This is the 13th chapter of the crossover story. I don't own the series of High School DxD or the video game of Final Fantasy 13
No flame review, seriously it's a bad rep and I have no tolerance what so ever.
Town of Kuoh
It was the night for the Rating Game and Virgil woke up from his sleep. It was already late which he knew that tonight was the night to fight against Riser and his peerage. He looked at the clocked, noticed that he only got two hours before the Rating Game as he looked through his clothes. He decided to wear his white sleeveless jacket with black shirt underneath, fingerless gloves, slightly blue baggy pants, combat boots, and a green metallic pauldron on his left shoulder with bearing yellow stripes.
Of course, his adopted family would be here to see them at the Rating Game, including Hope, Fang, Sazh, Vanille, Dajh, Noel, Yeul, Gadot, Yuj, Maqui, and Lebreau which they wanted to see Riser and his peerage get his butt beat.
He remembered back at the mansion, recalled the speech that Rias have given which he was aware that Riser have no respect for them, of course they have no respect for Riser or his peerage which the feeling is mutual.
Virgil take a look at his family photo with a smile while he looked at the window, glancing over at the moon.
"I've been training my life for this." Virgil said with serious expression. "I won't let that arrogant blow-hard win this fight, not when I have the ability to win."
Suddenly, he heard a knock that was coming from the door when he turned his head.
"Virgil, are you there? Do you mind if I come in?" The familiar voice of Asia was heard from the other side of the door.
"I don't mind, come in." Virgil said.
The door and in came Asia. However, Asia was wearing the same nun outfit she wore when they first met.
"I haven't seen you wear that in a while." Virgil said with a small smile.
"I thought I have it might make me feel confident." Asia said, feeling a little embarrassed. "Rias said she was okay with it as long as I felt comfortable. So I just wanted to know what you thought."
"I think you look amazing." Virgil compliments. "Even though, I liked you in that outfit."
Asia blushed and place a hand on her chest.
"You're sweet." Asia said with a smile. "I like to stay here with you, do you mind?"
"No, not at all." Virgil said as Asia approached him and sat beside him. To his surprise, Asia hugged her arm tightly.
"What's wrong?" Virgil ask with worry as he felt her trembled a bit.
"Oh, nothing." Asia answered. "I'm just a little bit nervous about the battle."
Virgil can understand about what she meant.
"Still, as long as I have you here next to me, I knew everything will be fine." Asia told him. "Is it alright with you, Virgil? If I just stay here this for a while."
"You can stay as long as you want." Virgil said with a smile. Asia looked up and stared at him, her emerald green eyes were gazing into Virgil's cerulean blue eyes. For all the times she looked at them like she found peace and she found them to be calmly beautiful like the river that was flowing along with his snowy white hair.
"Virgil, it's time. Your family will be there to see you at the Rating Game." The familiar voice of Kuroka was heard from the other side, letting him know that it's time to leave.
"Well Asia, it's time." Virgil told her, getting a nod as they began to leave the house.
Kuoh Academy, Occult Research Club Room
Two hours later, Rias and her peerage were preparing for the Rating Game. Kiba was sitting on the couch, sheathing his sword. Koneko was sitting on the other couch, wearing her pair of fighting gloves with cat prints on them. Both Akeno and Rias were drinking tea elegantly while Issei and Asia were sitting next to Kiba. Kuroka was sitting on the opposite sofa next to Akeno and Koneko. Virgil was leaning next to the wall with his calm expression.
"Unbelievable, our fearless leader doesn't look worried about the game, doesn't she?" Issei asked with admiration when they heard the doors opened, revealed to be Sona and Tsubaki.
"Sorry if I'm interrupting." Sona apologized.
"No please, come on in, Sona." Rias said as the two approaches.
"I'm glad you can make it." Akeno said.
However, they noticed that the portal was opened, revealed to be Lightning, Snow, Serah, Nora, Hope, Fang, Vanille, Noel, Dajh, Sazh, Yeul, Gadot, Yuj, Marqui, and Lebreau.
Sazh is a middle-aged man with an afro in which he keeps an unnamed chocobo chick. He wears a long olive coat over khaki trousers, white-button downed shirt, and black buckled engineer boots. He wields twin pistols known as Vegas 42s.
Gadot is dark-skinned muscular man with fiery hair, teal jacket with fur collar, white shorts with gold and red accents, white fingerless gloves with gold and red accents, and black sandals with red accents. He wears a chain with the word 'posse' engraved on it.
Yuj has feathery blue hair with hazel eyes. He wears an orange shirt with subtle yellow grandient, with a dark-red long-sleeved shirt underneath, black leather pants, and black leather boots. His pants have a bag sewn in on the right hip, he dons a scarf, and feathers that he wears tucked into his belt. The belt appears to be made up of multiple links of metal with small pattern pressed into them. He wore a necklace with a leather square that has the same metal patterns as the belt embossed upon it and metal pendant over the clothing.
Maqui has blond hair, blue eyes, and round face. He wears a goggles on his head and a pair of headphones he used to communicate with his NORA members. His jacket has a black body and pink sleeves with red symbol across the side. He also wears a khaki pants with large brown pouches on the hips and a pair of silver and purple shoes.
Yeul has green eyes and long dark blue hair that is sometimes kept up, except for two long strands that frame her face. She has a lean, petite build. She wears a unique diadem headdress, white halter-top with an opening in the center and a small crystal above her chest, short-wrap around pleated white and pastel purple skirt with a fur pelt in the back, along with yellow boots that was similar to moccasins. Her wrists are adorned with numerous bracelets and she wears an armbands on her biceps and beaded necklaces.
