Disclaimer: I do not own High school DxD
Chapter 7
She took the black box into her hands and analyzed with questioning blue eyes; there wasn't anything in particular that called her attention about it; it was perhaps the size of a tennis ball and had a clean surface with a glassy texture. What caught her attention about it was the magical energy it was emanating, or lack there off, considering the enchantment placed on the material; its magic was faint and muddied, it made it very difficult to sense what was stored inside it – That intrigued her.
"Dark Steel; magically enhanced with some kind of storage spell and, due to the material properties, it's very difficult to discern what it's inside it" She redirected her eyes from the black box in her hands to the silver-haired youth "Where did you get something like this?"
"The church uses Dark Steel to create containers for lesser Holy Relics and things of the sort…ironic don't you think. You have to be a very skilled mage to create your own hammerspace, but when you have a material that distorts space and time for you, well you get the idea, I just happened to have some of it lying around…I was more surprised that you recognized the material"
"I grew up in the underworld, most infrastructures are made of Dark Steel, it's a common material there…but still…I have to commend the creativity of the Church for using such a common material in such a way, must be difficult for the Vatican to cast this material for every exorcist."
Rubbing the back of his head and diverting his eyes from the Gremory Princess the ex-exorcist responded.
"Not every exorcist gets Dark Steel-forged seals; normally Blessed Bandages do the Job – after all they are easier to make, you only need to have a cloth and to know the correct sacrament"
Rias raised a questioning eyebrow, now that was another piece in the puzzle.
"I'm sensing a 'but' incoming"
"…but Dark Steel-forged equipment is only for distinguished members"
"I thought you said you were a rookie"
"I said I was a talented rookie" Katsuo retorted dismissively, and continued his previous explanation "You shouldn't have any problem using them, just apply a bit of magic into it and the metal should fade away, cut the flow of magic and it will appear again – strike it with a spell and it will react volatile, whatever suits you"
"…and what is inside it is…"
"Yes, just like we planned – just undo the spell and what is inside should do the work for you – careful you only have four containers…also be as far away as possible…the elements I gathered from the abandoned church wouldn't do any of you good"
Rias nodded profoundly; her face was calm and collected, becoming of an heiress of her status.
"Good, it's time to get ready" The King ordered her Peerage; later shifting her view once again to the only human present her features softening a bit becoming more humble in the process. This was the difference between the Heiress of the Gremory family and the real Rias Gremory, something he didn't see very often "…and…I know that I haven't been much grateful for your help but…"
He stopped her.
"Thank me when you win"
Out of the other side of the Occult Research Club room, Asia Argento approached Katsuo, her hand wrapped around something between them while holding said thing tightly to her chest – with a meekly voice but resolution behind it she spoke directly to the silver haired boy in front of her.
"…Em…Katsuo-san, Ise-san told me to hand you this…we tried to get the blood out but…sorry…"
Opening her hands the former nun revealed what she was withholding for all to see; laying gently on top of her hands was what looked like a formal dress tie, or what was left of it. The dress accessory was stretched and ragged, the previous yellow color had been lost, and with the mixture of blood it resembled something more akin to a fiery crimson. The tie couldn't even be called that anymore, the item in its current form was unwearable.
Yet its sight caused the former exorcist face to display a kind and warm smile, a small breath escaping his lips without even noticing.
The former nun extended her hands, as if making a peace offering, and he took the dress tie while kindly holding her hands displaying his brotherly smile.
"…thank you Asia" the words that left his mouth were the most heartfelt and sincere words, anyone of them had heard since meaning the former exorcist, Katsuo Hirai.
With the subtlety of a sledge hammer the pervert introduced himself to the conversation with a cry of outrage.
"Asia I told you not in front of everyone"
At which the nun responded sheepishly by blushing madly, although she was about to voice her apologies they were cut short by Katsuo placing a comforting hand on her shoulder and smiling widely at her. After the fact the silver haired boy approached the pervert and offered his extended hand in a solemn manner.
"Hey Issei, thank you"
If the pervert was about to retort the words died on his throat. Reluctantly Issei took his hand and while he tried to act defiant in front of everyone, his face spoke a different story; there was happiness plastered in it, happiness from being acknowledged by a friend of his, a happiness that Katsuo took the bloodied tie despite his condition – Happiness that he could call this person before him, someone who was the opposite of him, a friend.
As their hands met, energy coursed throughout his whole body like lightning and concentrated itself into his right hand; when both hands touched blazing red energy met twilight blue. It was sudden and unexpected and just them felt their life-force fuse for a millisecond – Issei's vision blurred and his consciousness faded into black.
Gold of ancient civilizations stamped with faces of rulers long gone stacked together in massive piles that emulated mountains, Swords of ancient heroes with runes running through the blade and crossguards detailing the rise and eventual fall of humanity laid across the mountains of gold, Cups of Divine decent with engravings made with such delicacy and precision that no human hands were able to replicate were on the floor like common trinkets, Shields decorated with the most beautiful of gems and armors made out of gold with a golden lions decorating the breast plate were at the side in a large pile like old worn clothes, Massive hammers so large that only a giant could lift them were unceremoniously placed aside like a children toys and beautiful handcrafted bottles with concoctions of eras long past were as common as the air he breathed.
The hoard of treasures expanded through all his line of sight and like its massive mountains of gold, there appeared like there was no end to them.
But it wasn't the swords, the shields nor the cups that caught his attention, it was what was looming on top of all it. Issei had only heard tales of such a thing only in fairytales told by his mother when he was but a small child, now he stood in front of such a thing. Massive in size, black scales littering his whole body, vicious claws that could pierce any armor, sharp fangs that could rip any flesh, a pair of horns on top of his head like a crown to a king, the smell of sulfur coming out of his breath and its two slit yellow eyes staring him down. There was no doubt about it, what loomed on top of him was a Dragon.
Yet at the same time, it wasn't, not completely, it seemed ethereal, like a mirage – incomplete, like a shadow of his former self, yet the shadow it casted was more than convincing enough.
Seated like a king upon his throne the large beast stirred at his presence, raising its massive head and spreading his large wings; eclipsing all light in the vicinity. Now, after waking from a deep slumber, it casted his yellow eyes on him and he wouldn't forget of what he heard next, a deep and powerful sound left its throat – announcing his presence to everyone in the vicinity – a sound so deep and carnal that it shook the entire earth around them – After that, with its yellow eyes on the small boy, it spoke.
Tell Me Son of Man, Who Are You?
Its primal voice lingered on Issei's mind and as soon as he saw it, all faded into twilight.
"Ise get ready, the Rating Game is starting" He heard Buchou's voice, breaking him of his trance.
"Y-yeah, right…" he responded; looking around he noticed the absence of his silver haired friend instead being replaced by a bombshell maid…he didn't complain about the change! Suddenly he felt two hands wrapping around his left arm, only to be greeted by a concerned Asia.
"I-Ise…how is your arm…does it still…" she said clearly flustered.
Fighting with that burning sensation would certainly be very bothersome, he thought, well at least Asia could…in that moment it hit him, he could feel Asia's touch, he could feel her warmth and her soft skin with his left hand, the same one that was bothering all this time…perhaps all he had was pent up stress, all he needed was a well deserved nap after all…he did take a nap, did he?
"Its fine now…I think" Issei responded
Relief set onto Asia's face, she then placed a water container into Issei's hand and gave Issei a resolute nod.
"Issei-kun, Asia-chan, we don't have much time left" Akeno's voice broke their moment as they proceeded to join the rest of the Peerage. They finally joined the conversation between Rias, Peerage included, and the silver haired maid.
"I wish you good fortune Rias-sama" the maid said. Later her gaze met that of the pervert for a brief moment and muttered "So this is the one…"
The one who what? 'The one who didn't shower! I'm pretty sure I did'...he thought while discreetly moving his nose ever so closely to his armpit.
The Silver haired beauty paid no mind to his action and continued talking "Once inside you may not leave until the battle is over, good luck" A magic circle appeared under their feet and in a bright red light they were transported from the Club room to…the Club room?
One quick look at the purple sky was indication enough that it wasn't their club room, rather the replica used for the Rating Game.
