Must write as many chapters as I can before school starts. Hey, UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of A Simple Mission Rebirth! I'm actually quite glad I got a more positive reaction from Ruby's forfeit than I thought, though it's mostly because the many negative reviews I got from the previous version of this story still haunt me to this day and makes me really nervous when I do… practically anything with this fic. But now's a good time to move on from that.
Especially since there are a bunch more twists coming up in future chapters, with one that's either going to be fun or not worth it depending on the length of it.
Anyway, the reviews and its various questions! To DarkPirateKing69 and Panic Reader: I actually explained that Remnant and Earth are not on the same planet. It's World of Remnant Reborn. Okay, I have to admit, saying that a "series of continents" was pretty bad, I really should fix that (promised myself a bunch of times that over the years). But that was kind of a leftover from IBLS Chronicles, which I hope to rewrite to be much better. To merendinoemiliano: Well, looking back on it now, yeah he was kinda OP but that would mean I wouldn't be able to pull off the ending to that chapter. I just kinda thought that Raiser's healing would outpace the damage they could deal. And for the Asia thing (which extends to Issei): Well, while they are very much Rias' Pieces, Rias can loan them to Ruby anytime either of them want to and only Ruby. Erm, should've figured that out sooner and it was kinda dumb. Probably should ignore it. To Ultimate Kuuga: Yeah, the name "UknownHero" is becoming less and less relevant the longer I'm on this site… To Unbreakable Dark Yuri Eberwein: Actually, it's pretty obvious to everyone that the DxD cast are going to Remnant so uh… Kinda had it unintentionally taken care of. To CrimsonSylvan: Yeah, well after killing RWBY and the numerous reviews concerning it, it sort of makes you hesitate. Also, I actually encourage open communicated between the audience and the author. I just write the ending part to congratulate myself on a chapter done. I don't plan on lying and if I do, and it's usually for what I feel is the betterment of the plot, I'll always admit the truth afterwards.
Okay, that's it! Are we good? Sweet! Now for the beginning of the end because we're in the final stretch of this arc! So, sit tight, my friends because it's gonna be a wild ride!
Load Game… Start!
Chapter 20: A Simple Engagement
"Issei…" Ruby whispered out as she looked at the sleeping Boosted Gear wielder, peacefully in his bed. She hadn't been able to see for the past two days because, well, she was busy. And all this time he was unconscious, completely unaware of the girl standing over him or the other visitors that came to see him.
Speaking of which, her interactions with her peerage was a nightmare.
Yang was out like Issei, but everyone else was fine. They yelled, they cried and they did everything they could to prevent her death… but she had fully accepted it. She had decided not to tell them what Rias told her, it deserved to come from the Gremory herself. Today was the day of the engagement party and in the early hours of the morning, she had gotten Grayfia to lock her peerage in the apartment to prevent them from interfering, keeping Yang in locked in the bedroom to make sure she wouldn't out until it was done in case she woke up.
It was her choice… her words that put her life on the line… and after what Rias said; she was perfectly willing to do what she must to make this right.
Speaking of Rias, they hadn't even seen each other since the Rating Game. Ruby really didn't know what to do if they did. It was just… there were so many things running through her head. So many emotions that she could barely understand which one was the one she should've felt at the time.
But it didn't matter now. It was time.
"Ruby-sama. It's time to go." Grayfia told her from the door. She was given orders by Raiser himself to escort her to the engagement party so she could prepare for her public suicide.
"Give me a few more seconds." Ruby said, not taking her eyes off the first friend she ever made on Earth. With a deep breath, she pulled out a letter from her pocket and placed it on his chest, kissing him on the forehead before leaving.
"Is everything done? Are your affairs in order?" Grayfia asked as they walked down the hall, perfectly hiding the fact that she was rather sad and upset at the results of the Rating Game.
"As I'll ever be." Ruby replied. "Did you do everything like I asked you to?"
"To the letter." Grayfia answered. "It's rather strange what you asked of me, but they are your last wishes."
"They kinda are, huh…" Ruby humorlessly chuckled out. "It really is happening…" the Strongest Queen nodded to that. "So… how's Rias doing?"
"She locked herself in her room. Only members of her peerage were allowed to enter." Grayfia informed.
"Oh, right. Blake told me that." Ruby said sheepishly, sighing as they walked down the stairs. Small talk wasn't settling her nerves. "Ugh… this whole thing is a mess…"
"And you don't know who to blame, do you?" Grayfia guessed, which Ruby stayed quiet to as she laid her hand on her chest. "You don't know if you should blame yourself, Rias-sama, Raiser-sama or the Gremory Clan. I would say it would be all your faults for this situation."
"I… I… feel like I should blame myself for it." Ruby admitted as they left Issei's house and walked down the street. "Ugh, if I didn't convince my team to stalk Issei… Hell, if I hadn't made that stupid bet I wouldn't be here. But everything else in my brain says I should blame Rias for letting us die or Raiser and the Gremory's for forcing her hand. It's just… I don't know if I should be angry or sad."
"You would only be wasting your energy." Grayfia said. "You should only focus on what matters now. You can let your emotions out later."
"There won't be a later, remember?" Ruby pointed out… only for Grayfia to narrow her eyes at her. "What are you doing? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You know you're not as subtle as you think." The Queen stated as she stopped and crossed her arms under her massive bust.
"Wh-What are you talking about?" Ruby asked as she tried to hide her nervousness. "I-I'm not…"
"You're planning to fight Raiser at the engagement party." Grayfia deadpanned. "I never doubted for a second you would give up so easily and forfeit the Rating Game unless you had a plan. You're very easy to read."
"I… I… No I-I-I-I'm n-n-n-not!" Ruby stuttered out. "I-I'm perfectly ready and willing and I'm not convincing you in the slightest, am I…?"
"Considering your Pawn wasn't at your peerage's apartment when I sealed it, it wasn't that difficult to work out by myself." The maid stated as she jerked her thumb behind her back. "Besides, a lamppost is not a very effective hiding spot."
"What the-" Ruby said before turning around to Pancakes, who was wearing a dark green baseball cap with branches taped onto it, standing perfectly straight behind a lamppost, occasionally poking her head out. "Huh!? Pancakes!? What did I tell you about sticking to trees!?"
