Chapter 11: Blazing Sun and Roaring Thunder
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. And I cannot stress how sorry I am about the wait. This story has been the victim of a lot of mixed signals and has been repteadly bashed by several guest reviewers. I don't know what your deal is but if you people don't like it then don't read it. It's hard to keep ideas flowing when a guy is constantly being hated. Anyway I'm happy to say this story has over 150 followers! So thank you to all you readers who support my story. Please Review and Enjoy.
The deadline for the Vongola battle was coming up and only 2 days away everyone was hopeful that Seth and his Vongola guardians would come out on top.
At their place, Rias was in her and Seth's room trying to sleep but since her favorite hugging pillow was away it was proving to be difficult.
She had been a little on edge, especially when she learned that Neo had gone after her fiancé.
"That sneaky mute bitch. Going after my man at his most vulnerable." Rias mumbles when she heard a knock at the door.
"Rias?" Akeno calls out making her sit up.
"Akeno what's going on?" Rias asks as the door opens.
"Well I wanted to tell you that Seth sent me a message saying he was on his was on his back and can't wait to see you." Akeno said.
"Did he send that to Neo too?" She narrows her eyes.
"Oh Rias you can't honestly say you didn't see that coming. You knew Neo would want him one of these days." Akeno said.
"Yeah but I thought once Seth and I got engaged she would back off." Rias said.
"Would you?" Akeno asks.
"Excuse me?" Rias said turning to her.
"Rias, just because Seth is your fiancé that's not gonna stop those who really love him. You may be his number 1 but that doesn't mean others don't want to be in his life. He may have a wife but that doesn't mean he can't have some more lovers." Akeno said.
"You know I really hate it when you're right like that." Rias said making Akneo smile.
"Hey you didn't make me your Queen because you wanted a blind yes man." Akeno said.
"No, no I didn't." Rias smiles.
"Anyway I'll leave you with your thoughts. You'll probably want Seth all to yourself for a while." Akeno said.
"Wait Akeno…are you?" Rias starts.
"Night." Akeno closes the door before she could answer.
"I'll take that as a yes." Rias rolls her eyes.
An hour later, Rias was laying in her bed trying to go to sleep but was having trouble.
Suddenly a figure crept in and she suddenly felt a peck on the cheek waking her up.
"Well what do you know? A kiss really does wake up sleeping beauties." Seth smiles.
"Seth." Rias smiles yanking him into a big hug. "Oh I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you too, Rias." Seth smiles hugging her back.
As Rias got a better look at him she saw Seth was looked like he had seen better days. He had quite a few scuffs and dirty stains on his clothes and even a little tear on his sleeve.
"What happened to you?" Rias asks.
"Dad kinda roughed me up a little too much during our training." Seth admits.
"And you couldn't wait to come back to see again? It's just like my birthday all over again." Rias giggles.
"I didn't realize coming back to see my fiancé was a bad thing." Seth chuckles.
"Oh come here you." Helping Seth out of his shirt, Rias helped clean him up. "Are you nervous?"
"A little…hey Rias on the off chance I lose would you still stay with me even if I'm not the Vongola Heir?" Seth asks.
"That's a dumb question." Rias said moving his head to look her in the eyes. "I didn't fall in love with you because you were the Vongola Heir and you didn't fall in love with me because of my family. I finally have you in my life and I do not plan on getting rid of you anytime soon."
"I swear you keep finding ways to make me attracted to you." Seth said giving her a kiss on the lips.
As Rias kissed back Seth moved his hands to wrap around her but Rias stops him briefly.
"Win tomorrow and you and I will really celebrate." Rias whispers seductively in his ears.
"You sneaky devil." Seth said.
"And you love me for it." Rias teases walking away.
"Yeah I really do." Seth said checking her out as she put everything away.
Soon the day finally came and one by one Seth's team returned. At the Occult Research Club, Rias' peerage had arrived to see Lucy, Neo and Winter standing guard.
"How they holding up?" Issei asks as Neo just gave him a deadpan look. "Yeah stupid question."
"We've been assigned to guard them before, during and after each battle until a winner is resolved." Lucy said as Winter gripped her rapier.