"Issei come here" he heard Rias' voice calling to him and to his surprise she was waiting for him seated on the couch with her hands on her lap "come, lay down here"
"O-OKAY! IF YOU SAY SO!" his body acted before his mind and when he knew it he was already head first on her thighs. When his mind finally caught with his body it was…'OH…MOM…DAD THANK YOU FOR BRINGING ME INTO THIS WORLD'…that
"I'm undoing the seal I placed on you" Buchou's words caught the attention of a crying Issei and dead looking Asia "Remember when I told you, you are my only pawn, because I used my 8 pieces on you…You see back then, your body wasn't able to handle the power of the whole 8 pieces…but now, after you worked yourself so hard, I'm sure you will prove more than capable of handling their power alongside the Boosted Gear...that's why despite some areas needing improvement, I'm more than proud of the result…I'm proud of calling you my only pawn – That's why I'll ask you, no matter the situation, no matter the opponent. Don't Hold Back"
He was touched by her words, touched by her trust; something that no one had ever given him. He had no words that could convey his feelings so he could only mutter, "I promise"
'Now…With my pawn power, with the boosted gear and more importantly with Buchou's trust there is no way I can mess this up – we will win! Even that burning sensation is long gone – There is no way anything bad will happen!'
The sound of laughter filled his ears, the sound of people celebrating; drinking together laughing and crying, the clinking of glasses and the sound of munching and gulping
The smell of wine filled his nostrils, alongside the smell of meat, boar, cow, chicken, venison even bear, all of it cooked perfectly accompanied with the scent of salted potatoes
He also heard the tune of Harps, the whistling sound of Flutes, the deep boom of Drums and the beautiful singing of female singers.
Around him gathered men and women, all of different looks shapes and sizes. From big fat bearded men dressed in furs with experience-filled eyes to green boys with shining armors and clean blades. Maidens wearing the most vibrating silks red, blue, yellow to purple with their expensive jewelry were sitting in the same hall as town girls in their breaches and unkempt hair - all of them celebrating together alongside a beautiful bride dressed in white.
At the center was a ■■■■
Across the sea of diverse people one of them stood out the most. A young man sat at the end of the largest table. His blond hair shining brightly, his aqua eyes deep like a sea, a smile sharp as a knife and his armor immaculate despite his many battles - he looked like a perfect King Would look like - yet the person who commanded the most amount of authority was the older man seated beside him. A tall and bearded man in bears' pelts and silver armor, an iron crown resting on top of his head, his blue eyes commanding and his mane golden like a lion. By their resemblance one could guess they were father and son.
The fest raged, people kept eating and drinking without a care in the world until a mysterious figure walked through the Halls' gates.
An old graying man with a long beard and long robes to match; the old beggar used his wooden staff to walk to the ■■■■ and with no hesitation pulled from his dirty and worn out clothes a beautiful sword, unlike anything anyone has ever seen. A golden edge with a black ripples running across the blade accompanied by a langue long forgotten engraved with a ethereal blue hue, a golden cross-guard with a dragon with ruby eyes emblazoned on it, a black leather handle with drawings depicting a fauna – proud stags, roaring lions, howling wolves, wise turtles, singing birds and slithering serpents dancing around the black leather craved in gold and silver – and at the end of the sword, the pommel, was a blue jewel being held by fresh oak roots stemming from the handle itself – The sword shinned brightly like the sun itself, a work of art, impossible to replicate by mortals hands.
"This is the Sword of Kings, its name is *******, whoever is worthy enough to pull it from the ■■■■ shall keep it as a gift" the old beggar said in his booming voice, his face unrecognizable under his pointy hood.
In a swift motion he plunged the sword into the ■■■■ and before the old man could take five steps away everyman present was trying to pull the sword.
All tried…none succeeded…be it small or tall, thin or fat, old or young nor rich or poor could even budge the sword. The bravest of knights tried, the strongest of heroes tried even the King – a god among men – tried but the sword didn't move.
All tried…all but one person.
The young prince approached the blade at last, his armor still pristine and his aqua eyes resolute. When his hand gripped the handle the old man spoke.
"When you take that sword, misfortune may follow…will you brave a life filled with misery even at the gods behest" The beggar's single eye watching him with scrutiny.
"If the gods deem it so…then so be it, but I shall not cower from the destiny that awaits me" the prince responded.
He pulled and the sword came swiftly out of the ■■■■ as swiftly and effortless as a hot knife slicing through butter. In his hands the blade shinned as brightly as the sun and the people around-!
…..
The world was consumed in blazing red flames
A Reptilian Green eye stared at him for a second.
The Red Emperor of Dominion
▂▂▃▃▅▅-ーー!!
"AHHHHHHH!"
He woke up gasping and screaming, the sound of an evil beast of eras long past leaving his body. The grumbling of Armageddon approached, trying to escape him and destroy everything on his path. Sweaty and in distress he grabbed his stomach and fighting to control the chaos inside him rushed to the bathroom and thought out loud…
"…I shouldn't have eaten those scrimps Pizza rolls…"
Horrors were unleashed in that bathroom, horrors that would take way too long to clean and way too much detergent.
Sometimes she asked herself if joining her brothers Peerage had been the right idea. She was Ravel Phenex, a member of House Phenex of the 72 pillars, descendants of The Phoenix; by all her standards she shouldn't doubt her brothers judgment, but while undefeated he needed to start taking things more seriously, otherwise someone could caught him off guard.
The upcoming Rating Game was nothing, but a pleasantry for him – an appetizer before the main meal. Still he could treat the whole thing with a bit more gravity, even if he was disinterested by all of it, instead he was making out with his Queen Yubelluna.
"You are supposed to get married soon…but as usual you are calm and composed, nii-san"
"Oh that was today? – guess I have to find my best suit for the reception"
His tone was composed and calm, arrogance and superiority dripped from every word.
"No doubt you will look dashing…but the Rating Game is in a few minutes and-"
"-and it's already won. Little Rias should have used her days looking for a fine dress instead of keeping this pointless struggle going"
"I've heard that they have improved quite a bit these past ten days" Riser mocking grin didn't leave his face, instead it deepened and his whole demeanor was giving an 'Oh really' vibe – in her eyes at least "I've heard that she requested the aid of an unknown trainer, someone that no one of our contacts was able to identify…furthermore one of them has a sacred gear with unknown capabilities…Nii-san I don't doubt your ability in battle nor question your leadership, I wouldn't be part of your Peerage if I did, but…you have recognize with so much unknown factors there might be the chance that…"
"There is no way in Hell" His demeanor flipped; once composed and calm was wild and feral like the flames he commanded "she may have trained with the Red Satan himself or have all of the 13 Longinus in her peerage, she may have the support of the Elders and have the remaining 72 Pillars watching her back for all I care – all of it. It matters not. It matters not in the face of my fire, it matters not in the face immortality and it certainly matters not in the face of True Power. Let her taste hope, let her feel she has a chance of fighting back, let her think she can look me in the eyes as equals. Let her wish Ravel, let her dream before all her happiness and joy turns to ashes in her mouth, in that moment she will realize her mistake in rebelling against a Phenex"
This was it. This was why she follows her King in battle, why she begged her mother to join Riser's Peerage. The confidence and charisma oozing from him, his determination and drive, all of it are the trades of king worthy to be followed; all of them present in her big brother. This was why no one could defeat him, this was why she would gladly follow him as his bishop and this was why she was certain she did the best decision. With no more words to say Ravel only sighed in relief and asked without hesitation.
"Should I gather the rest?"
"At once"
'Everything bad was happening! Everything bad was happening! Everything was going to shit and I'm not even sure of what I did' a certain pervert thought while simultaneously gnawing furiously at his arm 'I don't know what is wrong, normally by just thinking of it…'
"Issei-kun, is everything alright?" Kiba's voice broke him out of his stupor.
'Just act normal Issei' he thought 'act naturally and he won't even suspect there is something wrong' He just needed to collect his thoughts calm his breath and respond normally.
"Yeah I'm fine, everything is fine with me and you are the one who is agitated. Is there something wrong with YOU?!"
…
Nailed it
…
Kiba couldn't help but to raise an eyebrow at his response and reluctantly respond "Well if you say so…" the Gremory Knight didn't have time to continue speaking as the voice of Rias Gremory hammered their earlobes simultaneously.
"Cut the chatter boys, we'll have enough time to speak once the match is over – Akeno, do you copy me?"
Another voice made sure to make their way into their ears.
"Hai Buchou, the skies seem clear" said the priestess.
"Good, all of you know your roles and have the tools to complete it; you are ready, as ready as one can be – so let's not waste more time and win this thing"
"Hai/Yes, Buchou" their voices joined in unison.