"But Mistress, there are no suitable trees in the area so I found the next best possible object that will allow me to follow you and Grayfia-sama given the criteria you have given me!" Pancakes called out.
"Probably would've been smart to tell her about other hiding spots…" Ruby mumbled out. "Probably would've been smarter to tell her to fly behind us…"
"Ruby-sama, if Issei-sama and Rias-sama together can't beat him then there is little to no chance you'll beat him by yourself." Grayfia pointed out.
"That's because his harem wore us down. If not physically, it was mentally." Ruby explained. "I didn't get the chance to really fight him, so I'm going to fix that the party."
"But you would be disobeying your own terms. There will be severe consequences." Grayfia said.
"Yeah? My promise to Rias is more important." Ruby stated. "I won't just lie down and die while my friends' happiness goes down the drain. Pancakes!" She called out. Quickly, the soulless Pawn pulled out Death Rose and threw it to her. Ruby didn't even look as she caught it, jumped back as it unfolded and settled into a battle stance. "You can't stop me even if you tried."
Grayfia only looked at Ruby, noting the determined expression on her face. She was serious about fighting if she stood in her way. The maid only sighed as she rubbed her forehead in slight frustration.
"Who said I was going to stop you?" Grayfia asked, causing Ruby to visibly relax as she let out a breath. Looks like she knew it was a fight she would never win. "I'm just giving you a clearer picture of your disposition."
"Just… I know what I'm doing. Let me decide my fate." Ruby said.
"…You do know we're using a Summoning Circle to get to the assembly hall, so having your Pawn follow you would be impractical." Grayfia said after a few seconds of silence. "And if you are going to fight Raiser-sama, I suggest you wait a few minutes before you do. Sirzechs-sama has an interest in you and Issei-sama."
Ruby only smirked at that.
(A few hours later…)
[You disappoint me, Issei Hyoudou. The power you wielded was not your strength.]
Issei slowly opened his eyes, only seeing red as he got up. He looked around and saw a red dragon with green in front of him, looking at him. Studying him.
"What the…!?" Issei got out as he took a few steps back.
[You were only able to control a fraction of my true power for one second and ended up almost killing yourself. Way to go, you lasted at least a few milliseconds more than I was expecting.] The dragon sarcastically said as it huffed fire out of its nose. [If you are like that, you will never get stronger.]
"Huh…? I don't understand what's happening….?" Issei groaned out as he rubbed his head in confusion.
[You are a unique l being who possesses a Dragon within you, so don't show such a miserable state. The "White-One" would laugh at you if he was here.] The red dragon sighed out.
"Hold on… You're… You're the dragon from back then, right!?" Issei exclaimed. "In my dream! Hold on… Boosted Gear Gift… was that you?"
[Yeah, that's what you desired, what I desired, and what the White-One desired.] The dragon stated. [That's why it went into a new phase.]
"I… I desired it…?" Issei said in confusion. "And who the heck is this White-One you keep talking about!?"
[He will appear before you sooner or later. Yeah, he and I are destined to fight.] The dragon said casually. [Oh yeah, by the way, it's about my power. Yeah… you kinda suck at it, so I will teach you how to use its real power.]
"I-I don't suck that bad!" Issei called out… before sighing. "Okay, you're kinda right but I'm not that bad!"
[Yes you are. A twelve-year-old can utilize my power better than you.] The dragon deadpanned. [You better be thankful, I'm actually kinda pissed you chose to fizzle out when things were about to get good so I may as well give you a better shot at that guy. Just looking at him kinda pisses me off. And the only people that can piss me off usually are the White-One and my ex.]
"…You know, I think we're gonna get along great." Issei remarked with a smirk. "So… Just what on Earth are you…? And you dated?"
[The Welsh-Dragon, Ddraig, Issei Hyoudou. I'm the one inside of your left arm. And yes, and let me tell you do not want to meet her.] The now-named Ddraig introduced himself. Issei just stared in awe at the dragon as he looked at his left arm.
"Welsh-Dragon… Ddraig…" Issei muttered out. "Um… nice to meet you?"
[Same.] Ddraig said off-handedly as he shrugged his shoulders. [You know, losing can be all right given situation. If you don't die, losing can become your strength. However, it only means something if you win the next fight. Lose then win. Then continue to win. If you do that, you will meet him.]
"Yeah, unless it means someone dies because you lose…" Issei mumbled out, not knowing if they won or not.
[That doesn't mean you stop fighting. It means you fight harder.] Ddraig said. [Besides… that girl isn't one to give up so easily, is she?]
"…Yep, sure she is." Issei said with a small smile. "So, what's the White-One? What's going to happen between you and that guy? Is he American or something?"
[You will know soon enough. Get stronger for that coming day. I will give you my power anytime you want.] Ddraig replied. [However, keep it in your mind that it will come with a sacrifice of something great. I will give you something that is worth the sacrifice. You can show it to those who laughed at you. The existence of a Dragon that is.]
"Er… okay?" Issei said as his consciousness started to fade.
Issei slowly opened his eyes, feeling like he had slept for ages. He groaned as he sat up, noticing he was shirtless and that he was back in his room. "Ugh… What happened…?" He moaned out as he rubbed his eyes as he remembered the conversation he had with the Welsh Dragon. "Losing then winning, huh?"
He then spotted a letter with Ruby's emblem on his lap.
"Hm? What's this?" Issei said as he opened up the letter.
Issei
If you're reading this then… we lost. I don't know how but we lost. Damn, it's so morbid to write this only a few days away from the Rating Game but… I have to take into account every possibility.
And that includes if we lose.
I… I'm not sure what to write in all honesty but can you tell Rias that I'm sorry? It's the only thing I can think right now because it would probably be my fault we lose or something and I… I don't have a chance to say it in person to her.
Ugh…! This is so depressing!
Look, I'm writing this only to you and not everyone else because I'm freaking out. I have no idea what this thing is supposed to be about apart from "in case we lose, do x for me!" And even that fucking sucks! I am actually having a freak out right now and I'm writing this in because I wanna stay quiet and let everyone sleep.