"It's only way we can be there to help them." Winter said.
"Think they're ready?" Kiba asks.
"I trained with Erza. I believe she has the skills necessary to win." Winter nods.
"Yeah and I helped Hinata as best I could." Lucy said.
Shrugging Neo said she hoped the best for Itachi.
Making their way inside, they saw Rias and Akeno were already inside.
"Is this how you guys felt when you were about to face Riser?" Blake asks.
"Pretty much." Akeno said.
"We believe in you guys. We know you can win." Asia said.
"We hope so Asia, we hope so." Erza said.
Looking at the clock, Issei saw it was almost time.
"Hey uh Seth." Issei said walking over. "Before this goes down, I wanna tell you something."
"What's up Issei?" Seth asks.
"I-I'm sorry for putting you all in this mess." Issei admits surprising everyone. "You helped us so much with Riser and when I was supposed to step up I blew it and you had to save my butt. Listen no matter what happens tonight to me you're the best Heir."
"Wow Issei…that might be the nicest thing you've ever said to me." Seth smiles.
"What happened to the idiot who was using his magic to strip girls?" Sakura asks.
"What? I can mature…from time to time." Issei admits making them all laugh and smile.
"Thanks Issei, we needed a reason to smile." Seth said.
"Good work pervert." Koneko smiles nudging him.
In the back, Hibari was leaning against the wall when he heard something.
"Our judge is here." Hibari said as a magic circle appeared and Grayfia emerged.
"Grayfia?" Rias said not expecting her.
"I've been assigned as the official judge for these matches. Seth has given me the rings earlier so I will now explain the rules." Grayfia said as they all looked to her. "There will 7 one on one matches between the respective guardians. The matches will be over when one member from the other team is defeated, surrenders, one of the members unites the ring or killed. Each player must wear half of the respective Vongola ring around their neck." Grayfia said pulling out 14 necklace chains each one holding half of a respective Vongola ring on it.
"You broke them in half?" Issei said shocked.
"No, those rings can split into halves. I'm not the first Vongola to tangle with the Varia." Seth points out.
"The matches will be chosen at random and you are not allowed help from any outside members. Any sign of cheating or interference will result in an automatic loss. And the respective players are only allowed feedback from their Sky leader." Grayfia said giving Seth and Ricken special ear pieces.
"They'll need all the help they can get." Ricken said as they put them in their ears.
"There will be two matches each day as we go further and further into this challenge. Whoever has the most wins at the end of these challenges will claim the title of Vongola Heir and the rings. Any questions?" Grayfia asks.
Seth looks to his team and they all shook their heads while Ricken, Sasuke and Minerva just stood their full of confidence.
"Now for today's matches. The first one will be the Guardians of the Sun." Grayfia declares.
"I guess I'm up first." Sakura said.
"You can do it Sakura." Ezra said.
Nodding Sakura was about to walk over when Koneko stood in front of her.
"Hey. If you get your ass kicked, I'll never let you live it down." Koneko said.
Smiling Sakura and Koneko fist bump.
"So who's the loser I get to beat up?" Sakura asks.
"Right here." Ricken steps to the side and a figure enters the room.
It was a girl around Sakura's age with long blonde hair and a purple outfit.
"Meet Ino Yamanaka." Ricken introduced.
"Or you can call me winner." Ino said cracking her knuckles.
"Step forward." Grayfia said as both girls stood in front of her.
Concentrating a magic circle appeared under them and they were teleported away.
Appearing what looked like a boxing arena with a giant cage surrounding them and bright lights shined down on Sakura making her cringe and cover her face.
"What is this?" Sakura said.
"This is the arena for the Sun Guardians. A special ring set up in accordance with their abilities. Each Ring has a specific challenge suited to them." Grayfia explains.
"With her strength Sakura should win this no problem." Issei assumes.
"Maybe but I don't think that Varia girl will give her an easy win." Seth narrows his eyes.
"Begin." Grayfia declares.
Making the first move, Sakura attacks with a with a powerful right hook, but at the last second Ino dodges and leaps up.
As Sakura tries to follow the harsh lights shined down behind Ino making her cringe allowing Ino to deliver a powerful kick knocking Sakura back.
