What's up, everyone! This is GKC here bringing you the next chapter in Fate DxD. I'm gonna skip all of the bullcrap that I'd normally spout out and all that shit.

Now for the disclaimer: I do not own, except my OC, the Fate series, Highschool DxD, or any material related. All rights go to their respective owners.

Now let's get this party started… BEGIN!

Fate/DxD

Chapter 7: Riser Arc: Ratings Game and Defeat

(Begin Ougon no Kagayaki by Number 201)

(Instruments) The camera opens to a nighttime view of Kuoh, panning as a stream of white light hops across the rooftops. The light stops to reveal Savior, who notices a scarlet red light pass by him then follows after it. The screen cuts to a scene at the Academy to reveal Rias unleashing her Orb of Destruction at a shadowy smirking figure only for it to cast aside the attack then disperse a shockwave at the Gremory princess, who was saved by the untimely arrival of Issei with the Boosted Gear on his right arm. Cuts back to the nighttime scene where the white and scarlet lights clash with each other then land on the side of a building, revealing them to be Savior while his opponent was Avenger. Both Heroic Spirits lunged at one another, Savior with his sword raised while Avenger smirked, producing a set of deadly black claws

(Mune no oku fukaku hisomu kono kizu wa) Cuts to Ren's face, eyes opened, as the camera pans out to reveal him standing on the rooftop of Kuoh Academy, overlooking the town with the sun beginning to rise

(Iyasareru koto wa nai) A brief image of black and white feathers enshrouds the screen before flying away to reveal Savior resting against a tree, sword by his side, as he opens his palm to allow one of the white feathers to land in his hand

(Daraka boku tachi wa kono mi sutesatte) Cuts to Rias in the Occult Research Club room, sitting at her desk, with her Peerage by her side

(Tsuyokunarou to chikatta) Cuts to a shadowy cloaked figure, watching the town from atop of a tall structure, a wicked grin appearing underneath the hood

(Dare mo ga negai) Cuts to reveal Saber lounging on a rather expensive chair, her jagged red sword by her side with Caster leaning on top with her tail swishing about behind her

(Inochi butsuke au) Cuts to Lancer upon a stone bridge, twirling her crimson spear, releasing a breath of cold air from her lungs while Berserker appears from beneath the bridge, his blood red visor glowing in the darkness

(Mayoi wa iranai) Cuts to Rider and Assassin standing on the metal beams of a steel bridge, the lights of Kuoh cascading all around them

(Tatakau to kimeta kara) Cuts to Ruler and Archer back-to-back as the sun shines down upon the two before cutting to brief images of Rias, Issei, Savior, and Ren

(Furikazu ougon no kagayaki) The camera cuts to Ren in his Saber Install blade-locking a black version of Saber, both roaring as they break the lock and slash at each other with their swords, sending sparks flying

(Tozasareta yoru wo hiraku yaiba) Cuts to Rider unleashing a blood red magic circle, Archer firing an arrow from her bow, and Lancer using her Noble Phantasm against an Alter version of Cu Chulainn

(Kotae nado naito shitte ite mo) Cuts to Kokabiel grinning maliciously while an army of Fallen Angels appears behind him, wielding spears of light

(Risou no hate wo motome tsuzukeru) Ren looks back to see three young girls appear in a flash. Two of them revealed to be Illya and Miyu while the other was Kuro. All three wave at him to which he sighs with a sweatdrop

(Ano hi miageta hoshi wa ima mo) Cuts to a pale hand outstretching towards a golden light

(Yakitsuite kieru koto wa nai yo) Cuts to Savior bringing his sword up to bear while twelve glowing white wings appear on his back

(Tatta hitotsu no tashikana mono) The Heroic Spirit raises his weapon, the blade surrounded by holy energy, then slashes down, evoking a massive pillar of light that climbs to the darkened skies

(Hajimari no jibun oikaketeiku) Cuts back to Ren looking up at the starlit night sky, in a field of flowers as his Command Seals glow then fade away

(Instruments) The camera pans away from Ren for a few seconds, dark grey clouds enshrouding him from view as the title materializes in front of the screen

(End of Opening)

Occult Research Clubroom

After two weeks of rigorous training, the Gremory Peerage and the leader of the Grail Faction stood ready to face their opponent in the upcoming Ratings Game.

During the training process, each member of the party had grown stronger. Akeno had full mastery over her lightning magic, molding it in ways that mere mages could only dream of. Yuuto's endurance had grown to the point he could take three full Rook punches to the face and still stand with a smirk along with a new ability for his Sacred Gear. Asia's agility and healing ability had grown exponentially to the point she could be a real nuisance to foes. Koneko's speed increased, making her a dangerous powerhouse for her Peerage members. Issei's survival training/torture with Berserker had risen his combat ability and control over his Boosted Gear at an acceptable rate. Finally, Rias's control over her Power of Destruction had grown to the point she could summon and freely use it without expending much mana.

Each of their Heroic Spirit teachers had expressed how proud they were of their progress. However, it was Ren's words that made them feel even better. In his own words, he said, "You've grown so much these past few days. And for that, I'm honored to be fighting alongside you. I just know we'll win this battle."

Despite her admittance at liking her Pawn, Rias couldn't help but blush at the Sorcerer's praise.

However, it seemed Akeno and Koneko also seemed to like the praise as well, as evident by their own cherry red cheeks.

So here they stood, awaiting for the Queen of Lucifer's Peerage to bring them to the chosen battlefield for the match.

"How long are we gonna wait?" Ren asked out of the blue.