So, um… I'm gonna step away from this piece of paper and bang my head against a tree for a few minutes.
Um… what was I doing again?
You know what, just ignore everything above and just focus on what I'm trying to say, er, write.
I mean… This letter is going nowhere, isn't it?
It certainly was because the paper looked crumpled up. However, Issei couldn't help but smirk as he saw what Ruby had crudely wrote over it in either blood or red paint.
LET'S DO THIS TOGETHER THIS TIME
RxD
"Good to see she still has fight in her." Issei muttered to himself before doing a double take. "Wait, hold on! This time? Does this mean…!?"
"It looks like you are awake." Grayfia said as she walked into the room.
"Grayfia-san! The match? What happened to Buchou!? What happened to Ruby!?" Issei frantically asked.
"Raiser-sama won the match." Grayfia answered. "Ruby-sama resigned."
"H-Huh? What!?" Issei exclaimed as he looked at the maid in disbelief. "Y-You have to be kidding me!"
"I do not kid, Issei Hyoudou-sama." The silver-haired maid stated, causing Issei to look at the letter in his hands. "I assume Ruby-sama said so in that letter."
"K-Kind of…" Issei replied as tears ran down his face as he punched his bed in frustration. "Damn it! I'm so pathetic and weak!"
"Do not blame yourself for the Rating Game. We have plenty of people you know already doing that." Grayfia said as she sat down on the side of his bed. "Currently, the engagement party for Ojou-sama and Raiser-sama is taking place, as well as Ruby-sama's… promise. It's at the assembly hall in the Underworld that was prepared by the House of Gremory."
"…Where's everyone else then?" Issei asked.
"Ojou-sama peerage went to escort her. Only Issei-sama and Asia-sama didn't go." Grayfia answered. "Meanwhile, Ruby-sama requested her peerage to remain behind and had me seal them in their apartment."
"Asia didn't go?" Issei questioned, not surprised that Ruby would prevent her friends from going to the engagement party.
"Due to Rias-sama's wish, Asia-sama stayed here with me taking care of you, Issei-sama." The maid replied. "She went downstairs to get a new towel for you."
"She probably would've stayed with me anyways." Issei humourlessly chuckled out before clutching onto Ruby's letter. "…Grayfia, I…"
"I know what you're going to say." The maid interrupted. "…Can't you come to agree with this?"
"If you know what I was about to say, then you already know my answer." Issei said as he gave her a determined expression.
"But you do realize both Rias-ojousama and Ruby-sama obeyed the family's decision and terms?" Grayfia pointed out.
"I understand that! I know that!" Issei called out. "But it doesn't mean we can stop! We fight harder. Do better and win! I won't let that bastard touch Buchou nor let Ruby's blood be spilled until the very last second!"
Grayfia only stared at the Boosted Gear wielder before chuckling to herself, causing Issei to be taken aback. This was the first time he ever saw the maid smile… or have her emote, for that matter.
"You two are rather similar in one department." Grayfia remarked. "You're both stupidly stubborn and display suicidal bravery."
"Hey, real bravery's being scared but you keep going anyway." Issei said with smirk. "And stupidity's in my blood! That's how Issei Hyoudou lives and dies!"
"Well, for all it's worth, you two are very interesting people." Grayfia stated as she gave him a small smile. "At my age, I have seen many Devils come and go, however it is my first time seeing someone like you two who shows what you are thinking with your face, and acts accordingly to what you believes in. My master, Sirzechs-sama, was watching your efforts in the battle from another place and said that you two were interesting you know?"
"M-M-Maou-samaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!?" Issei trailed off, stunned that he and Ruby were considered interesting by one of the Devil Kings. "Wait, do you mean the good interesting or the bad interesting?"
"The good interesting." Grayfia replied as she pulled out a piece of paper. Issei grabbed it saw it was a Simplified Pentagram. "This allows you teleport to the hall of the engagement party of the House of Gremory and House of Phoenix."
"What?" Issei said in disbelief. He thought he would have to convince her to allow him into the party. "Why do you have something like this?"
"Actually, I have a message from Sirzechs-sama for you." Grayfia said as she cleared her throat before her expression turned serious once again. "If you want to save my sister and the Human King, barge into the hall and, this is a direct quote, kick the necessary amount of ass. That's what he said. There is also another Pentagram on the back of the paper. Please use it when you take back Ojou-sama. I am definitely sure that it will be useful to you."
"Thanks." Issei said as he looked at the piece of paper. "Hey, do you really believe we can do this?" He asked as Grayfia got up.
She only gave him a look.
Issei got the message and just nodded.
"When you were sleeping, I felt a strong power within you, Issei-sama." Grayfia noted. "The Dragons are the only beings that didn't form an alliance with God, the Devils, or the Fallen Angels. If it's that dreadful power, then…" Grayfia stopped herself continuing before leaving.
Issei only looked at the paper before getting off the bed.
'Don't worry guys, I'm coming.' Issei thought as he got dressed. 'Don't start without me Ruby. Hey Ddraig, think you can do something for me?'
(RWBY Apartment)
"RUBY!" Weiss shouted out as she banged on the door. Everyone, except Pancakes and Yang, had woken up in the living room in their pajamas, their weapons in the bedroom, which was sealed away. As soon as they realized it, they all tried to escape. After scouring the apartment for escape routes, Weiss had gotten fed up and decided to call for help. "I SWEAR IF IT'S ANOTHER ONE OF YOUR HAREBRAINED SCHEMES, I'M GONNA LOSE IT! HELLO!? IS ANYONE THERE!?"
"It's no use. Someone must've used magic to seal us in here. Probably even sound-proofed the area too." Blake groaned. "We can't even get into the bedroom. We're trapped here."
"What are we going to do? The engagement party could be starting any minute now. It could've already started!" Penny informed, extremely worried and upset with their situation.
"I don't know. As much as I hate to admit it, all we can do it wait." Blake said with a sigh. "But damn it, if only Yang was here. She could at least bust down a wall… though I doubt that would work…"
"Oh right… Yang…" Weiss muttered out as she looked down sadly. "She's going to be devastated…"
"There's a high probability that she will go on a warpath if Ruby dies." Penny said. "Possibly worse than that." Penny then sighed. "Ruby, why did you forfeit…?"
