Chapter VII: A Knight fights The King

In the shadow of the old school building, Artoria stood before the Knight of Gremory. Under the Autumn leaves of September, the pair faced one another with eyes locked. Members of both the Gremory and the Sitri peerage watched with a mixture of concerned and interested eyes.

The evening sun burned the sky alight with its touch, shades of purple and orange alike coloured the clouds. Two crows flew through the air, their attention elsewhere as they sought to avoid the bird of prey that circled the heavens, its undisputed queen. At least if one avoided mentioning the plane that was currently flying on route between Tokyo and Okinawa.

Nearer to the ground, a squirrel leapt uncaring through the tall branches that surrounded the old school building before actually leaping onto the roof. It had found the perfect hiding spot for its winter hoard. However, a pigeon neared the squirrel's treasure but the quick application of a thrown acorn scared the bird away as it squawked indignantly.

All this Artoria could feel in the air as she breathed in and silently digested Kiba's proclamation. Her feet crunched dry grass and leaves underfoot as she shifted her weight, ready to leap back if needs must. Her armoured left hand gripped the pommel of her blade as its light illuminated the evening air before her. She felt the pain in Kiba's words at the fate he and his compatriots had been powerless to prevent. His very soul demanded retribution against the evils that had been committed.

Despite the sorrow she felt towards his suffering, Artoria could not stay her blade. She had risked too much to allow emotions to cloud her battle prowess. Kiba had faced a harrowing event, of that there could be no denying, yet she could not forget the corpses of those she had seen at Viser's feet. The evils of Valper Galilei may have been great but the blame did not, could not, fall to Excalibur.

Raising her sword even as Kiba summoned his own blackened version, Artoria circled her opponent. The sudden shift in her opponent's breath was the only hint of what was to come. But to a warrior such as Artoria, that breath was more than enough. Kiba's feet shattered the ground beneath him as he flew forwards, blade ready to cut Artoria in twain.

If Ddraig's power had not awoken the Dragon Blood within her, then the duel would have certainly ended quickly. It mattered not how skilled she was as a human, Artoria's body would not have been able to move at the supersonic speeds Kiba's sword travelled.

There had been a time Artoria had sought to deflect bullet fire. She had been a lot younger then, unaware of the speed with which a bullet moved. It took her many hours to realise that it was impossible, her instincts would tell her body to move and yet her body simply could not match the necessary speeds. In the end, she had been forced to abandon her quest and instead had concluded that if she were to ever fight an armed opponent it would not be the gun she dodged but the tells of the gunman.

Kiba however clearly moved at speeds that would allow him to dodge gunfire without difficulty. He moved at superhuman speeds, of that there could be no denying. Yet as Kiba's blade struck towards her Artoria's sword deflected it aside. Again his sword sought weakness in her form but there was none be found as she withstood the several successive blows that struck with devilish strength and speed.

Artoria watched Kiba retreat as his gaze locked with hers. The confusion in his face was readily apparent. He'd fought expecting to face a human who although wielding the Boosted Gear had yet to have the time to utilise its power. It seemed he'd underestimated the dragon blood within her. That underestimation was all Artoria needed.

The ground beneath Artoria's feet exploded outwards as she flew forwards towards Kiba. His blade sought to match her own, yet the use of Mana Burst shattered Kiba's sword. His surprise was obvious, and that gave him little time to avoid the kick that sent him careening across the floor.

Kiba leapt from the ground, a new sword in hand, and Artoria could not conceal her grin as she felt the rush of battle begin to rise within her. Artoria's blade hung loosely at her side but her eyes followed Kiba's circling without waver. It seemed he'd begun to realise that Ddraig was not the only threat he faced.

Kiba once again darted towards her, yet the magic flowing within Artoria would not be defeated. Another burst of mana fired, shattering the air and ground alike; as her blade forced his own to the side before her foot struck his head, smashing his face brutally into the newly made crater.

Yet even as her sword leveraged him down, his blade answered. Black lines of light assaulted her sword, engulfing it in darkness. Kiba rose from the ground pushing against her, even as the dragon blood within her roared for her to end the fight with its power.

"What devilry is this Kiba?" Artoria gritted her teeth, suddenly feeling weakness as Kiba's force pushed against her unpowered strength.