Rias, being closeby, decided to answer. "Onee-sama told me ahead of time that she would be sending out invitations to many noble families in the Underworld; my family and the Phenex family included."

The Sorcerer could feel his brow twitch. "So it's like a bloody game show?"

"Essentially, yes." The redhead nodded with an apologetic grin.

"Great, as if I didn't have enough reason to hate game shows, now it's coming back to bite me in the ass." Ren grumbled.

Before Issei could make a crude remark from Ren's complaint, the familiar red seal of the Gremory materialized in front of them. From out of it came Grayfia, still dressed in her maid uniform. Honestly, the Sorcerer wondered if she wore any other form of attire besides that or if it was a fetish.

"Everyone's here?" Her eyes scanned the gathered Peerage and Servants then nods. "Excellent. Follow me please." She turns on her heels and reenters the magic circle, disappearing from view.

One by one, the Devils, Servants, and the Sorcerer entered through the portal. Once they were all through, it disappeared, vanishing from existence in the human world.

Underworld

Once Ren stepped out of the magic circle, he immediately noticed that his Servants had been teleported away from him. Not enough that he couldn't sense them, but close enough to know that he would be unable to receive their assistance.

"Where are my Servants?" He asked.

"Do not fret." Grayfia assured the boy. "They are merely in the stands with the rest of the audience."

Ren glanced all around him, but found nothing. Some sort of visionary magecraft? Is that how they're able to view them right now without even revealing themselves.

"Master, we are here. Do not worry." Savior answered immediately after he noticed that he wasn't by the Sorcerer's side.

What can he see? Came his initial thoughts.

"From what I can make out, it would seem many powerful Devils have come to watch the fight. However, I noticed a few familiar faces." The Servant informed his Master. "Sona-san and her sister, Serafall Leviathan, are here. Apparently, the Satan is holding up a sign of you with a heart on it. Would you like me to describe it for you?"

Please don't…

"Master, there are others as well, especially a man with red hair like Rias Gremory." Ruler responded, her tone apprehensive. Understandable since she is a Holy Maiden who serves the will of God. In fact, this would certainly be torture for someone as righteous as her.

Ren briefly wondered if he would have to showcase the full abilities of a Class Card or reserve himself to keep an ace up his sleeve. From what he gathered, Rias had deemed him to be a pseudo-Rook and had likewise placed the piece in him. However, the Heaven's Feel reacted badly to the Evil Piece's demonic properties and rejected it, much to the girl's shock. In order for him to be considered a temporary member, a marking had to be placed on him, one that Akeno took great pleasure in applying.

The Sorcerer shuddered when the memory of the Queen's lithe fingers gently ran along his chest as she applied the brand of a Rook onto his skin. He knew he could be rid of it by unleashing a bit of the Holy Grail's power, but he refrained from doing so. He still needed to be made to look like a Devil after all, much to his distaste.

Hold on… a man with hair like Rias Gremory? Could this be her brother, the current Lucifer?

"Ah, so this is the one that inherited my name. At first, I thought him a fool but I could feel his raw power within his soul." Savior remarked with pride. Typical of him. Despite being in his human form, he was still the Prince of Hell and the First Fallen. So naturally, he'd be prideful of his name being used.

The entire situation made him want to go home and nap. However, he had a promise to keep. He gave Rias his word that he would help her and he was not going to break it.

He reached into his pant's pocket and brought out his Class Cards deck, each of them representing the seven main classes with the added additions of Forger, Healer, and Destroyer. He still never found any worthy candidates for these Servants. He idly wondered if the Masters were, in fact, supposed to be the Servants.

He quickly diminished that line of thought. Instead, he opted to use Archer as a way to contribute to his lack of speed. However, almost all of the Archer-class Servants he knew were not close combatants save for the two most known throughout his own dimension. However, either of them had their pros and cons, so he needed one that would prove to be the most damaging.

Ren called for either of them from within his soul, searching and guiding them towards the Class Card. Both of them replied, but only one came to his aid. Not out of commitment but out of boredom. He would gladly grant him a reprieve to 'stretch his legs' so to speak.

"What's that?" Issei asked, garnering the Sorcerer's attention.

"An ace." He replied, pocketing the card back into his pocket.

From the other side, Riser and his Peerage stood with the King of the group of Devils looking even more arrogant than ever. He won't be so smug once he faces the Heroic Spirit inhabiting the card he wielded.

Ren suddenly noticed the area around them change into a distinct copy of Kuoh Academy's school grounds and its surrounding districts. Mundane, but it should provide Rias and her Peerage an adequate advantage. Parts of the landscape were covered with buildings, no doubt summoned to grant cover for the combatants. Other areas were relatively more open, providing zones where opponents could duel in with space to spare.

The two Peerages faced each other. Riser stepping forward with Rias and Ren greeting their opponent.

"Hmph, I had believed you would cower in fear, boy." Riser's snide remark was sent at Ren.

"I have no reason to fear a worthless mongrel like you." The Sorcerer stated.

His mocking words made the Phenex scowl but regained his composure. Everything was going to be settled in the Rating Game. And that is what both will do.

"In any case, I believe I should wish you good luck, my dear fiance." Riser smirked at Rias.

"Keep it. I have faith that my Peerage and I will win." The redhead remarked with a glare as she turned back towards her Peerage with Ren following after, sending one last glare at the Devil.

"That guy is nothing more than an overcooked yakitori," said Ren.

"My thoughts exactly." Rias giggled then suddenly grew serious. "How should we do this?"

