reality deviant: Exactly, Issei has always had emotional outbursts when those closest are hurt, though this one was...a bit too far...almost as if something else pushed him further than intended. I totally agree in canon it felt very unlike him since all his friends were alive and well, yet he went straight for a sure-kill move yet no one confronts him about it after a few minutes as something to work on. I hope you like my slight clarification on what caused him to react so.
Hollowreaper 93: Sure is XD With nearly losing Kuisha, Sairaorg will be less jovial over a powerful fight and just be about seeing if what Issei tried is who he is, or something else affecting him.
Lorenzo Macchiavelli: At last, the aging affliction is gone ;) Between that and the power boost from his training when enfeebled, he'll get to really show off at the next battle :D
xXWolfsterXx644: I hope the wait wasn't too long :D
Gan315: Hmmm, an interesting theory and not far off, I hope you enjoy the explanation this chapter. I totally agree, there is nothing wrong with faults as it is how characters grow, I just wish Issei's had been focused on more in canon to make his triumphs feel more earned. And you are so right, I think that is why I loved Sairaorg so much as my favorite male character of the series. You can say he has faced as much hardship in terms of combat as Rias' and even more so implied from his past. That with his selfless ideal to improve life for the less fortunate devils just makes him so likable. I sent a full PM to you with a reply, but I have been doing well and hope things improve for you. Wishing you all the best my friend :)
ahsoei: Well, that hasn't happened XD But Dorian has that ambiance that makes it easy to trust combined with how he's been since they met.
Uday Sra: Thanks!
Guest1: Well, Katerea wasn't in this one and that there is no sign of her growing towards the Leviathan position while she's preparing to be a mother. That and she no longer has the snake so unless Ophis gave new ones, she wouldn't be able to power up others. But I'll be able to expand on them a bit more after this arc concludes. :)
theLawbringer: No worries, I totally understand the need to rant, I felt the same way when I first read that scene as it felt very hypocritical and out of character for Issei to go for a kill when his friends were all alive and it was a competition. I did feel the need to still include it as it felt like such a wasted opportunity for Issei to grow and learn from his mistakes when most of the time to me it felt like his faults and mistakes are glossed over or never mentioned. This chapter will shed light on that outburst which was sort of hinted at in canon but vaguely on why he'd suddenly go so murdery. Faults are fine for a character to have as long as they learn from them, which didn't feel like the case with Issei's outburst here. I hope you like the path I chose to go, though I know you didn't like the overall inclusion :)
TheLycan2026: It's great to hear from you again! :D Never feel any requirement to review, only if you feel the need as you enjoying it is the most important part :) It means so much you enjoyed my rendition of the arc and hope you enjoy what is to come ;)
fanficcyberman: Correct on both accounts XD Good thing they held Zepar back or Sairaorg wouldn't have stood a chance LOL. Oh god...Iggy makes ugly Christmas sweaters for everyone! XD No one can say no to her, not even the gods. As always, I am touched by how much you like the path I go for the characters, those little details I have always felt can really make them stand out even if just a little. I have been doing very well and pray the same is true for you and your loved ones. Stay safe man :)
OBSERVER01: Thank you so much! True, but at least they took care of it so now they can see the finals while the security teams scan the area. I hope the final match does not disappoint ;)
FateBurn: Thanks!
And with that…ONTO THE SHOW!
"Our own guards will assist with the investigation," Freyja insisted as Dorian sat beside her in the seat that would have been reserved for Thor. Beside him, Seekvaira and Rossweisse watched having recently returned from their excursion below and describing everything. "Fortunately, nothing out of the ordinary has occurred here other than what took place in the previous fight."
Freyja, along with the jumbotron recap, had described what happened during Issei's fight against Sairaorg's Queen, the young man acting wholly out of character to who they knew. Dorian did not have time to ask further before Freyja seized him by each cheek, looking him over like a mother hen.
"Oh, just look at you! I never imagined you'd take a bite so soon, but it couldn't be helped. It worked beyond all expectations; how do you feel? I have some food if you are hungry. No, no, no questions now," she hugged him close for joy, Dorian spotting Odin bowing his head behind him as if offering his condolences for the embarrassing scene he now found himself in.
"B-but Rossweisse said it was important," he struggled only a little within her grip. "Why would you give something so important to me?"
"The ceremony will explain all," she finally released him form her embrace. "The decision is justified all the more with your recovery, but I promise all will be answered then. I am more worried for your friend," she pointed to Issei amid the field, the aura of malice and anger growing ever higher. "Could seeing his friends beaten so in a match push him so far?"
"The turmoil in his heart maybe? But I can't imagine it pushing him that far so quickly," Dorian theorized as he cupped his chin, a growing sense of dread settling over the Crossroad members watching. The look on the Red Dragon Emperor's face unnerving even he. "Even Issei looks like he doesn't understand what came over him."
"It is the nature of the Heavenly Dragons to be destructive, always has been since they first appeared." Odin pointed out, taking a deep sip from his mug. "Perhaps it just took time to come to the forefront?"
"That's the Heavenly Dragon's nature, but not Issei's." Whatever else the Einherjar felt for the fellow second-year student, he knew that much.
In an unexpected turn of events, the final match of our tournament begins now! As suggested by Lord Sairaorg, the remaining Kings shall compete for one final fight! Working with Team Bael will be the mysterious Pawn Regulus who has yet to truly fight in these matches. Alongside Team Gremory shall be the beloved Oppai Dragon, Issei Hyoudou!
"I'm getting closer, please excuse me." He bowed before rushing down, leaving the upper portion security to Seekvaira barely listening to the announcers prepare the final match of the day.
"Dorian…" Seekvaira reached out, but he was gone. "Damn, he is too headstrong sometimes."
"It's a trait of our people," Freyja shrugged her hands with a smile. "You may come to appreciate it if you work with him long enough. Thank you for being there for him."
"No thanks are needed," the Agares heiress was next to feel the full force of Freyja's appreciation. "He did more for me when it was needed, it was your apple that saved him more than I."
"But you were still there, you said so yourself. Every moment in life leads to cause and effect. Had you not chosen to join us and know Dorian, you may not have been there, and things could have happened far different. It is one of the fascinations of reality. What other memories will you make together?"
Seekvaira could only hold her gaze with the goddess for a moment before feeling the need to look away towards the arena. Despite her usual specialty in remaining stoic and calm under the harshest of situations, she found herself unable to keep from contemplating just what she meant and the meaning behind every moment and decision in her life…
In the Arena…
The voices of the children taking up a good portion of the upper rows cried out for Issei, the embarrassing Oppai chant continuing albeit muted from before. Bennia could not help but notice the young devil Lirenkus was not among those singing, looking worried as he watched his idol and Rias take their places on the field, a wide open plain allowing for no cover. The next fight would be an all-out battle with strength being the deciding factor. The arbiter did not delay as soon as all four were in place.
For the Grand Finale, no special introduction is needed, and I am sure all are eager for us to start. Combatants….BEGIN!
Issei, still in his armor from the fight with Kuisha, instantly promoted to Queen to max out his abilities, Regulus doing the same. The masked Pawn showed no sign of worry, the toothy grin given made it seem like he truly looked forward to the match to come.
"Rias," Sairaorg began as touki wrapped around his body once more, all limits still removed as his strength seemed to increase even from the fight with Catherine and Akeno. "Before we begin, I must compliment your choice of servants from those who have fallen. Their power and love for you make even I jealous. They all fought so hard and true, my own team no doubt will remember these fights for the rest of their lives."
"And yours were superb as well," Rias complimented. "We've fought so many threats over this past year, yet your teammates bested several of us despite all training. "I can only imagine what it would have been like facing you if any of them had achieved Balance Breaker. We can see now who the strongest King is."
