Hey, UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of A Simple Mission Rebirth, where the last chapter of this arc will be everyone getting drunk! Yeah. I don't really know what to talk about without getting into my personal life other than I need to play the games I just bought a few weeks ago so… let's just head on over to the reviews. To Ultimate Kuuga: I said this before; Team RWBY will not be in Issei's harem. Canon pairings and shit, plus I have seen way too many fics that have Team RWBY in a harem or falling in love with characters they logically shouldn't be. Like Jaune. God, he's like the perfect FanFiction harem protagonist like Naruto. Underdog? Check. Weak at first? Check. Kind of an idiot? Check. Back story that can easily be changed? Check… though it can apply to anyone but you get the picture. It can be done well, but more often than not it comes off as kinda unimaginative. To Dragon Rider 66: …Yeah, making modifications would've been smarter… but that would mean Ruby wouldn't be able to dual wield Scy-ifles. And to AsunaYuuki88: Thanks! But, I could always be better and I'm sure my beta can always improve too. Anyway, that's it! Let the Games… begin!
Load Game… Start!
Chapter 16: A Simple Rating Game 1
Ruby and her peerage arrived at the ORC clubroom at 11:00pm, only one hour until they faced Raiser. As the time grew near, everyone in the room was starting to feel a little anxious even though they didn't visibly show that they were. Ruby was mentally psyching herself up as she sharpened her new scythe, Weiss was practicing the spells she learned from Akeno as said Queen watched from her seat as she drank tea with Rias. Blake was reading a book next to Koneko, Yang was punching the air, Kiba was putting on his armour as securely as he could, Penny was quickly doing some maintenance on herself to make sure she was 100% combat ready, and Pancakes was making more tea under Ruby's orders to have something to calm her nerves. Issei and Asia had yet to arrive, leaving Ruby with her thoughts and imagination.
It really hit Ruby then that she was risking so much for someone else, and second thoughts were starting to plague her mind. She tried to shake them off but they just kept coming back. Images of her being executed while her own and Rias' peerage watched. Hell, there even parts where she was forced to use Crescent Rose on herself. Her heart rate became faster as she shiver ran down her spine. Ruby let her hands flare a bit of her Power of Suffering before shutting it off.
"You can do this." She whispered to herself. "You are a Huntress. You are a King."
She kept repeating to herself those three phrases quietly until Issei and Asia arrived half an hour later. Now that she noticed, all of Rias' peerage was wearing their school uniforms, except Asia who wore her nun clothes and carrying the new shield on her back that Ruby personally created for her.
The shield was based on something called the "Hylian Shield" from some video game Issei told her about. Ruby just took the basic shape, made it a little bigger to cover Asia's back, making sure she could still carry it, and changed the design on the front of the shield to be light blue with an upside-down golden cross with small white stars on the sides, then painted the backside pure white. It was perfect for the pacifistic former nun, able to adequately protect her from most damage. Hopefully.
Now that she thought about it, maybe they should've added armour to their combat outfits. It was too late now but it left food for thought.
Both Issei and Asia didn't say a word as they sat next to Ruby and started waiting, the only sound in the room was the clock ticking and Yang almost putting holes into the wall. As the minutes flew by, it only made Ruby more nervous. She thought about everything leading up to this moment, and while she was confident in her peerage, the term Immortal was drifting around in her head. Was it really going to be enough? Raiser had strength in numbers, his entire peerage probably having tons of combat experience far beyond Ruby could imagine and were fiercely loyal to him. Compared to her and Rias' peerages, with fewer players and less combat experience in comparison. This wasn't the same as fighting monsters and crooks.
To Ruby, it felt like they were about to fight a god.
"Is everyone ready? It's ten minutes before the match." Grayfia said, causing Ruby to jump. She was so trapped within her thoughts she hadn't noticed when the Strongest Queen appeared in the middle of the room. The room stood, determined expressions on their faces masking their true feelings.
"Been waiting all day." Yang said with a cocky smile as she cracked her knuckles. "Been craving fried chicken lately." It was both a pun and an actual craving Yang had been having. Though, she didn't know why, final meal cravings?
"Is everyone here then?" Grayfia asked, wanting confirmation.
"Yes. Mine and Ruby's peerages are here." Rias replied almost automatically. Taking one last look around, she nodded and started informing them of their instructions.