"Wouldn't say. We just have to hope." Blake said.
"I think we're lacking in that department right now." Weiss sighed out as she walked away from the door and looked out the window as Zwei jumped into her arms. Weiss could only smile sadly as she pet the corgi. "Don't you die on us Ruby…"
"I'd be more worried about Yang right now." Blake stated. "She hasn't even moved an inch since her retirement from the Rating Game. If she wasn't breathing, I'd mistake her for dead."
"I detected abnormal brain activity and her eyes were moving wildly last I checked." Penny informed. "She seems to be having a rather intense dream."
"Really wish I could be in Yang's shoes right now." Weiss admitted. "I mean, she just so… Yang. She doesn't let a lot worry her most of the time. I bet whatever she's dreaming is fun."
Meanwhile, in Yang's dreams, she was having the time of her life.
"WHY WON'T YOU DIE!?" Yang yelled out as jumped up and punched the golden dragon in the face. She then grabbed onto its nose and started firing shotgun shells into its nostril before kicking off in and landing back on the ground. She didn't hesitate as a giant claw came down on her, lift her arms up just in time to stop it from crushing her.
How long had she been fighting this thing? Hours? Days? Weeks?
No, she knew the real answer. It felt like years.
The battlefield was Vale, or what was left of it. Ruined buildings and corpses littered the area, the sky grey and cloudy yet not a single drop of rain fell the entire time. She had fought the dragon at Beacon as well, destroying everything standing between them until eventually, it became a crater.
The longer she fought, the stronger she felt. And it wasn't just from her Semblance; it was something else that was fueling her strength. She couldn't feel tired or hungry or feel anything that could distract her from fighting. Pain just drove her to do better.
"Rrgh… Come on! Is that all you got!? If you're trying to kill me, you've been doing a really bad job at it!" Yang growled as she used all her strength to throw the claw off her and dived out of the way of a fire breath. "Seriously, this fight can't drag on any longer!" She punned. "Heh, good one. Whoa!"
She quickly stomped the ground, making a make-shift shield from the concrete which guarded against another breath attack before lifting it up and charging at the dragon. It roared as it swiped the air, creating a blast of wind that flattened the area in front of it. Yang just stomped her feet into the ground as the concrete shield disintegrated into dust in front of her.
"I'll keep dishing it if you keep taking it! Come on! I know you can do better than that!" Yang taunted.
"…Fine." The dragon, who turned out to be female, finally said.
Then it roared.
Yang screamed out in pain as she covered her ears, despite the fact they had already started bleeding. All around her, reality was unraveling, shattering like glass and revealing pitch black nothingness. When she finally stopped roaring, she flew towards the weakened Huntress-in-Training and grabbed her.
Yang was only vaguely aware of her surroundings as the last shreds of Vale and reality crumbled. When she finally snapped out of it, she was too late as she slammed into an invisible wall, the tip of claw on her neck, barely penetrating her skin with ease.
"Now, will you stop? As much as I enjoyed this, I am not your enemy." The dragon said in a calm tone. Yang noticed that the dragon's mouth wasn't moving when she spoke. She shook her head and start started struggling to throw the claw off her.
"How about GO TO HELL!" Yang yelled out as she escaped and ran up the dragon's arm before delivering a punch to the side of her head as hard as she could.
The dragon barely flinched while Yang nursed her broken arm.
"It's futile to fight me. You will never succeed." The dragon stated.
"Shut up!" Yang called out as she stood her ground. "Just what the hell are you!?"
"You do not remember, do you?" The dragon sighed out.
"Hold on… from before. That dream!" Yang figured out. "Are… Are you my Sacred Gear?" She hesitantly asked.
"…Sort of like that." The dragon softly chuckled out.
"Then how does this thing work!?" Yang demanded as she summoned it.
"I will tell you when you need me." The dragon replied, only making Yang angrier. "You've been able to handle everything that has been thrown at you so far, even when I weakened you during that war."
"Wait, war…?" Yang repeated before remembering. "Oh right, the Rating Game! Ruby! That means I'm… You." She growled out, her eyes turning red. "You made me retire early, didn't you!?"
"Among other factors. Stupid Red making me horny…" The dragon grumbled quietly to herself. "Like I said, I will only help you if you need me."
"Well, I needed your strength then!" Yang shouted out, her hair alight. "So give me your strength now! Because of you Ruby could be… No… no, we should've won. Just get me out of here!"
"Hmph. Fine." The dragon said as she picked Yang off her shoulder. "But you will need me."
"No, I won't." Yang said, giving the dragon her best glare. The dragon only huffed in annoyance… before casually crushing Yang's head.
"YAH!" Yang screamed out as she sat up, breathing heavily as she looked around. Seeing that she was in the apartment bedroom and in her pajamas, she just laid back on her bed and sighed. "What was that about…?" She groaned out as she rubbed her forehead. As she felt metal, she stopped to look and see that she had Bloodlust on. "If you aren't gonna tell me how you work I'm never going to use you again…"
And with that she jumped off her bunk and walked to the door. She jiggled the handle and saw that it was locked.
"There wasn't a lock on the door…" Yang muttered to herself as she started banging her fist on the door. "Hello? Ruby? Anyone? I'm kinda trapped here! Someone?"
No response.
"Alright, time for the manual way." Yang said as she took a few steps back before running headlong at the door with the intent of breaking it down. However, she was unable to stop herself as she saw a symbol magically appear on the door like one of Weiss' glyphs, which blasted her back into the back wall.
That was a really bad sign.
"No… no, no way…" Yang growled as she peeled herself off the wall as she tried to figure out a reason why she was locked in the bedroom other than the worst possible scenario. "We couldn't have… no, we should've… It was because I was injured right…?"
'No… You know why you're here…' The dragon told her in her head. 'You know the reason why…'
"Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!" Yang yelled out as she charged at the door and started punching it over and over again, yet whatever magic that was keeping her locked in wasn't letting her fists connect to the door. "We! Won! WE! WON!"