"No, who is the BEST King," he corrected before turning his gaze to Issei. "Red Dragon Emperor! This will be our first confrontation; I admit I was looking forward to it more prior to your fight against my Queen. Now I wonder just what kind of fighter you are. This battle will settle all doubts!"
"I'm not quite sure myself," he admitted to his opponent's face. "But you still hurt my friends. I'll be avenging them all!"
"My own comrades were bested by you," Sairaorg pointed out. "I did not seek the deaths of those responsible. There is a vast difference between being willing to kill if pushed and seeking it as the first option. Let me show you!"
Thruster jets appeared on Issei's back, rocketing him towards Sairaorg with his armor generated to the maximum power he could muster. The Bael heir responded in kind, touki shining about him to a blinding degree. The pair crossed attacks, slamming a fist into one another's face, Issei's helmet shattering and Sairaorg's nose bleeding. Regulus and Rias were blown away by the force of the impact.
It hurts so much, worse than even getting hit with a holy weapon, but we aren't done yet. Ddraig, give me all you got!
Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!
The attack drove onward through Sairaorg, pushing him back as the two were knocked clear of one another. Sairaorg cracked his neck, body trembling in excitement.
"That punch was stronger than any hit of your friends, how long have you been a devil? Six months and yet you have matched me in your current form. Our first confrontation and yet you landed a single hit and survived one. That Balance Breaker really is something, that could have killed even another high rank devil when I'm not being careful."
Ddraig, I got this, just keep my defense up and heal the armor when he gets through.
Of course partner, our power can hurt him even through touki without holy assistance, but be careful. You are acting more rash than usual and burning through stamina fast; I'll do what I can.
"Fine by me!"
Issei and Sairaorg charged each other once more, a savage back and forth of punches and kicks ensuing sending a ringing crash every time one of them connected. It was clear from the exchanges that Sairaorg's martial arts were vastly superior to Issei's whose attacks were clumsier. Despite the disadvantage, Issei held his ground against the punishing blows, having faced true threats against the Khaos Brigade. As a result, his resolve was indomitable, the anger still growing towards what had been done to his friends allowing him to ignore much of the pain and power through, landing hit after hit on the devil giant. Sairaorg's gaze remained stern on Issei, the memory of what he was willing to do to Kuisha never leaving his thoughts along with how closely he'd come to losing her. Even those who knew the devil giant saw how much more savagely he fought from past matches. Every blow was one intent to shatter Issei's body, death all too real for both sides.
As the two powerhouses fought, Rias approached the mysterious masked Pawn of the Bael team. He quickly removed it, revealing himself to be quite young, appearing no older than Issei. He smiled with a far too innocent grin at her with a polite greeting.
"It is a pleasure to meet you," he bowed. "I've been wanting step into my old skin again for years, thank you for this opportunity.
Before she could ask, Regulus fell onto all fours, his flesh and bones popping and morphing in unnatural ways similar to Ladora in the previous fights. Sharp fangs protruded from his mouth, gold fur sprouting from his neck and his limbs ballooned outward culminating in a tail emerging from his back. Rias withdrew as a giant golden lion five meters tall with a gem etched in its forehead towered over her, releasing a roar that briefly paused the match between Pawn and King.
"He's a…"
And the identity of the mysterious Pawn has been revealed as…A GREAT LION!?The announcer sounded as shocked and stunned as the collected audience and combatants in the arena.
"Not just any lion," Hecuba looked on in awe. "That is one of the Nemeans!"
"The Nemean Lion?" Dorian recognized the creature of Greek Myth faced by Heracles for one of his Twelve Labors. "It exists?"
"THEY do," she corrected. "It is actually a species that thrived in ancient days and still survives in lower numbers around Olympus. "I had no idea any had left our lands, however."
[Indeed!] Azazel explained to the masses. [The legendary foe to the original Heracles that is in fact a species among those of the Olympian Pantheon. What few know is that the God of the Bible captured one as it fled, sealing it into a Sacred Gear, but not just any Sacred Gear. The lion chosen was so powerful it became one of the 13 Longinus and can split the world itself in half if used by a senior possessor. That explains his Pawn's name, as it was the Regulus Nemea. We kept tabs on the previous wielder but lost sight of him years ago. He must have died and passed it on to Sairaorg.]
"No," the Bael heir corrected. "He is not my Sacred Gear, but a loyal servant. I came across a battle years ago in the countryside where his master had been slain by a group of stray devils. Before that time, his form was an axe, but he transformed into a lion to avenge his former wielder by sheer willpower alone. I made him my servant that very day to stabilize his presence in this world, a fateful meeting indeed considering my mother's family ties!"
That's right, President said the Vapulas, his mom's side, were all about taming lions. That is just an insane coincidence finding this guy!
[A very rare ability, a Sacred Gear that can move autonomously, an Independent-Avatar Type we call it. We've seen it today in fact as combatant Hikari Hirano had one, though only a select few could see her. The popular television persona High King, played by Dorian Held from our Northern Allies, also has one. They're even in the stadium today.]
Those nearest Dorian turned, finally recognizing him from the show as Azazel called him out. Flashes of cameras went off as those closest started asking questions about him and Iggy, it was all he could do to try and divert their attention back to the temporarily stalled match.
[I would love to get a chance to study him in my lab. Is he powerful because of himself or the devil piece? I never knew a Sacred Gear could exist for a time without a true wielder. Sairaorg! After this fight can you let me look him over!?] Naud had to practically pull the microphone from his hand to stop him, drawing a chuckle from Dorian at his expense.
Not even I could do that, Ddraig admitted to Issei. When my wielders die, my mind and soul are instantly severed. What an intriguing concept.
"President, are you okay to…?" Issei almost asked but thought better of it. She had taken her stance against the lion, her powers flaring to their full might as she looked on prepared to fight. "Of course, you are, I'll leave him to you…Sairaorg is mine!"
Issei drew Ascalon from the depths of his gear, transferring enough power to change its appearance into a mighty greatsword. To his shock, Sairaorg maneuvered himself expertly with each slice, parrying the holy blade using his own arms. Despite the heavy training with Kiba, the Bael heir kept ahead of his swings, having trained to combat weapons with his hands, catching the blade on the flat edge each time or avoiding it entirely. At the very least, it kept Issei out of range of his blows, even a few extra hits from those punches had his mouth filled with blood.
As the two continued their brawl, Rias unleashed her power of destruction against the lion, shocked that the wave that eliminated three of his pieces barely affected the Longinus. Her wings were insufficient to keep ahead of him as she had with Hikari, the Pawn's speed far surpassing hers. A four-clawed paw slashed against her to unleash a cry of pain. It was only a hastily cast burst of black energy into its eyes that forced it to retreat pawing at the flames in pain. Rias could feel the blood trickling down her back from the attack, a single blow had nearly eliminated her.
"She must be losing strength fast," Dorian worried as Rias lowered to the ground, retracting her wings as she started putting distance between herself and the lion.
"That…or she has a plan," Rossweisse corrected, recognizing the pattern she was taking across the field and noting the movement of her hands. "I believe I see her ploy!" She whispered the idea to Dorian.
"Will that work? Only one way to find out…."
The lion roared; eyes finally free of the dark flames turning back to Rias who was bounding away across the open field. Quickly, he gave chase moving far faster than she could hope to match. Glancing left and right, Regulus grinned wide.
"I see the traps you are placing," he ran over the first one purposefully, the explosion doing no damage in the slightest. "Did you truly think attacks of this caliber could harm me? I can…"
He was silenced as the latest trap he sensed but saw as no threat exploded, a familiar sphere of black emerging from within. The destruction energy detonated amplified by the seal. Dark projectiles flew into the lion stabbing across its body, one striking the gem on its forehead and cracking it.