Dajh is a dark-skinned young adult in his 20s with an afro like his father. He wears green sleeveless jacket with white shirt underneath, fingerless gloves, white jeans, black leather belt, and black leather boots. Unlike his father, he's level-headed and a genius, but he's sometimes wild and a bit comedic like his dad. Also, like his father, he wields twin pistols known as Sirius Sidearms and like Virgil, he's a l'Cie.
Virgil was shocked to see his family and friends arrived in the ORC as much as Rias, Sona, Tsubaki, Kuroka, and the peerage were. Nora rushed towards her cousin, giving him a hug.
"Hey Virgil." Dajh called out, walked towards his friend.
"Dajh." Virgil said with a smile. "Came to see the Rating Game?"
"Yeah, we've heard that you'll be facing against Riser." Dajh nods. "I wouldn't miss it to see you in action."
"Also, we've decided to tag along, watching you guys fight against that playboy and his couple of goon squad." Yuj added. "If anyone who can win this fight, it's you guys."
"Just remember to give everything you got and keep your spirits up." Lightning advised Rias, Virgil, and the peerage, getting a nod from them.
"And I want to thank you for training us, Lightning." Rias thanked her with appreciation.
"It's no problem." Lightning insisted. "Besides, the only one thing that neither of us agree was the forced marriage."
"I didn't expect you guys here, what gives?" Issei asked curiously.
"There's a live broadcast of the competition so family members can watch." Rias explains. "Sona and Tsubaki are here to help out with that."
"Awesome." Issei said with awe.
"Besides, it's her first Rating Game." Sona said seriously. "I wouldn't miss an event like this for anything."
"Well, I promise to do everything in my power to make it interesting for you." Rias told her with a smile.
"You better, cause I'm betting on you for the win in the Rating Game." Gadot told her.
Rias couldn't help but giggle a bit of Gadot's remark until the magic circle in the center of the room lit up and activated, revealed that Grayfia have appeared.
"It's almost time." Grayfia informed her. "I hope your ready for this, my Lady."
However, Grayfia turned her head to Lightning and the others.
"And who is this?" She asked as Lightning approaches her.
"My name is Lightning Farron, I'm Virgil's mother." Lightning introduces. "And these are his family and his friends: Snow, Serah, Nora, Sazh, Dajh, Hope, Fang, Vanille, Noel, Yeul, Lebreau, Gadot, Yuj, and Maqui. We came here to watch the Rating Game."
"I see, then you're all welcome to watch the Rating Game." Grayfia said. "I will take you to the viewing room where you can see the Rating Game."
"Thank you." Lightning thanked her, getting a nod from Grayfia as she used her magic circle to transport them toward the viewing room since the Rating Game was about to start. When his family and friends were teleported, Grayfia turned her head to Rias.
"In a few moments, we'll use this magic circle to transport you and the rest of your team to the battlefield." Grayfia told them.
"And where exactly is the battlefield?" Issei questioned.
"In the neutral alternate space created just for the game." Akeno explains. "Because it's not real, we have full license to do some damage, even burn to the ground we want."
Akeno let out a giggle which that got Issei nervous while Virgil sighed with annoyance.
"I'll be in the Student Broadcast Booth calling the game. We'll be cheering you on. Good luck." Sona said as the two were about left.
"Thanks a lot." Rias thanked her. "Just try to keep play-by-play fair."
"Oh, I'll keep it clean." Sona said, turning her head to Rias. "Though if I was a betting girl, I'd say you're gonna be that scumbag seven ways from Sunday."
Rias chuckled a bit as both Sona and Tsubaki left the Occult Research Club Room.
"There's something I forgot to tell you." Grayfia said, getting Rias' attention. "I thought you like to know the Great Devil Lucifer will be watching the game."
That got Rias shocked while turned to annoyance.
"Oh, brother dearest." Rias muttered.
"Whoa, are you telling me that your older brother was the Devil or am I just hearing things wrong!?" Issei exclaimed with a question.
"No, Rias' brother is Lucifer, the King of the Devils." Kiba answered, leaving Issei and Asia shocked.
"'The Lucifer', the King of the entire Underworld is your big bro!?" Issei exclaimed.
"That's right." Rias answered.
"His name is Sirzechs. Although historically, he's been known by many names during the Great War our Leader died." Kiba explains. "Sirzechs took over the throne and lead us through the dark time, he save the Devil Kingdom from ruin."
"Well, that explains why Rias is the next heir to the House of Gremory." Asia said with an understanding.
"I had no idea." Issei said, remembered during the time when he and Rias have a conversation about between the strategy of how to win the Rating Game by beating Riser and her being next in line in the House of Gremory.
Just then, the red magic circle appeared from behind Grayfia,
"It's time everyone." Grayfia informed them.
"Then let's go." Rias said with serious expression, getting out of her desk as Virgil and the others were heading towards the magic circle while Kuroka wishes them for 'good luck.' With that, they began to be teleported in the magic circle.
Underworld, Viewing Room
When the magic circle appeared, Lightning and others were revealed themselves in the Underworld when they saw Sirzechs and Serfall at the viewing room.
"So, you must be Virgil's adopted mother." Sirzechs said with a smile on his face.
"I am, my name is Lightning Farron." Lightning introduces herself.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, my name is Sirzechs Lucifer. I'm one of the Four Great Satans in the Underworld." Sirzechs introduced himself.
"And I'm Serafall Leviathan. I'm also one of the Four Great Satans." Serafall introduced herself as she turned to Nora. "And who's this little cute gem?"
Nora hid her mother from behind, leaving Serah giggled a bit.
"This is Nora Villiers, she's mine and Snow's daughter." Serah told her. "My name is Serah Villiers, I'm Lightning's sister, Snow's wife, and Virgil's aunt."