"Then we may proceed with Plan A"
Without further words or notice Kiba sprinted directly to the woods near the running grounds, disappearing among the bushes while Koneko was supposed to be heading to the gymnasium, but he hasn't seen any sign of her…no matter; they knew their orders and they were strong – they are doing their part and so should he. So with no hesitation he ran to the outer rims of the forest and navigated himself to stand outside the training hall.
He knew these bushes and these woods very well, so much so that he could even navigate them with a blindfold on, after all once you have a probably crazy German guy chase you around them with a broadsword; the experience became hard to forget.
'I just have to wait for the signal…they only said it will be hard to miss…'
"Mira alongside Ile and Nel have captured the Gymnasium, Xuelan and Karlamine are in standby on the sports grounds while Marion, Burent and Shuriya are closing in the school woods through the Tennis area, should they engage" Ravel Informed her King.
"Rias got herself fortified by those woods; by foot reaching her is a risk after all they don't know the area and could be picked off by a more powerful piece – going through air isn't better either Rias' Queen is renown by her thunder magic after all"
As always her big brother was right; while being stationed in the school House gave them an easy control of the surrounding buildings, Rias was fortified by a more unstable terrain. The Gremory Princess could easily lead a Guerrilla fight using the school woods as her shield, going in and out picking them one by one, bleeding them slowly until only her brother remained; it was a sound plan considering the fact that she was outnumbered and outgunned – too bad she wouldn't do such a thing, she might had a chance that way. Ravel didn't know Rias Gremory personally, but from what she heard she was brash, arrogant and overestimated her own power; most likely she would lead a frontal assault with the sport grounds as the battlefield and when she does that Ravel would march down with Isabela and Siris by her side – the only thing she had to do is wait.
"I understand Nii-san" she proceeded to relay orders to the Pawn trio "Marion, Burent-"
Riser's voice halted her own; surprise set on her features until it was meet with her brother usual smirk.
"Let those two go; Shuriya can watch over the Tennis grounds, should she have problems tell Mihae to give her air support"
Shock – there was no way to describe her face; her brother understands what that means surely he wouldn't do something so stupid, this was Riser Phenex the undefeated after all, she could only voice her concern.
"…but nii-san…you said it yourself…"
"Let Rias have some bones to pick for the time being, let her get comfortable in her little hideout" Riser's face didn't show any doubt or regret when sending two pawns to the grinder; instead Ravel could say that this was the most confident she had ever seen him in some time.
"Marion and Burent were sent to investigate the woods and gather information in case we have to resort to a full front attack – you are to hold your position while Shuriya watches…"
Ravel barked orders in Bishop's ear but her mind drifted to what she saw a few minutes back; a white flash with golden orbs pouncing to the outskirts at high speeds.
"…Mihae! Do you hear me!" Ravel's voice snapped her of said trance.
"Yes Ravel-sama, p-provide help to Shuriya if necessary…" she stammered
"Good…is something on your mind"
"No…Yes, I thought a saw something, a white flash…it probably was my imagination, things can get a bit blurry from up here" the quiet bishop said with a tint of worry in her voice.
"…is there something else?" Ravel pushed, feeling that her fellow bishop was leaving something out of the conversation.
"Now that you mention it…yes, when I arrived there was this Black Box in the center of the field, it is really small and appears to be Dark Steel but I'm not completely sure…should I investigate?"
"Dark Steel you say…the material is very uncommon in the Human world, but not much in the underworld…perhaps someone dropped it by accident while setting the arena – still that is very unlikely…"
"…I know; that's why I wanted to consult you – should I destroy it?"
Ravel stopped for a moment; she had managed her brother's Peerage before, more than often she was the one giving the orders ever since her brother's winning streak kept increasing over the years, so she had dealt with many strategies throughout her carrier as Riser's Tactician…but a simple Dark Steel Box…for all she knew it could be a simple trinket that someone forgot…but she had a gut feeling that she didn't like.
"I don't like unknowns, better safe than sorry – Do It"
Extending her hand a small magic circle appeared on her hand and soon after a small yellow sphere of energy gathered, being shot at high velocity at her target. She expected the small Box to disappear, leaving only a small crater behind it…yet…her eyes couldn't help but widen as an eruption of white light followed.
When the light filled the area she screamed and felt her mind break.
[Riser Phenex's Bishop Retired]
Shuriya was given one task; safeguard the Tennis field until the arrival of Marion and Burent from the forest. She was also given the option of asking for help if she was in trouble of some sort, but she wouldn't allow herself to look weak, definitely not in front of Riser.
She would succeed in her task and prove herself…
"…Tree-splitting fist…"
Huh?
Pain busted from her back as the air was taken away from her. Those emotionless words resonated in her mind and before she knew it, she had already lost.
[Riser Phenex's Pawn Retired]
The school was lit by a white light, the alarms were ringing, Riser's Peerage in distress, Female screams filled the air, first blood was drawn and he was staring at the massive explosion of pure light with just one thing on his mind.
"…Katsuo…you crazy fuck…"
If there was a moment to reap the rewards of being a pervert for most of his life it was now, all the times he was chased by the Kendo Club, Swimming Club or any Female-only Club, came crashing in a singular moment as he blitzed through the outskirts of the school ground, navigating the hidden places of the academy like only a high wizard pervert would know, past the training hall, past the sport grounds and finally reaching his destination at the Parking Lot – all while still undetected.
The combination of his physical training with Rias mixed with his pervert survival experience could only cause one reaction from him "Damn...being a pervert is best!"
The place was quiet, aside from the faux cars that filled their lot there was not a soul in sight. Good, that would make his role even easier; all he had to do was, sneak into the pool and then…
Killing intent – the feeling of a crazy German man swinging a great-sword at him and the sound of tree trunks hitting the ground, his mind knew this feeling and it commanded his body – ROLL OUT OF THE WAY.
As if posed, his body obeyed…
"Ne Ne, you are better than you look" looking at the direction of the voice he was greeted with a young girl; she had red braided hair, blue eyes and a very toned figure being displayed by a short skimpy, white sailor uniform that revealed her abdomen accompanied by fighter's glove and leg guards that matcher her hair color – but most important of all were the pair light brown cat ears with black stripes that twitched on top of her head.
Yet…none of that mattered to Issei right now, neither her cat ears nor her hair color mattered, not even the under-boob she was displaying right now was important. What really caught his eye was the spot where he once was cracked concrete took his place – his mind switched to combat mode and could only think about…
…well he could appreciate that lower breast for a second…but just one second only!
'They are really round, not so as big as Buchou's or Akeno's but definitely larger than Koneko's; they are perhaps larger than Asia's but complimented with her athletic body what they lack in size they make up in aesthetics. A very good pair – definitely a B- in my book, if only…'
MOVE YOU IDIOT
Again – his brain screamed and his body obeyed – just in time dogging a guillotine kick from a Blue blur, its feet lodging itself on the concrete.
"Li, isn't this the disgusting person who threatened Riser-sama? Nya" the blue figure said.
"Ne Ne, you are right Ni!" now in full view, the pair appeared to be completely copies of one another, aside from the interchanged color of hair and eye color respectively, they had the same facial and body features.
"Ne Ne, Ni lets break his legs"
"After you Li, Nya"
The pervert felt it again – the sense of immanent pain – and though his eyes didn't register his body acted on his own, ducking under a kick and punched aimed at his jaw and kicking the ground to form some distance between them.
"Li, what is wrong? He was more hopeless before, he lost to Mira before, Nya"
"Ne Ne, you are right – better deal with him quick, Riser-sama will congratulate us if we do"
'This reactions…before I wasn't able to dodge anything for dear life…now with my power being doubled and with Katsuo's training…my body almost by itself…this instinct…it's kinda what the Prick face used against Kiba, If I could…"
JUMP TO YOUR RIGHT
His body was flung by itself across the Parking area like a puppet with no strings attached, avoiding a leg swipe and a right uppercut in the process, his mind only catching up with him once he landed butt first on the pavement.
'I cannot keep dodging forever…so even if I can't feel it anymore I need to try'
"Why are we losing against such a lame guy? Nya"
"You think I'm lame! Well get ready to eat your words" he tried to replicate it, the feeling he had when shooting the first Dragon Shot, the feeling of using Dress Break, the strain that came with him doubling his power every and shouted it with his raging love for Oppai!
