This is the 48th chapter of the crossover story. Alright guys, before I can go on and make this chapter, there is something you may or may not be aware of the High School DxD season 5 which it's going to be released in either this month of October or early 2022. The reason is mostly because of the COVID since they didn't get it finished. Also, I'm just letting you guys know which whenever I get to finish the season 4 of DxD: Warrior of l'Cie, I'm gonna have to put it on hiatus until the new season arrives. So, thank you guys for reading this story. Well with that out of the way, time to get it this chapter started.
I don't own the series of High School DxD or the video game of Final Fantasy 13
No flame reviews, seriously it's a bad rep and I have no tolerance whatsoever.
Kuoh Academy, Occult Research Club Room
After everyone had hurt Issei while Virgil have given them some serious thinking for what Rias' peerage, Tosca, and Irina have done to them, the Red Dragon Emperor was out there inside of the room alone, putting up the shrine decoration while doing some serious thinking after his actions. Of course, Issei have hurt Rias mostly because of his obliviousness, but he hasn't even thought about her feelings, either.
'The President and her mom have been acting helluva weird lately. Now just them, but everyone, like they're expecting something from me. Let's see, there one of two things: the first that I've somehow hurt the Prez' feelings without realizing it because I'm a total dick-nugget, or I could be something else and if that's the case, then...' Issei mentally thought, thinking about the actions and Rias' feelings while propping the shrine decoration right towards the wall as he bang the nails right next to them.
'There are four guys in this club, the Prez has always cares about three of us in the Gremory Household, well as for Virgil, he may not be apart of the Gremory House, but he treats her with respect and ally which it's cool and all, but something's off. Like she obviously treats me differently than the other dude bros in her service and treats Virgil like a friend and ally. For starters, she really digs the romance stuff or whatever with me. I mean, I don't think girls typically offered a ride you harder than carousel horse with their feelings are just different, do they? No, that only happens in porn and maybe those harem animes. Is there taking recent actions into consideration, could the President have feelings for me? Like for real? There's no way, she's the master of our house and I'm just her servant! We're both Devils, sure, but at the very most I'm only a Pawn to her, literally! But...what if she does love me? And I'm in love with her too? Not just because she's my master, but also because I love her as a woman. After all this time, I've so many sides of her: her brilliance, her nobility, her beauty, her kindness, her banging bod, her stubborn temper, sometimes she's mature, sometimes childish, cuz' of all that I started to crush on her pretty hardcore.' Issei mentally thought with sad expression, having a long thought about Rias, the woman he ever loved. "She really is the ideal woman, I'd love to kick things up a notch and actually date her, but does that even possible? I want to tell her how I feel, but I'm scared. I guess the real question is does the Prez actually like me back? What if I ask and I'm wrong? It'll ruined everything. I don't want things to change. Damn, so what do I do?! This blows, why do women have to be so complicated?"
"So you don't know how you feel about women and yet, you call them complicated?" Virgil rhetorically questions with a light glare, earned his attention. "The way I see it for the most part, you pretty much had that one coming."
Issei then begin to fell off the ladder down to the floor by accident, causing Virgil to wince, seeing him tripped.
"Did you even hear me?" Issei questions, rubbing his sore head.
"Every word." Virgil told him with his eyebrow raised, sighed. "I guess karma is bitch, don't you think?"
Issei then nervously chuckled, but knew that the white-haired l'Cie is right about it as he then spoke.
"Yeah well, looks like I suck at thinking about the President's feelings, huh?" Issei rhetorically asks sadly when Virgil walk towards him.
"Basically, yes." Virgil answered harshly. "You haven't been thinking about those women we've been hanging around, either. Then again, they haven't been trying to understand of what you're going through."
"What I'm going through?" Issei asks with confusion. "What do you mean?"
"I mean before you have take that feelings of Rias into consideration, you need to try and think about what has been going through on your mind." Virgil clarifies, leaving Issei widened his eyes. "The way you've reacted like that, it's obvious that you're scared of Rias and no one was able to figure out why. But one thing I can take a guess, before you're reincarnated as a Devil, you've been dating to a certain Fallen Angel named Raynare. That memory of her betrayal haunts you the entire time, wasn't it?"