The Sorcerer answered her question with a grin. "Well, I'm just your temporary Rook. You're the one giving the orders."

The Gremory heiress flustered in embarrassment at the reminder. "Right… while we still shouldn't underestimate them, it is best we plan an attack that will take them by surprise. They don't know how much we learned."

"Expect the unexpected," Ren nodded. The unknown was always an advantage. Especially when he held an ace, quite literally, up his sleeve. "In any case, I propose a suggestion."

"Oh? What do you have in mind?"

Ren's devious grin threatens to spread across his lips.

Later…

Issei, Yuuto, and Koneko were to be the vanguard of the entire battle, weaken their foes or defeat as many as possible. While dangerous, the training they've gone through should keep them alive long enough. Meanwhile, Akeno and Ren would act as guardians for both Rias and Asia, both of the girls were valued pieces for the fight.

"Does everyone know the plan?" Ren reminded them of what they discussed.

"Yeah, but why go through this?" The lone Pawn asked.

"It's simple. The enemy has numbers on their side. We, unfortunately, do not." Ren pointed out. "However, we do have the element of surprise and a distinct advantage on our side."

"Indeed," Rias agreed. "They won't expect it the moment we strike. Just remember what you all have been assigned to do for the plan." Her Peerage nodded.

"It's time we get started. Good luck and be careful." The Sorcerer nodded towards each of the Peerage members.

"Right!"

Soon enough the signal of the Rating Game has announced, starting it.

"Alright! Here I come, you yakitori bastard!" Issei yelled, charging off into the fray like a reckless fool.

"That perverted idiot…" Ren had the urge to slam his palm on his forehead or better yet kick Issei. He turned to the other Rook and Knight. "Go after him and try to make sure he doesn't mess this up."

Yuuto and Koneko nod firmly then follow after their friend/comrade.

"Rias, it's time we get you and Asia to safety." Ren stated. "You're the King and we can't risk you being defeated. Asia is also important because she's our healer."

"Understood," Rias nodded. "Let's go Asia."

"Okay."

Once the redhead and the blonde were out of sight, Ren turned to the Queen of Rias's Peerage. "I'm trusting you to watch my back, Akeno-san."

"Of course I do," Akeno replied but Ren felt a small chill down his spine that spoke otherwise.

"But do it… away from my personal space." The young magus said, placing his hands into his pockets and walking off casually.

With Issei, Yuuto, and Koneko

"Issei-san, you shouldn't rush in like that. We have to stick to the plan, remember?" Yuuto reminded the pervert.

"I know that, but I want to use what I've learned from Berserker-sensei and kick that yakitori's ass!" The Pawn countered.

"Stick to plan," Koneko said stoically. "Do not disappoint Buchou."

"Fine, I'll follow Sanada-senpai's instructions." Issei pouts.

"Good." Coming to a resolve, the three tread carefully across the field. It still surprised Issei how they managed to replicate the school for the Rating Game.

"Devil magic really is awesome. To be able to do this?" The Pawn comments.

"It just shows how much it can do." Yuuto shrugs.

"No kidding."

Koneko suddenly stopped, forcing Issei and Yuuto to stop as well. "Enemy." She comments.

The Knight summoned a demon sword with Issei summoning his Boosted Gear. "How many?" Yuuto asked in a deadly serious tone.

"Four." Koneko answered.

Suddenly, the lights in the building they were in came on, revealing it to be a sort of gymnasium. Standing before the three Devils were the four members of Riser's Peerage.

It was one of Riser's Rooks: Xuelan and three of his Pawns: Mira, and the twins: Ile and Nel.

"We can't let them gang up on us." Yuuto stated, glancing at his friends. "Can you two handle this?"

"Easily! Especially with this new move I've been coming up with." Issei smirked, pounding his fist into his gauntlet.

"Then I leave them to you." Using his speed, the Knight passed by the four members of Riser's Peerage, disappearing into the confines of the school.

"So a Rook and a Pawn?" Xuelan commented. "This should be an easy victory." She enters a Chinese kung fu stance with her hands erupting into flames.

"As if!" Issei was prepared. If there's anything he had learned from Berserker, this will be a quick fight. Berserker was a ruthless (and torturous) combatant during the training with powerful strength.

The young twins produced chainsaws of their own, revving the devices with a childish grin on their cute faces. "Then play with us, Onii-chan." They said in unison.

Mira readies her wooden staff for combat as well.

Koneko followed suit, entering a brawler's stance.

Xuelan took the advantage by engaging with her fellow Rook, striking with swift blows that forced Koneko to block or counter.

Issei, unfortunately, had to battle the three Pawns on his own. He avoided one chainsaw that would have removed his head before he avoided another saw from the other twin.

"Crap!" The Pawn cursed, raising his Boosted Gear to block Mira's staff. "Alright, if that's how you wanna play it then bring it on!"

The gemstone in the red gauntlet shined.

[Boost]

Issei felt his strength double, causing him to smirk as he reared his fist back and punched Nel's chainsaw, busting the rotary teeth in a shower of sparks. "Oh yeah!" He cheered only to gag when Mira struck him in the gut with her wooden staff due to his momentary distraction.

Koneko, using her newly trained speed, matched Xuelan's fast-paced palm strikes with her own fists. However, their statuses as Rooks kept them from dealing any residual damage to each other.

With the Pawn, he was starting to struggle against his own foes, even with Boosted Gear doubling his strength, but he had to win! He wouldn't fail his friends, his King, or Berserker-sensei! He needed to pull off the move he had been waiting to unleash.