"Ooh, so your name is Nora? How adorable!" Serafall said with a smile. "She's got the same eyes like Virgil, but only much bright like a sky and that hair, pink as a rose."
That got Nora's attention as she approaches Serafall.
"You know Virgil?" Nora asked timidly.
"Mm-hmm, he's the one who helped me find my sister." Serfall nods with a smile. Snow approaches Sirzechs.
"My name is Snow Villiers, Lightning's brother-in-law, Virgil's uncle, Serah's husband, and Nora's father. Put're there pal." Snow introduces as he extended his hand.
"A pleasure to meet you." Sirzechs said with a chuckle as he take his hand, giving him a handshake.
"My name is Hope Esthiem, I taught both Virgil and Rias of using magic." Hope introduced.
"For that I thank you for teaching Rias about magic." Sirzechs thanked him.
"I'm Oerba Yun Fang." Fang said with a smirk. "Me, Kuroka, and Vanille were the ones who helped Rias and the others fought against those Dark Angels and some Stray Exorcists to rescue Little Sunshine."
Sirzechs couldn't help but chuckle a bit of Fang's cocky remark.
"Hi, my name is Oerba Dia Vanille. Nice to meet you." Vanille introduced with a smile.
"The pleasure is all mine, Vanille." Sirzechs said with a smile.
"I'm Sazh Katzroy and this is my son, Dajh Katzroy." Sazh introduced himself.
"Sup."
Sirzechs and Serfall gave them a nod as the others introduced.
"I'm Noel Kreiss and I'm Yeul's Guardian." Noel introduced as Yeul approaches.
"I'm a seeress, Paddara Nsu-Yeul." Yeul introduces.
"I'm Gadot, Snow's right-hand man and a member of the resistance group NORA." Gadot said with a smirk.
Sirzechs and Serfall couldn't help bit chuckle a bit.
"I'm Yuj, like Gadot I'm also a member of NORA." Yuj introduces himself.
"I'm Maqui, I'm also a member of NORA." Maqui said with a smile.
"And I'm Lebreau, I'm a member of NORA and a residential chef." Lebreau said with a smile.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all and a great honor to meet the six heroes from Gran Pulse in person." Sirzechs said with a smile.
"So you heard of us?" Snow asked with a chuckle.
"Actually, we read that Encyclopedia that Virgil left it." Serafall answered. "Your home planet was very interesting and has quite a bit of history, including you guys."
"Plus, Virgil have been a great help to Rias and her peerage during his time in Kuoh." Sirzechs added. "I really like to have a word with him when the Rating Game is over."
"I see." Lightning said with serious expression. "And what will that be?"
"It is about Kuroka's innocence." Sirzechs answered. "You see, Virgil have confronted Rias about Kuroka's dark past, he learned from Kuroka was that she's been experimented at the House of Naberius for few years. However, the Naberius was about to experiment on Koneko but Kuroka have killed him due to her learning that he was planning to do some experiment on Koneko."
They were shocked about Kuroka's past as he continues to explain.
"However, we cover up the entire truth and not to look for proof about Naberius' true intentions and Kuroka's innocence which we labeled her as a Stray Devil." Sirzechs told them. "I have deeply regret for having Kuroka labeled as a Stray, but that decision was not mine to make."
"The decision was the Devil Concil, even we were against that." Serafall added. "Of course, we Devils are a proud race since some of us hold our pride very high."
"Hmm...so high that it stick up to your asses." Gadot said with his serious expression. "I bet you two really glad to have them gone, didn't you?"
Both Yuj and Marqui tried to calm Gadot down which his temper was starting to flare up.
"No, but what we didn't know was that the nekoshou's have disappeared into thin air." Serafall shook her head. "Whoever did that might have wanted those nekoshou's safe."
"Oh, it's kind of my fault." Hope said, scratching the back of his head. "You see, I was inventing a portal device so we can travel for different worlds in a different timeline, but when that that device have gotten haywire, it began to open the portal on it's own which it revealed to be those cat-girls in that some kind of lab. But, those cat-girls have manage to snuck out of the lab when I wasn't looking."
Both Sirzechs and Serafall were shocked about hearing that those nekoshou's were in Gran Pulse.
"So you were the one who teleported them in your home planet?" Sirzechs asked.
"Yeah, sorry." Hope apologizes.
"There's no need for an apology, in fact, I wanted to thank you for saving them. Even though it was an accident, but what matters was that the nekoshou's were in good hands." Sirzechs told him as he turned to Lightning. "Also, your son have helped Kuroka that no one can, had it not brought to our attention, we would never had learned the true intentions of Naberius. I wanted to thank Virgil for helping Kuroka and I owe her my sincerest apologies."
Lightning and the others were shocked of hearing that Virgil have helped Kuroka's innocence. Until the magic circle appear, revealed to be Grayfia and Kuroka. That got Sirzechs' attention as he slowly walked towards her, shocking them as he had actually kneeled in front of Kuroka with that solemn face.
"Kuroka, had Virgil not brought this to mine and Serafall's attention, we would have never learned the acts of the House of Naberius. It has shown to me the wrong of the Evil Piece Systems. You were wrong and paid for the crimes that you did for your sister. Please, I ask of you to accept my sincerest apologies. Should there be anything I can do to make up for my ignorance, name it now and I shall see it will be done." Sirzechs said with conviction, almost made Kuroka fall over.
She turned to Lightning and the others which they only give the black-nekoshou a smile. She smiled back before turned to Sirzechs.
"Please, Lord Lucifer, do not kneel to me." Kuroka said as Sirzechs slowly raised back to his feet. "I never wanted anything other than protecting my Shirone. If it means I'd be labeled a Stray Devil, preventing her for going through the experiments I saw that the others go through, I'd do it in a heartbeat. All I want still, was to keep her safe. That's all I ask for."