'No, you lost…' The dragon said in a mocking tone. 'Your sister is going to die and it's all your fault…'
"IT'S YOURS, YOU STUPID PIECE OF SHIT!" Yang shouted out as she stopped and stomped around the room. "Stop talking to me!" She cried out as she went to her knees, clutching her head as tears started to fall down her face. "Please… let this entire thing be a dream…"
'Should it matter whose fault it is? All that should matter to you is the fact your loved one is in danger.' The dragon stated. 'And here you are, weak and powerless to stop it. You need me.'
"I don't… You're just trying to… who are you…?" Yang whispered out.
'Something you don't deserve.' The dragon answered. 'But you do need me, don't you? Let me help you, I can let you kill gods...'
"No… I… I…" Yang tried to convince herself she didn't need her Sacred Gear to stop Raiser and save Ruby… but she knew that she couldn't. At least not in this state.
So finally, she relented.
"I… need you…" Yang said quietly. "Give me your strength… please…"
'That took you long enough… now…' The dragon chuckled out before demanding one thing from the Blonde Brawler. 'GIVE ME BLOOD!'
"Huh? What!?" Yang exclaimed as she stood up.
'It's in the name, isn't it?' The dragon said. 'I want blood. Any blood. It's my food and I've been starving for 17 years. Give me, NOW!'
"Wha-There's nothing I can…" Yang started as tried to figure out an alternative… before glancing at her other arm. "…Any blood?" She whispered out as a rush of fear went down her spine.
She didn't know how much blood Bloodlust needed to work, and the only source of blood in room was her own body. If she did this, she could possibly kill herself from blood loss.
Then she thought about the amount of blood Ruby would spill at the engagement party.
"For Ruby." Yang muttered out before biting her arm, chewing it until she tastes copper. She spat out the blood went into her mouth and placed her armoured hand on the wound. "Hurry up and eat already…"
'Yes… YES!' The dragon cheered out as Yang collapsed to the ground, feeling her blood being absorbed into her Sacred Gear. Yang saw her skin growing paler by the second, but also saw something in the purple gem of her gauntlet as she felt stronger.
x1x2x3
Yang felt like she should panic and stop her Sacred Gear before it drained her body dry of blood… but, she didn't. This strength… this power… it felt good…
"M-More…" Yang said as her Sacred Gear drained her more and more as black spots started to appear at the edge of her vision. She was going to blackout at this rate. "More…!"
Then, just as she was about to fall unconscious, she felt something inside her change.
She could feel her body going into overdrive as she started to regenerate lost blood as her Sacred Gear ate more. She was regaining more blood than her Sacred Gear was able to consume!
...At least, that's what she thought as her brain was starting to receive less and less oxygen.
x1x2x3x4x5x6x7x8x9
"Yes…! Keep going…! MORE…!" Yang growled out, not noticing her Sacred Gear was transforming the skin of her arm into golden scales as it started to spread all over her body. Her eyes had turned blood run as her pupils narrowed into slits and her teeth grew sharper.
'Yes… Keep going… More…' The dragon said, almost orgasmic as Bloodlust absorbed at a faster rate. 'Yes… Yes…!'
"RARGH!" Yang cried out, half her face covered in golden scales as dragon wings sprouted from her back.
x1x2x3x4x5x6x7x8x9x10x11x12x13x14x15x16x17x18x19x20x21x22x23x24x25x26x27x28x29x30x31x32x33x34x35x36x37x38x39x40x41x42x43x44x45x46x47x48x49x50
'I'll save you Ruby… I'll kill everything in my way if I have to!' Yang thought as the last of her sanity started to fade away. 'No one will survive! THIS WILL BE MY RETURN!'
1%
Then, Yang roared.
(Assembly Hall)
Saying that she was completely miserable to the point where she wanted an abyss to swallow her whole right now and never be seen again would be an understatement.
Rias could let out something that vaguely sounded like a sigh as Akeno fixed up her make-up in the bathroom. Apparently it was completely inappropriate to cry before reaching the place where your engagement party and someone's suicide would be held, let alone taking a step outside before collapsing into a fetal position.
It took a while for them to get there.
"Rias-buchou, at least try and not ruin your makeup." Akeno recommended. "You'll have plenty of opportunities to do it very soon."
"You're one to talk. You broke down at the sight of a rose." Rias deadpanned.
"I recall everyone struggling not to cry at the sight." Akeno pointed out as tears flowed down her cheeks, ruining her own make-up while she put down the makeup kit.
"…How did it come to this?" Rias asked as she held out her arms on a sink and looked at the mirror. "Everything just went so wrong so fast…"
"I think you know the answer." Akeno replied as she patted her best friend's back.
"Don't give me that speech again." Rias growled. "I know I messed up horribly. All I can do now is beg for forgiveness while I walk down the aisle."
"…You know I don't believe you." Her Queen stated as she crossed her arms, causing Rias to chuckle flatly.
"Am I really that easy to read?" Rias asked.
"Only to me." Akeno replied. "Whatever you're doing to fix this… Just remember we're here to back you up. Don't forget that."
"If I told you what I'm planning, you probably wouldn't." Rias half-joked, half-seriously said as she sighed again. "…If this doesn't happen… if I fail… take care of yourself. I'm not dragging you guys with me."
"Rias, we'll never leave your side even in your darkest hours." Akeno said. "Come on and get out there. You have an audience waiting. I'll meet you outside soon, I… I need to fix my make-up again."
Rias gave her Queen a smile before walking to the door of the bathroom, taking a deep breath then opening the door.
Instantly, the good mood Rias tried to be in was ruined as soon as she stepped outside.
It was only an hour but Rias had deal dozens of other Devils congratulating her for her marriage, be near Raiser, eat food that she hated, be near Raiser, be actively avoided being given alcohol of any kind, be near Raiser, hearing that Ruby's new nickname was the Bastard King, have Raiser's harem go into great detail how she should please her future husband, be near Raiser, be near Raiser and the worst of it all…
Interacting with Raiser without trying to murder him with her eyes.
She really wished she could shoot herself right now.
"Buchou." Koneko spoke up as she tugged on Rias' arm. "It's time for Ruby Rose to fulfill her side of the bet."
"…Okay." Rias said as she took a deep breath as she followed Koneko, spotting Ruby already there, kneeling down with Crescent Rose in her hands. Their eyes met for a second before they both looked away.