"When it becomes the time to start the battle, you will be teleported to the battlefield through this Summoning Circle. The location of the arena is in a different dimension used for combat. You may fight with all your power. It's disposable, so feel free to… Cut loose, as it were." Grayfia said.
'We can go all out then.' Ruby thought, already reviewing the various strategies she and Rias came up with in her head. She learned very quickly during their full-peerage spars and training sessions that Devils tend to cause a lot of destruction regardless of how careful they wanted to be. Even Weiss somehow managed to obliterate a few trees while trying to fight Kiba.
"Hey, Buchou?" Issei spoke up.
"Yes?" Rias said, turning to her only Pawn.
"We have another Bishop, right?" Issei pointed out, remembering Rias mentioning about one back during the Asia Rescue Mission. "Where is that person? We could probably use this guy or girl right now."
"Yeah, you told me afterwards that this person is on a mission or something, but we really need to bolster our numbers a little to try and match Raiser's peerage." Ruby said. Rias, Akeno, Kiba and even Koneko began to fidget nervously, causing Ruby's peerage and Issei to look on in confusion as the atmosphere started to change from tense to uncomfortable.
"Uh… Unfortunately, my other Bishop can't participate. Anyway, we already have, like, three Bishops so another one would be overkill." Rias explained as quickly as she could, not wanting to dwell on the subject."
"But we coul-" Weiss started before being interrupted.
"Though there will be a time when I will talk about that in the near future." Rias stated calmly.
"What is it ab-" Asia started before also getting interrupted.
"It is for the future."
"But Buchou-"
"For the future."
"Ple-"
"FUTURE!" Rias yelled out, which shut down any further questions. The RWBYs and Issei wont let the secret slide so easily, they will find out who the mysterious Bishop is and why this person wouldn't show up for something so important… or why Rias, or anyone else who knew about them, wouldn't talk about it.
"Anyway…" Grayfia said, clearing her throat and ignoring the uncomfortable atmosphere. "This Rating Game battle will also be viewed by members of both households from a different location through broadcast."
"Wait, so you mean Rias' family's gonna watch us?" Yang asked.
"As well as the Pheonix Clan." Grayfia replied. "Maou Lucifer-sama will also be viewing this battle. Please do not forget about it."
"Maou… Lucifer…?" Ruby muttered to herself. She still didn't understand what a 'Maou' is. And like hell she understood all the shocked faces in the room.
"Maou!? Maou-sama!?" Issei exclaimed, wondering why a Maou was watching what essentially is a exhibition match.
"Onii-sama is?" Rias said with a sigh. "…I see, so Onii-sama is also going to view this battle." This only further confused Ruby and Issei, thought for completely different reasons.
"U-Umm, Buchou, you just called Maou-sama Onii-sama…? Did I hear wrong?" Issei nervously asked, though there was a good chance that he did hear right.
"No, Buchou's brother is indeed the Maou-sama." Kiba spoke up in a tone that basically said that it was common knowledge among everyone. Well, other than Issei and Ruby.
"…What?" Ruby said flatly, still confused.
"Ruby? You didn't know?" Weiss asked, genuinely surprised. Rias told everyone that during their study sessions. Though, now that she thought about it she didn't remember Ruby being at the library much…
"M-Maoooooou!? Buchou's Onii-sama is Maou-sama!?" Issei shouted out as he started to freak out only to be slapped in the face by Yang. "Ow! Thanks."
"You are welcome." Yang said with a curtsey.
"Um… I'm still confused!" Ruby called out, raising her hand into the air. "What's a Maou?"
"Wh-Wait, didn't I teach you about that?" Rias asked. She swore she put it upon herself to teach the newer Devils about things they really should know about Devils. Hell, she even managed to teach Pancakes and she was a basically a brick wall with the intelligence of said bricks.
"I was busy making everyone weapons and strategies and training and stuff!" Ruby cried out, her silver eyes glistening and looking like she was caught stealing cookies from the cookie jar. A face Rias was very familiar with during their stay at the mansion. Rias couldn't help but face palm. She knew she was forgetting something during those ten days.
"King Ruby, would you like me to give you a summary of what we learned?" Penny asked.
"Uh… not really." Ruby admitted. "I don't think it will be that important."
"Do we have time?" Rias asked Grayfia, who only nodded. "Don't worry Penny-san, I got this. Yang, our greatest enemy. The Angels led by God. What is the name given to the highest rank Angels? Also the ones among them?"
