden recovery, then looked at Shirou. "Shirou-kun, what was that?"

"Those were Phoenix Tears." He answered. "Turns out, there some super-healing potion that the other team had."

Rias and Asia stared in surprise. "Shirou…Where do you get those?"

Shirou grinned. "I snatched them off a pair of chumps." He then let out a small laugh.

Raiser watched with narrowed eyes. He knew exactly where Shirou must have gotten them. And it irked him that HIS family's treasured item was used to heal his enemy's team. He was just as angry as he was when Shirou used his Bishop as a shield.

"Anyways." Shirou looked back at his now healed comrades. "It was a stroke of luck you guy didn't retire. It made your recovery faster."

"…Sempai, You're late." Koneko accused.

"I wasn't late. You two just showed up too soon." Shirou argued. "I mean, seriously, did you actually think you had a chance of beating Raiser without me?"

They felt like an arrow just went through their self-esteem. They couldn't deny it after they just got bodied by Raiser and would have retired without his assistance, but it still wasn't something they liked to be reminded of.

"But." Shirou continued. "You two did defend Rias long enough for me to get here. Good job on that. You just saved us the game."

Now they were just surprised, of all things. They never expected to hear praise from their group's Pawn.

Shirou then turned around and looked with determination toward his hated foe. Raiser Phenex.

"Now then, leave this one to me."

Shirou then started walking towards the Pure-Blood nobleman.

"Wait—" Kiba turned to help him, but Rias gestured him not to. "But Chief, we shouldn't let him face Raiser alone. That's too much."

"Then what else can we do?" It was then that the Knight noticed the certainty in his master's voice.

"Huh?"

"None of us, not even myself, could do a thing against Raiser." She reminded Kiba. "Right now, there's nothing more we can do, so let's place our trust in him. I believe if anyone can defeat Raiser, it's Shirou."

Asia nodded in agreement, though they could see her trembling.

When they looked at Shirou, all they could see was his back. But right now, it seemed almost different, looked strong and distant, and made them feel it was safe to put their trust in him. Shirou, from the moment he appeared, completely changed their entire situation. They were facing deep despair, there was nothing they could do, and out of nowhere, he cut through that despair and replaced it with hope.

He had turned despair into hope.

That's why at this moment, all they could do was believe in him.

Play OST - Zombie Loan - Main Theme

Shirou stood in front of Raiser, staring the noble Devil down with unwavering eyes.

"Long time no see."

"Not long enough." Raiser noticed Shirou's almost untouched state. "You've reached this point without any real injuries?"

"Nah, you see, unlike your girls, I spend my time on training." Shirou taunted. "Something you obviously never heard of."

Raiser scoffed. "Training, no superior being should have to spend their time covering themselves in sweat and dirt like some lowly beast." He ridiculed. "Like you."

Shirou smirked. "Well, no real warrior would spend all their time in some posh, luxury room drowning in sex and sloth, like some wannabe Harem-king." He shot back. "Like you."

Raiser got angrier. "You uneducated, diminutive swine." He growled. "It seems you still don't understand your place as a man of the House of Phenex. Raiser will not rest until you have been completely crushed under—"

[EXPLOSION!]

The gem on Shirou's gauntlet shined again, and his power went up through the roof. Truth is, he kept Boosting his power on the way here and stacking them up, waiting to face Raiser before activating Explosion. Now he was confident he had the power to defeat Raiser.

DRAGON BLAST!

Shirou's open palm, containing a small sphere of demonic energy which drastically increased in size, promptly shut Raiser up via a giant blast of energy to the face.

The blast blew clean through Raiser and punched a hole the size of a dinner table straight through the remaining floors above them. Though it was powerful, Raiser's head immediately started to regenerate afterward.

Shirou knew it wouldn't kill Raiser (or perhaps that information was why he felt even less need to restrain himself than normal), but it was enough that it shut Raiser up.

Much to Shirou's annoyance, however, Raiser's mouth was the first thing to regenerate.

"GAH! Why is it always the goddamned face?!" Raiser screeched before rubbing his newly-reformed eyes. "When your betters are speaking to you, don't interrupt them!"

Raiser's fist, coated in flames, came down on Shirou. Shirou raised his own arm to defend against the blow, and despite his boisterous and arrogant nature, Raiser's physical strength indeed matched that of his magic. Shirou could feel that the blow would have pushed him back and burnt beneath Raiser's punch if he hadn't powered up. But in his current state, he didn't budge a single inch, and his resolve didn't waver. He continued to return Raiser's heated gaze.

"What a puny flame."

"Stop looking at Raiser with those insolent eyes, you trash!" Raiser conjured a massive fireball in his other hand. "Raiser will finish what was started ten days ago and burn you away into nothing. You will not deny Raiser his victory! You're trash! NOW DI-"

Shirou took the opportunity to drive his bare right fist hard into Raiser's gut, so fierce and violent that a knuckle-shaped bulge could have been seen on Raiser's back. Raiser could feel most of his organs threatening to leave his throat. It hadn't driven Raiser much closer to defeat, but it still hurt like a bitch, and he what felt what must have been his spine shatter and instantly repair itself.

"Your victory? What makes you think you'll win?!" Shirou growled. "I hear you've never actually lost before!" Shirou grabbed Raiser by the face, tightening his vice-grip, and dragging Raiser over to the window.

"MMPH!" Raiser fumed in outrage, trying to obtain the focus to summon his flames.

"People like you, who've never known defeat shouldn't act like they know the value of victory!"

"As for me, one lose was more than enough." He thought inwardly, with hate and frustration. "And for the rest of my life, I'll never let there be a second one."

Shirou then came out of his thoughts and leaped out the window, putting Raiser below him. He spun mid-air, swinging his leg in a powerful kick that practically blasted Raiser into the ground, destroying the spot where he landed. He used his magic to push against his feet, propelling him towards the ground. Shirou flipped forward, orienting himself right-side-up, his right foot aimed sharply downward.

There was a very nauseating splash as Shirou's foot impacted against Raiser's skull seconds after the latter had hit the ground, causing it to explode like a water balloon.

"I'll show you how painful real defeat is! NOW ACCEPT EVERY OUNCE OF MY WRATH!"

Music Off

And that's the chapter. And first of all, what did you all think of Mika's fight? Was it good? Was it bad? As for the Black Magic. In the canon, I saw it mentioned but never seen, nor did we hear what it was, and I felt that was a waste, so I added it here as my version of what Black Magic is. And I decided even though Mika can use all kinds of magic, that would be her main affinity, like how Akeno's is lightning.

And I decided to have Shirou steal the Phoenix Tears because I just think that's a logical thing to do. Why no one else ever even tried doing that was something I never got, it was a smart idea, and it would help turn things around.

Next chapter is the main event fight between Shirou and Raiser. And the final chapter of the Rating Game, so look forward to it.

Anyways thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed, if you want more leave a review if you liked the story click the follow/favorite, and as always have an awesome day.