Sirzechs nods with a smile as Nora hugged Kuroka.
"We've also wanted to tell you that when we showed that journal to the Devil Council, they were furious about Naberius' activities." Serafall said. "Plus, it comes to the point now was that you're no longer labeled as a Stray Devil."
Kuroka nods with a smile as she embraced Nora in return.
"Well, with everything settled, let's get the Rating Game started." Snow suggested with a smile.
With that, they began to sat down to watch the Rating Game, both Gadot and Snow decided to make a bet on who's gonna win, but Sirzechs joins in along with Serafall. Lightning and Serah couldn't help but giggle a bit of that display since they know that Snow can be a bit of a goofball along with Gadot. Grayfia began to make an announcement for the Rating Game to begin.
Rating Game Field (Kuoh Academy)
When the flash have died down, along with the magic circle, they saw what looked like the exact same room.
'I cans sense magic all over.' Virgil thought. 'I gotta admit, they've got everything detailed.'
"That's weird." Issei said with confusion.
"I think our magic circle's broken." Asia said with confusion.
"Yeah, we're still here." Issei agrees. "Did I screw it up again?"
Suddenly, there is a brief announcement, earned their attention.
"Your attention, please? Welcome everyone, my name is Grayfia, I'm the servant of the House of Gremory." Grayfia announced. "I will be your referee for during today's match. To create the battlefield you'll be competing in, I took suggestions for both Lady Rias and Lord Riser, you may recognize this place as the exact replica of Kuoh Academy. An educational institutional in the human world."
"What does that mean?" Issei questioned.
"Just take a look outside." Rias suggested with serious expression on her face.
When Issei opened the window, both he and Asia were shocked when they noticed that the sky was different.
"This is an Alternate Space." Kiba told them.
"It might look it, but trust me we're not at school anymore." Akeno added.
"Okay, I'm totally having one of those I just peed my pants moments right now." Issei said with shock.
"Each team has been given an area that will serve as it's home-base." Grayfia explains. "Lady Rias, your group will be in the Occult Research Club HQ in the old schoolhouse. Lord Riser's home-base will be located at the Principal's Office in the new schoolhouse. Pawns will be promoted if they can make their way to the home-base of the opposing team. Good luck to all."
"I'm gonna fight my way to the home-base right out of the gate, get promoted to something awesome, and beat the crap of the Lord douche-nozzle." Issei said with a smirk.
"I wouldn't do that, unless want to get you ass handed to you." Akeno said with a smile.
"She's right, you can't go out there recklessly. Honestly, it's almost like Uncle Snow's reckless actions." Virgil agrees with annoyance.
"Be smart, dude. Odds are Riser's gonna want to move his Pawns into our territory right away." Kiba told him. "We need to keep enough players nearby to make sure that doesn't happen."
"So not as badass as my plan." Issei said with disappointment as Koneko extend the small sphere to Virgil.
"Thanks." Virgil said as he take the pink sphere.
"These'll help us communicate during the battle." Rias informed them as the sphere was placed into her ear.
"Alright, that some secret agency shit." Issei said as he, Asia, and Virgil placed them into their ears.
"Alright Devils, let the game begin!" Grayfia announced.
Meanwhile at the Principal's Office, Riser sat on the chair with two servants kneeling on the floor from both sides of him. Both seemed to be in a bliss with pleasure of being around him while Riser kept his arrogant sneer. These were not women from his Peerage but just his playthings.
In front of him stood Xuelan, Yubelluna, Siris, and Ravel. Despite showing faces, they didn't care for their master which they felt hatred towards him. Even after he declared his servants expendable back the ORC, most of them seemed to go along with it, Ravel was very upset at her brother. However, they still showed loyalty to him no matter what he say, or he may force them to obey against their will.
"Those failures don't deserve to stand on the same field as us." Riser said with a sneer. "Show no mercy, break their spirits, shatter their pride, and force them into submission! If I don't crush her, this is meaningless."
Meanwhile at the Occult Research Club, Rias began to form a strategy when placed a school map that can identify the entire section on her office desk.
"The enemy base is just the way." Rias said with serious expression. "Cutting through the school grounds might be quick, but it's not an option."
"They'll see us coming a mile away." Koneko said.
"Correct." Rias agreed. "And we might as well be sitting ducks."
"If we go through the track field and sneak at the back, then we might have the element of surprise on our side." Issei suggested.
"That's the obvious choice, but Riser will have that covered with in between his Knight and Rook chess pieces." Virgil stated as he placed his finger on the clubhouse section. "He might station those pieces at this section of the athletic clubhouse."
"That doesn't leave us with very many options, now does it?" Akeno asked with serious look.
"First things first." Kiba spoke up and pointed the gymnasium on the map. "I think we should secure the gymnasium before we do anything else. It's adjacent to their home-base and not too far from us. But most importantly, it will serve as a diversion to the other side."
"The gymnasium is basically in the center of the battlefield." Akeno added. "Whoever gets to it first is gonna have a leg-up for sure."
"That and Riser will no doubt be thinking the same thing." Virgil said. "Since he's the Veteran of the Rating Game, it'll be hard for us to go for counter if he gains control. He might be station on to any other pieces he may threw at us when we get there."
"Good call." Rias said. "Given the options we have, that's our best chance. Koneko, do you think you can handle getting in the gym and locking it down?"
Koneko nods.
"All this talk of fighting is starting to scare me." Asia said with worry, catching Virgil's attention as puts his hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry." Virgil reassured her. "You won't have to be on the front lines for this. All we have to do is trust Rias and we'll be fine."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Asia said with a smile.