"She infused her seals with destruction energy!" Ratatoskr blurted out to those who were still uncertain what happened. "Gee, I wonder who gave her inspiration like that! Even a Longinus would feel that."
"Now!" She grunted, thrusting her hands together. From between them, dozens of other seals she had laid shimmered to life. Knowing full well the lion would not take another chance after the first, she pulled them all together herself, the magic signs sliding along the floor to coalesce beneath the feet of the powerful Longinus.
The audience, combatants and announcers alike covered their eyes as the compounding explosions, half normal and half mixed with destruction energy detonated simultaneously. The ground, despite being an ethereal construct, shattered from the collection of immense magical explosions making even Rias believe for a moment it could have brought down such a creature.
Even if he gets back up, she thought to herself with a gasp of breath, I can try that again, I'll start laying them now and…
Rias? A familiar voice suddenly echoed in her mind as she was prepared to enact her strategy. Is that you? I can feel you, but you're so far away. Why do my eyes feel so heavy?
The Gremory heiress froze, uncertain how to react to the words from nowhere. She was so distracted that she only had time to utter a single word before a golden mass of charred flesh and claws erupted from the smoke, teeth aimed squarely at her head.
"…auntie?"
Across the Field…
Issei fired another Dragon Shot Slash, causing Sairaorg to weave left and right to avoid them. Despite his improved skill with a sword, it was nothing compared to Kiba and Sairaorg had clearly seen better. He stabbed forward, gasping as the blade was caught by his opponent's barehand.
"You are better, but not good enough," he wrenched the sword from Issei's grip, casting it aside and delivering a solid blow directly into his gut following up be a headbutt that shook the room along with his opponent's bones. Issei spit up blood once more, the internal damage adding up despite his incredible armor. But he was ready for it, gripping Sairaorg's arm to prevent escape as Catherine had done.
Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!
"CHARGE SOLID IMPACT!" He unleashed his attack directly into him. To the Red Dragon's shock, Sairaorg did not attempt to move, instead catching the blow with his free bare hand despite the incredible pain clearly evident on his face mixed with absolute rage.
"That is the attack you tried to kill Kuisha with," he growled. "She was the first I made a servant, my Queen through all things who has never left my side nor I hers. The most important woman in my life, and you try to use the same blow? That attack will never work against me!"
Before they could continue, the pair were rocked by a massive explosion across the field, drawing their attention. Neither could make out any sign of their respective partners until the smoke slowly cleared, revealing the victor of their struggle. Rias Gremory was on the ground covered in blood, a massive paw placed upon her back. Regulus had won, but at a cost. His rear left haunch was charred black and had a limp while the dazzling gem atop his forehead was cracked and broken. Lesser burns dotted his body, but he gave no sign to feeling them. Rias was still alive, her hazy gaze still looking directly at Issei, hand reaching out weakly.
"Pres!" Issei immediately abandoned his fight, turning to help the woman he loved. He did not make two steps before the unthinkable happened.
"Not another inch closer or else," the lion warned, wrapping its teeth around Rias' head which fit easily inside. He did not truly bite down, clearly making a threat that it could crunch down on her at any time. Issei froze in his tracks at the deadly ultimatum.
"You bastard," he yelled back. "Let her go, this fight is between…"
"You lost all right to demand such a thing last match," the Bael heir snapped, walking past him to stand between Issei and Regulus. "This is what you wanted isn't it? To unleash the rage at our fallen comrades and win at any cost? Had I not pulled back Kuisha, she would be dead at your hands. Am I not offered the same determination to avenge my servants as you are?"
Issei's eyes widened as sweat dripped down his face, the uncertain expression on Rias and Lirenkus' face at his rash action the previous match burned into his memory. The stadium's previous cheers had gone deathly silent, all watching where this was going next. Dorian gripped the railing in front of him tighter, bending the metal inward without realizing.
"I-I was avenging my team! You…"
"Did not kill any of them," he retorted resolutely. "Your Knight and Queen were incredible, but very fragile. Had I wished it, I could have crushed their skulls before they could be retired or shattered their hearts with a single punch once their defenses were gone, but it was not necessary. Likewise, you could have bested Kuisha a dozen different ways, yet you chose a killing blow before all others. A good King should know when to unleash their wrath or restrain it, a lesson you need learn if you choose to be one someday."
I do! After I make Pres a champion, I'll become one myself, be a High-Class Devil and get my peerage harem! But as the Oppai Dragon I need to be a symbol too, like… Lirenkus' face stood out in the audience again but looking past he realized he'd not been the only one unnerved by his actions, so many of the other children looked on their hero with concerned glances. He'd done that. I didn't just try to kill her, I tried to kill her in front of them.
"If that is how far you wish to go," Sairaorg raised a hand to signal Regulus. "Then it is only fitting I respond in kind."
"N-NO!" Issei cried out aloud. "Don't do that, I'll surren…"
Sairaorg snapped his fingers, Issei's heart plummeting to the bottom of his gut. Turning to expect the worst, a cold sense of calm settled over him as he witnessed the lion gently lay Rias' head back onto the ground, retreating to its master's side. He looked back to his foe, utterly confused.
"I told you Issei Hyoudou, a good King knows when to restrain their wrath. Just know that if I'd acted on the same emotions you did, that Rias Gremory would be dead right now. How would you feel had I tried to kill her for true? I would never do that to my dear cousin. Go, use your Phenex tear on her quickly before the injuries become mortal and remember that feeling."
"That Kuisha is a lucky lady," Freyja playfully remarked. "For all his power and honor, he has a soft heart for her beneath it all. Rias too, he didn't care in the slightest surrendering if it meant she lived."
"President, please take this," Issei rushed to her side, cradling her gently despite the pooling blood matching her hair that stirred painful memories of their first meeting.
"I'm s-sorry," she gasped through the pain as smoke rose from her wounds were the drops fell, healing every injury sustained in the brutal attack. The frustration on her face was clear, despite being a Longinus she'd lost to a Pawn and nearly cost them the match. "I…I thought I heard Auntie…"
"Don't be sorry, that kid was super strong. It'd be like you almost fighting Ddraig," he tried to console as he made sure there were no remaining injuries. "Just look at the burns, you did a real number on him, and they have no tear left. We can still win!"
"I will face you Issei. If Rias stays back, I will not target her until you have fallen. You have my word. Until then…" He held his hand out, the Nemean Lion jumping into the air, his body transforming once again, this time into an immense golden axe that stunned audience members he could hold one-handed. "I will face you with every option at my disposal. This is the form I found him in, a weapon beyond compare."
"Stay here," he eased Rias back down, retrieving Ascalon which had been cast nearby. "I won't lose, not to him."
"Please Issei," she gripped his arm tightly one more time. "That look you gave before, against Kuisha…don't do that again, don't become someone different. You are the one I wanted as my Pawn, not the Red Dragon Emperor. If only one can remain, I choose you."
Someone different?
Sairaorg led this time, swinging the axe down upon Issei's head. He barely had time to transfer power into Ascalon once more, blocking the attack as sparks flew from the clash of metals. The Red Dragon Emperor slid up the haft of the axe, slashing across Sairaorg's leg only for him to parry with the handle. Sairaorg's monstrous blows against Issei's more refined style courtesy of Kiba and Dorian's teachings went back and forth shaking the room with each blow.
The climactic battle has evolved into a furious exchange of weapons! Combatant Rias Gremory has retreated to a safe distance, how dangerous it must be for her. To see such a struggle that could end at any moment, it is anyone's match folks!
"I haven't gotten to show my new move," Issei boasted as his bones rang with a new parry. "Illegal Move Triaina!"