"COME! [BOOSTED GEAR]"
…
Nothing
…
"Humpf...I said… COME! [BOOSTED GEAR]"
…
Still Nothing
…
"Ne Ne, Is something supposed to happen?"
"Give me one moment here…Boosted Gear give me your power!"
"Don't worry; it happens to everyone – sometimes due to stress, Nya"
"That isn't the problem! …normally it isn't this difficult to get it up…come on boosted gear you are embarrassing in front of the sexy cat girls…"
He sensed it again – like an aura of hostility directed at him, similar to the feeling he gets when the Kendo Club beats him up – and his body acted again. A blue drop kick headed to his collarbone and a red sucker punch straight to his gut. Issei could feel it before it happened despite his eyes not being able to see it, just like before he let his body act for him…yet.
The movement he needed was too uneven, despite his doubled pawn power, despite his instincts and training…his body couldn't physically bend that way.
CRACK!
The air was drained from his lungs and he felt like puking, his vision became blurry and he was thrown across the parking lot – his back meeting a car's door. His mind was blank, numbed by pain only one thing resonating like a bell across it.
'W-What…happened?'
"Ne Ne, you aren't that nimble after all" the red cat girl stated – yet he ignored it, he ignored it all in sake of his own thoughts.
'…No Sacred Gear…No Boosting…No Dragon Shot or Dress Break…I got my instinct and Pawn power but I'm too inexperienced in both areas to use them correctly…I can't beat them, not like this and I have to deliver my container to the pool before…'
RING! RING!
The alarm resounded through the whole school, followed soon after by sprinkles being set off; across the sport grounds, the training halls, the main building, the woods, the football fields and the parking lot among the rest of the infrastructure – All of this meant one thing for Issei.
"Shit…I'm late…"
Marion and Burent had a simple task; investigate the woods and come back if they found something interesting. They wouldn't engage in combat, even if they were more than capable of handling anything that the enemy threw at them.
But their confidence changed when first blood was drawn; one of their fellow pawns had fallen.
"…I tried contacting Shuriya, she is not responding" Burent said.
"We have to return, if they are attacking us – they need our help" Marion in return proclaimed worriedly.
"But we got orders from Ravel; investigate the woods and reach the enemy base if possible"
"But…"
"If we reach their base we could promote and then help them; with three queens Riser-sama victory will be more than guaranteed"
"I guess you are right…let's go"
The Maid duo kept walking, making their way through the deep woods. They should be reaching the enemy base by now – that would be if a bizarre sight didn't catch their attention.
"Are those bandages?"
It certainly was – arranged like a spider's web across multiple trees, covering about five meter radius.
"I knew they were desperate, but this is plain stupid" Marion said smugly, making her way to the man made web and looking at it dismissively. She wouldn't use her magic in trying to swipe this away; that would be a waste. So with a left swipe from her hand…the Bindings came to life enveloping her left arm.
"W-What!?" white symbols were lit at the surface; transmutation the simple fabric into a heavy glowing white chains and with them her skin started burning "AHHH! It hurts!"
"M-Marion…W-Wha…"
Burent tried to act, but she couldn't move her legs – they were locked in place; tied by the same chains, its white glow shining at the touch of her skin. She tried to use her magic to free herself but at the presence of demonic energy all the bindings came to live, violently crashing into them and selling them head to toe like a pair of mummies.
Their skin burned and their head hurt; as if someone had struck them with a sledgehammer. They couldn't help but scream in response – if they hadn't they might have heard a fair and soft spoken voice.
"Forgive me, these aren't my usual means of combat, but I got orders of my own – pierce, Stinger!"
Marion and Burent couldn't articulate words; they only felt a very sharp object going through them and perceived a silver flash in its wake – no screams came out of their mouths, no tears from their eyes, only darkness enveloped them and the last voice they heard was that of the announcer.
[2 Riser Phenex's Pawn Retired]
"Good job Kiba"
"Thanks Buchou – should I proceed to the Gymnasium?"
"Do it, Koneko should be already there, support her if you need to – but remember your main objective is to stall Riser's Peerage for as long as possible until Issei's job is finished and…careful with the water"
"Will do Buchou"
"Akeno, you know what to do"
"Hai, Buchou"
"Issei, how is everything going on your end?"
"…I-I'm…I'm sorry…I m-messed up…" his breathing was ragged and pain was present in every syllable he muttered, she could easily hear it…and she wasn't expecting that "…I got…a-ambushed by two…pawns…I couldn't deliver the water in time…I-I can't…"
This was bad, this was one of the worst possible scenarios; she didn't expected Riser to protect such an inconsequential area. The Gymnasium, the sport fields and the training halls led directly to her base, they would be the most obvious battle fields – yet he underestimated him, underestimated his frontal assault tactics and took for granted that he wouldn't secure his backside.
With her brow furrowed and a fingernail tightly bitten in her mouth she declared a though decision for her Peerage.
"Ok, everyone, we change to Plan B. Koneko, Kiba meet at the gym, I'll provide aerial support, Akeno help Issei out" Rias had no time to hear their responses; casting a transportation magic circle she disappeared in red flash but not before looking at Asia in the eyes and telling her "You are in charge of the base"
The shy nun only nodded in response.
Now soaring the skies the Gremory heiress had just one thought in mind; 'Ise…please…I need you to pull through…"
He was bruised; his breath was ragged, his hair ruffled, his clothes were scratched and a line of blood was coming out of his mouth. Even then he stood his ground the best way possible, raising his fist and spreading his legs he focused on the two opponents in front of him. Despite his best efforts both girls stood in pristine condition, aside from some pot shots he took against them, the twins seemed not even winded – it pissed him off.
"Ne Ne, you don't give up" Li said while lunging at him in a vicious attack.
His Inner voice screamed and, before her attack connected, he moved his body dodging the skull crushing blow by an inch of a hair.
'I can't keep this up…if I don't deliver the bottle before the sprinklers go off then…'
His train of thought was interrupted by the attack of the other twin, Ni, an attack that despite his instincts warning him about it…he couldn't dodge.
Blood splashed out of his moth as the blow connected. The twins had figured his pattern, he could dodge the twins endlessly as long as their attack pattern was aligned in a way that is possible for the human body to articulate – they were at first – but now they were so heretic and uneven that despite him knowing where the attacks would land, it was physically impossible for his body to bend in such uneven angles.
'I need…something…anything…if I don't do something aside of half-dodging, then I will be gone and Buchou will lose and end up marrying that asshole…all I have is this bottle…I have no magic, no strength, no sacred gear…I need something else…"
An image flashed through his mind; a memory about a battle between two highly skilled swordsmen, a battle between a blond devil and silver haired exorcist. A battle that was decided with one singular blow – if he could replicate something like this in this situation.
'I can at maximum dodge one of their combined blows and have an element of surprise on my hand…Rias said that, if any devil is showered by this water the damage they will receive will not only be physical but also mental…I just need one moment to use this…'
Issei then proceeded to unveil his canister and pop the top part open; something that didn't go unnoticed by the Yokai duo.
"Are you going to use some phoenix tears? This early into the fight, Nya"
"You…could say that…heh…" Issei barley got out in between his ragged breaths.
"Ne Ne, as if we would let you?"
Wasting no time the Twins burst into action, targeting Issei's lower back and left groin. Now this time instead of dogging he lunged forward bring the contents of the bottle pouring out and splashed them into the Ni's face. As soon as the water made contact with her skin it was already over. She fell to the floor like a ragdoll and began screaming.
"MY EYES, MY HEAD IT HURTS, IT BURNS!" the red head cat girl screamed as she clawed her face trying to wipe the holy stench of her face only resulting in it spreading with her touch.
"Ni!" the other twin yelled in concern; during her broken concentration due to the concern for her sister she missed her mark and in the split second that she diverted her eyes from her prey…two hands wrapped around a metal canister smacked her on her chin and doused it's holy contents on her mouth – the results were the same.
Agonizing pain, burning sensation throughout the body, Strong migraine plus the pains of a possible broken jaw – in that moment logical thought ceased to exist, undying loyalty was gone and only a primal sense of self preservation was left, a want to make this pain go away, a want to make it stop whatever it takes even if it wasn't a given command it was an unconscious one and that was all the system needed.
[2 Riser Phenex's Pawn Retired]
As for Issei…he wasted no time. Reaching the pool in seconds he threw the canister in it, spilling its contents. With one relieved breath he contacted his teammates.