"To do that, we need to secure a defense perimeter." Rias said as she stood up from the chair. "Kiba and Koneko, get out there and set some traps in the woods, ASAP."
"Got it."
"Cool."
With that, Koneko summoned her familiar while her and Kiba began leave immediately to set up their defense perimeter.
"Akeno, next we need your expertise." Rias said. "When they're done setting a traps, your illusion magic is going to come and handy, so be prepared."
"I'll be waiting." Akeno confirms as she began to leave while waiting for them.
"What about me, Virgil, and Asia? Is there anything we can do to help you out?" Issei asked, referring to himself, Virgil, and Asia to Rias.
"Asia, you're my healing support, so in order to keep you safe, you need to stay close to base." Rias explains. "Because if we lose you, we're going to be in big trouble out here."
"Okay." Asia nods.
"Issei, come here." Rias instructed him with a soft smile.
"For what?" Issei asked as Rias sat on the couch.
"I want you to put your head on my lap." Rias told him, leaving Issei confused. Virgil raised his eyebrow, trying to know what she's up to while Asia was shocked about Rias having Issei on her lap.
"Really? I'm trying to focus on this game thing and I'm pretty sure if I do that, I'll be-"
"Will you get over here?" Rias interrupts impatiently.
"Your wish is my command." Issei confirms. With that, Issei laid his head on her lap with his dumb, excited grin on his face. However, he felt something unexpected.
'It's like I'm floating on a cloud made of juicy thighs in a scent of a woman.' Issei thought as he smiled with teary eyes. "Rias, I want you to know I can die happy right now. This is one of the top ten moments of me life."
"Why in the world are you crying?" Rias asked.
"Because I'm just so overwhelm that you actually letting me lay with my head buried in your business, this is hands down the nicest thing anyone's done for me." Issei answered.
"You're such a drama queen, if you like it that much you can do it again sometime." Rias said with a smile.
"Are you serious!?" Issei exclaimed.
"Wipe your nose, you're snotting on me." Rias told him as she began to explain. "Issei, I cast a little spell on you, it's time to unlock it."
Issei was a little confused which he was wondering what Rias meant. Rias began to pat Issei's head when he felt his powers were rising within him.
'What is this? What's happening to me?' Issei mentally questioned himself.
"When you became a foot-soldier, I told you I've used 8 of my Pawn Pieces." Rias explains. "What I didn't tell you was how much power you'd received."
"Wait, what?" Issei asked confusingly.
"If I had unleashed everything all at once, your body wouldn't have been able to take it. So I cast a spell to keep your power at bay." Rias answered. "Because of the spell, your abilities come to you in small manageable stages. What I just did was release another portion of your power."
"Okay, so does that explain the weird feeling I have right now?" Issei questions.
"This is just the beginning of what you can do, Issei. But in order for your body to be able to handle your Boosted Gear on top of the full extend of your power, we have to get you in shape and make sure you were strong enough." Rias answered with a smile. "There's a good portion in there that you're just not ready for yet."
"So this whole time, they were running me ragged and busting my balls, it was for my own good?" Issei questioned as he thought with exaggeration. 'And I thought I was being punished for sucking so hard. This Is Awesome, She Doesn't Hate Me!'
'Sounds like Uncle Snow was right about Issei having the potential. That's explains why Rias was forcing Issei work his ass off, smart lady.' Virgil thought with impressed smirk.
"Do your best out there, don't go easy on them just because your opponents are girls." Rias told him. "Take those Pawns out, given the opportunity and they'll so the same to you."
"I won't let you down." Issei said excitedly, raising his fist. "Those devil hotties will be sorry they'd messed with Team Gremory."
"I can't wait to see what you do out there. I know you're just going to make me proud." Rias said.
"Rias, do you copy?" Akeno communicated Rias with a question.
"I hear you loud and clear." Rias answered.
"We're ready when you are, just say the word." Akeno said, waiting for orders.
With that, Rias stood up from the couch while Issei landed hard on the ground face-first, leaving Virgil chuckle at his misfortune.
"Alright guys, here the game plan." Rias said as she began to explain.
Rating Game Field (Student Council Room)
Both Sona and Tsubaki were monitoring the entire game field which they were watching.
"Gremory might be about to make her first move." Tsubaki said.
"With this many pieces that she's missing, Rias won't be able to protect her home-base and launch a full assault." Sona said, pondering. "Because of that, she'll have to force her way in toshiari attacks."
Rating Game Field
Meanwhile, both Asia and Rias were sitting on the couches since Virgil and Issei have left the ORC after she explain the strategy to her peerage. Both Virgil and Issei met Koneko outside of the school building which she was waiting for them.
"Okay, once you're in the gym, there's no way you avoid confrontation. Be sure to follow our plan." Rias communicating told her peerage and Virgil.
"Got it." Koneko, Issei, and Virgil said in unison.
Kiba was stationed in the forest with his sword on his sheath.
"Kiba, you're all set?" Rias communicating Kiba with a question.
"Yep, I'm in position now." Kiba said.
Akeno was stationed at the top of the old school building.
"Akeno, standby to move. I'm counting on you." Rias told her.
"You totally got this." Akeno said with a smile.
"Let's go, team." Rias communicating told them. "Commence Operation: Phoenix Ashes. Your opponent is Lord Riser, a gifted warrior even among the House of Phenex. Show no mercy because none will be shown to you."
With that, Issei, Virgil, and Koneko were heading towards the gymnasium which Riser's Peerage might be in there.
Rating Game Field (Gymnasium)
When Issei, Virgil, and Koneko have made their way toward the gymnasium, they were hiding in the shadows from the stage of the gym. Cautiously peeking through the gym which they noticed they're here when the lights were on and stood in the light was Xuelan and three other girls.