"What's the matter? Nothing to say, Onii-chan?" Ile teased, bringing up her functioning chainsaw.

"As a matter of fact?" Issei smirked, moving his talons to reveal three visible, glowing red strings of mana that were connected to several impact points on the twin's and Mira's bodies. "Yes, I do."

"Huh?" The three girls look down at the marks on their bodies.

"Dress Break!" With a snap of his fingers/talons, Issei detonated the magic symbols on each of the Pawns' bodies and… destroyed their clothes.

"EEEEYYYAAAAAHHHHH!" The twins and Mira scream as they cover themselves as much as possible.

"HAHAHA! Yes! No pair of boobs are safe against my sight!" The Pawn pervertedly chuckles while his 'victims' cry in despair at how they were stripped of their clothes.

Meanwhile…

In the audience, the female Servants plus Savior slowly glance at Berserker with blank looks, who seemed to be utterly devastated with what he had just seen.

"Did you teach him that?" Ruler asked neutrally.

"Not a chance," Berserker denied. "This I never expected."

"I'm thoroughly disgusted with him right now." Saber stated with her hands on her hips.

"Icky," Assassin states.

"I'm gonna castrate him if he tries that on me." Lancer remarked with her arms folded beneath her breasts.

"Now I feel sorry for all of Riser's Peerage…" Savior sweatdrops.

Battleground

As Issei celebrated his victory over humiliating the three female Pawns, Koneko used this chance to get Xuelan in a submission hold, tightening her arms around her throat while keeping her legs wrapped around her waistline. Once her opponent went limp, the Rook removed herself from the unconscious woman and dragged Issei out of the gymnasium, allowing Akeno to deal the finishing blow by destroying the entire building with one large scale lightning attack.

Ren, who had been watching the fight, suddenly had the urge to discipline the Pawn. "I'm gonna beat that idiot within an inch of his life." He remarked while his left brow twitched. He glanced at the forest, noticing Kiba facing off against another of Riser's Pawns: Shuriya, Marion and Bürent, who seemed to have gotten caught in traps. "Seems it's Yuuto's turn to face off against impossible odds."

Meanwhile, Koneko walk ahead of Issei, completely disgusted by the boy's Dress Break move. "Pervert." She insulted.

"It wasn't that bad!" Issei enjoyed using the skill greatly. The thoughts of using it again creates a perverted grin on his face.

"Pervert!" She insisted, still using her soft tone but held a large amount of venom in it. She continued her pace, ignoring the distraught look on the Pawn's face.

Before Issei could argue with the young girl, she was suddenly vaporized by a surprise attack. Koneko's entire form had been consumed by a violent explosion, removing her from the game entirely.

Ren's eyes went wide. How could Koneko have been defeated when she had been trained by Lancer herself?! It was impossible… unless…

His gaze wandered into the sky, the eyes of an Archer granting him better sight than other Servant classes. From what he could see, it was the purple-haired woman. Riser's Queen, Yubelluna. From what Rias had told him about her, she's nicknamed the Bomb Queen. Did she use some advanced form of fire Magecraft?

Yubelluna seemed to have used her devil wings to gain a height advantage then dished out a surprise attack on Koneko to remove her. Effective, but now she left herself wide open for him to attack.

It would seem Issei also had the right idea since he was shouting at the woman to fight him in order to avenge Koneko. Admirable, but foolish. He doesn't have much skill in range combat.

Ren, however, with the assistance of the Archer-class Servant, did. With a snap of his fingers, he summoned five golden ripples out of thin air. From each of them, a different weapon appeared: a sword, a spear, a warhammer, a double-bladed axe, and a gladius. "Die, mongrel." He ordered then sent the five weapons straight at Riser's Queen without any forgiveness. The projectiles were so fast that she barely had time to react, resulting in her wings being struck and her body being pelted by the sword and spear. Though it would seem a Queen truly is a powerful piece since all she received in return were a bunch of scratches.

"Well, I suppose using E-rank Noble Phantasms won't work on a Queen piece." He muttered to himself only to quickly dodge when an explosion erupted beside him. "Shit! Gotta find a place to hide."

Taking cover while avoiding the explosions, he needed to buy time in order to attack. With the Queen focused on taking him out, there was almost little time for an opening.

A crack of thunder echoed in his ears. Peeking over his makeshift shield, Ren noticed Akeno battling against Yubelluna with her lightning magic while the woman responded with advanced fire magic.

Akeno avoided the attack Yubelluna with grace before focusing on her lightning magic. She was going to use what she learned from Caster. The orb of lightning that formed in her palms grew to the point that it looked like a miniature nuke.

"What in the…" Yubelluna couldn't make out what is going on. Usually, she's seen Rias' Queen being capable of wielding lightning magic but to mold it was new. "How can you use magic like that?"

"I had a very good teacher." Akeno teased with her tongue stuck out.

"That's my grasshopper!" Caster boasted with pride upon seeing her teachings being useful for Akeno.

"Now fry." The sadist smirked, unleashing her powerful Lightning Bolt upon the Bomb Queen.

A brief explosion rumbled the skies like a thunderstorm.

Ren frowned. The plan was starting to burn in his face. He needed to link up with Rias and Asia to rethink their strategy. He had faith that Issei, Yuuto, and Akeno would survive as long as possible. Koneko was taken by surprise, it won't happen to the others.

The Sorcerer froze when he felt a presence behind him. "You can come out now. Skulking in the shadows is only fit for an Assassin." He remarked.