"Ummm, Seraphim!" Yang answered. "The members are... Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and... er… Uriel?"
"Correct. What are the names of the 'Yondai Maou-sama', Issei-kun?"
"Lucifer-sama, Beelzebub-sama, Asmodeus-sama and the female Maou-sama Leviathan-sama!" Issei quickly answered with a proud smile on his face.
"Nice. Now say the names of the leaders of the Fallen Angels that you know, Pancakes." Rias ordered.
"The main group of the Fallen Angel is called 'Grigori'. The name of the Governor is 'Azazel' and the name of the Vice-governor is 'Shemhaza'. And the names of the leaders are Armaros, Barakiel, Tamiel, Benemue, Kokabiel and Shariel." Pancakes answered in her usual flat and emotionless tone.
"You've all been paying attention." Rias said with a smile, honestly impressed by Issei's knowledge now before turning to Ruby. "I don't have to remind you how knowledge, even tiny bits of information, is important so please come next time. By the way, Maou means the Devil or the Devil King. And Issei here just recited the Yondai Maou, otherwise known as the Four Great Satans or the rulers of the Underworld, from memory."
"Okay! Okay! I get it. You don't have to rub it in…" Ruby grumbled to herself.
"By the way…" Issei said as he looked at the club president.
"Are you confused because Buchou's family name is different to the names of Maou-samas'?" Kiba guessed. Issei couldn't help but be bummed out about Kiba guessing his question correctly.
"Yeah, that's it." Issei said in defeat.
"In the previous Great War, the Maou-samas were in a critical condition, and had passed away a long time ago. But there would be no Devils if there aren't any Maou-samas." Kiba explained.
"That's why the Devils decided to keep the names of the Maous and let it be inherited to the ones with enormous powers." Blake continued, having read this in one of the books from the library in the mansion. "So the current Four Great Maous are the Ultimate-class Devils that are the successors of the first generation Maous that has inherited their names."
"So names like Lucifer and Beelzebub, they're more like manager positions, job titles?" Ruby guessed.
"Yes. But to tell you the truth, out of the three factions of the God, the Fallen Angels and the Devils, the Devils have the least power." Akeno replied. "We are actually in quite a tight spot, but we are still safe because the current Maou-samas have a power equal to their predecessors."
"So Buchou's brother was chosen to be a Maou from the Ultimate-class Devils then?" Issei asked. Kiba nodded.
"Sirzechs Lucifer—also known as the Crimson Satan." Kiba stated. "He is Buchou's brother and the most powerful Maou-sama."
"So, he isn't considered a real Gremory anymore then…" Blake guessed.
"…And that's why Buchou needs to inherit her household." Issei muttered, little bit of bitterness entering his tone.
"Well then, let's give these guys a show." Ruby said with a smirk.
"It's time. Everyone, please step into the Summoning Circle." Grayfia urged the combined peerages. One by one, the group set foot into the Summoning Circle without a second thought, though they had to squeeze together for everyone to fit in. "Also, once you get transported, you cannot use Summoning Circles until the Game ends."
"Wait, what!?" Weiss exclaimed as the RWBYs' eyes widened as the Summoning Circle changed symbols from the Gremory-clan symbol to one used specifically for Rating Games started. The light emitting for it was growing brighter every second. "Does that me-"
And before Weiss could finish her sentence, the light engulfed them and transported them to their arena.
"The Rating Games…" Grayfia mumbled to herself, standing in the now empty room. She hoped whatever happens… it would be for the better. "…has begun."
(Rating Games Arena)
"-an my…" Weiss trailed off as everyone else stepped out of the now-useless Summoning Circle, taking a quick observation of their surroundings. "Um… what the…"
"Isn't this the clubroom…?" Ruby thought out loud, looking really confused. "Did something go wrong?"
"My scanners are indicating that Queen Grayfia is not in the area." Penny reported. "Strange."
"Hey… you don't think…" Issei started to speak up, only for a voice to interrupt him.
[Hello everyone.] Grayfia's voice came out of the intercom, the quality of the sound doing nothing to deteriorate her serious and somewhat scary-to-some tone in her voice. [I am Grayfia, a maid from the House of Gremory and today I will be the arbiter of the Rating Game. This Game will be the combined forces of House of Gremory and Team Nokori against the House of Phoenix. Please note and remember that the House of Gremory has been given a handicap: Should Rias-sama or Ruby-sama fall or forfeit, the House of Pheonix will win.]