"This is my Holy Eraser, capable of destroying a light sword like yours easily." It seemed her opponent had gained a fresh wind. Even as her knees buckled and her arms ached Artoria refused to utilise Ddraig's full potential. Thankfully, the application of Mana Burst sent her flying backwards even as Kiba sought to follow her.

Artoria's attention fell to her blade as it flickered before dying. However, even as she desperately considered what to do with her blade, Kiba struck forwards ready to deliver a maiming blow. Frustrated by her sword's failure, Artoria darted to the side of his blade grabbing Kiba's sword arm with her right hand even as her clawed left hand gripped Kiba's neck.

Before she could demand he yield, Artoria's instincts screamed out to her. Letting the devil go she leapt into the air, the earth cracking significantly beneath her as she flew back. Where once she had stood, blades of all sorts had fired from the ground, encircling Kiba's crouching form, even as he sought to regain his breath.

Taking the moment to regain her breath, Artoria surveyed the fight, the damage to the school ground had been immense. It seemed that every use of mana burst had resulted in the formation of a crater; she had used it quite a bit. Artoria noted that Kiba's blade summoning attack had also done quite the number on the school ground. Where once there had been pristine grass, now there was little more than ruined dirt and shattered stone.

"I see you've finally decided to reveal your sacred gear." Taking a deep breath, Artoria felt the flow of magic within her. Kiba stood tall, anger noticeable in his visage. She looked to the no longer functioning light sword beside her, considering it, she pushed her magic within it before feeling the blade light up once more. However, instead of just bright white light, a red aura crackled around the blade's holy form.

If her blade could not battle his it mattered little, Ddraig's gauntlet provided a strong enough defence against Kiba's attacks. Charging forwards towards Kiba, she darted around the blades that he had summoned between them. His blade struck out towards her ready to devour her sword once more, however, the blade shot past her neck as her blade shifted down avoiding contact with his sword before delivering a shallow cut to Kiba's stomach.

Breaking away, she gave Kiba a moment to recover.

"You would insult me further Pendragon?" Kiba's voice raged towards her through gritted teeth. His eyes were unfocused and his body quivered but Artoria could see the burning passion within him. She could see the vengeance that drove him that pushed him to defeat her.

" As far as I recall, this was not a duel to the death, merely a spar until one of us yields. However, it seems you have given leave of your senses. Perhaps your master will have to yield in your place?" There was a pettiness in her voice that disgusted her. Yet a part of her could not deny being disappointed, not in Kiba's swordsmanship, but in his character. She had thought him a kindred spirit and yet to see him in this fashion cut her. There was a glimpse of another when she looked at his face, of another knight; a knight clad in black armour.

Artoria's vision broke as Kiba's form suddenly acted, in his hand remained the Holy Eraser and yet the style he utilised was not his own. Each step he took carried a lightness, the ground unmoved beneath his feet. Where once he had been more than ten yards away suddenly he stood before her.

Time slowed, as Kiba's blade cut through the air, at that moment one thrust was followed by a second and then a third. Even as Artoria's eyes widened in surprise, hardly expecting the famed technique of Okita Soji, her blade rose to block the famed move. Yet disappointment met her, as Artoria noted that the blades were not moving simultaneously, as admirable as Kiba's technique was, it was imperfect.

Artoria's instincts grasped that imperfection, and with the use of Mana Burst, her form blurred through the thrusts before the pommel of her blade struck the back of Kiba's head. Before her opponent could react further her left-hand struck him to the ground, applying a second Mana Burst; even Kiba's devilish constitution could not prevent unconsciousness from claiming him.

"Kiba is defeated." Artoria intoned even as her gaze drifted to those watching her. Where she had expected to find gazes of surprise she instead met the gaze of those who thought her victory unsurprising. No doubt, they thought her victory a result of the Boosted Gear, yet Sona and Rias alike looked at her with slight concern. It seemed only a handful of the devils, had realised that not once had Ddraig boosted her.

She realised now, that simply awakening Ddraig had been enough to allow the dragon blood within her to act. It had been the key to starting the engine. If Dohnaseek were to attempt to fight now, then not only would she not simply be armed with a bokken but her once human body would now be closer to that of a dragon. She was certain that he would find himself bested.