Stepping out from the ruins of a faculty building was the dark-haired woman with the giant zweihander. Riser's Knight, Siris. "Well, I wanted to get rid of you without your notice. It would seem I'll have to fight you up close."

"You may try," Ren remarked then snapped his fingers, summoning more golden ripples behind him. "But you'll find I'm no easy opponent."

Siris could only wonder if the young man was using a unique Sacred Gear. Nonetheless, she was going to get this done for Riser.

"Come, let us dance." The young man taunted, reaching into the portal to his right to remove a golden, spiked spear that radiated with lightning. "I want to test the full limits of this power."

"Then prepare yourself!" She gripped her weapon tightly and pushed herself towards the Sorcerer, the blade ready to cut through the teen.

Despite being deemed a Rook, the Servant in his Class Card granted him faster reflexes like a Knight, allowing him to counter and parry the savage strike away with a swing of his lighting spear. Reaching behind him with his empty left hand, he grasped a handle within a ripple then pulled out a curved katana that radiated with a vicious bloodlust which he used to slash at Siris.

The Knight held back a yelp but the Devil attempted to strike him swiftly. However, Ren dodged the strike and slash at her once again with his spear. This time it made contact with her sword, sending jolts of electricity through the metal and into her body. The female Devil could feel the jolts almost tearing her muscles, burning her.

"What's the matter? Can't land a hit?" Ren taunted.

"Bastard!" She snarled at the human. "I'll kill you for that!"

"Yet you haven't."

Siris's anger reached a boiling point. With a raging cry, she swung her zweihander at the Sorcerer, intent on hacking him to pieces for his dismissive manner.

Just as he planned.

The moment the blade was within an inch of striking his neck, it stopped as if held back by an unseen force. "Foolish woman. Didn't I say that you weren't fighting an easy opponent?" At his remark, golden-silver chains revealed themselves to have wrapped around Siris's sword and, by extension, her entire body in a constrictive bondage prison. She couldn't free herself from these chains at all.

"Just what kind of Rook are you?"

"Well, I'm a unique kind of Rook." He gave her a cocky grin… then stabbed her clean in the chest with the golden spear. She coughed out a mouthful of blood before she vanished, being declared 'dead' for the Ratings Game like all the other players that had lost.

"Riser's Knight, retired." Grayfia's voice echoed in the battlefield like one of those video game announcers.

"Hmph, not all that impressive once you eliminate them." Ren remarked, dismissing his weapons and the chains. "Still, had I not summoned Enkidu, she undoubtedbly would have killed me." Akeno had explained to him that the Rook mark made him appear as a member of the Peerage, but he didn't possess the perks of it. Another con with the pros.

Before he took off to find Rias and Asia, his heart froze when he heard Grayfia's announcement. "Rias's Queen, retired. Riser's Queen, retired."

Looking back at the sight in which the two Queens battled, Ren was able to make out two distinct figures falling from a great height only to vanish like all the others.

Akeno lost…?

Shit…

That leaves Issei, Yuuto, Asia, Rias, and himself. Things just went from bad to worse. Without Akeno, their firepower had greatly diminished. While Ren was confident that the use of his current Class Card's Noble Phantasm would allow him to counter any opposing forces, Akeno was their offensive mage and Rias's vanguard. Yuuto wouldn't be able to take on all of Riser's Peerage even with Issei's help. The numbers would greatly overwhelm them.

"Dammit." Ren cursed. At the very least, Akeno's sacrifice would not be in vain. She managed to eliminate Riser's Queen, who would've become a problem for him if left unchecked. Now all they had to worry about were ground-based assaults on their headquarters. Hopefully nothing else gets any worse as it is.

"Rias's Knight, retired."

...And now it just did.

Gremory Headquarters

Using the ORC clubroom had its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage being that it was familiar territory while the disadvantage… was the lack of windows providing a clearer view of the battle.

Rias, who was the epitome of regality when the situation deemed it, was now panicking and prancing around the room with concern written all over her face. "This isn't good. This is not good at all." She exclaimed. She had lost Koneko, Akeno, and Yuuto. Even after all the training they've gone through, they were still defeated. A feeling of dread welled up in her chest. She could already feel her chances of freedom fleeting.

Asia stood a ways from her King, watching the redhead pace frantically. "Um, R-Rias-san?" She squeaked when bluish-green orbs looked at her, silently pleading with her to give her an answer as to why they were losing. "I-I know it looks bleak at the moment but Issei-kun and Sanada-san are still out there."

Yes, her Pawn and temporary Rook. Truthfully, she wished the Sorcerer was a full-time Rook just so she could try and sway him from his anger over Devils. Still, she believes the boy is starting to mellow out around them. At best, he actually seemed to like chatting with them.

"You're right. I need to calm down. We might still have a chance to win this match." Rias smiled appreciatively at her Bishop. "Thank you, Asia-san."

Suddenly, they felt a powerful, encroaching presence making its way to them. Asia, still being a newly resurrected Devil, trembled at the mere pressure of it. "W-what is that?"

Rias frowned. "It's Riser. He's coming this way."

"N-Not good…" Asia was the next to panic.

The redhead inhaled a breath then released it. "I'm going to finish this. Win or lose, I won't back down from Riser's challenge." She made her way to the rooftop of the building with Asia following behind her, worried.

Upon the final steps to the rooftop, the Gremory Heiress and nun found themselves at the very top of the building, the King and Bishop awaiting for their opponent. Rias was going to end this fight. She learned enough from Savior. She will never marry someone like Riser. Not a chance in hell.