"…I did it…"
The Princess of thunder soared through the skies with one objective, she had to help her little kohai; the parking lot wasn't that far away, not when you could fly, she would've arrived already if it wasn't for the presence before her; the busty woman with long, wavy purple hair falling all the way down her back and matching eyes. An aura of destruction hanged around her, it wasn't like Rias' uncontrollable power of destruction nor was it like her booming thunder, no – hers was different – like the heating core an exploding star. Akeno knew her, though they never shared words with one another, she was unmistakable and now up-close she understood the reputation behind her – Yubelluna the Bomb Queen.
'…Ara, Katsuo's plan said that I need to act as her deterrent…but this early on and under these circumstances…this is truly troublesome'
"Ara, ara. What do we have here?" Akeno said hiding her true thoughts under a sadistic smile.
The Riser Queen didn't want to entertain the charade.
"Spare me the chatter Priestess of Thunder, the faster we get this done the less humiliating it will be for you" Yubelluna spat out, her voice full of disdain.
The tension grew as no more words were uttered between both queens; the air became corroded, corroded with the stench of ozone and the crackling of an imminent storm, corroded with the increasing heat of a dying star.
One second passed and the loud sounds of the fighting below them permeated the school grounds; the clashing of swords the sound of fist matching fist and dirt being kicked; the sound of panting, ragged breaths and war cries. The next second a deafening sound crossed the school shattering windows, setting car alarms and leaving a shockwave that knocked every one of their feet's. In that second the sky was lit ablaze; the colors yellow and orange replaced the unnatural purple sky of the Rating Game Arena, as a massive destructive thunderstorm clashed with the power of an atomizing Explosion. Both destructive forces of nature clashed and in turn negated each other.
The Next second there was silence, across the battlefield.
Understanding the silence that followed, both queens rose higher to the skies, past the clouds and under the moonshine were they would battle to their hearts contents, with no bystanders to withhold them; no friendly fire nor collateral damage.
After that they purple of the sky was no longer visible – replaced by the raging colors of explosions meeting thunder.
Ravel couldn't believe her ears, six pieces were taken out – one bishop and more than half of their pawns were gone. Perhaps she underestimated Rias and her Peerage, they were doing better than expected; she had to commend her for that…but what bothered her mind to no end was the explosion that took Mihae out…the magical signature it gave out…it was very hard to miss for devils – holy element – Poison straight out of the Snake's mouth, that Rias would disgrace herself so much by using it in a Rating Game spoke volumes of her desperation.
The effects it had on the battlefield were immediately visible for Ravel. According to Xuelan the explosion atomized the Sports Grounds, transforming it into a wasteland; Holy Element lingering in the air like a poison; just like that Rias took out the largest fighting Areas and crossed them out of the equation forcing the battle to take place in more concentrated spaces. This also showed that Rias was willing to fight dirty, no devil in history has been willing to even held a cross against another – it would not only be self harm, but also disgraceful even more so if the devil using it was a noble – for a Daughter of The Duke to do so showed how low her pride was. But Ravel Knew that out of the effects that Holy Bomb Rias used…the one that made shivers run down her spine…was the effect that it had on her brother.
Ravel loved Riser despite his flaws, he was her brother and her King, and she respected him and admired him above all – 'He is the strongest' – is the thought that lingers over every single personal opinion she had about her Brother. He sometimes is too confident of himself and arrogant, even for his own good – 'He is the Strongest' – he sometimes is too much of a playboy and has little regard for his Peerage feelings – 'He is the Strongest' – he doesn't take Rating Games seriously anymore and is disinterested by battle and the pride it entails – 'He is the Strongest' – to Ravel Phenex Riser Phenex is [this way] because He is the Strongest. She had seen Riser's full spectrum of emotions and though he was mostly smug nowadays nothing that they faced together had draw true anger out of him.
When that Holy Bomb detonated, the flash of light it generated, the stung it caused their eyes and the feeling of Holy Light Radiating the Area let everyone speechless…but Riser…his ever present smug grin that prevailed despite the odds he face…it faded…replaced by the sound of his teeth clenching and the feeling of the temperature rising radically.
Now she had her Orders – Rias and her Queen had come out of their little hideout – Yubelluna could take on the enemy Queen while she, along Siris and Isabela, took on Rias herself. She had underestimated her mind and underhand tactics before; she wouldn't underestimate her power this time. That is why they would come at her as fast as possible and claim this victory for her brother.
Now soaring through the skies she could feel the Gremory magical signature, that intoxicating and volatile feeling the power of destruction gave off was unmistakable.
'I will burn her wings right off, Siris will pin her down and Isabela will crush her skull'
So as soon as she saw that crimson hair she didn't hesitate, letting out a torrent of flames that consumed her target her companions pounced unafraid of fire as a member of the Phenex Clan Should – that would have been the end of it.
A black and red radiant energy stirred from beneath the flames breaking through them like an untamed savage beast; in less than a second her flames were extinguished by the black and red energy with two tendrils lashing out, striking both Siris and Isabela in the process – The golden flames of Phenex were eating away by the Destructive Power of Bael.
"You will have to do better than that to take me down daughter of Phenex" the voice of the Ruin Princess broke through the red energy that surrounded the area and, as Moses to the Red Sea, the Sphere of Destruction parted revealing the poised Heiress of Gremory "Three against one that is hardly fair Ravel"
Ravel's fire wings exploded in anger at hearing Rias' words.
"Like you are one to talk red camel, after what you pulled with that Holy Bomb…consider this the way to regain your pride as a Devil" she roared backed, wasting no time to retaliate as fire started gathering around her hands.
In contrast to Ravel, Rias remained poised; despite being outnumbered she wouldn't let them see her concerned.
"I don't remember being the one who activated it, correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't your bishop responsible for it" a smug smile appeared on the Crimson Princess as Ravel's frown deepened.
"All your pieces are now scattered! Still with six down we outnumber you and outmatch you! You cannot rely on your Queen, or Bishops, or Knight, not even your pathetic Pawn – you are alone against three of us – if I didn't know better I'd say this is check" she said, as both Isabela and Siris joined her side now recovered from the previous attack.
Rias closed her eyes and let out a small sigh and spoke, while her voice still sounded calm yet…the fire behind them was anything but that
"You are right Ravel; Riser's Peerage is more powerful, more experienced and larger than mine. All of you had braved many Rating Games and come out victorious, I commend you for that…all of you are worth the praise you gained and I don't have anything against any of you – my personal grudge is only with Riser…" As her eyes opened anger was reflected from her crystal blue and her brow deeply furrowed, contrasting her previous calm and steady visage; a red aura started emanating from her enveloping the three members of Riser's team in the Process…and they could feel it…the destructive and volatile power that she was known for…the one that gained her the moniker Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess "…That being said…you don't know better…if you did Ravel you would have known…you would have known…You can insult me all you want; mock my pride as a Devil, talk to how I resort to methods of the church all you want, call me red camel to your heart's content…but speak ill of my Peerage…and I will chase you to the end of the Underworld to see you eat your words back! And you Ravel, you insulted my precious Pawn – so I will take my time, even if I'm outnumbered, I will take my time – and when I'm done with you we'll see who the pathetic one is"
One glare of those blue eyes was all it took…it was all it took for the proud daughter of Phenex to flinch and for her words to die in her throat. If Ravel had something to say in response her words were too afraid to show themselves, instead only a raspy yelp came out. Only her inner thoughts were brave enough to still voice themselves on Ravel's mind.
'…So this is it…this is the Heiress of Gremory…The Princess of Destruction…The Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess…Am I even able to…'
Her thoughts were interrupted by massive black and crimson wave of pure demonic energy that collided directly with them. The Bishop retorted with a hurricane of flames of her own negating the blast of destruction...but she didn't account for the second wave. Siris raised her sword as protection and Isabela squared herself ready to brave the Blast – It didn't work – Siris' sword shattered like glass and Isabela was flung away like a string-less puppet. Ravel created a huge fiery dome around them semi-stopping the second wave mid track – it didn't stop the third, nor the forth, nor the fifth, by the sixth her endless flames started to lose their shine.
Each of them stronger than the last, each of them with more raw emotion of the Crimson Princess…the scary part was that Ravel knew, even if she didn't accept it, Rias wasn't even winded by this output of power, this output of demonic energy wasn't a problem for Rias' ocean sized demonic energy reserves…and though Ravel faced such power as best as possible, she couldn't hold against it forever.