"Team… Nokori?" Ruby repeated as she looked at Rias. She was wondering why there were some words and phrases she couldn't translate despite a Devil's ability to communicate with all languages.
"Team Remnant." Rias translated. "You aren't an actual house, part of an important family, or even officially recognized as a King yet. This is a compromise."
"Well, at least we're representing our home town." Yang said. "Or… home planet in this case." She looked at Weiss, Blake and Penny. "Remnant is a different planet right?" They only shrugged in response.
[In the name of my Master, Sirzechs Lucifer, I will be keeping my eye on this match.] Grayfia continued announcing. [By using both Rias-sama and Raiser-sama's opinion, we created this battlefield which is a replica of the school, Kuoh Academy, which Rias-sama attends to in the human world.]
"A replica, huh?" Blake mumbled to herself as she studied every detail of the room. She literally couldn't tell the difference. Though, the sky being completely white was a dead giveaway meant that it wasn't the same clubroom she was familiar with. "And they say they're the weakest…?"
[The location where both teams were transported will be their base.] Grayfia announced. [Rias-sama and Ruby-sama's base would be the Occult Research Cub's clubroom located in the old school building. Raiser-sama's base would be the Student Council's room located in the new building. For the Pawns to use "Promotion", please head to the enemy's base to do so.]
"So Issei and Pancakes can only promote in the school." Ruby said, already picking out a decent enough strategy. "You guys got that?"
"Yes, Mistress." Pancakes replied with a bow.
"Of course." Issei said. He forgot Yu-Ray-Pancakes was still here. She was so damn quiet and her face just made Issei really uncomfortable to be around her.
"Everyone, will you all please put this transceiver in your ears." Rias said as Akeno passed out the transceivers to everyone in the room while the Crimson Ruin Princess herself put on her own earpiece. "At the battlefield, we will be using this to communicate with each other."
"Nice." Ruby said as she put her one on. 'I can command Pancakes even without me being with her physically. Maybe I should keep this thing after this is over…' Ruby thought, a devious smirk on her face as she covered her ears with her hair. No point in letting their enemies know what she's using to communicate with everyone else.
"What's the frequency?" Penny asked as Akeno gave her an earpiece.
"140.15." Akeno answered. "Wait, why?"
"Well, looks like I will not need this then!" Penny cheerfully said as she threw away the earpiece, rolled up her right sleeve, opened up a hidden hatch and tinkered around a little before shutting it and pressing her left earlobe. "Testing... testing… one, two, three. One, two, three."
"That was kinda obvious in hindsight." Rias admitted; making sure her transceiver was loud and clear as Koneko promptly smashed Penny's earpiece into bits.
"Just don't scream into the microphone, people." Weiss said, also testing out her own transceiver. "I'd rather be dead than deaf."
"We are literally standing not even two feet away from each other." Blake deadpanned at their method of communication at the moment.
"What was that, Blake? I didn't quite catch that; you may want to say 'over' after you're done talking. Over." Yang joked as Blake just sighed at her partner's immaturity.
"Issei-san… Ruby-san… do I really have to say 'over' every time I use this… thingy? O-Over." Asia asked cutely.
"I don't think that's necessary Asia-san." Issei said. "But if you're ever in danger, don't hesitate to call for any of us got it? We'll be there as soon as we can no matter what." Feeling the weight of her shield on her back, Asia nodded and hoped she could be useful in the Rating Game.
[Now it's the time for the commencement of the battle.] Grayfia's voice rang out. [Also, this match will continue till dawn in human time. So, the Game starts now!] And with that announcement, the school bell rang, officially starting the Rating Game.
"Looks like class is in session." Yang punned, causing Blake to groan.
"Aw… don't be like that, Blake." Rias said. "Besides, what's a more appropriate place to teach Raiser a lesson than to be here at school?"
"And what lesson is that, exactly?" Weiss asked. Rias smirked while Akeno couldn't help but giggle, knowing the answer already.
"Don't fuck with Rias Gremory."
(Several minutes later…)
"Alright, first off we have to take care of all of Raiser's Pawns!" Ruby loudly declared, the only one standing up to slam her hands onto the table. It also allowed Issei to take a quick peek at his friend's panties, though he stopped when he saw Yang. Everyone had taken a seat and were drinking tea, which Akeno and Pancakes provided.
'We're in the middle of a match, you know…?' Issei thought as he sipped some more tea.