Her eyes detected him a few seconds later. The Phenex heir descended from the skies with a light flap of his devil wings, a smug grin on his handsome face. "My dear Rias, as you can see, my Peerage has about won this battle. All you have left are a Rook and a Pawn." His gaze landed on the terrified form of Asia, who cowered behind Rias. "Oh, my mistake. You have a new Bishop as well. No matter. One we're married, the members of your Peerage will belong to me along with that human lover of yours."

Rias frowned, "That will never happen, Riser."

"Oh? And how are you going to back up your words? You've all but lost this game!" Riser cackled, spreading his arms out dramatically. "In fact, I wager that the last of your two offensive pieces should be nearing defeat right about now."

She was concerned about Issei but for Ren was a different story. She's seen what he can do, intimidating she might add.

At that moment, Riser and Rias heard a brief announcement from Grayfia. "Riser's Bishop, Knight, Rook, and Pawns, retired."

"What the…?!" The man exclaimed, surprised that practically all of his Peerage had been defeated. "How? How could a low-class Devil and a damn human defeat my Peerage?!"

"That is because we learn unlike you," Rias used her newly acquired skills she learned from Savior. To focus what is within her own soul. Her true strength.

Riser snarled as his wings began to transform into flames, mimicking those of a legendary phoenix. "Enough games! This is the end for you, my dear."

Ren/Issei

After finding the Pawn having a bit of trouble with Riser's remaining Peerage, Ren assisted his friend by unleashing a storm of weapons upon the women with the power of the Gates of Babylon. The Pawns and the Bishop had been eliminated quite easily. All that remained were the Knight and Rook.

Issei had used that chance to use his Dress Break move again, stripping the girls of their clothing. Ren, thankfully enough, eliminated them before they had to suffer any further humiliation.

"You seriously had to use that again, Issei?"

"It was worth it!"

Ren was so close to kicking his ass for his perverted 'skill'. Just how would a Sacred Gear develop such a thing?

…

Maybe it was what inhabited the Sacred Gear itself. Berserker informed him that Issei said Ddraig while they were training/surviving from the madman. A form of evolution or adaptation perhaps?

Regardless, they had to return to Rias as quickly as possible. "Come on, Issei, we have to save Asia and Rias." He gestured.

"Right! Let's kick that yakitori's ass!" His ally agreed and runs ahead.

"I just have to know where you get your enthusiasm." The Sorcerer sighed before following after the Pawn.

As they neared their little base, they saw Riser along with Rias and Asia.

Ren narrowed his eyes. "Hyoudou, it's time to end this."

Issei nodded, the two determined to stop Riser here and now. Entering the building, they run up the stairs to the rooftops. Once they did, they kicked it open, seeing Asia and Rias facing Riser in a standoff.

"Buchou!" Issei cried out when he saw the redhead, drawing her attention to him and Ren.

"Issei, Ren!"

"So the lowly pawn and human are seeking a death wish too? So be it," Riser said.

Ren frowned. "I would not look so confident, mongrel." He placed his hands into his pants pockets. "As you've undoubtedly heard, we've slaughtered your Peerage."

Riser growled at the reminder but kept his composure. That may be true but he was not one to be underestimated. "If you truly believe you can best me then come!" He presented himself openly, allowing the Pawn and the temporary Rook the first strike.

Issei obliged, charging at the man with a roar. However, his movements and stance were starting to slouch. It was like he had gone through a marathon of fights without rest, food, or water.

Ren realized the problem. Issei's Sacred Gear not only boosted his power but it also drained him of his stamina. Right now, he was going on a suicide run.

"Damn it, Issei," Ren said under his breath. The pervert can be reckless at times.

The moment the Pawn got within striking distance of Riser, he was suddenly backhanded across his cheek, sending him tumbling to the side with a groan.

Ren had already dashed at the Devil, summoning two ripples and removing two spears; one crimson and long, one short and yellow. He struck with the crimson spear first, intent on removing Riser's head.

The Phenex narrowly dodged the attack by a hair but failed to notice the yellow spear. He managed to avoid a severe wound by sidestepping, but the tip had bitten into his side, deep enough to draw blood. He focused his regeneration on the wound, but to his surprise, it would not heal. "What magic is this!?" Riser exclaimed in surprise with a tinge of shock in his tone.

"Funny you should ask," Ren smirked, twirling both spears with the level of a master. "I simply used Gae Buidhe's curse to inflict a wound on you that could never heal." His smirk turned sinister. "Imagine if I were to have cut your neck? Or even stabbed you in the gut?"

The information horrified Riser as did the other members of the Phenex Clan.

"Did you say… Gae Buidhe?" Rias repeated with equal surprise.

"Yes, I did. The name of the short spear wielded by the legendary First Knight of Fianna, Diarmuid of the Love Spot." Ren answered, not even concerned that he was giving out information on the name of the weapon he wielded.

Riser's eyes landed on the crimson spear. "Then that weapon is…" Dread began to well up in his soul.

"The Crimson Rose of Exorcism, Gae Dearg. You will die by its kiss, and as for your abilities? Useless." With that same smirk, he lunged at the frightened man, swinging Gae Dearg to strike first.

Riser evaded but this battle was now on Rias's gain. His abilities won't be of any use against the spears Ren wielded in hand. He would have to rely on his offensive magic to keep him at bay. No matter how good of a fighter the boy is, he was still just a measly human. He unleashed fireball after fireball, intent on keeping the Sorcerer at a distance.