Unfortunately, with the dragon's power came a greater and more desperate need to find Avalon. But as her gaze drifted to the blade beside her, perhaps it was also time to reclaim her sword. The Church may hold Excalibur, but with Ddraig at her side, what could they do to stop her?

The knight of Gremory was defeated, and Artoria, like a wrathful angel, stood victorious. Her golden hair shone brilliantly against the evening sky as the sun caressed its length. Emerald eyes, that had once bore uncertainty, now matched Rias' curious gaze. Artoria dismissed her blade, slipping its handle back to her side. Yet the Boosted Gear she kept active as a useful reminder.

"I believe we had a deal, will you go back on your word?" Artoria asked as Rias smiled in reply.

"You underestimate a devil's word too much Artoria. I, Rias Gremory, owe you one favour to be paid in full at your discretion. That is unless you already had something in mind?" Nodding firmly, Artoria spoke.

"I do have something I would wish to ask. But I would appreciate it if we could discuss it privately." At Artoria's words, Rias paused for a moment, a wry smirk appearing on her features.

"But of course I'm sure I can accommodate your desires, the clubroom will prove more than satisfactory. Koneko, see to Kiba and make sure he's okay. Akeno, wait for me and keep Sona entertained, I'm sure she'll wish to discuss things with me afterwards." The dark-haired girl bowed before turning to the Sitri peerage and began to idly talk with them. Meanwhile, Koneko helped the now only dazed Kiba to his feet whispering to him even as he looked around with concern.

Artoria gave them little attention as she followed Gremory into the old school building. Her eyes catalogued the rooms, yet always her sight fell back to the devil heiress.

The two walked through the building in silence. The building's interior was as ostentatious as its exterior if anything it was more ornate. Fine wood and Ottoman carpets bore Artoria's each and every step while extravagant paintings hung in parallel with jewel-encrusted chandeliers. It spoke of not only wealth and age but also of the character of her host.

Finally, Artoria entered the clubroom with Rias offering a chair opposite her even as she sat at her desk. Artoria momentarily debated whether to stand, but instead simply conceded and sat opposite the devil.

"I hadn't expected the Boosted Gear to appear in my territory of all places. For what it's worth I'm sorry you had to deal with the Fallen Angels, it's always messy when humans become involved with the supernatural.

Still, you've proved yourself more than skilled, defeating Kiba as decisively as you did. I appreciate that you harmed little more than his pride in your spar." Tilting her head in acknowledgement of Rias' words, Artoria straightened as her body refused to settle in the surprisingly comfortable chair she found herself in.

"I would not go back on my word and Kiba has my sympathies. His fate and the hand of the church is a concern of mine. That my sword has been tainted in such a way disgusts me." There was no denying Excalibur's dark history. If anything it spurred her on to find the blade, to know that its core had remained unchanged.

"Yes your sword, I hadn't realised that the Hyoudou family was linked to the Pendragon family." Rias' tone shifted and yet Artoria struggled to place the emotion it held.

"They are not." Artoria felt little need to defend her taking the mantle of her past. She knew her identity and that was all that mattered. If some would seek to besmirch her name then Artoria's blade would answer them.

"It is an important name, you do realise there will be repercussions for taking it and for laying claim to Excalibur?"

"It matters little, with Ddraig at my side I will not let the supernatural deny me."

"May I be blunt Artoria? I recognise that you have little desire to enjoy playing the games I enjoy."

"I would appreciate it." It had not seemed to Artoria that Rias was minding her words. But perhaps what the devil sought to say next would be even more candid than she had already been.

"You seem to be under the impression that devils are evil. It was rather quaint watching you argue in humanity's defence. But that was when I thought you little more than a human with a twice critical sacred gear. Someone who was to soon join my peerage and could be shown the truth. Obviously, that is no longer the case. I rather enjoyed playing the big evil devil to the human schoolgirl, but the time for games is over, no matter how much I enjoy them." Rias paused, and Artoria gave a nod in response. Artoria had thought Rias' words rather odd considering the way with which Kiba had referred to her.