Sairaorg brought his axe down, Issei no longer where he'd been a moment ago. As his armor lightened, blaster rockets appeared on his back that increased his speed beyond godlike levels. Zipping around, he scored two deep slashes on Sairaorg's back and legs, bringing him to a knee. The Bael devil caught on to his pattern, swinging where he surely would be next. He guessed right, only for his axe to be caught on the edge of his arm, the armor there many times thicker than it had been. With practice, Issei had transitioned from Knight speed to Rook quicker than ever. Already, the armor was falling away as he tapped into a Bishop's magical power, enormous cannons appearing on his back to replace the rockets.
DRAGONIC WELSH BLASTER!
Sairaorg raised his arms to defend the cannons incoming attack, the light building to an apex at point blank range. The attack did not come, as the light faded, it suddenly materialized upon the blade of Ascalon targeting his gut, he did not have time to reposition his defense.
DRAGONIC WELSH BLASTER SLASH!
Sairaorg's giant devil wings emerged acting as a shield as the attack collided with him, blasting both apart and pushing his opponent across the field. The beam of energy vied for supremacy against the giant's indomitable body and axe, all uncertain who would come out on top. Only after slamming into the back wall did Sairaorg win out, striking the blast with a mighty punch, dispersing it utterly. The toll on him was heavy, however, as he was finally panting noticeably at the effort.
That hurt him! That really hurt him. If I do that a few more times, we can do this!
"Incredible Issei," Sairaorg wiped the blood from his lip. "You have surpassed me so quickly, my will to fight has peaked higher than ever before! You are using all at your disposal, so I feel I shall follow the example of our Northern Allies. I had intended to use this only in the defense of the Underworld, but this fight is worthy of it to crush you!" With a grunt, he buried the axe in front of him, the Nemean Lion emerging once more.
"You have more, then bring it out!" Issei shouted aloud, surprising all in the arena. "We are both fighting for our dreams, I only want to beat you when you have everything! Show me all and I will do the same!" Rias looked horrified, seeing he had an opening for another Triaina attack. "I am sorry, but I'll take responsibility by winning and showing that I am the strongest Pawn, and you the best King!"
"Vali must be loving this," Dorian remarked to the team over the earpiece. "Not the smartest move to win, but definitely the one to raise their rankings for sure. That is more in line with issei, even the crowd agrees!" He noticed the renewed cheer, even the shadow over Issei's actions seemed to have abated somewhat as the light in Lirenkus' eyes started to return. The Einherjar could see Sairaorg's body trembling similar to how he'd been in their match, his spirits high.
"Of course! This will be my full power. Do not hold a grudge against me if you happen to die!" Golden particles surrounded his body as the Lion faded from existence, his power surrounding Sairaorg utterly. "My Lion, King of Nemea, you whom have been called Lord of Lions. Answer my howl and become my armor!"
The entire area shook as if an earthquake had hit, the artificial space losing integrity from the sheer power erupting from the man and his Sacred Gear. Light blinded Issei and Rias as an echoing cry from both man and beast broke through all barriers to strike awe in their hearts.
Balance Break! IRON SKIN OF THE LION KING!
When they could see again, Sairaorg stood before them in shining plate armor from head to toe. The adornment of lions could be seen all over with a head etched into the breastplate and helm with eyes staring down into him, a magnificent mane on his head. Every inch of it felt alive, the consciousness of the Nemean Lion within along with that of its master.
"Regulus Nemea's Balance Break, the Regulus Rey Leather Rex," he explained, his injuries all but ignored while covered in the armor. "This is the most serious I have ever been, and I will reward you with the full might of my fist. Let us see how your move will serve you now. With this, I will see if you are an honorable warrior or power-mad dragon." He took the first step toward Issei, his aura radiating with every inch closer he drew.
"H-he can even cover his armor in touki?! What kind of a monster is he? He has armor too?"
He's taken the form best suited to direct attacks, how else would he fight? Ddraig tried to impart some wisdom as the wall of strength walked closer. Some need speed or secrecy, he needs only an armored mass of power. Any like that will generate armored forms. I imagined that is why Dorian's is the same way.
"Now Red Dragon Emperor, hit me with your best shot."
"Done!" Issei charged forward, the speed of his Triaina kicking in with new booster rockets getting behind Sairaorg. Foregoing Bishop, he threw all focus into Rook, his armor thickening and power rising to maximum.
WELSH DRAGON ROOK! CHARGE SOLID IMPACT!
"You try that move again? What did I tell you before!?"
Issei followed through as the muscles of his armor grew bigger and bigger, a punch akin to a sledgehammer hurtling towards the golden-clad foe. It happened so fast; few could register what happened. As his fist was about to connect, Sairaorg turned, having kept up easily with the initial speed, with one hand he stopped the attack with the most absolute of ease, no sign of strain or effort in the slightest.
"N-no way! I won't give up, you aren't unbeatable!"
Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boo-
As Issei's power doubled again and again, Sairaorg merely clenched his hand, shattering the enlarged gauntlet generating so much power that was now inconsequential to him. Issei drew Ascalon anew with his other hand, bringing it down on his armor, the blade shattering on impact much to his dismay without leaving the slightest mark.
"So, this is your limit?" Was all Sairaorg muttered before slamming his free hand into Issei's chest, shattering the thickest armor he could generate with the greatest of ease. The attack continued through, shattering bones and all it came into contact with.
"Pr-pres, Ria…" he gasped as his words were lost in a torrent of blood flooding his throat. The last thing he recalled before all went black was Rias Gremory's words calling his name sounding so very far away.
In the Stands…
"Issei!" Dorian shouted as his classmate was sent flying by the attack, rolling across the field leaving a red streak behind him.
"Oh shit," Bennia muttered at the brutal display before them. "He flattened him with one punch! He's not moving."
With a bone-shattering blow, the Oppai Dragon is down! His King tends to him, but I do not see any movement, is our match over so soon!?
"He can't be dead, the retirement system would have removed him, right?" The Grim Reaper could only shrug, concerned both for Issei's well-being more than the money she was about to lose. "Rias is still in the fight."
"She can't fight THAT! She's obsessed with keeping Issei alive, he'll flatten her with a strong breeze!"
"Oh man, the dragon is down," a nearby spectator muttered. "Looks like that's it."
"It's not," Dorian focused on the unmoving shape within the arena, Sairaorg clearly giving them a reprieve to see if he'd get back up. "You haven't seen him out there, he's got a knack for getting back up every time."
What is this feeling in my gut? Why do I have this absolute certainty that things aren't over? He is completely out, but I can't help but feel like he's gonna bounce back?
Not Far…
"Looks like that Red Dragon might be dead," an oddly common-looking man remarked as he leaned over the railing next to a young devil woman. "That was one hell of a hit."
"Perhaps," she remarked coldly. As expected by the man, she was utterly uncaring of the match ahead of them, instead focused on an inconspicuous section of the stadium where a blonde-haired foreigner to the Underworld watched on. "Not if it's anything like before…"
"So, you've seen this before, perhaps in another time…an older one?" That drew her attention at last, her lazy gaze falling on the man instantly seeing through all illusions and barriers. The expression on her face was one of an utter lack of interest.
"Just another one," she sighed, returning to look over the railing. The devil was unprepared for how infuriating it was to be looked at as less than a bug. Nevertheless, he continued his investigation.
"Perhaps that means you've seen other things, been far and wide?" They started sounding more like bad pickup lines to those around them. "Perhaps one could incur your favor, we can do a lot for one another."
"No," she almost groaned without looking at him. "I can do everything for you, there is nothing you have that I would find remotely interesting. "I fail to see what a common devil of the Brigade could offer." Moloch froze, not even he expecting her to see through him so quickly though figured he should have. Clearing his throat, he continued undiscouraged.