When the tenth wave hit her barrier was consumed by destructive black energy and by the eleventh the only thing separating them from imminent destruction was the air they gasped in horror. At that moment she couldn't make head or tails of her senses – the only colors that she saw were black and red, the only thing she could smell was the intoxicating aroma of The Power of Bael and the only thing she could hear were their screams of pain.
Being flung like ants they crash-landed head first inside the gymnasium to the surprise and concern of their teammates.
"Ravel!" someone shouted; she couldn't see if it was Xuelan, Mira or Karlamine.
"Hold on guys! We still have some Phoenix tears!" another voice said in concern.
"Hey everyone, where did that Knight and Rook go?" one young voice spoke only to be joined by another young sounding voice "Did they bail out already? Talk about lame!"
She waited for her immortality to kick in; she had healed from deadly damage before, but it was a known fact that her healing factor wasn't as powerful as her brother's. Still with her vision now restored she had to wait just a few more seconds to be at top condition.
A ringing sound resonated through the entire Gymnasium, followed by a wet sensation…were they dousing Phoenix tears on her? No that wasn't right…Phoenix tears didn't taste like that…what a foul taste…Phoenix tears didn't make her head hurt and…
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHH"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH"
"IT HURTS! MAKE IT STOP!"
Multiple screams filled the room with more joining in like a choir.
"MY HEAD! MY HEAD!"
"RAVEL PLEASE! USE YOUR FIRE!"
She was slowly feeling it thanks to her high speed healing, but didn't know how much would that last. She lifted her hand and tried to summon a torrent of fire that would evaporate this poisonous water…only to be greeted by simple embers coming out it…she could see it in them…Karlamine's fire sword was reduced to rusting steel and embers…Xuelan Rook's defense was bypassed by mere water…but most horrifying of all…her fiery wings…the wings that separated herself from the other devils…her pride as a Phenex…were reduced to dying embers – at that moment whatever was holding Ravel from succumbing to the effects of the Holy Water snapped and she felt the crashing force of a head splitting migraine hit her with the full force of a sledge hammer.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
The words of Gremory were the only single thought clear in her head.
'When I'm done with you we'll see who the pathetic one is'
The Skies roared – If Armageddon had a face this would be it; the clouds were replaced by massive city shattering explosions, Thunder gathered in a massive storm colliding with each other, their combined shine surpassing that of the purple sky and faux moon.
Explosions meet Thunder in an unholy union that would have destroyed the school grounds long ago.
The Priestess of thunder; her miko clothes no longer pristine and immaculate but ragged and trashed, holes in them reveling her bombshell figure for all to see, still with a face full of determination and a somewhat sadistic pleasure she gathered a massive thunderstorm around herself like a protective shield redirecting them to her finger and like sharpshooter letting them loose at her opponent – the thunderstorm roared, like a pack of blood hungry hounds as they traveled at blinding speeds, leaving a roaring sound chasing after them, in hopes of striking down the purple haired woman before them.
The Bomb Queen; her dress also being destroyed by the ruthless fight, her intimacy also laid bare like the enemy Queen, didn't show any sign of bother towards the fact. Frustration and Weariness were present in her face but still that wasn't enough to slow her down, as she summoned a circle composed of six small spheres of fire that took the oncoming thunderstorm head on – colliding into themselves in an instant creating a large explosion that neutralized the force of nature that was heading her way as if it was never there in the first place.
The pace of their fight didn't slow down despite their physical fatigue. Traveling through the skies at high speeds, as fast as their devil wings allowed them to, the led a dangerous game of cat and mouse that ended and started with Akeno's Thunder meeting Yubelluna's Explosions and vice versa.
Akeno brought her hands down like a mighty hammer and thunder soon followed, her wake, Yubelluna swept the air with her staff and the skies themselves ignited at her command canceling The Priestess' Thunder; yet the Queen of Gremory was relentless gathering electricity on the palm of her hand that soon became a thunderstorm ready to be set loose.
Yubelluna would answer her in kind; a miniature sun gathering on the palm of her hand whose shine brightened with every millisecond, as it was tossed by her staff the small ball of fire grew to a car-sized miniature sun that when it collided with Akeno's element exploded in a massive flare that lit up the entire battlefield.
Silence followed soon after, only the panting and heavy breathing was heard afterward.
"…You are good Priestess of Thunder…huhh…better than I first…ahuh…gave you credit for…" the Queen of Phenex managed to get out between breaths.
As for the Queen of Gremory, she didn't fare any better than her opponent.
"…Ara…ara… giving up so quickly…"
"…Spare me the sass Queen of Gremory we are pretty evenly matched…a surprise…but …" Yubelluna said while clicking her tongue in disdain "…how about we leave it to fate"
At Yubelluna's words Akeno raised her eyebrow in skepticism, her deep purple eyes analyzing her opponent; The enemy Queen was as damaged as she was, they both had been going blow for blow against one another, at this point they were pretty drained…the only out she could see was if both of them gave their all in one last attack – a bold and dangerous strategy, something that someone as cunning as Yubelluna under normal circumstances wouldn't propose…unless…
Then she remembered the Plan, she remembered the scenario and the predictions that Katsuo laid for the possible encounter – her eyebrow lowered, her mouth turned into a grin and a single sound escaped her lips, a simply but sadistic.
"Ufufufu"
She would play along.
"How daring of you; the cunning Bomb Queen wants to gamble it all on one mindless attack…"
"…You won't let me go to my teammates until I retire, I won't let you go to your teammates until you retire…as winded and drained as we are, even if one emerges victorious from this dragged out fight, we are of little use…so let's put it all to fate…"
"…and let the one with the strongest will win…Ara, Ara. How exciting…"
Setting a considering amount of distance both Queens began to tap into their elements.
Akeno summoned thunder from around her, the terrifying power of the sky element meeting her, swirling around her, forming a barrier of shock across her body and being redirected to her palms. Her delicate hands no longer discernible behind the crackling electricity that emanated from them; this was her last thunder, the cusp of her current power – her Final Blitz – joining her hands she focused the entire sum of her demonic power into a single spot joining the terrifying energies into a sphere of pure Lightning. Multiple magic circles forming around her magnifying her already cataclysmic attack.
Yubelluna on the other hand called forth the full force of the Phenex that came with her status a Riser's queen. From ten magic circles came ten torrents of flames forming around her like a protective barrier, ten torrents that clashed between each other, the immortal fire that she was willing to drain to its last embers formed into five spheres that orbited around her, five miniature suns that began spinning around her so fast that a singular ring of fire was formed, a ring of fire that moved to the tip of her staff, a staff which she aimed to her opponent, the faster the ring spun the smaller it became, the immortal element of life becoming a singular entity of destruction. Yubelluna's Magnus Opus, her strongest explosion to this date, no other opponent had draw so much power from her so she would honor it, in name of her King and man she loved – this would be her Phenex Flare .
"I will give you credit Queen of Gremory – No one has pushed me to this point"
"Ara, this is a first for me too…seeing the pain this next attack will cause…it will be once in a lifetime experience"
"Don't be so sure of yourself; if absolute destruction is the only way to defeat you – then for the sake of my King I will obliterate you with this next attack!"
As their power reached their climax a single proclamation let the two destructive forces loose.
"FINAL BLITZ!"
"PHENEX FLARE"
As The Strongest Explosion met The Strongest Thunder the sky roared, fire and lightning clashed into one another each trying to break through. The clouds disappeared and the light of their clash illuminated the entire campus in a struggle of superiority. Space bended in the epicenter of their meeting as the temperature rose to the point that the hottest volcanoes of earth could be considered a simple hot spring by comparison.
Their power was equal, their elements were pushed to their limits and their magic was depleted – all that was left was a test of wills – The Queen who fought for the freedom of her best friend against The Queen who had given her complete devotion to her King and would do anything for him.
Akeno Himejima cared for Rias Gremory; she had a sisterhood like no other with her King, she had respect for her like no other and was thankful eternally to her and her family. She would stick together through thick and thin as her Queen and best friend, she would do anything she asked and give her all if the situation asked…but there was one thing that she wouldn't do…one thing that, even if she didn't admit it, was the deciding factor between she and Yubelluna…one thing that since that night she promised herself she wouldn't call upon, Akeno would deny it, she would shame it and bury it.