'You can do this… You can do this…' Rias thought as they entered the hall where she knew where her marriage would begin and her life would end. 'Just keep calm and everything will work out fine… You can do this…'
'You can do this… You can do this…' Ruby thought as everyone arrived into the main area and took their seats, feeling sweat running down her face. 'Just keep calm and everything will work out fine… You can do this…'
"Ruby Rose, do you know why you are here?" Raiser asked as he walked up to the Human King.
"Because I laid down my life on the line in hopes of preventing the marriage of the Gremory and Phoenix Clan." Ruby replied as she glared at the Phoenix. "And in the end, I failed."
"That's right." Raiser said in a smug tone. "You went ahead and meddle in affairs that do not concern and now you're here, waiting to die."
"What can I say? I always keep my promises." Ruby said as she glanced at Rias.
"You know, it's such a shame a King Piece was wasted on such a promising peerage." Raiser said with a sigh. "Do not worry about your friends though. I will happily prevent them from being Strays and allow them to serve under more… deserving Kings."
"We'll see about that…" Ruby muttered under her breath.
"So, are you ready?" Raiser asked.
"As I'll ever be." Ruby replied as she unfolded her scythe and placed the blade against her neck, ignoring a cry of 'WHAT!?' coming from Raiser's sister. She took a quick glance at the window and saw that Pancakes was just outside waiting for the signal, before turning her gaze to everyone in the audience.
Akeno looked tense as she gave Rias weird looks.
Kiba was in his seat shaking, barely restraining himself from doing something reckless.
Koneko… well, Ruby couldn't read Koneko, no one could, but she was sure she was sad and worried.
And Rias herself just stared on blankly.
"Well, the stage is set. What are you waiting for?" Raiser said as he gave her a smile that made her want to punch him in the face.
Oh wait… That was going to happen soon.
"Here we go." Ruby whispered out as the blade got closer to her neck. She needed to stall for time until Issei gets to the Assembly Hall, even if it means fighting Raiser by herself. From there, they can fight the Phoenix together at full power and stop this whole thing once and for all.
She closed her eyes and counted down.
"Three…" Akeno just looked at Rias with an even more worried expression on her face as her King stared on.
"Two…" Kiba and Koneko only looked at each other before going back to watching Ruby and Rias. They had a feeling that they were going to do something.
"One…" Ruby gripped onto her scythe, ready to fight.
Click
"Zero." Rias finished, Devil Trigger placed against her head, causing Ruby to freeze on the spot. "Stop this now or I pull the trigger."
"Rias!?" Akeno exclaimed as she, Koneko and Kiba got up only for their King to glare at her.
"If anyone moves, I'll also pull the trigger." Rias threatened before turning to the stunned Phoenix. "Now, you let Ruby go and dissolve this engagement this instant."
"Rias… don't…" Ruby whispered out as her fellow King looked at her with a smile.
"Ruby… I'm so sorry it had to come to this… and for everything I've done. You can stop fighting for my sake." Rias said as she glared at Raiser. "Now I fight for yours. Stop this Raiser, or I end my life right here."
"Rias-chan… please think this through before you do anything hasty…" Raiser growled. "Is it worth your own life for someone less than you?"
"I'm the one less than her." Rias retorted. "So stop this nonsense and allow us to walk away."
Raiser only looked at the two Kings before chuckling at them.
"…You're bluffing." Raiser guessed. "I know you cherish your family and friends, so I doubt you would-"
BOOM!
"Rias… don't…" Ruby whispered out, staring into Rias' eyes and feeling her breath on her face.
Ruby had her hand wrapped around Rias', aiming the freshly fired gun to the ceiling which had a bullet hole in it now. The Reaper moved so fast that it was like she teleported.
"Ruby…" Rias let out quietly.
"…I guess… we should've talked, huh?" Ruby tried to lighten the mood. "Prez… I don't… I can't blame you… no matter how hard I try I can't blame you for everything… I can't forgive you but I can't just hate you… I don't have it in my heart to."
"After all I've done… you still trust me…?" Rias got out as tears ran down her face. "Why…? You shouldn't. I let you… I let you and Issei…"
"Well, without you… doing what you did… I wouldn't be able to be your friend." Ruby answered kindly. "Along with Akeno, Kiba, Koneko and Issei… I just can't bring myself to hate you after letting me see a whole other world that I would've left not thinking a second thought about if everything went smoothly. Sure, there was pain… but it made me stronger… allowed me to get closer to the ones I love… and…" Ruby then looked down as she sniffled a little. "And… now that I realize it… you gave me hope I'd one day see someone I lost…"
"Ruby…" Rias sobbed out before hugging her fellow King. "…You realize I wasn't actually gonna shoot myself. Can't get hurt with my own powers." She whispered into her ear.
"…We really should've talked to each other before this thing, huh?" Ruby muttered out sheepishly.
"Communication skills are important." Rias giggled out quietly. "But now… what do we do now?"
"Just follow my lead." Ruby said as they separated. "Alright, Raiser, end this now!" She shouted out.
"Yes… You've seen what I have succumbed to in order to stop this marriage and what we laid on the line in pursuit of keeping our happiness!" Rias declared as she aimed her gun at the Phoenix as she pulled out her dagger, Dragon's Breath. "This has gone far enough! Stop this so we can end this madness once and for all!"
"No! This is nothing more than a ploy!" Raiser called out. "You've planned this from the start! I cannot allow anything else interrupting our destined union!"
"Hey, did you forget!? I decide my own fate!" Rias said. "No sibling, no parent. No man, no woman. I'll keep fighting until my last breath if it means stopping you!"
"Even if our bodies break, our spirits will keep them moving!" Ruby added in. "No matter how much blood we spill, we'll keep attacking with all our might! Face it, Raiser! No matter how much you try, you'll never break us down! This is our resolve! Our goal we'll never stop striving towards!"
'Oh wow, this is so cliché…' Ruby thought as she and Rias kept rambling about never giving up and stuff they saw from movies. 'Issei… hurry up! I'm running out of quotes! Aw fuck it.'