"Yet you are so focused on a bra…child of the Northern Gods? He has less than most, what is it that has you so fascinated?" He waited a few moments to no answer before his cool started to crack. "Perhaps I can ask him to…"
His breath stopped; it hadn't been caught in his throat but ceased to exist entirely. Moloch tried to gasp but failed even that. Based on the fact no one around reacted in the slightest, he could only assume that the endless being before him was preventing them from seeing his plight. He had made a grievous error born of his curiosity.
"You will not speak to, interfere with or try to harm that one due to your knowledge of what I am in any way," she motioned up towards Dorian with a simple glance of her eyes. "I had hoped you'd act better knowing what I am, but now I have to actually raise a finger, how utterly boring."
"Me, boring? How dare…! Huh?"
Moloch found himself leaning on the railing as if he'd been watching the fight. To his relief, his disguise was still active and yet he could not recall what had happened within the last few minutes, his memory burned clean. Trying to remember, he traced back his attempts to follow the Old God that was wandering the stadium yet now she was nowhere to be found. Even his scanner could no longer see her, all before he could pinpoint what exactly she was following but he had his suspicions. He thought he might have known what it was, yet each time he tried to recall the information it simply fell out of his head.
Damnit, I was so close. No matter, I found the scanner with the data on Agares' core. Those brats with the Heroes won't be happy their experimental beast got killed but that is of little concern. Besides, I think I have an idea of who that one was following...While their inept security is running around looking for me, I'll be miles away. Enjoy your little tournament, it'll be the last thing Agares Isle is known for before bringing about the end of your precious existence.
Moloch finally departed intent on escaping before the investigation could advance to his escape path. While the powerful devil did not recall the last few moments, not all were so wholly affected by the Old God's reality warping abilities, a skeletal deity subtly watching from a distance with great interest...
Elsewhere…
Issei gasped awake with a hacking cough, rolling over as he felt his chest where Sairaorg had just buried his fist within. To his relief, the wound was gone with no sign he'd even been in a fight. Looking around, he found himself in an empty room of white light, one he recognized.
The place in the Sacred Gear my past wielders lived before they moved on. What am I doing here? I need to get back to the fight, am I dead? He looked up, seeing a vision within the empty white of Rias cradling his body spitting out blood clearly unconscious, no doubt a scene from the real world. No! I got sent into the gear, he hit me THAT hard? I need to get back there, find a way to…
"Use the Juggernaut Drive."
Issei spun at the eerier mutterings coming from all around him. Fear gripped his heart as he knew his past wielders had moved on, but something was in there with him, something that had been getting louder the angrier he'd gotten throughout the match.
"It is the only way."
"Use it."
"Kill him as you should have his Queen, then you will be a true Red Dragon Emperor."
"No!" Issei spun, finally sensing the source of the voices. Men and women in dark robes scattered within his mind. They were not the past wielders he'd known before, not truly. Though they looked like them, he sensed only malice and anger more akin to a stain or grudge left behind than the actual beings themselves. "Ddraig, help!" There was no sign from his partner, the past wielders obscuring everything else.
A black aura radiated from the collected remains of the previous possessors, it moved across the floor before climbing over Issei's body. The young man tore at the shadows, but they consumed him faster than he could pull them off. As it encompassed his body, the feelings he'd had during the fight with Kuisha surged into him stronger than ever before.
"Pain, hatred, anger, rage, I want him dead. I need to get back up so I can kill him, with the Juggernaut Drive I can wipe him off the face of the planet! Not even his new form can stop that! N-no, I don't want that! The kids will see me again, I…don't…" As Issei was about to give in to the overwhelming presences warping his mind, a shockwave rippled through the room, the robed individuals who had held the Boosted Gear in the past flying in all directions. The darkness receded from Issei as they lost focus, turning to a new opponent.
"Everyone always said you never let the power consume you," a new voice said as Issei picked himself up, now free of the influence. "Would you really allow yourself to give in so easily now in front of a crowd and Rias?" A new individual wearing a robe as white as the presences in his mind had before walked up, holding out a hand. Tentatively, Issei took it, pulling himself up with such force that that the hood of the mysterious man flew back revealing a mass of golden hair.
"No…no no no no no, ANYONE but you, what the Hell are you doing in here Goldie?"
"Hey, I'm not the biggest fan of being in your subconscious either," he shrugged in acceptance. "If I had to guess, I suppose a little bit of the original me was brought along for the ride when you got your potential back. I did hold it for a while, you have no idea how awkward that was. Elsha did say that a bit of you stayed behind and some of me went along with it."
"Wait, you aren't Goldie? Wait, HE had my potential!?"
"Well, I am and I'm not. Think of me like a copy your brain saved to memory like when you see a naked woman. Trust me, I'm sort of an expert in mental copies sharing a brain at this point. Oh wait, you don't know about that, forget I said anything. Speaking of your memory, just how much do you allocate for breasts in here? Save a bit for other stuff and you could be the strongest in the world within a year."
"You won't interfere, you are not…" One of the shadows of the past selves tried to start only for Issei to clock him in the face, the shape dispersing into nothingness.
"I won't be like that!" He asserted, drawing a smile of pride from the part of Dorian that had gone with Issei's potential now present within his psyche. "These bastards, they're the ones who almost got me to kill Sairaorg's Queen?"
"They were certainly the ones whispering that kill desire in the back of your mind, but they piggybacked on your own heated emotions to do it. I get wanting to rip everything apart that tries to hurt who you love...BELIEVE ME on that, but at the same time we can't let it become all we are. If we do that, we'll become nothing but instruments of destruction."
"I don't care about domination or destruction, I'm me, I want to help my friends, show the world how amazing Rias is, build my harem and see all the breasts I can!"
"While I don't know what to say on the latter of those dreams," Dorian sighed, delivering a spinning kick to shatter another of the encroaching shadows. "I agree this is not you, this curse, this malice is so engrained in the Sacred Gear it was poisoning you the more power you used. We don't see eye to eye on much, but one should never be turned into something they're not. Let's kick their asses, then you can choose who you want to be…for good or terrible."
This version of him seems cheekier than the original. Is my perception of him taken into account or does he have this side to him? Something to consider later.
Issei spun, grabbing another of the robbed individuals and throwing him into a group of others. A half dozen more reached to hold him down, however Dorian would not allow them to gang up on Issei, tackling the mass and destroying one with a savage headbutt. The two men did not have their powers within the gear but being a mental projection, they had whatever strength they could perceive. One by one, the grudges left behind by his former senpais began to dwindle, allowing more sensations to reach him from the outside.
"Issei, please get up," he started to hear Rias muttering, her words previously blocked now coming through. "You can't die, you promised."
The Oppai Dragon has fallen! The announcers continued to declare. The retirement system has not initiated, but we see no life from him. Was the blow so powerful it killed him instantly?!
"No, he can't be!" A young voice rose above the rest from the front row of children spectators. "Oppai Dragon, Issei, I know you didn't mean the things you tried to do before. You are a good person, like my dad! He didn't give up; he came back to my mom! Please stand back up!"
The couple beside him looked between their son and each other, letting Lirenkus speak. It was true that when news of his being trapped in the hostage situation reached them, they had despaired. However, Lirenkus had been the one who kept his mother's spirits high, saying someone like the Oppai Dragon was sure to save him. His faith had been rewarded; his rescue secured by the master of his hero herself.
"Come on everyone!" Irina's voice rose up as Bennia floated to draw their attention. "I knew him growing up! He won't give up, just give him some time, let's keep cheering for him!" The hint of tears was forming in her eyes, the desire for children not to be sad around her being the only thing keeping them from falling.