The two were very young twins with turquoise hair, which they kept tied to one side of their head with yellow ribbon and blue eyes. Both of their outfits consist of gym uniform, which consist of white t-shirt with blue accents, black leggings, and blue sneakers over high-knee socks.
The third girl has blue hair and light brown eyes. Her hair is styled with four ponytails with two of the four pointed up and the remaining two pointed down. The front of her hair split bangs across her forehead, with side bangs framing her face. She wore a white haori with red obi, which is worn under a red happi coat, bandages on her forearms and shins, black guards over her hands, and zori for her footwear.
"They're here." Koneko said.
"Well I guess stealth approach isn't going to work, is it?" Issei asked.
Issei, Virgil, and Koneko came out of the shadow and revealed themselves.
"Good to see you again, Virgil." Xuelan greeted warmly with a left hand on her hip. She bore a smile on her face as she had to admit from her distance, Virgil looked handsome. It made her blush a bit, but kept it under control. "I didn't think I'd see you in circumstances like this."
"Feelings mutual, Xuelan." Virgil greeted back. "I'd just wish our encounter would've been different."
Xuelan blushed heavily, the thought of her encounter went through her head as she imagined her and Virgil met at the beach watching the sunset. But she snapped out of it, not letting such thoughts distract her from battle only because Riser is watching.
"Like that's going to happen." The pawn said, stepping forward and pointing her staff at him. "You'll pay for humiliating Lord Riser in front."
"Oh I'm sorry, I was wondering if he's still all wet behind the ears." Virgil mocks with a smirk, causing Issei to laugh while Koneko and Xuelan giggled a bit.
That got those three Pawns growled with anger.
"Anyway, who exactly are you three?" Virgil asked.
"I'm Mira and I'm a Phenex Pawn." Mira introduced herself.
"I'm Ile and I'm also a Pawn." Ile introduced.
"I'm Nel and I'm also a Pawn." Nel introduced.
"The Rook chick, she could be a big problem for us." Koneko said with serious expression.
"We already know how Xuelan can fight due to martial arts prowess." Virgil told her.
"Yes, based on her Power Level, she's got the skills of the Queen." Koneko explains.
"That's no good." Issei said as he unleashed his Sacred Gear. "Oh what the hell, we knew we were the underdogs from the beginning. Let's just do this, Power Up Boost!"
Issei began to power up while the yellow aura surrounds him.
"Those Pawns are all you two, I'll try my luck with the Rook." Koneko said, readied her fighting gloves.
"Sorry, but no thanks." Xuelan suddenly said, taking few steps forward herself, surprising her comrades and opponents. "I'm not interested in fighting you, girl. I will fight Virgil Farron, you three take care of the Pawn and the Rook."
"You can't be serious." Mira argued. "Is it because of the Cie'th things?"
"If you're worried about my feelings getting in the way, then I should tell you that's not going to be a problem." Xuelan sternly respond. "Besides, I was looking forward of how strong he really is."
Issei, Virgil, and Koneko stared at her with surprised look on their faces while confused by the fact Xuelan wanted to fight Virgil. They soon turned their heads towards each other, trying to find out what to do.
Koneko stared at him blankly before lightly frowned. "Keep your focus on the fight and off her boobs."
Virgil couldn't help but sigh with a sweat drop of her remark.
"Yeah, tell that to Issei." Virgil told her, making Issei face fault down the floor. "You guys handle those three. We'll watch each other's backs and give support when needed."
Koneko nodded and the three began to launch off the floor and charge into battle.
Rating Game Field (Principal's Office)
Meanwhile, Riser and Yubelluna were watching on the battlefield. However, Yubelluna looked at him with hatred when she heard of Riser's intentions of replacing his servants if one of them dies.
Few weeks ago when they returned to report Riser of their failed mission, he was disappointed and expected them for the better mission, but their failures mattered only little to him since he had other means to accomplish his goal without them. It was as if he casted them low and no longer cared for them, treating them nothing but tools.
"So she decided to attack from the center after all." Riser said. "How are things on the other front?"
"My Lord, your Pawns: Shuriya, Marion, and Burent are moving in the enemy as we speak." Yubelluna told him.
Rating Game Field (Forest)
Three forms of beings zipped to and from tree to another at fast speeds impossible to track. When all three figures landed on the forest floor to look at their surroundings, they found out that a thick fog was covering most of the area.
Shuriya is a young woman with long pale blue hair and amber eyes. She has tanned skin and wore a bikini made up with metallic underwire brassier and a silk loincloth that exposes her sides. She also wears a silver colored tiara and neck rings with a ruby and blue gems respectively. Other accessories that she wears include ruby orbs earrings, neck ring with blue gem, snake themed bracelet on her upper arm and a transparent veil across both her arms. She, notably, has purple highlights around her eyes.
Marion is a young girl with shoulder length light brown hair and dark brown eyes, dressed in buttoned sleeveless French Maid uniform with a white laced design, along with a standard maid head piece, cuffs, and a white-half apron to go with a set. She also wears light grey tights.
Burent is a young girl with shoulder length brown hair and blue eyes, dressed in a sleeveless French Maid uniform that exposes her cleavage, with white laced design on the edges, as well as a head piece, half-apron, and forearm length fingerless gloves.
"Damn, this fog is so thick we won't be able to see anything." Burent said.
Then the red magic circle appeared a few meters from them, launched a glowing projectile spears at them. The three Pawns saw the danger and quickly jumped out of the way, letting the projectiles impale the tree and the ground.
"A trap." Shuriya said with amusement as she flew through the air. "Did they really think something lame like that would work?"
"The Gremory's are dumber than I thought." Burent mocked as she and Marion were in the air together.