"Don't tell me that's the best you got." Ino said as Sakura rubbed her eyes. "Pretty easy to hit that massive forehead of yours. It's like a billboard."
Growling Sakura shook off the attack and stood tall.
"Leave my forehead out of this." Sakura said eager to crush her more than ever.
"Too bad you can't use your ring powers to bail you out!" Ino said as Sun Flames surrounded each of her fingers.
Swinging them at her Sakura narrowly dodges. Lifting her foot up high into the air Sakura slams it down causing the ground to shake.
"Whoa." Ino wobbles.
Using this chance, Sakura swings her foot and kicks Ino in the chest and the resulting shock broke all the lights above them.
"Aw much better." Sakura adjusting her eyes.
"Doesn't matter if you can see. I'm still gonna win." Ino said.
"You talk too much." Sakura said.
Holding her hands in knife-like poses, Sun flames coated the tips of Ino's nails.
"Get her Ino." Ricken grins.
Moving in Ino attacks Sakura with her powered up strikes.
Taking a stance, Sakura uses some palm strikes to knock Ino's moves off course and moves back.
As Ino kept pushing Sakura found her back towards the edge of the ring.
Acting quickly Sakura grabs the rope and leaps up narrowly avoiding Ino's attack and kicks her in the face.
When Sakura jumps off Ino quickly sidesteps and knees Sakura in the gut making her drop down.
"Man these Varia guys are no joke." Kiba said.
"Of course not, they're some of the most dangerous fighters out there." Rias informs.
"Hang tough Sakura. You can do this." Seth said not taking his eyes off the match.
Lunging at her, Ino attempted a stabbing thrust but Sakura stands strong taking it.
As she cringed in pain Sakura stomps on Ino's foot before she elbows Ino in the gut making her skid back towards the opposite end.
"You're mine!" Sakura said going on the attack.
Doing a backflip off the cage, Ino slashes Sakura with her nails making her cringe in pain as part of her shirt was cut.
Before she could react, Ino dealt a powerful punch knocking Sakura back.
"Ino, I think you've toyed with her enough. End it." Ricken said.
"With pleasure." Ino said making a hand sign.
"Sakura get out of the way!" Seth said
"Mind Transfer Jutsu!" Ino said hitting Sakura with her attack making her fall into some sort of trance.
As Ino dropped to her knees, Sakura was just standing there.
"What happened? What did she do?" Issei asks confused.
"That's Ino's specialty. She excels in mental powers as well." Minerva smirks.
"Once Ino has entered your mind it's all but over." Ricken said.
"Most, but not Sakura." Seth smirks getting their attention.
"What do you mean?" Koneko asks.
"Let's just say…Sakura has a very "special" mind." Seth said.
Inside Sakura's body, Ino was eager for her win.
"Alright Sakura time to surrender." Ino said raising her hand as if to mimic the real one when suddenly a hand grabs her arm confusing her.
"No way in hell am I surrendering to the likes of you! My team is counting on me!" Inner Sakura roars.
"But my technique is unbeatable!" Ino said as Inner Sakura grew in size and grabbed her in her giant arms crushing her.
"Trust me you ugly pig! You're in for a world of hurt if you don't get out of my body right now!" Inner Sakura snaps.
Struggling Ino realized that there was no way she was gonna win in here.
"Release!" Ino yells.
As Ino went back into her body her eyes widen seeing Sakura charge in with Sun flames surrounding her fist.
"CHAA!" Sakura roars nailing Ino with a glowing right hook sending her smashing through the cage and crashing to the ground.
Groaning in pain, Ino looks to see Sakura standing above her.
"W-What kind of messed up mind do you have?" Ino asks as Sakura took her half of the Sun ring and clipped it together.
"A girl needs to have some surprises." Sakura smirks.
"The winner of Round 1 is Sakura Haruno." Grayfia declares.
"Yes! One down!" Issei cheers.
At Tsunade's home, Azazel whistled impressed.
"Well not bad, how did you teach her that mental block?" Azazel asks.
"I didn't. She had that skill all along." Tsunade said proudly.
"Let's just hope the others can keep it going." Azazel said.