In truth, Artoria did not see Rias as a grave monster that needed vanquishing. Instead, she saw little more than a girl who would play the role of king, who was simply too young and inexperienced to be an owner of human territory. Yet Artoria knew she was not in a dissimilar situation. If anything it seemed that Rias was a victim of circumstance, no doubt her brother's reputation was drawing and would continue to draw the supernatural to Kuoh. The two heiresses could not defend such a hotspot of supernatural activity. But perhaps they and she together could defend it.

"You are the Red Dragon Emperor, and I imagine you have every intention of remaining human. The Church would no doubt accept you as an Exorcist if you went to them and yet you do not carry yourself as a hunter. I am fairly certain that you have plans Artoria, plans that will upset the status quo, The Truce.

You are one human, powerful, of that there can be no denying. I wasn't the only one who noted that you did not use the Boosted Gear's actual power. But you lack information. You have learned some of the supernatural from the Fallen Angels, a little more from your Sacred Gear and then some from Kiba. It is your clearest weakness. For instance, Kiba informed me of what you thought deals with the devil faction involved. I think before you and I can begin this deal. You need to understand the contract system currently in place. Koneko is due to make a deal tonight and I was wondering whether you would like to go and see for yourself what our deals involve?"

Rias' question hung in the air and Artoria considered it. Was her chivalric contract a deal of sorts? If it was, then she had risked more than she had thought. And yet, had not her past self utilised the services of Merlin, a half-devil? Rias was right, she lacked information and more importantly, she needed a way of ensuring the information she gained was accurate. Slowly, a plan began to emerge within her mind.

"Very well, I will go with Koneko tonight and witness this deal of yours. But if for one moment I find an innocent at risk I will defend them fervently."

"I'm sure you will Artoria. I am not a monster Artoria no matter what you might think. You may hate me for my heritage but I am proud of my family, of my brother. He is the reason that most devils do not consume human souls. It was he who saw the beauty in humanity and decided to rebel against the devils of old. So this once I will forgive you for your words spoke in ignorance. But Artoria, insult me or my family again and, Red Dragon Emperor or not, I will fight you."

"If your words prove true Gremory and you are indeed an ally of humanity then I will not rest until I repay my debt. Yet prove to be a creature of falsehood and the light of Excalibur will be the last thing you are your family see. You may claim not to be a monster Gremory, but where were you when Viser butchered man, woman and child? Where were you when a little girl cried out for help?" Rias suddenly stood at Artoria words, and for a moment Artoria readied herself for battle. Yet Rias made no move, her face betraying nothing as she left the room. Reaching the door, she paused.

"Koneko will be here just before dark to leave with you for her contractee. I will send Akeno with refreshment shortly while you wait. Please excuse me I have to check on my knight and discuss things with Sona." With her piece said, Artoria watched as Rias left closing the door behind her.

Finally in private, Artoria rested her head in her hands. This was too much, indecision warred within her.

Walking towards Rias' window, Artoria gazed across the town of Kuoh. Her eyes travelled, watching the people mill about unaware of the supernatural. What was it she wanted? What was her duty to these people?

Moment after moment past as she watched the sun drift across humanity.

In the end, it was simple. She remembered the dead at Viser's feet; the corpses of children. Her duty was to defend humanity, no matter the cost. She was their king and a king's duty was to serve their people. She was their martyr.

In the window's reflection, she saw another. A man, far larger than her, standing tall and proud. His red mane flowing in the wind as boisterous laughter echoed around her. At that moment, she felt her hesitance in its entirety, she felt an echo of a prior life.

Her right hand tightened as leant against the window, hearing unformed words yet together painting an ideal that she rejected to its core. Ideals of kingship clashing against one another. But even as she felt powerlessness rise within her she felt the burning flames of Ddraig's fire engulf her being.

She was more than a king, she had power, the power to kill Gods. The tragedy of Pendragon would not be repeated.

Author's note:

So Artoria's defeated Kiba, some of you seemed concerned I was going to use this fight to get Artoria to join Rias' peerage. As you can probably tell from this chapter Artoria isn't going to be joining anyone's peerage. I hope you all enjoyed the fight, this arc should be finishing fairly soon. Hope everyone's doing okay, and once again if you're looking for something to read, I've got a site with short stories on it called Alaya13.

Talk to you all next chapter,

Alaya13