Ruby saw that Raiser was realizing that they were stalling for time and promptly dashed at him and swung her scythe, barely cutting his suit as he dodged. Rias was stunned at Ruby's sudden attack before firing at the Phoenix, hitting him in the shoulder as Ruby kept pressuring Raiser backwards before ducking down…
Just in time for Issei to launch off her back and punch Raiser square in the face.
"Issei!" Ruby cheered out as the three of them jumped away from the Phoenix King, the crowd going wild at the sudden violent turn of the engagement party.
"Am I late?" Issei asked as he gave them a cocky smile before stumbling back as Rias hugged him. "Whoa!"
"You're here…" Rias whispered out.
"What, you'd think I'd give up that easily?" Issei said before they turned their attention to Raiser, who was recovering from the blow. "Besides, I have unfinished business with the bastard."
"We all have." Ruby said as Issei stepped forward.
"To all the High-Class Devils here! And Buchou's brother, Maou-sama! My name is Issei Hyoudou from Kuoh Academy! I have arrived to take back Buchou, Rias Gremory-sama!" Issei declared as Raiser slowly got up.
"Another one…" He growled.
"Hey! You're not allowed he-" A guard tried to get Issei, only for Kiba and Koneko to kick him down.
"Good to see you, Issei-kun!" Kiba called out as he summoned swords into his hands. "Leave this to us!"
"…You are late." Koneko said as she cracked her knuckles.
"Better late than never right?" Issei mumbled out as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Oh, we are so talking about that stunt after this!" Akeno shouted out as the rest of Rias' peerage started fighting off guards and Raiser's peerage. Seeing them fight and remembering Pancakes was still outside waiting, Ruby quickly signaled the Fallen Angel who promptly burst through the window.
"Pancakes! Back 'em up!" Ruby ordered.
"Your wish is my command Mistress." Pancakes said as she summoned her light spears and started helping out the others.
"Thank you, everyone!" Issei called out before giving Raiser a fearless smile. "Sorry, bastard, but Rias Gremory-sama's virginity belongs to me! I won't let anyone else touch her until I see her o-face! Her life isn't your plaything!"
"Yea-Wait, excuse me?" Ruby said as she and Rias stared at the pervert, their audience going wild at the mere words coming out of the Pawn's mouth. Ruby's eye twitched at his shamelessness while Rias felt… strangely touched by the declaration. "A-A-O-face?"
"Oh, and Ruby's too!" Issei called out… before realizing what the possible context of that statement, causing the Reaper to choke in shock.
"I think you forgot the word 'life' in there." Rias deadpanned.
"Huh?" Issei said in confusion only to duck under a swing of Crescent Rose. "Oh, really!? Shit, I mean her life! I'm saving her life! Oh, thank Maou-sama your sister isn't here!"
"You called?" A voice right beside them said. Issei and Ruby turned to see a with crimson-red hair man walking up to them from behind. Issei's eyes narrowed while Ruby looked on in confusion. Meanwhile, Rias just chuckled nervously.
"Onii-sama… right… you're here too…" Rias said as the man approached them.
"What!? O-O-Onii-samaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!?" Issei exclaimed, realizing it really was the one of the Four Maou.
"You're the… You're the King of Devils…" Ruby whispered out in disbelief. "Hold on! Couldn't you have…"
"Stop Rias from the whole suicide gambit? Yes." Sirzechs answered. "I'm very disappointed in you, Rias, but given your circumstances I can't say I blame you."
"That… actually hurts more, Onii-sama." Rias admitted with a wince.
"That's why I set up this entire thing. Though, not everything went as I expected…" Sirzechs said.
"Wait, so you don't want Rias to get married?" Ruby questioned.
"While the Gremory lineage is important, I don't believe it should be continued this way." The Maou replied. "Plus, I wanted to see the full power of the Dragon and the Reaper so I had Grayfia make sure this happened."
"S-Sirzechs-sama!? You can't do something irresponsible like this!" Someone from the crowd called out, none of them knowing if he was the relative of the Phoenix or Gremory Family.
"It should be fine." Sirzechs said off-handedly. "The Rating Game from last time was very entertaining. But it was a bit disadvantage for my little sister and the Human King who both had no game experience and had to face off against Raiser-kun as their first ever opponent, who is a prodigy from the House of Phoenix. Sorry, but the Game was rigged from the start."
"…You really think that it was unfair?" Issei had to ask.
"No. Not at all. If a Maou such as myself says such thing, then I would be making the old nobles look bad." Sirzechs said with a smile. "The connection between the High-Class Devils is important after all."
"So you kept quiet, even though you knew we would lose and what would happen because you wanted to keep the High-Class Devils happy." Ruby clarified in exasperation.
"Look, it's complicated but just please understand that there's only so much even the most powerful can do." Sirzechs sighed out. "My title being compared to an office job isn't that far off…"
"Then, Sirzechs. What do you want to do about it?" A middle-aged man, also with red hair, spoke up.
"I'm guessing that's your father." Ruby whispered into Rias' ear, who only nodded in response.
"Father. I want to make my cute little sister's engagement party into a flashy one." The Maou requested. "Dragon versus Phoenix. Don't you think it's the ultimate event? To stir up the party by having a battle between legendaries creatures. There's no type of entertainment which can surpass this."
"I'll only fight if Ruby gets to fight with me." Issei stated.
"Issei… I think I've had enough of fighting for a while…" Ruby admitted. "You can do this without me, right? Dragon versus Phoenix."
"Yeah, I could, but what would the fun be in that?" Issei said. "This isn't just about Buchou. It's about you too. Besides, you haven't really gotten a shot at Raiser, so now's your chance." He then held out his hand. "Let's do this together this time."
Ruby just stared at her friend's hand before chuckling and grabbing it. "RxD?"
"RxD." Issei replied with a devious smile.
"I expected no less." Sirzechs said with a smirk, causing Issei and Ruby to grin. "Dragon user-kun. You have our permission. Raiser, can you show your power once more right in front of Rias and I?"
"Of course." Raiser said as he growled at the two. He was going to enjoy this. "There is no way I can decline if Sirzechs-sama asks me. This Phoenix will fly once more before getting married!"
"Well, get ready to get your wings clipped!" Issei called out.