Even right now, she knew the answer; the winner will be the Queen with the strongest Will, the Queen that would give their all for their King with no exceptions – The One who wouldn't hold back.
'…She is not giving up…even after putting all in the line she's isn't backing down. My hands are trembling and I can feel the heat of her fire closing up on me. There is only one way that I can win this…but…I…can't…even if Rias is counting on me...I swore that I wouldn't…'
The Flames started consuming the Thunder and though it began slowly the electrifying yellow that once covered half of the distance was reduced to a simple quarter. Yubelluna could feel it, the wavering Will of Akeno, and with it she could see the cusps of victory.
'If I don't do this…I will lose…Rias will lose…she will be forced into servitude by Riser… We will be forced by Riser…Rias, Koneko, Kiba, Issei they don't deserve that fate…Not after they have put their faith on me, even Katsuo has done the same…I can't avert my eyes from it much longer!'
She called to it…to her other half.
The half she was ashamed of.
The Part of herself she despised.
…Only for a second…
She would do it for Rias…
…her savior
…her liege
…her best friend
With a bloodcurdling scream the dying sparks of Akeno's thunder became a raging Lightning storm. In an instant the duel was flipped on its head. The thunder enveloped and broke through directly Yubelluna's Flare. It happened in an instant, the change was so fast that by the time Yubelluna registered what was happening it was too late…
"…No way…" said the Queen of Phenex before being enveloped in Lightning.
With a final flash The Duel was over and both Queens descended from their battleground up in the sky. While The Priestess of Thunder used her wings to fly gently to the ground The Bomb Queen dropped unceremoniously to the outskirts of the gymnasium.
Now with the famous Bomb Queen lying belly down suffering incredible pain in front of Akeno, she could help to let out a sadistic chuckle.
"I told you…it was a once in a life time opportunity"
At first the Queen of Phenex gave no indication of being conscious until a few grumbles were heard escaping her form.
"….u…st…e…ad…"
"Ara, ara. You can keep on going…such stamina…" while Akeno's tone was playful, she right now was anything but. Gathering a bit of electricity on her hand she was ready to finally strike down Yubelluna.
"…ou…ust…be…mad…" more grumblings escaped the downed Queen's mouth.
"What did you say? I didn't quite catch it?"
Now her voice crystal clear and carrying the same cunning as before responded.
"I said; You must be mad" when she finished an explosion sent Akeno flying across the field stopping near the entrance of the Gymnasium "You must be mad if you thought that I would leave everything to fate without an insurance!"
The roles reversed; The Bomb Queen now stood victorious on top of the Priestess of Thunder, a small crystalline vial wrapped around her fingers shaking it mockingly on top of Akeno's broken body.
"Phoenix Tear – I'll give you credit where it's due Queen of Gremory, you pushed me to my limits, you matched my power step by step and your will overpowered mine, but what you have in spirit and power you lack in cunning. You should account for a member of the Phenex Clan to always have some in their person – not that it matters anymore, I will claim this battle and win the war for Riser."
Yubelluna aimed her staff and was preparing a spell but stopped at the sound of quiet laughter.
"Ufufufu, Ufufufu, Ufufufu"
"Have you gone truly mad?"
"Ufufufu, yes, Ufufufu, mad of joy – you truly are arrogant if you think I didn't account for that, Ufufufu, granted I didn't but someone else did."
"…What are you talking abo…" she didn't get the chance to finish as two twin swords flew at her at high speeds, whizzing through the air like two birds, not aimed at her but at what she was holding. In a second her Staff was no more.
Her mind couldn't caught up with what was happening, as a skull shattering blow connected with her back a white flash being it's herald. She was thrown off balance. Before she knew another blow came her way, a kick, delivered by a brown haired pervert. Now standing centimeters away from the Gymnasium she raised her hand, pure anger clouding her judgment. "…YOU INSOLETS!" Perhaps if she had been a bit clear minded she would have noticed the wave of red and black energy hitting her chest directly instead of feeling it after the fact. She was sent hurling into the gymnasium crashing head first into the wet floor.
"We did take your Phoenix tears into consideration. That much is obvious when fighting a member of the Phenex family" Akeno kept speaking but Yubelluna couldn't hear her words, they were obscured by the head shattering migraine she was feeling and the sensation of her skin burning alive "but I guess that Riser could never guess that her Peerage would be played from the start"
The Migraine became unbearable and she screamed.
"A Peerage so strong and large, if we wanted to prove ourselves we would have taken you head on…and to be honest we would have at the start…instead someone gave us an idea…to play you"
Her skin was burning; she tried to summon her fire but only embers answered, tried to combust the water but it wouldn't let her, something in it was prohibiting her demonic energy – something holy.
"Pick you if possible, but to lead all your members to a single place, a place where you would be out of your element, a place with conditions where your magic wouldn't work…we just had to create that place" Akeno said while throwing a black box in front of the screaming Yubelluna "You boast of your demonic fire so we used Holy water, you heal of physical wounds really quickly we would have to destroy your mind instead"
Yubelluna couldn't hear any more, her mind completely broken by the effects of Holy Water, nor could Ravel, nor Karlamine, nor Isabela or Siris, or Mira, Ile and Nel. The Devils of Phenex were there present in body only.
The voice of Rias Gremory broke their screams, with a commanding a poised voice she made herself be heard "Nine in total it seems. Will you do us the honor Akeno?"
In response a sadistic smile formed itself on Akeno's lip and a chuckle escaped her mouth, as her cheeks blushed and the skies rumbled "Ufufufu, this is one in a lifetime opportunity after all – it will be my pleasure"
With a snap of her finger a singular thunder came down through the ceiling connecting with the holy water electrifying every member present and opening the black box present. The screams of Riser's Peerage joined like a choir and when the pillar of light ceased – the gymnasium was no more.
[3 Riser Phenex's Pawn Retired]
[2 Riser Phenex's Rooks Retired]
[2 Riser Phenex's Knights Retired]
[Riser Phenex's Bishop Retired]
[Riser Phenex's Queen Retired]
In the poorly lit Student Council Room the president and vice-president watched carefully the events that transpired before them and while neither of them spoke word a question lingered between the two, a question that the normally quiet vice-president tried to voice.
"Kaichou, when he comes back to school are you…"
The Queen of Sitri couldn't finish her sentence as the cold and calculating voice of her King gave a short but resounding answer.
"Absolutely"
No further word was uttered as the proceeded to keep watching the events on the monitor – yet the in the back of the president's mind there was the image of a lazy silver haired student.
"…It worked…HAHA…I can't believe it worked" Issei could hardly contain his joy in light of their current situation.
They had accomplished their strategy with minimal loses; only Akeno and Issei had received physical damage. As they stood right now, Rias Peerage had all but entirely eliminated Rise's; now only one person stood between them and victory, The King Himself – Riser Phenex. Now with all the Peerage together it was just a matter of overpowering Riser's immortality and cause as much mental damage as physical.
Determination – Determination and hope were visible on Rias' face; she was close to accomplishing her goal, to be freed from this horrible deal.
"Let's hold the celebrations for a moment – there is still one stepping stone in our way" The Princess of Destruction said while looking directly into the School Rooftops; there she saw him, his grin wiped clean replaced only by boiling anger.
"The Yakitori himself…" Issei spat with clear disgust in her tone.
They were together now – Asia, Akeno, Koneko, Kiba and Issei, they were her Peerage, her friends but most importantly they were her family…and now standing side by side with them she felt invincible. So they would brave this last ordeal and regardless if the succeeded or failed; she was proud to fight by their side.
"Let's go…we have one more to go…" the Heiress of Gremory proclaimed; her devil wings spread proudly, taking flight directly into the lion's den.
Akeno had been the first one to fall…she had sustained enough damage from her fight against Yubelluna and even if she stayed behind with Asia and tried to give support, no one expected Riser to act so fast and ruthless. She was assaulted by Riser's flame as soon as they set foot on the rooftop – her screams marked the start of their final fight and stayed as a grim reminder of the Phenex's Might.
Kiba tried his best – the Knight of Gremory gave it his all, he slashed, cut, bisected and impaled the enemy King with his Demonic Swords, each attack deadly and each attack hitting on point…but as the Phoenix…Riser lost limbs turned to ash and from fresh flames came new ones. When it was the Phenex turn to retaliate his flames cremated the Blonde Knight in one singular attack.