"Oppai Dragon! Issei Hyoudou! Red Dragon Emperor!" The cheers continued form all sides of the arena save for those backing Sairaorg's win. Even a certain blonde warrior could be heard above the rest though was oblivious to his doppelganger assisting in the internal struggle.
"You can take more than one punch! You're making mine look bad from Kyoto! Get up or so help me I'll climb down there and drag you back to life, do you know how many afterlives I've seen already?!" By the time Dorian gave his motivation, tears were already streaming down Issei's face seeing just how many rooted for him even after everything. Rias was crying too, stroking his face urging him to open his eyes, her crimson hair falling onto his face, he could almost feel it even within the Boosted Gear.
That hair, it was always with me, the first thing I saw after I died. It reminded me of blood before, but not anymore. It's too beautiful for that. The woman I love…
"Anytime would be nice!" The copy of Dorian strained as he slammed another shadow into a wall, smacking two other's heads together with a loud crack. Even with his efforts, the sheer number was too great.
"Use the Juggernaut Drive," the collected voices urged again. "Rampage across the arena, you need not stop with him, your power must be absolute, show the world none can defy us."
"Shut…up, just SHUT UP!" Issei turned, uppercutting the closest one, reducing him to smoke. There were still many of them, but between the split focus with the external threat and Issei's improved resolve, their hold was weaker. "I have too many people who care about who I am to become what you want."
"Your way is not the way of the Heavenly Dragons, ours has always been. The way of destruction, that is the only path for us."
"Then maybe it's time for you to fuck off," he answered bluntly, stunning even the emotional afterimages of those who came before. "I don't want to be a King of Destruction, I want to find the women I love, have all the lewd time I want with them and fulfill all our dreams together!"
"That cannot be! We will not allow you to…" The voice was silenced as Dorian seized him from behind, suplexing him into the ground in a move learned from experience. Like the rest, he vanished into the ether.
"It's working Issei, they're getting desperate," Dorian backed up, seeing a wall of blank faces closing in. "I think they're trying something!"
[I, who is about to awaken, Am the Heavenly Dragon that has stolen the principles of domination from God….]
"They're trying to induce Juggernaut Drive themselves!" Dorian's replica jumped back as their malice became a tangible wall. He struck it with a solid blow without any effect.
"Like Hell they will! I'll make a new chant myself and it'll drown them out!"
I, who am about to awaken, Am the Heavenly Dragon who discarded the principles of domination gladly. Issei countered their own words, replacing them with his own.
[I laugh at the "infinite", and I grieve over the "dream"….]
I shall walk the road of righteousness by having infinite hopes and dreams!
Dorian's latest strike caused a crack to form, widening with each passing second.
[I shall become the Red Dragon. King of domination.]
I shall become the King of Crimson Dragons, a crossroad to my friends and others.
[And I shall sink you to the crimson purgatory!]
And I promise you all! I will show you the future that shines in True-Crimson light!
Dorian slammed into the wall of hatred with a final scream of anger, Issei's final chant allowing it to shatter into a thousand pieces. As if a shroud had been lifted, their robes suddenly turned white as before, pupils returning to their eyes. Without the dark thoughts tethering them to the world, those who had lived before started to fade away to follow those already departed.
"Future? You will show us the future through a means other than destruction?"
"That's right!" He assured them with a thump of his chest. "I'll show you! With my family, my comrades…" he briefly glanced to the duplicate Dorian who gave him a friendly two-finger salute before fading off into his mind. "…my friends, and the kids who believe in me! We'll start by getting her to stop crying. I will be the Red Dragon Emperor, though one who also loves breasts. I AM ISSEI HYOUDOU!"
Standing tall, he felt a great warmth envelop him as a crimson aura exploded within the room of light. Closing his eyes, the young high school student breathed deep, prepared for the next steps in his future to come.
Arena Floor…
"A crimson glow…" Issei muttered as he opened his eyes, seeing Rias before him was glowing in a light that matched her hair. With an incorrigible grin, he realized he was nuzzled securely between her breasts. The second-year student waited several seconds, taking in the blessed feeling before revealing he was in fact awake. I'm sorry I made you cry I…is my armor different?"
Looking down, Issei and Rias looked at him in surprise. His previously shattered armor had reformed into a different shape and thicker than ever before. What stood out most, however, was that the color had changed from the normal red of the Boosted Gear to a crimson hue matching the aura emanating from Rias' body. All his injuries from the bone-shattering punch were gone, he had the strength to stand again.
It appears the cries of the audience reached their hero! In an unforeseen turn of events, the Oppai Dragon, Issei Hyoudou, is back on his feet with a new armor we've never seen before! It's like a blood-red Balance Breaker!
[Not blood-red]Azazel corrected with a proud smile. [Gremory red, that young man's armor now matches the color of the woman who brought him into our world. Like a crimson cardinal more than anything else.]
Ddraig, can you hear me?
I can partner! The malice of the past wielders kept me from entering, but their curse is silenced now. They nearly came out when you fought Kuisha, darkening your spirit. You've tapped into a Queen promotion while in a true Balance Breaker, how did you do it?
Well, he looked into the audience, seeing the children led by Lirenkus, cheering with many members of the Crossroads, Dorian Held included, amping them up. I had a bit of help from a friend, not that I'd ever admit it to him.
"A Crimson Cardinal Queen?" Issei muttered between the two, looking himself over as Sairaorg allowed him his reprieve. His confidence soared as he proclaimed, "the same color as the hair of the woman I love." He looked down at Rias, lending her a hand helping her to her feet, gripping it tightly. "The same woman I want to build both our dreams with and protect, I will not lose today, I will protect her, make her an undefeated champion before becoming a good King myself from her example. I…I LOVE RIAS GREMORY!"
The audience, fans of both sides alike, burst into cheer as Issei uttered Rias' name aloud for the first time, his confession heard from in all corners of the Underworld watching the match. Rias' face turned a shade of crimson all her own, uncertain what to say. Continuing the initiative, Issei brought her into a kiss right there in the arena.
"Oh damn," Ratatoskr fanned himself with a cheeky grin. "Someone goes for the grand gestures," Rossweisse gripped Dorian's hand by the balcony, the scene reminding her of his own announcement. They leaned their heads together, watching as the match reached its climax while Sairaorg burst out laughing.
"So, you are not a monster after all. Regulus tells me a sinister grudge has been lifted from the depths of your gear. That is good Issei Hyoudou, then I can fight you without malice of my own as it should be, though Kuisha will need to forgive you as well. Come then, let us finish this as my victory over you leads me to my own dreams!"
Rias barely had a chance to step back as Issei blasted towards Sairaorg, his crimson aura shining bright. Boosters surpassing the speed of even Triaina propelled him forwards as the lion warrior responded in kind. The two met, fists colliding into the chest of one another, cracking each of their armor in kind, spitting blood from the unbelievable pain felt. Face, chest, gut, shoulders, the pair continue to wail away in a brutal exchange. Each attack was worse than the previous, stronger than anything they'd ever achieved and yet through sheer will ignored the pain, determined to win.
"WELSH SONIC IMPACT!" Issei managed to dent Sairaorg's armor again, sending the man staggering, his legs shaking for the first time.
"This feeling…" the lion devil shouted. "I almost felt it against your holy users, the chance I could actually fall. Regardless, I can't lose everything I've built now. As you fight for the children who cheer for you, I fight for those finding their place in our society!"
Be careful partner, we just got this armor and are still acclimating to it. Too much of this and we'll shatter. You need more practice!
We'll get it eventually, but for now do your best, we have the advantage now so I'm not stopping until…
COMBATANTS! PLEASE CEASE THE BATTLE! Naud shouted suddenly as the wounds of each were coming to a head. We have received an urgent communication that CANNOT wait!