That got Issei grimace, knew that Virgil was able to figure it out when his mind begins to flash about how he first met Raynare right before he became a Devil during his first date which it haunts him it really hurts the Red Dragon Emperor. Issei then shed in tears as he then spoke.
"She was my first girlfriend...and she just killed me...and she was about to kill you and Asia...she lied to me...she accuse me...and in the end...I-I surely hated that bitch." Issei sadly confessed the truth. "And...I'm actually afraid of something like that...happening again. It's hard because I love gazongas, but they remind me of her."
Virgil then begin to soften his expression, now realize why Issei is oblivious. He then turned his head to the door.
"You can come out now." Virgil called when the door opens, revealed that Akeno, Irina, and Xenovia were here. "Listen Issei, you to know that Rias is nothing like Raynare because it would be impossible for her to hate you. They loved you as you and nothing's gonna change. Besides, you fought harder and with passion for Rias than anyone else. Everyone in the Gremory family were able to see that. Regardless, they believe that you can overcome this, but you just need to have confidence and start believe in yourself."
Issei then widen his eyes with shock as he then begin to shed in tears more while smiled. Virgil give him a nod as he walk out of the room so he can some alone time with Akeno, Irina, and Xenovia. While he was about to head back to his home, he notice Azazel was at the entrance as he spoke.
"Virgil, do you have a minute?" Azazel asks with a smirk, earned a nod from him. "I've heard that you're training Gasper a few days ago, sounds like you're putting that training to use."
"He's still as a long way to go before he use any of them." Virgil points out. "But to be fair, he was making a little progress despite lacking in physical training."
"I suppose that is true." Azazel agrees. "But as far I can tell about Koneko and Asia, they're also getting a bit stronger ever since the upcoming Rating Game while having you as their trainer. Basically, you have already give them a head-start of the training."
Virgil then give the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels a nod as he then left to head home while get Koneko, Asia, and Gasper ready for training since the Rating Game is coming up soon.
Town of Kuoh
Later that night, Virgil was sparring against Gasper in swordsman training when he swung his bokken right in his grasp. Giving off a slight panicked yelp, Gasper ducked low to avoid it and rolled to the side to evade a return strike. He then quickly jumping to his feet, the dhampir tightened his hand around his own bokken and lunged for a stab. Virgil simply deflect that attack while knocked Gasper's weapon out of the latter's grasp.
"You need to relax your grip a little." Virgil comments as he lowered his bokken, ending the spar. "You don't need to keep the hilt clutched in a vise."
Gasper semi-consciously gazed at his empty hand as his senior continued the evaluation.
"Kiba's help and my teachings were starting to show some results in the was you're carrying yourself." Virgil stated. "Now you need to get use to keeping a proper hold on your weapon and messing the balance up when going on the offense. Thankfully, that's something which will come with repeated practice."
Gasper briefly hunched over and gripped his knees. A few droplets of sweat fell from his forehead.
"Haaaa...Virgil is such an intense teacher..." Gasper weakly whines, heavily panted. "I'll try to keep the advice in mind and maintain a more natural grip."
Koneko jogged up the two with the bottled water while Asia use her stopwatch to stop time. The white-haired nekoshou is wearing a black tank top with a white paw print emblazoned on the center of her chest and a tight pink pants with black paw prints embedded on her right side of her waist, but it had a small hole cut into the back to allow her tail through. Asia is also wearing a black tank top and black tight shorts.
"Congratulations, Gaspy." Koneko congratulates him, showing the stopwatch to him with a small smile. "You actually manage to last thirty five seconds against brother-in-law. Here, refresh yourself. Kuroka used her senjutsu to try charging it so that it would give improved recovery. It still in progress, but claims she got the idea from the monkey king recharging Issei during the battle in Kyoto."
"Thanks Koneko! You're the best!" Gasper gratefully thanked her as he accept with a cheerful grin. He then uncapped the bottle and took a large gulp, let out a satisfied sigh. "Wow, I actually feel a lot better. Not fully refreshed, but still more than normal water. Tell Kuroka I said thanks!"
Koneko then begin to respond when she closed her eyes, sent him a Cheshire cat smile look on her face.