"You wanted us to believe we can best you? You are about to have it, you fried yakitori!" Ren roared, dashing past the fireballs and deflecting a few of them with Gae Dearg. Despite not having a Lancer's speed, the Archer-class made up for it with its own speed boost. A quick burst of mana propelled him towards the fearful visage of Riser Phenex. Gae Buidhe and Gae Dearg poised to pierce his chest.

At that moment, Rias's eyes lit up with hope. A truly, joyous smile appeared on her face as she watched the young Master prepare to end the Phenex heir and free her from her terrible fate…

...If only Fate hadn't been so cruel at that moment.

Just before Ren could pierce his opponent's chest, he felt a terrible pain in his chest. It was like something was pushing its way out through his heart. He cried out in pain, collapsing on his front and holding his aching heart with both hands as the cursed spears he wielded faded back into the Gates of Babylon.

"W-what's… going on!?" Ren struggled to breath as the pain intensified. It felt like someone stuck a dagger in his chest which just continued to expand with a searing heat that threatened to burn him alive.

"Sanada-senpai!" Issei called out, struggling to get up due to his own exhaustion.

Audience Stands

"Master!" Savior called out, slamming his palms on the invisible field that kept the audience from interfering.

"What's happening to him!?" Caster had a hand over her mouth, concern evident on her delicate features.

Lancer focused her eyesight as best as she could on the spasming boy. For a second, she could almost make out a golden figure encompassing his form. "The Heroic Spirit is trying to take over his body! If he doesn't release the Class Card, the sudden merging of their souls will kill him."

This horrified the Servants. The Heroic Spirit of Gilgamesh was trying to take over Ren's body? They had to stop the game to save him!

"But how can we get to Praetor?! This barrier prevents us from entering." Saber pointed out frantically.

"It keeps us out physically," Lancer retorted. "If the boy can use one of his Command Spells to summon us, we can use that chance to forcibly remove the card from his body."

Berserker looked down at his writhing Master. "But he's in so much pain…" He clenched his gauntlets into fists. "How can we help if he's unable to focus?"

Battlefield

Riser, having realized that the human is unable to stand, started to laugh mockingly at the boy. "Oh, how pathetic! Did all of that confidence suddenly burn up into ashes along with your courage? Pitiful!" He stated, stalking towards the prone Sorcerer.

The young man was writhing in agony, the intensity increasing by the minute. He tried his best to bite back any whimpers or tears, but all that would come out were wordless cries as he scratched the asphalt of the rooftop to make the pain stop.

Riser smirked, "This is how humans should be towards their betters." He raised his foot then stomped down on Ren's hand as a sickening crack echoed in the air.

Asia gasped with tears in her eyes, hands covering her mouth in horror. Rias looked at Riser with disgust and rage.

"You bastard!" Issei yelled, forcing himself to stand up as he charged at the high-class Devil with his Boosted Gear poised to cave his skull in. His efforts, while valiant, proved futile when Riser kicked the Pawn right in the gut, forcing the pervert to gag and collapse in a coughing fit.

Ren painfully glanced at Issei's state then at the smug bastard with that stupid grin on his face. He tried to fight through the pain, forcing his broken right hand to try and grasp Riser's leg in a show of defiance.

"You still cling to life?" Riser remarked with his left brow raised. "Heh, I'll give you credit, human. You've got guts." His grin turned cruel. "Allow me to shatter that resolve." With that said, he started stepping on the boy. He aimed for his head, his arms, and his back. Any part of him that he could injure and make the human suffer. This angered the Servants, disgusted to see Riser treat their Master like trash. It was going too far.

Rias's blood boiled. She knew Riser was a bastard at times but this level of cruelty was too much. She's had enough! No more! NO MORE!

"STOP!" She yelled, summoning an Orb of Destruction then sent it right at the man, who continued to beat on the prone Sorcerer. The Phenex failed to notice it due to his beating towards the human. When he did, he was too slow to evade in time. The orb consumed his entire being, shedding cloth then flesh and finally bone until nothing was left but his bloody screams.

After her rage had passed, Rias blinked in surprise. She… actually did it. She won!

But her joy was shattered when the pained cries of the boy that helped her echoed in her ears. Worry took over as she ran to Ren's side, dropping on her knees beside him as she held his head up and placed it on his lap.

His expression was all but twisted with excruciating agony. Sweat rolled down his brow and drenched his raven locks which seemed to be turning from black to golden blonde. His screams were growing louder but hoarsher as well especially when he started holding his chest, clawing at it as if to get something out.

She suddenly remembered how he got those abilities. He embedded something into his body and whatever it was, it was having a bad reaction with his body.

The redhead placed a gentle hand on his cheek, causing him to shudder at the touch as his eyes opened. Even the pupils were slowly starting to change, becoming more reptilian. "Ren, tell me what to do." She asked him softly.

Her voice sounded so pleasing. Like a sweet rhythm of music that would never stop playing. Was he hallucinating? The pain…

"Please…" Rias persisted, concerned for the human boy.

Realizing that she was trying to help him, he weakly pointed to his chest and mouthed two words. Class Card

The Ruin Princess narrowed her eyes then glanced at the human's chest. Did he implant something into his chest? She placed her other hand on the area over Ren's heart, focusing her mana into the Sorcerer's body to searching for any foreign entities.

Her search was like traversing a darkened voice filled with various memories of beings she had no knowledge of until she came upon a glowing light that far exceeded that of any known Devil in the Underworld's history. In fact, it felt… old.

She reached out to this entity, trying to remove it before it continued to hurt the boy. However, it retaliated, forcing her back with a wave of powerful mana that overtook her own.