Koneko boasted of incredible strength and speed, accomplished in martial arts she was dangerous to face in single combat. Now in a combined attack she was deadly; her Rook powers let her soak a lot of damage and deliver it tenfold. Against Riser Phenex she had one goal deviate as much damage as possible from the weakest teammates like Asia or Issei – she succeeded in her task, when Riser's fiery wings tried to swat Issei away she took the full front hit for him…and was eliminated for it.
Asia's job was to heal her friends and shield them from Riser's flames – she never got the chance – as each and everyone fell like domino pieces…watching them being brutally beaten left her shocked, a crying mess that stood useless against Riser.
Even with their combined assault He was still too much.
At first Rias used her power of destruction flawlessly; large waves of demonic energy headed straight at Riser's head with no hesitation or no remorse fuelled by her determination and hope. When her friend was eliminated her power became more potent, fuelled by anger and loss, demonic energy danced wildly trying to consume Riser's very being…but her attacks were ignored…flesh knitting itself back with fire before she could even see her handiwork. Now her attacks carried less vigor, as a wave of hopelessness washed over her….
As for Issei…he was barely registered by Riser…like an ant that carried no value or threat against his person. The singular Pawn of Gremory tried his best, using his acquired demonic physicality to try to beat Riser down…but that was just hopeful thinking…As Rias' Peerage feel like dominos Riser was left with less targets to vent his anger on – sadly for Issei there was only one left and Riser would enjoy this one.
Riser could have ended the fight early; he could have wasted a maximum of four minutes to deal with Rias and her servants…but he wasn't looking to end the match fast…not anymore…he wanted to take his time…he wanted to punish Rias for insulting him…for using such methods against him it was like a spit in his pride, so he would take his time…take his time breaking Rias' hope…he would do it by making her surrender, making her submit to him and he wanted to punish her by breaking what she held dear – the fact that the pawn that disrespected him before was his punching bag was a bonus for him.
Issei's broken body lay on the floor…bloody and bruised his normally cheerful face no longer recognizable between the burns and swollen skin. His Back screamed and he couldn't feel his legs. His arms were hanging by the side, the bone that once supported them being already grinded into dust. His breath was ragged and for every ounce of air he took blood came puking out of his mouth…yet even in the face of doom…he managed the willpower to stand up once more.
A single tear traveled down through Rias' cheek, a single whisper following suit "…stop…"
"Ready for another Round" the arrogant voice of Riser muddied the air by just existing.
"…I…h-have…t-to…protect them…" Through Blood and Sweat Issei managed some audible words to get out.
"You know – I told myself that I wouldn't get myself too involved in this match, after all it was supposed to be just a formality before my wedding…but after insulting me…going so far as to use those THINGS against ME! I will truly enjoy this…"
Another tear escaped her Blue eyes and now words formed after it "…Issei…stop…"
The Pawn responded, through sheer force of will alone "…Ne-Never…not-not with your….future on the line…"
"Pawn! I want you to remember this moment, this is what you both are…without your tricks…without your traps – you are just insects against the power of the Phenex"
…
'You are just Insects'
He heard that before; not from him but from a girl, a girl with raven hair and raven wings.
…
A Fire Stirred From Beneath His Soul
…
"Issei please stop! You don't have to d go this far! We accounted for this…the last plan in case this happens…" Rias Gremory screamed in anguish yet her words barely registered in his ears.
…
He had been in this position before.
He had been so before…and failed.
He now found himself in those same shoes once again
Was this all he could do?
Stand helplessly despite all he worked for
…
The Dragon of Dominion Slumber Had Ended
...
"You all worked so hard for a coward like me! You don't have to do this anymore…thank you…Akeno, Yuuto, Koneko, Asia and you…Issei…" Rias Gremory cried at the sight of the self-destructive determination of her Pawn; she was proud of him, proud of them, having this last stand side by side…she could surrender her life with a clear mind.
…
The Other Guy was able to succeed
He wasn't afraid of the odds or consequences
Even in the face of superior power The Other Guy didn't back down
If He could do it…what was stopping him!
He had the Power!
He had the Will!
It is time to make it His!
Even if it didn't answer once again…he would call to it!
And Force it to His Will!
…
Bringing Forth the Depths of the Crimson Purgatory
…
Like a final Plea Rias' words left her mouth, resigned to her fate, she wouldn't run away from it any longer "…I've lost…I resig-"
"NO!"
A resounding scream stopped her words.
"…I won't give up on you…not when I have breath to draw" Issei body moved forward towards Riser, like a posed corpse his feet were lifted from the pavement. "…Don't say those things about yourself…you are the greatest person I know…I will give my last dying breath for you…"
An animalistic smile appeared on Riser's face as his flames increased and his bloodlust deepened "So it is death you seek Pawn – Then I shall grant it to you! Come and meet your end!"
Unaffected by his words Issei continued to move; a small green light forming on the back of his hand and a crimson aura lightly covering his body.
"….I can't…I won't abandon you Buchou…not when I haven't given you my all like I promised…" raising his hand in undying willpower and determination his voice boomed throughout the stadium a proclamation of power like no other "…I don't know if you can hear me piece of Junk and I don't care if you do! So I won't ask twice for My Power – [Boosted Gear]! I order you! GIVE THE POWER OF BALZING VICTORY!"
[That is the way to Talk Partner!]
"…Huh?"
[Right now you don't have the strength to use the forbidden technique…but that Draconic Energy you fed me will be enough to grant you a few minutes – use them well!]
A flash of lime Green light emanated from his left arm forming red mechanical scales that went from his fingertips to his forearm, followed by an explosion of crimson energy that filled the rooftop creating a single pillar of blazing crimson light. The entire Rating Game dimension shook, like a massive earthquake uprooting trees and breaking edifications, with the epicenter being covered in crimson light.
The Pillar condensed into a single point forming into a humanoid shape.
When the energy peeled away and revealed what was hiding inside multiple gasps could be heard across the underworld; the eyes were glued to their monitors, framed glasses were dropped in disbelief, the eyes of various Phenex members widened, Gremory tears were dried and a Crimson Satan grinned.
[BALANCE BREAKER]
[WELSH DRAGON OVERBOOST]
Now he stood tall covered head to toe in Crimson Metal scales. The singular green gem in his left hand was no longer alone as many were scattered across his form with singular one, larger than any other, shining brightly on his chest. Each plate of metal was overlapping each other creating medieval knight look. This was it – This is now – with a resounding voice he addressed the wide eyed Devil before him.
"It's Round Two Yakitori!"
A Legend had finally awoken.
As one awoke…another was suppressed…
Shining silver faced him, its shimmer everlasting and its grandeur massive – built by inhuman hands. Magic pulsated from its very presence, his demonic black container no longer usable and able to hold it.
He could see his reflection in its edge; his mismatched silver and black hair alongside his aqua eyes.
…But most importantly he felt the tugging deep beneath his cursed heart; his power growing stronger, it's want of destruction and conquest. The strengthening feeling of another rival emerging and the anticipation of battle bubbling…he had to suppress it.
Watching his reflection on the edge of the blade he could only say one thing as he stared at his weary aqua eyes…
"What in the world I'm going to with you…"
A/N: Happy New Year to every reader! This chapter took a lot of me. It was my first time writing a large battle with many POVs also It was accidentally deleted like 20 times and had massive rewrites everywhere so I'm sorry if it's a little raw specially on the grammar, also English isn't my main language and use it very rarely on a day to day basis. Next one will be more polished since it won't be as long as this. A few things that caught my attention and wanted to address:
1-Everything I introduce will be explained in due time, I don't want to dump exposition every chapter, I prefer it when exposition comes naturally rather than a 200 word paragraph
2-All tweaks to cannon no matter how small will play an overarching role in the long run.
3-New things that I add to the DxD mythos will be there to expand the already existing lore and canon and will have their purpose and will play crucial roles in storylines to come, aka: keep track of the Metals
4-Characters and their motivations are neither stationary nor 2 dimensional, motivations change and develop, actions that are contradictory have a reason in the characters psyche and, just like a person, and you cannot pretend to know a character from a single interaction.
Next chapter won't be as long as this one, I wanted at fist to divide this chapter since originally it was 20k long, but due to re-writes and problems I had to wrap it up fast. Next chapter will be where the story truly picks up and enters the Arc where mysteries will be revealed.
Till next time R&R