"You'll need every bit of energy so you can muster when you face me. I'm really going to put you through the ringer, so make sure in full recover, okay?" Koneko told him, causing him to blanch at her declaration along with a strangled whimper.
"You're not serious, are you Koneko?" Gasper pleads desperately, but her smile didn't even falter while Asia chuckled nervously. "You are!? Hey, I'm sure there's no need tgo that far, right? I mean, we've been friends for years, right? I won't be able to improve if I'm badly hurt!?"
Unfortunately, Koneko didn't even falter of her smile which she's serious.
"You'll show me mercy, right?" Gasper pleads.
Koneko give him a slight nod, but maintains her deceptive smile on her face.
"You're my old and precious friend." Koneko told him, leaving the dhampir sighed with relief as she continues to speak. "That's why I'm going all out so you can quickly become the best! I believe in you Gaspy!"
Gasper then scream in protest with terror, a cascade of tears streaming from each in his eyes.
"You can't! I'll die! Koneko is EVIL!" Gasper cried when he notice of Koneko's smile on her face.
"Yes, I'm a Hellcat." Koneko slightly nod with her smile.
Virgil couldn't help but chuckle a bit with an amused smirk which it was funny to see him scream. He then decided to save the poor dhampir.
"Alright, that's enough." Virgil declares as he calmly steps in between the pair. He then put his firm hand on Gasper's shoulder while his other hand rest on Koneko's head, giving her a little ruffle. The action caused her to finally drop the smile and instead give a slight squirm as she enjoyed his affection. "Stop scared him Koneko. He's trying to improve himself so that way he can you and the others better. Go easy on him, alright?"
"Okay." Koneko nods with her ears twitched happily after he retracted his hand.
Gasper immediately dropped to the ground and sobbed with relief, hugging Virgil's leg tightly.
"Virguil, you're my hero!" Gasper sniffled. "I pledge my sternal loyalty to you, right after Rias."
Virgil then let out a sigh, but there was no annoyance in his posture or his expression.
"There's no need to that far, Gasper." Virgil assures him. "Get up and finish you water then take a short break."
Koneko and Asia then let out a small giggle, thinking it's funny while Virgil playfully poked the white-haired nekoshous forehead.
"And as for you, don't go picking up your sister's bad habits, young lady." Virgil told her.
"No promises." Koneko said.
Few hours later after they finished up their training and getting themselves cleaned up, Gasper was once again invited to eat with the rest of them before he headed out to head home. While everyone else decided to head to the early sleep which they'll be in for training in the morning before the Rating Game.
Underworld
Few days later, the Rating Game has officially begin at the float airline. Virgil and the others were in the elevator as they ride up to the island with Issei looking at the window, seeing the water falls.
"Whoa, this place is legit as fuck." Issei said with awe.
"Yep, this is what the floating city of Agares looks like up close." Azazel explains with a smirk. "Originally, the Bael Faction wanted to have the game in their domain, but then Archduke Agares intervened between the Great Satan and the Great King."
"Blah, blah, blah. So the game is being held here, we know." Koneko said in her monotone.
"Hold on, I just thought of something." Kiba cuts in, pondering. "Is our Rating Game supposed to represent the battle between the Great King Bael and the Great Satan Lucifer?"
"Well, there are some people who would look at it that way. So I guess yeah." Azazel answered seriously.
"Surprising no one up to this point." Virgil said seriously.
"Talk about Rating into it. Meanwhile, we're only doing the Rating Game because we want to kick some ass." Issei added with a sigh, causing the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels burst with laughter.
"That's all that really matters. I think it's a good idea to focus on the match. Even if you lose, none of it will effect Sirzechs' political standing. Although, it would probably make the politicians backing the Great King and Sairaorg pretty happy, try not to worry about that." Azazel told him.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised by how much politics come into play." Issei muttered.
"True." Azazel agrees.
Issei then slightly look at Rias only looks at the window, thinking. When they arrived at the island, the Devils begin to take photos and the limo in front of them which Ravel is inside with a smile on her face.