"If we allow Raiser's Pawns to promote, surely they'll promote to Queens, and then we'll have a real problem." Rias said calmly.
"B-Buchou, you seem pretty calm…" Issei noted. He was feeling a little paranoid. At anytime Raiser's peerage could attack and utterly destroy them before they even take one step outside the building.
"Issei, the battle just started." Rias explained. "The Rating Game is originally a game that doesn't finish in a short time. There are times when it becomes a blitz, but mostly it's a game that takes very long. Just like the actual chess game."
"Then why don't we just rush 'em right now?" Yang suggested. "Take 'em by surprise while they're still planning?"
"Yang, that's suicide." Weiss pointed out. "Brute force alone won't win the fight and we might be hurting each other more than hurting the enemy. If we do that, it's all or nothing. Seriously, Yang, have you not played a single game of chess? We weaken the enemy's forces first before we go after the King. Cutting off supplies, or in this case, eliminating his numbers advantage."
"That sounds like a common military strategy." Penny spoke up. "I assume you know that thanks to living in Atlas?"
"Eh, you pick up a thing or two." Weiss replied.
"Anyway, the Rating Game has meaning only if you use the battlefield to the fullest." Rias continued. "Usually the base would be a fortress, a castle or even a tower. There are forests and rivers between the two bases and we battle using those areas. This time the school is our stage."
"By the way, nice selection for our battlefield." Ruby admitted. "We have a home field advantage so we should know the school better than they do?"
"Isn't that cheating though?" Issei pointed out. "It's not like a sports stadium where the fields are practically the same."
"Why are you complaining?" Yang asked.
"I'm not, just pointing out something." Issei quickly replied.
"Issei, do I have to remind you? We're Devils; we don't have to play completely fair." Rias said with a smirk before looking at Kiba. "Yuuto." Kiba nodded and pulled out the blueprints of the school and spread it out on the table. Ruby and Issei quickly noticed that there was a grid overlay on it, almost like a chessboard. Rias pulled out a red pen and drew circles around the old school building and the main school building. "There's a forest near our base. It's safe to assume that this is also our territory. In other words the new school building would be Raiser's territory. It's quite possible that there will be an ambush when you enter their territory. The school field is visible from the new school building, so it's dangerous to pass through here."
"Plus, we can't all fly over there so we have to head to Raiser's territory by foot." Blake spoke up, letting her wings out for a few seconds.
"And assuming my Teleport glyphs are useless here, we can't just teleport into the building." Weiss said. "Are there any other ways into the main school? Otherwise we may as well forfeit if we go through sports grounds."
"Ugh, no matter what, Raiser's going to place some of his pieces on the damn sports grounds." Ruby muttered. "Most likely Knights and Pawns, maybe a Rook to play defense. Either way, he'll have control of the entire field. And while we could split up, I can't see any alternate paths we can take directly to the new school building. Plus, I'm not too confident in splitting up anyway."
"How about the gym near the old school building?" Kiba suggested. "Shouldn't we occupy that location first? If we capture it here then we will have a route to the new school building. The gym is a passage to both of the buildings so we could also restrain the enemy's movements."
"Yes, I also have the same opinion." Rias said with a nod. "First we will capture the gym. In terms of location, the opponent may have his Rook positioned there."
"Since it's indoors, powerhouses would definitely shine there over faster opponents. Less space equals more damage." Ruby muttered. "So it would be best for our Rooks to take over the gym. Yang, Koneko, you think you can do that?"
"Don't worry, we'll do it in a flash." Yang said as Koneko nodded in response.
"But first, we need to make sure our base is safe." Rias said. "Yuuto and Koneko, you two set traps in the forest. Take another map with you and make sure you mark the places where you set the traps in. I will make a copy afterwards and hand it to everyone. The last thing we want is to fall to our own devices."
"Yes, Buchou." Kiba said with a salute.
"…Rodger." Koneko replied quietly as Rias' Knight and Rook left the room.
"Blake, Pancakes, scout out the gym and tell us if we're expecting company." Ruby ordered. "Don't even leave behind a shadow. You're gonna be our scouting team until I say to join the fight."
"You got it, Ruby." Blake said as she vanished.
"As you wish Mistress." Pancakes responded with a bow before opening a window and jumping out, her black wings allowing her to take to the skies.
"I will go as well." Penny said as she started walking out the room. "I can use my sensors just in case of illusions."