"A cute trick from a Rating Game virgin." Marion added.
Rating Game Field (Gymnasium)
Both Virgil and Xuelan clashed against each other when they exchanging blows after Virgil enhanced his alertness thanks to his Synergist role, but he's in defense position since he used his Paradigm to Sentinel when he used Steel-Guard to enhance his defense. Xuelan used her flaming roundhouse kick as Virgil blocked with his right arm, but she flew through the air and thrust her fiery thrust kick at him. He blocked with his forearms and pushed her a foot away, but Xuelan followed this by using kick combination and flame punch, but Virgil blocked her attacks while stepping to his left. Xuelan then swung her fist backwards while Virgil blocked and counter her attack with his spinning heel kick to her face, leaving her stumbled. Virgil charged after her when she suddenly turned around, bent over to have her hands on the floor, making her large rear sit out, before kicking him to the gut.
"Vendetta" Virgil grabbed her leg, much to her surprise as he counters her attack by pulling her leg and punched her in the spine, making her landed hard from that impact and gasp for air.
"Not bad!" Xuelan exclaimed as she got back up while approached him as he used his Paradigm to switch Sentinel to Commando and walks around in circles around Xuelan.
Truthfully, she doesn't want to fight him, but she, Yubelluna, Siris, and Ravel understood that they're still member's of Riser's Peerage and had to fight to ensure their loyalty, forced against their will or not. A week back, they informed Riser about their failed mission, he informed them that he was disappointed and expected better for their mission which it matters a little to him since he has other goals to accomplish without them. It was as if he casted them out and no longer cared for their existence, treating them as if they were expendables.
Koneko, who was few meters away, turned her head for few seconds to see how he was doing before redirecting her attention to Mira as she thrusts her staff at her. Koneko jumped over her, landed her behind her, and then kicked her to send her away.
Issei however, was being chased by the twins with their chainsaws since he was running for his life.
"I'm impressed that you were able to keep up." Xuelan compliments.
"I guess being a l'Cie has it's perks." Virgil said with a smirk. "You're not bad yourself, I can tell you've trained hard."
With that, Virgil used his Paradigm to switch Commando to Synergist.
"Enfrost" He used his support magic to increase his ice attributes, leaving Xuelan curious.
"Ice magic?" Xuelan asked. "Do you think you can stop a Rook like me?"
"One way to find out. Barfire" He used his magic to increase his fire resistance as he used his Paradigm to switch Synergist to Commando.
Xuelan accepts the challenge and charges at him with her flame fist while Virgil counters with his ice fist, creating some steam as he grabbed her arm and used his arm flip, but she landed with her feet as they clashed against each other. Xuelan used her fiery kick combination with her left leg while Virgil blocks her attack. He starts to realize that she was more focused not only on martial arts and her fire magic, but mostly kicks and her fighting stance was Southpaw.
After sending one last kick, Xuelan twirled around to her left and thrusts her left sidekick, hoping that her attack connects to Virgil. The impact was strong enough to create a small shockwave, but he wasn't taken off his feet and only had his feet slide back a little. However, Virgil caught her foot as he used his Paradigm to switch Commando to Ravager while used his left hand to pull her leg and used Blizzardstrike to punch Xuelan which she didn't have time to react.
The punch struck her in the left cheek, causing her to grit her teeth by the pain of both impact and the edge of his icy knuckles digging in her cheek.
As he let go of her leg, Xuelan staggered backward to regain her wits and stable herself after that punch. She got to admit, he was a lot more impressive when she saw he fought against the Cie'th. With her cheek bruised and cut, Xuelan smiled at him and whipped away a bit of blood on her lip.
"Nice one." Xuelan said with approval, but gasped when she saw him charged with his iced shoulder.
"Blizzaga: Icy Charge" Virgil shoulder tackled at her which his Enfrost have doubled the damage, leaving Xuelan gasp in pain.
"Blizzaga: Icefist Smash" Virgil then used his punch combination with his fists, punching Xuelan in the stomach, ribs, arms, and used his icy left hook punch on her face, leaving her flying towards the floor before landed and coughed a bit of her blood.
Xuelan felt like her ribs were broken, along with her organs were given out which his Enfrost doubles his ice abilities since it did damaged her. She looked up at Virgil, given a peaceful look to his serious demeanor.
"Don't worry." Xuelan assured. "I will be taken to a safe place to heal, that's how it works whenever someone is defeated. I will be treated for my wounds."
Virgil nods with an understanding. Though Xuelan was his opponent in the Rating Game, but he never hated her and considered her an ally. To her, he was more than that. She slowly got up and gave him some final words.
"I wish you the best of luck, Virgil Farron." Xuelan said with a smile.
Xuelan soon dissipated into white pixels that dispelled her form, bringing her over to the infirmary to recover. Virgil watched as she disappeared into thin air.
(One of Riser's Rooks: Retired)
"DUDE LOOK OUT!" Issei's voice calls out to Virgil, making him snapped out of his thoughts as he saw the twins, Ile and Nel, come after him with roaring chainsaws over their heads.
"What the!?" Virgil exclaimed with wide eyes.
"Slice 'em up! Slice 'em up! Slice 'em up!" The twins chanted happily as Virgil draws out his gunblade. When they approached him, the first swings her chainsaw at his head, but Virgil ducks underneath and blocks the second attack that came at his legs with his gunblade. He then used his Blizzardstrike to kick the second in the second twin away and used Blizzardstrike to shoulder tackle the first in the stomach, forcing her to the ground while used his Paradigm to switch Ravager to Commando.
"Hang on, Virgil! I've got the secret technique to stop them in their tracks!" Issei shouts as his wings began to burst out while raised his gauntlet in the air.