"What took you guys so long?" Ravel questions as they went inside of the limo while the driver takes them to their destination. "The match isn't scheduled to begin today until nightfall, so until then, they've asked you to wait in your designated room next to the venue."
When they arrived at the hotel, they see people in black robes, but the skeleton hands were showed which they're undead and the tall skeleton happens to be their leader.
The tall skeleton is dressed in attire worn by high priests, gives off a creepy aura. Despite having no eyes, his eye sockets can glow to give the appearance of eyes. Virgil was about to drew his gunblade, but Azazel placed his shoulder, telling him not to do it which the white-haired l'Cie reluctantly complies.
"Well, if it isn't the God who rules over the dead of the Netherworld." Azazel said with a smirk. "Hello Sir Hades, what brings such an avid Devil and Fallen Angel hater such as yourself here?"
"I can't help it, you crows have been squawking so incessantly, I had to see what all the noise was about." Hades answered with a laugh. "It's nice to see the Welsh Dragon and the l'Cie."
Both Virgil and Issei the glared at the Lord of the Undead.
"I will admit the I miss watching you, l'Cie, and the Vanishing Dragon run wild in the depths of Hell, it gets rather dull without you. At least tonight's match should be entertaining." Hades stated as he and the skeletons then leaves. "Do me a favor and try not to die, I don't want to reap your souls."
Everyone is heading towards the gym from the hotel for getting themselves warmed up for a spar while Azazel, Kuroka, and Virgil were standing on the sidelines.
"Putting the crazy Skeletor doppelganger aside, I'm actually surprised that Lord Zeus and Lord Poseidon are gonna be there." Issei said surprisingly.
"I'm not, that's how much attention this game is getting." Azazel told him.
"Excuse me." Riser said with a smirk, earned their attention. "Hello. I'm here for the match."
"Whoa, Riser!?" Issei exclaims with shock.
"Big Brother?" Ravel questions surprisingly.
Virgil stood silent with surprised expression on his face when he sees Riser. Apparently, he wanted to have some discussions with his ex-fiancé as they sit on the table while spoke to her.
"You must be excited, your match today is garnering the same attention as a professional one." Riser said. "Hopefully, you'll be able to show off your strength here, it would certainly make a strong point."
"I'm nervous than excited since I'm not as talented as Sona in battle tactics or as a seasoned warrior like Virgil. I'm not even strong as Sairaorg either. All I have is a wonderful family." Rias admits sadly.
"Battle tactics, seasoned warrior, and strength are all well and good, but they're both something that anyone can gain with enough experience and effort. And more importantly, someone who has a natural talent for finding and gathering skilled individuals is special." Riser told her. "I honestly believe its that particular ability which is given to the wonderful family you've so quick to boast about, Rias."
"Perhaps." Rias agrees, looking at Issei. "But they could also be her just because of both Issei and Virgil."
"You're the one who recruited the Red Dragon Emperor and made a l'Cie your ally. So, it's still because of you. Take a look around." Riser stated as they walk in front of her. "See? These people are here to support you because you all share something. Believe in their strength."
Rias then gasp with shock, seeing that her peerage, Tosca, and Virgil were there for her. Riser then stood up as he spoke.
"I should go." Riser said as he then look at Virgil. "Oh, and l'Cie."
Virgil then look at him.
"I never forgotten the way it felt when you give me a fight in our game." Riser told him. "Whenever I get a chance to fight you, know that I intend to return the favor, but it can only acquire when you compete in the Rating Game."
"It doesn't matter, but I'll be waiting since I owe you a fight." Virgil said with smirk. "The next time I get a chance, I'll beat your ass once again."
Riser then give him a nod with respect, but has one more thing before he leaves.
"Also, you better watch over my little sister." Riser said. "If you make her cry, I will roast you alive and serve you for dinner."
"You don't have to worry about it. I'll make sure that no harm will come to her." Virgila assures, making Ravel blushed with embarrassment.
"Um, excuse me! He's not my keeper!" Ravel retorts, causing them to laugh.
"Oh that's right, I'm suppose to give you a message from Sirzechs." Riser said when he realize, turned his head to Issei. "He said he needed a moment of your time."
Issei was a little confused at first, but decided to meet up with Sirzechs which it's something important.