"Begone, wench! This boy is my new vessel!" A cocky, arrogant male voice echoed within her mind.

She couldn't retreat from this. She had to save her friend from the agonizing pain. And hearing this voice, she realizes the card held a spirit of sorts if it considers Ren a new vessel.

"Hmm? You would persist? Interesting," The voice almost seemed amused at her attempts to free Ren. "Mongrel, what is your name?"

"Rias Gremory."

"Why do you keep me from using this child as my vessel?" The voice questioned. "Has he not openly displayed his disgust with you and those like you? If anything, wouldn't you rather enjoy the boy suffering from his pain?" She could almost feel the smug grin on the individual's unseen face. It felt unsettling to her.

She remembered how much hate Ren had towards the Devils. Yet, he was here with them, wanting to help her. If he did hate Devils, why would he help them fight Riser? He could have just left them but chose to stay and fight for them. He had explained before that it was because of his moral compass, but… maybe along the lines he was starting to see past all of bad that's happened to him because of her species and started seeing the good in them.

"You're wrong." Rias stated.

"What?" The voice seemed… confused?

"He doesn't hate me. He doesn't hate my Peerage either. If he did hate us, he would have left us and yet he chose to stay. He may have his moral compass but he was seeing the good in us Devils rather than continuous hatred. That's why I could never hate him. He helped my Pawn, he helped my Peerage, and now he's helping me." Rias's expression turned serious. "That's why I won't back down! I won't let you take him away when he was just starting to become our friend!"

The voice had grown silent for a few seconds before laughing quite loudly. Once it subsided, the entity seemed to be genuinely impressed. "Well, mongrel, you're not the feeble worm I thought you were. It would seem the boy has a chance to further amuse me in my garden of treasures." A pair of unseen eyes seemed to be staring at her. "Rias Gremory, I shall relinquish my hold on the child. However, make no mistake, when another opportunity presents itself to me, I will take it. And once I do, you will be the first that I shall claim as my new concubine as I continue my rule over this world."

Finding herself back in reality, she felt something in her grasp. Looking at her hand, there was a unique card in her grip. It was a golden color with the image of an archer holding a bow and arrow. So this was what Ren used to acquire such amazing abilities… It was almost tempting to use…

She shook her head, ridding herself of such thoughts. Instead, she focused on the boy's health. His breathing seemed to have returned to normal and he wasn't spasming in pain. In fact, Ren almost looked like he was asleep.

Issei and Asia had gathered around the unconscious boy and their King, wondering just what had happened until something unexpected happened…

"You ingrates!" A familiar, aristocratic voice echoed, enveloping the area in an unpleasant dread. Slowly the conscious trio looked back to see an irate Riser Phenex, who seemed uninjured from his apparent destruction from Rias's attack. "Have you forgotten that my family is known as the Phenex Clan! We are practically immortal!"

"B-but how…?" Rias tried to question, wondering how Riser was able to survive.

"Phoenix Tears. Quite useful when in a Ratings Game." The man smirked as fire enshrouded his form. "Now hand the boy over so I can burn him to a fine crisp."

Issei snarled at the Devil, standing up on his feet and readying his Boosted Gear. "If you wanna get to Sanada-senpai then you'll have to go through me!" He challenged.

"As you wish." Without a second thought, he attacked Issei, pummeling the Pawn into the ground with unrestrained ferocity. Since Issei was still weakened from overusing the [Boost] ability from his Sacred Gear, he could not stand up to Riser's full wrath. Already he received burns on his clothes, bruises on his body, and cuts on his face. The boy looked close to a beaten meat puppet than a boisterous pervert with a kickass gauntlet. "You honestly think you can best me? You are nothing but a mere Pawn, a lower Devil. What makes you think you can win?"

"I…" Issei grunts, holding his aching ribs. "Have to win… For Buchou's sake… I will fight for her sake! I may not be like the others, but I will be the strongest Pawn!" The gem on the gauntlet glowed with power.

"Issei!" Rias interrupted her Pawn. "Just… just stop it."

"But Buchou! I won't let this yakitori hurt Sanada-senpai!"

"I said, that's enough." The redhead ordered. "It's over. I can't stand to see anymore of my friends being hurt like this." She glared at Riser with anger. "I… resign from the game."

"Then that means it's my victory." Riser smirked.

"But I beg of you," She looked down at the unconscious Sorcerer on her lap. "Just leave this boy out of the deal and I'll marry you."

"And why should I do that?" The man frowned.

"Because he isn't a Devil. There's no need to bring a human to the Underworld." Rias reasoned. "He doesn't deserve this."

The Phenex glanced at the unconscious human who dared harm him with the spear. He was given a deal to spare the human's life too. Overall, he didn't really need a pathetic human. All he wanted was his trophy wife.

"Very well." He agreed to the offer.

"Rias Gremory resigns, the victory goes to Riser Phenex." Grayfia's voice echoed around the area.

At that very moment, the Servants realized that their Master had experienced something that they'd never thought would happen… defeat.

A/N: That's the end of the chapter.

Some of you are probably wondering why they suddenly lost when Ren could've easily curbstomped all of them. Simple, he wanted to gauge on the Devils' progress. All of their training would've been useless if he just defeated all of Riser's Peerage by himself. As for why Gilgamesh suddenly tried to take over his body is because… he's Gilgamesh. He's done things that were considered impossible.

Anyways, next chapter will be the whole wedding crashing scene.

Review and comment on this chapter, if there are any problems then inform me in the review box. Please refrain from using flames and harsh criticisms, I have a low tolerance for those.

Peace out, everyone!