Looking at the screen, Koneko smiles softly as they were transported back.
"Round 1 goes to us guys." Sakura smiles holding the ring out to show.
"We just need 3 more and this thing is yours." Akeno said.
As Ino made her way to her team Minerva smirks at her making her feel worse.
"Don't worry this match is far from over." Ricken said not ready to admit defeat just yet.
"The second battle will be between the Guardians of the Lightning Rings." Grayfia announced.
"That's me." Hinata said taking a deep breath.
"Hey you got this Hinata." Seth said.
"I started us on a winning streak. It's your turn to keep it going." Sakura said.
Nodding Hinata steps forward and when she did a new figure stepped out.
"So you're my opponent?" Stepping out of the shadows we see a cheerful girl with red hair, a pink and light blue outfit and a big hammer strapped to her back. "Nice to meet ya. I'm Nora Valkyrie." She smiles.
"Hinata Hyuga." Hinata said slowly.
As the magic circle appeared under them Nora and Hinata found themselves on the school rooftops but it had multiple rods surrounding them and it was pouring rain with lightning flashing in the sky.
"What the? They changed the weather for this one." Sakura said.
"I bet you would do well in this situation Akeno." Seth said.
"You know me well." Akeno said as the rain started to drench both girls.
Seeing this Issei couldn't help but grin softly before snapping out of it.
"This arena is specifically made for lightning guardians. The lightning rods scatted around the rooftops will absorb the lightning that will go off randomly and it will up to both to figure out how to use this to your advantage." Grayfia explains.
"My kind of arena." Nora grins.
"Uh okay." Hinata said a little nervously as the two faced off.
"Begin." Grayfia declares.
Almost immediately lightning shot down and while Hinata jumped out of the way Nora took it head on.
"What the? She didn't even dodge?" Erza asks.
"Not with her power it isn't." Ricken smirks.
"What are you talking about?" Rias asks.
"That's Nora's special power. You see when she's hit by electricity Nora can channel it all straight to her muscles. This allows her to make devastating attacks. Making her the perfect embodiment for the Ring of Lightning." Ricken explains.
"Meaning every time lightning comes down, she gets stronger." Blake realized.
'Just like Lambo.' Seth realized.
In the back Lucy was watching the match and couldn't help but worry. She had fought and trained with Hinata before but a skill like Nora's was something else entirely.
"Let's hope Hinata beats her before she gets too strong." Lucy said.
At his home, Lambo was watching this match and he was just as worried as his student.
At the battle, Nora swings her hammer with expert skill making Hinata dodge and duck to avoid getting smashed.
"You can't avoid me forever!" Nora said.
Slamming her hammer down Nora breaks the ground under Hinata making her wobble.
Using this opening Nora slams into her making Hinata tumble backwards.
Groaning Hinata looks up and quickly jumps to avoid being struck by lightning.
"You can run but you can't hide!" Changing her hammer into a gun, Nora fires two missiles at her.
"Rotation!" Hinata spins quickly making a barrier that deflects Nora's missiles and sends them flying away.
Moving forward Hinata thrusts her hands sending Nora crashing through a lightning rod.
"Whoa that packed a punch." Nora said picking herself up.
"What was that?" Ricken asks.
"Rotation. A special attack Hinata uses that can deflect any attack thrown at her." Seth smirks.
"Whoa so both girls are powerful but in different ways." Kiba said.
"How so?" Issei asks.
"Nora uses the lightning to boost her attacks and make her stronger while Hinata deflects attacks and makes her opponents weaker with her gentle fist style. Essentially this battle is between a hammer that can smash anything and shield that can't be smashed." Rias explains.
"The only question is which one will break first?" Erza asks.
"Byakugan!" Hinata said activating her eyes and taking a fighting stance. "Nora Valkyrie I will defeat you."
"Finally things are getting good." Nora grins gripping her hammer tight.
As lighting flames surrounded Hinata's fists and Nora's hammer both charged in just as lightning struck the rods.
Using this chance to increase her power, Nora blocks Hinata's strike and headbutts her back.
Cringing Hinata rubs her head.
Screaming in determination, Nora swings her hammer trying to send Hinata flying.