Few hours later, tonight is the event for the Rating Game between the Bael and the Gremory. Devils were cheering for Sairaorg and Rias with excitement while Virgil was in the hospital watching in the waiting room since the black-haired nekoshou is in the medical room which she's begin to give birth to the triplets since it's time. Virgil was worried about her and the triplets. However, the announcer then begin to make an announcement.
"How's everybody in this fine evening. I'm Naud Gamigin, your MC for tonight. I'd like to take a moment to present the arbiter for the game, give it up for Rudiger Rosekrutz!" Naud announces. "Welcome our commentators, you know him as the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels. It's Azazel!"
Virgil was a bit surprised about Azazel as a guest commentator.
"Achtung, darlings! We also have with us the current Champion of the Rating. It's Diehauser Belial!" Naud announces, seeing Diehauser also as the guest commentator which to Virgil, it's surprising. "Let's discuss the rules shall we? Tonight, we'll be utilizing a popular variant item, behold the Dice Figure game! At this time I'd like to invite the Kings from each team to step up to the special platform."
Rias and Sairaorg then head towards the special platform. Virgil is paying attention while listen to the rules of the Dice Figure game which to him, it's new.
"For those not familiar the Dice Figure game, I will take this moment to go over the rules of how this will work." Naud said as he then begin explain about the Dice Figure game. "For each round, the Kings will use a normal six-sided die. Both Kings shall roll their individual die and the resulting total of both numbers will decide the numbers of the match. For example, if the numbers rolled are equal to eight, each team will may send out members that add up to that specific number. The value of each player depends on what sort of evil piece they consist of, Pawns are one point, Knights and Bishops are three points, Rooks are five points, and Queens are equal to nine points. Multiple players may be chosen for the match, so in the case of eight points, the King may send out two Knights to participate, or it's also acceptable to mix and match your Evil Pieces, so you can also send out five-point room to mix or a three point Knight to fight. The number of Evil pieces used for a family member is also taken into account for calculating who to send into battle. For instance, Issei Hyoudou is made up of eight Pawn pieces, so he has a point value of eight. But remember ladies and gentleman, you can not send out the same piece consecutively, so choose carefully and of course, let's not forget about the Kings of each family. Like normal, the game will end if the King is defeated and so after taking all of the above factors into consideration, the review board has decided with the point value will be for each of the two Kings. All right my dears, hold on to your hats, because we are about to announce those numbers! Sairaorg Bael will be worth 12 points! Rias Gremory will be worth 8 points! Now, now, Lord Sairaorg may have a higher point value, but that also means he cannot participate in a match with without the maximum roll of 12, so that can work to Rias Gremory's advantage! The last rule is regarding the Phoenix Tears. Thanks to the Phenex family, each team will have one vial available to use at any time during the game."
'Great, then that means Rias and her team will have a hard time fighting against Sairaorg's team and him.' Virgil mentally thought with a scowl. 'And it looks like they'll have to come up with a strategy.'
"Enough my bloodthirsty rubes! Let's get started!" Naud announces excitedly.
"The match begins now. Lord Sairaorg Bael and Princess Rias Gremory...Let's get ready to rumble!" Rudiger announces as the crowd roared with cheer. "Let's begin the first match! Kings, please pick up your die."
Both Sairaorg and Rias then picks up their die as they held it.
"Let's roll!"
Rias and Sairaorg then drop the die as it rolls around, they stop as the dice landed on the number.
"Sairaorg Bael has rolled 1! Rias Gremory has rolled 2! The total is 3! Since the value of the Pawns on each side is too high, only a Bishop or a Knight may be chosen to participate in the first round. Now the question is whom will each family chooses to send out for this opening match?" Naud announces.
"You have five minutes to plan, please choose your Champion within that time frame." Rudiger added with an announcement.
'Rias would probably choose either Kiba or Xenovia, but both Asia and Gasper have a little battle experience and they're still in training.' Virgil mentally thought with his serious expression.
The first round is taking place in the meadow as Kiba Yuuto teleports along with Sairaorg's Knight, Beruka Furcas. And with that, the first round of the Rating Game begins.
That's it for the 48th chapter.