Issei and Sairaorg turned up to the booth, Azazel and Diehauser equally confused as the announcer looked over a piece of paper he'd been handed, eyes open in shock. The audience looked to be quite upset at the interruption until he started to speak.
We have just received an emergency call, I don't know how to say this, but something we could call a miracle has happened! Someone wishes to speak with combatant Sairaorg, and I would not dare deny such a request under the circumstances! Switch to the outside channel, quickly!
"Someone wishes to speak with me?" Sairaorg turned up, face bruised and bloody from the savage exchange. "Who could possibly need to…"
As the jumbotron image switched, his words caught in his throat to be replaced by the slow onset of tears within his eyes as the image caught up to him. On the gigantic screen large enough for the entire stadium to see, the brown hair and tired purple eyes of a woman appeared. Many in the arena did not know her, but Dorian and Issei did from their trip to Sona's territory only a few weeks past.
"Lady Bael!?" Dorian uttered with a gasp turning to sheer joy. "She's awake? They did it, they actually did it!?"
"Mother?" Even the mighty juggernaut of strength that was Sairaorg looked as gentle as a child at the sight of his mother awake and well for the first time in years. He'd nearly forgotten the light in her eyes, the same that had pushed him to being better than those around him for so long, eyes that had been shut by the disease that ravaged her body. "How is this possible?"
"They tell me it is thanks to our allies from the north," she reassured him, laying her hands on the screen as if trying to reach out to him. "It is so blessed to see you again my dear boy, I saw you fighting and could not wait, I still have some pull as the former Bael Matriarch. You have grown into such a man; I am so glad." There was not a dry eye in the stadium, Irina and Xenovia hugging each other with joy as even Bennia squeezed Hecuba from the back, the two overjoyed at what was happening.
"I…I must go to her," Sairaorg took a step away from Issei only for his mother to hold up her hand seeing his intention.
"I am not going anywhere, I swear. I know the importance of this fight and will not take that from you, but I had to see you…hear your voice again. You fight for all those like yourself, to make a world for them so that none will feel the pain you did. I am so very proud of you; I always have been. So, stay there Sairaorg, fight and win to make a new world for everyone."
"Ms. Bael," a voice from off camera urged gently as bustling physicians could be seen running back and forth behind her. "You are still very weak, please lay down again, we'll leave the television on, but you cannot push yourself so soon."
"Of course, I am sorry to worry you doctor."
"Mother," Sairaorg took another step forward before stopping, wiping his eyes to dry the tears he could not stop. She could no longer hear him with the call ending, but he replied all the same. "I will! I will never fall, not even the Red Dragon Emperor will keep me from leaving this arena to see you!"
Issei trembled as Sairaorg returned his gaze to him, if he thought the devil was terrifying before, it was on an entirely new level now. The gold aura from him was so powerful now he could feel it buffeting even through his new armor. Any weariness and shakes in his body were gone.
"Issei Hyoudou, you let me speak to her again without attacking, for that you have my thanks…but that will not affect this fight. Nothing further will delay this outcome, attack me with all you are! Anything less and you will not last a single moment longer! My body will endure ANY hardship!"
"SAIRAORG! SAIRAORG! SAIRAORG!"
"OPPAI! ISSEI! OPPAI! ISSEI!" The cheers for both were deafening, the previous reprieve having passed.
"DRAGON FANG BLASTER!"
In the blink of an eye, Issei created cannons larger than he'd ever generated before, a shot of crimson energy enveloped everything in front of him. Seemingly with no effect, Sairaorg appeared before him having ridden the currents of power, grabbing his face with a golden gauntlet. With a single motion, he slammed the Red Dragon Emperor into the ground, shattering his new cannons and shaking the entire dimension the arena had been built within.
"The lion has incredible resistance to projectile weapons," Sairaorg admitted. "That will never hurt me!"
Sairaorg punched him again and again, Issei barely rolling to the side, slamming a solid impact blow into his leg. The attack, despite its ferocity did not stagger him in the slightest. Jumping to his feet, they continued their brutal back and forth of blows, Ascalon laid far away still shattered, leaving each with only their armor, will and bodies to fight with.
And the match has devolved back into a savage barrage of blows between the brawlers once more! All our fans are on their feet, reeling from the intensity of the fight, the field may come apart at any moment, yet none dare move lest they miss the conclusion, this is incredible!
"I…won't lose to you," Issei gasped. "Making Rias the undisputed King, prove myself the strongest Pawn…I need to achieve these!"
"Nor will I," Sairaorg returned in kind, still standing despite every punch that connected from Issei being a Solid Charge Impact. "So that no one goes through what I did, that any with skill beyond their station may find happiness regardless of standing. If I lose here today, I lose everything I've gained. That can NEVER happen, especially before my mother's eyes!"
He's even stronger since seeing his mother again, his spirit is so strong! If I fall here, Rias won't stand a chance. I fought Riser, Vali, Kokabiel, Loki's kids, Goldie, and Cao Cao, but he is something beyond all of them. His goal is a selfless one, but I won't pity him for it or ease up. I must find a way through, his armor is incredible, I've been hitting and hitting it, but it just won't…
Issei looked down, eyes widening as he noticed something he hadn't seen before. Between the metal mane of the lion on Sairaorg's chest where it met the breastplate, he spotted what looked like a small crack. It wasn't one made from their fight which was holding up to his constant attacks repairing itself, rather it appeared like it had been carved into the armor itself, a permanent fixture.
A chink in the armor? How could that be there? It's almost like a scar, I didn't make that. What could…oh wow. He recalled the broken gem and limp of the lion before it had transitioned into its axe form, and he realized what happened. President…Rias, you did more than you could possibly have imagined! The wound you gave the lion remained as the armor! But it hasn't buckled through everything, so hitting it won't work, but if I try for once to get clever…shit they'll never let me live this down.
"Why is Issei crying again?" Dorian couldn't help but notice the look of turmoil on his face. "Did he…?
His resolve is like mine, his power reinforced by knowing his mother is watching and his dreams are important to him beyond everything. He won't go down, every hit he gives, and I deliver in kind each could end us if we laxed even for a second. His armor, that is his power. I can remove it, but it'd go against why I made the move. Damnit!
Issei focused solely on the chink, slamming a renewed fist into it. Unlike before, he did not pull back his strike, leaving his hand pressed against his foe's chest. The devil looked into Issei's face, only starting to realize his intention too late to stop it.
"I swore I'd never do this, only did it once by accident to Goldie, but to fulfill my dreams and protect Rias I will do anything. My booblingual was able to bring Yasaka and her daughter together, it evolved past what I intended it for. It's time for me to do it once more!"
"What!?"
Balance Dress Break: DRAGON ARMOR SHATTER!
A mass of crimson light took off from his fist, working its way into the crack formed within the very being of his armor. The energy glowed bright working into every crevice and opening, a magic seal appearing followed quickly by a snap of the finger. The Balance Breaker creaked and groaned, clearly trying to fight against the powers assailing it to no avail. The Bael heir gripped his chest as if trying to hold it together but there was nothing he could do. At long last, his power lost out, Sairaorg's entire suit of armor exploding outward leaving him in the tattered remains of his black body suit. Falling to the floor, the golden fragments reformed into the young humanoid form of Regulus coughing blood an instant before he was consumed in a dazzling light.
The Oppai Dragon uses his signature move to obliterate combatant Sairaorg's Balance Break! The move reserved for exposing the breasts of women has been turned to a new purpose! His Pawn Regulus is retired from the field, is this the end of…?
Naud's preliminary announcement was cut off as Issei's eyes went white, his own Crimson Cardinal form falling to pieces around him. As he had attacked Sairaorg's weak spot, so too had the Bael heir lashed out, striking Issei with all his power in a concentrated strike beneath his ribs just before his Balance Breaker faded. The blow had been colossal in the moment of the Pawn's weakness using his power on his signature move instead of defense. His strength was utterly gone as he fell backwards.