"Thanks Penny." Ruby said, feeling confident in this plan.
"Alright, after Yuuto and Koneko can you cast illusions and mists around the forest and the sky?" Rias asked her Queen. "A trap for Raiser's group. That's how the match will start, though it seems like this battle will become intense midway through it. So, I'll leave the issue regarding the mists and the illusions to you, Akeno."
"I'll go with her." Weiss spoke up. "I know a few glyphs that might help, and will allow me to safely test if my Teleportation glyphs are disabled."
"Then we'll get on that as soon as we can, Buchou." Akeno said.
"U-Umm, Buchou? What am I supposed to do?" Issei nervously asked.
"Well, we're gonna need an assault team and other than Pancakes, you're the only Pawn." Ruby answered. "Yang, you and I are gonna be in it definitely."
"Wait, you're gonna be in the assault team!?" Yang exclaimed. "Ruby, if you go down, we all lose."
"I know but I'm not that much of a commander." Ruby admitted. "I'm more of a field team leader."
"Ruby, are you sure?" Rias asked with a frown on her face. "If it comes down to it, it'll just me and you against Raiser. If you're too weak to fight we'll surely lose. You'll die." There was a silence as everyone in the room was reminded of the stakes.
"…Trust me, Prez." Ruby said softly. "I won't lose that easily." Rias clenched her hands into fists before relaxing. She could let what happened bother her, or else she would endanger hers and Ruby's peerages. She needed to focus.
"Alright, but when I say run you run as fast as you can." Rias said with a sigh of defeat.
"Okay…" Ruby said with a nod. More than likely she wouldn't, but if it got Rias off her back… "Anyway, we only have roughly 6 or 7 hours until dawn. So everyone prepare for the long haul." Ruby announced. "Now, do we have any snacks?"
(Some time later…)
"Scouting Team, report in." Ruby said as the combined peerage of the Gremorys and Roses walked out of the clubroom. "What do you know?"
"Ruby, I see two people in the gym right now." Blake reported in. "A pair of twins. Don't know what Evil Piece they are but they are wielding chainsaws."
"I can confirm with Knight Blake." Penny spoke up. "Be careful, Friend Ruby."
"Thanks. Get out of the area now and start scouting out the main school building." Ruby said, letting out a breath of relief. "Pancakes, what can you see from your view?"
"Nothing yet, Mistress." Pancakes said.
"Okay, just keep yourself in the air and keep me posted." Ruby ordered. "If there's anyone coming to my location, do not hesitate to inform me."
"Of course, Ruby-sama." Pancakes said before cutting off her connection.
"Alright!" Issei shouted out as soon as they went outside.
"Huh, and I thought you were nervous earlier." Yang noted.
"Buchou released a little bit of my seal on me." Issei explained. "My body couldn't handle my Sacred Gear at first, but now I can tap into a little bit more of its power thanks to all that training!"
"That's great!" Ruby said. "You think we can pull it off?"
"I don't think so. Buchou said I'm still lacking in areas." Issei admitted. "But I'm ready to kick ass and take names! That should enough." Rias couldn't help but giggle at her only Pawn's antics.
"Hey Ruby, what did your scouts say?" Rias asked.
"They said there are already people at the gym." Ruby answered. "Two people with chainsaws."
"Eh, nothing we can't handle." Yang said as she cracked her knuckles.
"That's easy for you to say." Weiss grumbled over the transceiver. She was still out in the forest, telling Akeno to go ahead and promising to meet up later for some reason. "By the way, you left your mic on. Switch it from toggle."
"Oh, sorry." Yang apologized before switching settings on her transceiver.
"King Ruby, it seems we have forgotten something." Penny spoke up. "Did we not synch up our Aura levels with our mobile devices?"
"Already took care of that on the way to school." Ruby said as pulled out her phone and checked the status and Aura levels of her teammates and Penny. As expected, everyone was at 100%.
"Okay people, enough talk." Rias said, getting everyone's attention. "Looks like you won't be able to avoid the battle once you get into the gym. Move accordingly like we discussed. That location will be an important place to our plans."
"Yes, ma'am!" Issei, Yang and Ruby called out while Koneko nodded quietly.
"Then I will be going as well." Kiba said, approaching them from behind with his swords on his hips.
"Yuuto, move accordingly like we discussed." Rias stated.
"Roger that." Kiba replied with a bow.