The twins recovered from the chill that Virgil have given them as they used their chainsaws to go after him.
"Time to get naked! Dress Break!" Issei shouted as he snapped his fingers.
Almost immediately, the twins outfits were ripped into shreds, leaving them completely naked when they screamed with high-pitch in response and desperately tried to cover themselves as best as they could, laying on the floor with their breasts covered up.
Virgil scowled with annoyance and anger at Issei.
But Issei, on the other hand, was drooling as he marveled at his sight before him, laugh with triumph.
"You ladies like that? Since the first moment, my tiny baby man-balls dropped off, all I did was un-"
Issei didn't get to finish his sentence only because Virgil smacked the back of his head with enough force to sent Issei down the floor, making a spider web cracks.
"Dude, what was that for!? How about a thank you!?" Issei exclaimed with teary eyes, rubbing his head.
"That secret technique was nothing but a joke, Issei." Virgil told him with a glare.
"Dude, you're such a loser." Koneko stated coldly, causing Issei to flinch as she turned to Virgil. "Nice work on fighting the Rook, it was cool."
Virgil gave Koneko a nod as they heard Rias voice from their communicators.
"Virgil, what's your status?" Rias asked.
"Riser's pieces was subdued, but Xuelan retires." Virgil told her.
"Good work, Akeno is in position and she's ready to go. You need to get out of there immediately."
Virgil, Issei, and Koneko all began to rush towards the exit of the gymnasium. Three Pawns shouted them, but they ignored them as Akeno began using her lightning magic to destroy the gymnasium as the huge thunderbolt descended onto the building, completely obliterate it.
(Three of Riser's Pawns: Retired)
Looking up, the three saw Akeno flying in the air with her shrine priestess outfit and her wings.
"That was badass!" Issei exclaimed.
"Yep, badass is one way to put it. She's the real deal, it's why her nickname is the 'Priestess of Thunder.' She knows how to bring the boom and she like's it." Koneko explains.
"Let's just be glad she's on our side and not the other way around. I may respect her, but I don't like her personality." Virgil said with his eyebrow raised.
Akeno giggled a bit with a blush and licking her finger.
"The Phenex has still have us outnumbered, we'll need to buy Akeno a little time so she can be fully ready for the second attack." Rias explains. "Once her power is replenished, we'll start to make preparations for our next move. Until then, stick to the plan and I promise you, we'll win this thing."
"Got it." Virgil nods as the transmission was cut off.
"So?" Issei asked.
"We need to get to the Athletic Field as soon as we can." Koneko explains. "Kiba's waiting for us there, if you see any bad guys, we own them. Sounds good?"
"I just hope Kiba's doing okay, he's all alone." Issei said with worry.
Rating Game Field (Forest)
Back in the forest, Marion stretched out her hand and shot out a bright orange beam from her palm when the beam hits the ground where the red magic circle was, destroying it.
"Do you think that Gremory's really believe these stupid traps are going to slow us down at all?" Marion asked with unimpressed expression.
However, Burent was searching her surrounding when she spotted something from those trees.
"That's their home-base, isn't it." Burent pointed out towards the old schoolhouse, the others saw it and the three approached it.
However, they stopped in surprise when the schoolhouse, along with the trees, became deformed and bright light shine and the building was reflecting it. Then a fog came in and the Occult Research Club vanished into thin air, leaving the three Pawns in an opening forest.
"What is this?" Marion asked.
"Hello ladies." Kiba's voice greeted them from behind, causing the three to look behind them. Soon, Kiba walked out of a foggy path and presented himself to them, with his sword and sheath on his left. "You gals looking for some company? Because if you're feeling lonely this evening, I might be the man for you."
The three Pawns attention was taken to the sky as the large red magic circle appeared from above.
"Damn, we walked right into that one, didn't we?" Burent said with a frown.
"What we lack in manpower, girls, we make up for in brains." Kiba told them, tapping the right side of his head with his finger.
"I hate to burst you bubble, because you're kind of my type, blonde." Shuriya flirts with seductive smile. "But as cute as you are, do you think you can take all three of us at once?"
"Why don't we find out?" Kiba counters, leaving them puzzled.
With that, Kiba readied his sword to fight those three Pawns.
Rating Game Field
"I wouldn't worry about him, he can take care of himself." Virgil assured him.
"Yeah, you're right." Issei nods as he turned to Koneko. "But hey, we might as well give him a hand."
When Issei extend his hand, Koneko pulled her arm away with a glare.
"Touch me and I'll puke." Koneko rejected coldly while walking away, leaving Issei chuckle nervously.
"Come on, relax. I'm not gonna make your clothes disappear." Issei told her with nervous smile.
"I wish I can make you disappear." Koneko said icily.
Without warning, Virgil's instinct kicked in as he used his Paradigm to switch Commando to Synergist which he knew that danger was approaching.
"Hastega" Virgil enhanced his speed as he ran with his fast speed to grab Koneko by wrapped his arms around her shoulders and got a firm hold on the surprised nekoshou as he ran a few paces back away. He was just in the nick of time when the large explosion struck where Koneko had been standing few seconds ago, creating a big size crater. Koneko subconsciously held onto to his jacket when she thought of what would happened to her if he hadn't saved her.
"Are you alright?" Virgil asked, getting a nod from her as he puts Koneko down to the ground. Issei rushed over to them with worry.
Yubelluna was shocked to see that Virgil used his magic to catch Koneko right before she used her magic, but she formed a smile.
'Very impressive, Virgil Farron.' Yubelluna thought with impressed smile.
That's it for the 13th chapter. Sorry for the delay. Also, since Thanksgiving was just around the corner I wish you FanFiction Writers a Happy Thanksgiving!