You overdid it partner! Ddraig groaned. You could use the power for brute force offense and defense or your special abilities, we couldn't allocate for both at the same time. The armor fell apart!
Can you get it back?! Issei demanded, his legs failing to work as he struggled crawling backwards for room as Sairaorg slowly advanced. He was bleeding, limping, and breathing raggedly, however it was clear the King of Team Bael still had strength enough to finish the fight. Damnit, I can't get up! Work you stupid body, WORK!
"That was amazing," Sairaorg complimented. "You used your most prided ability on me, a man, broke my power and most of my body with it. Were I even slightly less focused, I would be down for the count. As it stands, however, I think we are done here."
A wave of black swept past Issei towards him, Sairaorg raising a fist just in time to obliterate it with a single punch. Behind it, Rias stood with determined resolute eyes between the two. The King of the Gremory team finally stepped forward.
"You will NOT touch him!" She fired another wave of destruction to equally little effect, Sairaorg tearing through it again.
"You are brave cousin, but you cannot beat me as you are even with my body so battered and broken. I defeated my brother who was nearly as skilled as you in our family power. I learned through him I can cancel it out with the right opposing force, these fists defy even that birthright!"
"R-rias, move, get back. I w-won't let you get hur…"
"No Issei," she turned to cup his face tenderly. "You've been protecting me all this time; a good King would be able to protect her servants, and you are more important than that to me by far. It's my turn now."
Turning on a dime, Rias Gremory unleashed all the power she could, enough that would have consumed the entire field. As before, Sairaorg delivered a series of punches, dispersing each wave before it could reach him or case any true damage. It was simultaneously inspiring how incredible a foe he was and frustrating she could not touch him even so near defeat as he was.
No matter what I do, it's just not enough. I found so much within me training with everyone, but it failed against Moloch. The sacrifice of Asia bringing out even more, more than I ever thought possible, but after fighting Issei he STILL resists it! There must be more, I can taste it!
The wave of black started to recede as Sairaorg advanced closer and closer. Another few steps and he'd be within striking distance of the immobilized Pawn and his King.
Brother is the strongest devil our world has ever known, and the same blood runs through his veins as mine. I don't rely on my family ties, but they are there beyond a doubt. I felt something so close against Moloch but couldn't quite reach it. I couldn't see it then, but to protect my own goals, to protect my Issei…
"I AM RIAS GREMORY OF THE HOUSE OF GREMORY!" She declared as Sairaorg closed in. "I will protect my Pawn…I WILL PROTECT MY ISSEI! AS HE LOVES ME, SO TOO DO I LOVE HIM!"
The remaining burst of destruction folded backwards like an umbrella, leaving Sairaorg confused as it surrounded her and Issei like a bubble. He punched it once, twice, three times yet unlike before, would not break.
The power of destruction being turned to a defensive purpose?! What exactly is combatant Rias planning?!
They did not have to wait long as the bubble lowered like the tide, falling over Rias leaving a black silhouette standing before them. Her brother watching in the devil VIP box stood up with wide eyes and a growing smile of pride. When the bubble had receded, all that remained was Rias defending Issei, or at least the shape of Rias. She was utterly black, the swirling vortexes of the power of destruction shifting across her body, the only break in the void being the blue orbs of her eyes shining through focused with power and intent. Ten devil wings of the same destructive forces emerged from her back to rise above the arena, her beautiful hair flowed like water, mixing between black and crimson seemingly made of energy itself. Issei's jaw hit the floor, not failing to realize her chest was even bigger in this state than before.
"Beautiful…" It was the only word he could make out.
[Most in this audience won't recognize that form!] Azazel educated as Sairaorg readied himself once more. [But Rias Gremory has, for lack of a better word, molded her family's Power of Destruction around herself! None but her brother has achieved anything similar, just how much talent and hard work did she put into training with her servants!? Many devil Kings would rely purely on their inborn power and leave training to their pieces…NOT THESE TWO!]
{Depending how this goes, they'll have to reevaluate her numerical worth for future Dice Figure Rating Games.}
"You had this within you? Then this last strike will settle things!" Sairaorg asserted, solidifying his stance as he swung a final punch towards the mass of energy that was Rias Gremory.
Holding out her hand, Rias caught the touki-infused fist of Sairaorg Bael. The last tether holding the arena together shaken by the bout with Issei previously gave way and the field disintegrated, leaving the trio in the basic terrain of the Dimensional Gap. The small pocket dimension rippled as Sairaorg pushed harder, his body trembling but refusing to give in. His skin darkened, disintegrating off his body as he resisted the tremendous power Rias brought to bear against him. For a moment, just a moment, it appeared that he would break through, and he would have, however as he neared her face a familiar voice echoed from behind…
Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!
TRANSFER!
It was over in an instant as Issei gripped Rias' shoulder to send the energy into her body. Not even the indomitable man's power, weakened as it was, could withstand the tempests within her multiplied by the willpower and strength still within Issei Hyoudou. The dark hand of the heiress overwhelmed him, engulfing his entire side of the now-empty arena in a sea of black. The wave persisted for several seconds, pouring every ounce of energy the pair had left into the effort. The exertion was too much, Rias falling backwards into Issei's waiting arms, her power utterly spent as was his, the Pawn's legs buckled trying to hold her up as she returned to normal.
"That was incredible Pre…Rias!" He quickly corrected, moving a strand of hair out of her eyes. "If that didn't do it…"
The two gasped as the darkness receded, revealing Sairaorg had not moved even through her attack. They expected a renewed attack, only realizing then he was smiling. He was still standing, but not moving, barely having the strength to look up at them as the soft lights of the retirement system finally forced him to recognize the fact that he had lost.
"Utterly...amazing," he complimented again. "I bested the Red Dragon, but not Team Gremory, which is what matters in the end. Be proud of this and thank you for pushing me so far, further than I ever dreamed possible."
"We won," Rias answered solemnly, a hint of damage to her pride clear in her voice. "But you were the stronger King by far."
"That is true," he laughed softly through the blood. "But you were the better King. The best King and the strongest Pawn, you Issei, who will make a fine King someday. Just remember what makes one great and you will be amazing. When that day comes, I will fight you again, but there are so many I wish to face before then..." That was the last he could utter before vanishing, a last sigh of relief escaping the devil pair's lips.
Sairaorg Bael retires from the field, the Rating Game and tournament are over. TEAM GREMORY IS THE VICTOR! GIVE A SHOUT OUT FOR THE SUPERB COMBATANTS TODAY ONE AND ALL! A SHOUT FOR THE STRONGEST YOUNG DEVIL OF OUR GENERATION!
The stadium exploded with cheers of the audience, none louder than the Crossroad members scattered throughout, Dorian releasing powerful whistles piercing the air. As the medics moved in to tend to Rias and Issei, Dorian realized his heart was pumping, hopping in place as if incredibly anxious. He could not help but turn to Rossweisse at his side, dipping her into a passionate kiss. The fight had invigorated him so much, he could only blame it on the Einherjar changes within him.
Issei, Sairaorg, I definitely want to fight you both someday. My body is healed at last; nothing holds me back any longer. Count on it! He was so focused on the thought, he was unprepared as Rossweisse embraced him back, making the kiss between them all the more passionate as the tournament of young devils drew to a close at last.
The Young Devil Rating Game Tournament has concluded with a victory to Team Gremory. Newfound power discovered within both the Red Dragon Emperor Issei Hyoudou and the Gremory Heiress Rias Gremory. All sides have grown stronger, perhaps enough to face the forces of chaos arraying against them. The Conclusion to the arc comes next time, until then I hope everyone stays safe, Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D