"Don't you think this is overkill?" Yang asked. "5 against 2 should tilt the odds to our favour."
"With Ruby going with you guys, I'm not taking any chances." Rias explained. "More likely than not, they will target Ruby first to end the Games as quick as possible. Actually, now that I think about it we could always use Ruby as bait…"
"Hey!" Ruby exclaimed indigently.
"Sorry, just a thought that came to me just now. Anyway, back to our plan. Asia will be on standby with me. But we will be going after we get a signal from Issei and the others. You cannot be taken down. It will be over if we lose our healer." Rias continued.
"Y-Yes!" Asia replied energetically despite her nervousness.
"I really need someone to learn how to heal my peerage now that I think about it…" Ruby muttered to herself, wondering who would play the healer just in case they went back to Remnant. 'If we go back to Remnant.' Ruby mentally added.
"Akeno, Weiss, I trust you to move when you two think it's the right time." Rias said.
"Yes, Buchou." Akeno said with a bow.
"You can count on us." Weiss replied. "I'll meet up with Akeno soon. I just need to do something first. It shouldn't take me more than a few minutes."
"Okay. We're relying on you both so give it your all. Every second counts so you better hurry." Ruby said as the magic users nodded.
"Now then, everyone. Are you ready? We can't turn back now. Our enemy is Raiser, who is said to be a genius from the immortal House of the Phoenix with a promising career. Now then! Let's go and blow them away!" Rias called out, determination in her voice. "Show him he's not invincible! That he can bleed."
"...Half of that was not encouraging." Blake deadpanned. "At all."
"Wait, did you just say immortal!?" Weiss cried out, panic in her tone.
"Just say yes." Rias said with a sigh.
"YES!" They all shouted, some rather hesitantly.
"Let's go, Team RIAKKA-RWBYPP!" Ruby shouted out, pumping her fist into the air before slumping down as everyone just stared at her with unimpressed expressions on their faces. "…Hell, even I know that's horrible. What kind for name can make up with an alphabet soup like that!?" (hint hint)
"Ruby, the Rating Game." Weiss kindly reminded her leader and King in a flat tone.
"Oh, right." Ruby said, feeling a little embarrassed. "Everyone! Let's do our best!"
"Right!" Everyone called out before everyone there headed out to do their tasks leaving behind Ruby, Issei, Koneko and Kiba.
"Alright, we have to take the gym from Raiser! Let's hurry!" Issei declared. With a series of confident nods, they ran towards their destination.
"Kiba, I think it's time!" Ruby shouted out after running a fair distance. They had a plan that involved the Prince of Kuoh to split off from the main group.
"We're counting on you, Yuuto!" Yang said.
"Then I will be waiting for you ahead!" Kiba called out before increasing his pace, out-running the Rooks, Ruby and Issei. Ruby could've caught up easily, but that would mean she would leave her bodyguards behind.
"Yeah, you just do that!" Issei replied. Kiba just waved good-bye before running faster than they could see. "I can see the gym!"
"…Quiet down." Koneko quietly scolded the Pawn.
"You said there were two people in there with chainsaws, right?" Yang asked her King.
"Yep." Ruby confirmed. "Pair of twins by our scouting team's report. You think you can take 'em?"
"Look at who you're talking to." Yang replied, her eye flashing red. "I've been wanting to fight for a while, Ruby. I think I'm getting out of practice."
"You'll get your practice now, because we're here." Ruby said, causing everyone to stop in front of the gym. "Pancakes, you have visuals on us and the area around?"
"Yes, Mistress, I can see you and the area around." Pancakes reported in.
"Nice. Now…" Ruby said as she pulled out Crescent Rose, not wanting to use Death Rose just yet as, holding back her trump card. "Let's start this off with a bang."
And with that, they walked towards the gym, ready for the fight of their lives.
To fight for their lives...
Save Game… Quit!
Whew! Done! Oh, and congratulations to Michael and Lindsay Jones and welcome to the world Iris Elise Jones. When you grow up, I hope you realize your father made a bunch of dead baby jokes about you... and the fact that he announced your existence on a live stream… and his nickname is "Rage Quit"… and your mother's voice is usually what plays in people's heads when they read about a Little Red Riding Hood Reaper getting fucked… and she compared you to fruit and vegetables.
But hey! You're more famous than a majority of children at only a couple hours old! And the Fuck Hat!
UknownHero signing off, my friends!