Ducking under at the last second, Hinata jabs Nora with her gentle fist moves making her stagger.
"That's it Hinata. Keep moving, don't let her hit you." Seth said.
"Crush her Nora. Don't let her escape." Ricken said.
Pausing Issei looked at Seth and Ricken.
'Boy these two are like polar opposites. While Seth is focusing on his team and making sure they come out of this Ricken is all about making sure his team crushes Seth's.' Issei thought.
"8 Trigrams!" Hinata said taking a stance.
Lunging forward she nails Nora. "2 palms, 4 palms, 8 palms, 16 palms 32—" Before Hinata could get another hit in Nora drops her hammer and grabs Hinata's hand surprising her.
"Hey where'd that determination go?" Nora growls applying pressure causing Hinata to cringe.
Suddenly another lighting bolt shot down allowing Nora to get charged up again while Hinata got zapped for still being in contact with her.
Using this Nora flings Hinata up and delivers a powerful kick sending her slamming against the rails.
"Oh yeah Thunder Thighs!" Nora said pumped.
Panting heavily, Hinata struggled to get up.
'I need to end this fast. She gets another powerup I won't last long.' Hinata thought.
"Alright Hinata, I like you but I'm done playing." Nora said taking out her own box surprising everyone.
"They have boxes too?!" Rias gasps.
"When did you—" Seth turns to Ricken who smirks.
"You weren't the only who went to the Familiar Forest." Ricken said.
Using her lightning flames, Nora activates the box causing it to open up. "Cambio form!"
As a bright light engulfs Nora we see it die down revealing her hammer had gotten a serious upgrade.
Seeing this was her last chance, Hinata mustered up all the lightning flames she could and activated her box.
"Cambio form!" Hinata yells as a light shines revealing a small fox with a lightning tail before glowing bright and transforming into a large green shield.
Roaring in determination lighting exploded out of Nora's upgraded hammer as she takes a running start before leaping at Hinata ready to slam it down.
"Rotation!" Spinning with all her might, Hinata raises her shield and meets Nora's attack head on and the two clash sending sparks flying.
As the two of them struggled to overpower the other everyone held their breath knowing that this would all come down to who wanted it more.
"I won't lose. I won't lose." Hinata growls trying to push back.
"Not good enough!" Nora yells as lighting exploded out of her hammer creating a powerful explosion.
"Hinata!" Seth gasps as smoke covered the arena.
When the smoke cleared Nora was leaning against her hammer for support and Hinata was on the ground unable to get up and her half of the ring was on the floor.
"Sorry Hinata, you were tough but I wasn't gonna let my team down." Nora pants.
Grabbing the ring Nora clicks it together.
"Nora Valkyrie wins the second round." Grayfia declares as they are transported back.
"Hinata!" Lucy said as she and Akeno helped her up.
"Are you okay?" Akeno asks.
"I'm sorry guys. I really tried." Hinata frowns.
"You fought as hard as you could. That's all we can ask for." Lucy said sitting her down.
"But I lost the ring." Hinata said.
"We'll get it back. We still have 5 rounds." Seth assures.
"Assuming we don't win the others before then." Ricken said as Nora walked to her side.
"Look you guys seem interesting but this team has some powerhouses." Nora said.
"And I know for a fact you won't win." Sasuke said glaring at Itachi.
"Grayfia what's the next round?" Itachi asks ignoring him.
"The third battle will be between the guardians of the Storm rings." Grayfia declares.
"Don't worry Hinata. I'll get our lead back." Blake said.
"Doubtful. You're gonna be torn to shreds." Minerva said.
"Excuse me?" Blake asks as a magic circle appeared.
Appearing in front of Blake was a teenage boy with blonde hair covering his eyes, a crown on his head, a black leather jacket and a sinster look.
"So you're opponent?" Blake narrows her eyes.
"The name's Belphegor." He grins. "And I'm gonna enjoy cutting you to pieces." Holding out his hands knifes appeared in them.
Narrowing her eyes, Blake drew her Gambol shroud. "We'll see who slices who."
The first matches of the challenge had already ended but things were far from over as the next battles are sure to be just as intense.