"So, Dragon-kun and Reaper-chan, what prize do you want when you win the match?" Sirzechs asked, stunning and causing outrage in all who heard. "What? They are Devils, so we need to give them something fitting for it since we are asking him to do something for us. I can give you anything. Addition peerage members? Your own peerage? Or the most beautiful man and/or woman in the Underworld? Nothing is out of my reach."
"Wh-Wh-What? Anything!?" Ruby and Issei exclaimed.
"Really…?" Ruby said in disbelief as she started thinking while the pervert already knew what he wanted.
"Just give back my King! I just want Buchou to be free to do whatever she wants with no one to stop her unless it's really bad!" Issei stated.
"Like letting us die to turn us into Devils?" Ruby pointed out.
"Like letting us die to-wait, what?" Issei said as Rias looked rather guilty. The Pawn thought about what the Red Reaper King said… before shrugging his shoulders. "…Meh. Yeah, that."
"Wait, what?" Rias got out in confusion. "You're… You're not mad. Why aren't you mad?"
"Uh, considering I'm completely fucking awesome thanks to you, along with you letting my Harem King dream become real and letting me make friends that don't hate my guts when I interact with someone of the opposite sex, I consider that a pretty good trade-off." Issei replied.
"…She let you die." Ruby said flatly.
"Yeah, but boobs Ruby!" Issei insisted as he groped the air, which only caused Ruby to sigh and facepalm.
"…Oh." Rias deadpanned. "Well… I guess that explains your mind-set."
"Killed but boobs? It's called slavery but jetpacks everywhere else…" Ruby quietly snarked.
"Very well. If you win, you may take Rias with you. And what about you, Reaper?" Sirzechs asked, reminding her that she still had to decide her wish. After thinking about it, she whispered it into his ear. When she pulled away, he nodded. "Consider it done." He said as he got out a phone and started texting his wife.
"Thank you." The two said in unison.
"Issei, Ruby." Rias spoke up as she gave them worried looks. "Be careful. No matter what happens..."
"Rias, President, just shut the fuck up and enjoy the show." Ruby interrupted as she gave her fellow King a smile. Rias was shocked by her language before smiling at the Reaper.
Issei and Ruby gave each other a look before nodding and started making their way to the end of the hall, ready to fight for their lives once more.
(RWBY Apartment)
Grayfia wasn't expecting much when she came to the RWBY apartment. She was told to get Asia and Ruby's peerage by her King for some reason. She wasn't told why, just to retrieve them as soon as she could for some sort of special event. Just in case, she got the former nun to bring her shield with her.
Easy enough, she thought. Once she got Asia it was off to the RWBY's apartment to undo the lockdown and get them out.
That went out the window as soon as she saw that there was a giant hole in the side of the building.
"Wh-What happened here…?" Asia got out after getting over her shock. Grayfia only frowned as she got out her wings and flew up to the hole to investigate. She made sure to make sure the place was inescapable, the walls were unbreakable and all sorts of security measures. But just at first glance, she knew it did nothing to stop the destruction in the slightest. Asia, worried for her friends, wanted to see what had happened as well, but couldn't fly like the Strongest Queen, so she had to take the stairs.
Meanwhile, it was just as Grayfia feared. The source of the damage had come from the RWBY apartment. The entire place was just a mess; the only thing left recognizable was their bedroom. She saw a little corgi trying to dig at a certain pile of rubble, making her realize that that one of Ruby's Pieces must be buried underneath it.
It wasn't too hard to dig her way through the pile, spotting a hand sticking out in mere seconds. With a mighty pull she got out one of the Bishops, Weiss, out of there. She quickly checked for major injuries and to see if she was even alive.
"U-Ugh…" Weiss managed to groan out as her eyes slowly opened, Zwei licking her face clean. "Wh-What…?"
"Stay still. We don't know the extent of your injuries yet so don't move." Grayfia informed as she did a full body check. Nothing so far indicated that the girl was terribly hurt…
"I… I… I think I'm fine." Weiss said as she sat up and looked around. "The others… where are they…?"
"I'm going to find them right now." Grayfia answered as she picked up the corgi. "Do you think you can help me find the other girls?" The dog nodded happily. "Thank you. Go get them. I need to investigate a little."
As she put the dog down, she turned her attention to the door, which was still intact. She walked up to it and pushed on it to check the barrier. When it appeared, it looked like it was almost undone.
Someone was trying to break in…
She had to investigate this further later. She needed to make sure that Ruby's peerage hadn't been killed.
Meanwhile, Asia finally made it to the floor the apartment was, panting heavily as she had rushed up there as fast as her legs could take her. When she recovered enough energy to look up, she was a woman with black hair lying in the middle of the hallway unconscious and surrounded by books, a shattered mask on her side.
"Oh no…" Asia gasped as she quickly went up to the woman and started using her Sacred Gear on her forehead, trying to revive her. She glanced at the books the woman had and saw some peculiar titles. "Mage's Guide to Barriers and Wards? History of Dragons? Remnants of Peace: Volume 4?"
"Asia-sama, I see you've made it up here." Grayfia said as she opened the door, spotting the girl already at work. "I require your help. I have managed to retrieve most of Ruby-sama's peerage from the destruction, but some of them had sustained rather serious injuries that I cannot treat right now."
"Most? You mean there's…!?" Asia exclaimed as she stopped trying to wake up the woman. "Don't tell me…"
"No, they are all alive but…" Grayfia quickly answered as she frowned. "One of them is missing. Yang Xiao Long-sama."
"Yang-san? Oh no…" Asia muttered out before glancing at the unconscious woman. For some reason, she looked rather familiar… yet different, for some reason. Though, now that she looked closer… "Excuse me, but have you found Pan-san too?"
"She is with Ruby-sama right now. I will take care of the woman. The other girls need your help now." Grayfia said in a serious tone. Asia just nodded and went in and started healing as fast and as best as she could. The maid crouched down and looked at the woman and the objects that surrounded her unconscious body.
Without a doubt, she was the one trying to break in.
But why was she trying to break in? From the looks of it, she had been attempting to break the barrier for a while. It was because of what destroyed the apartment that she stopped as she was knocked out. And she was close, which meant she had very detailed knowledge of such things, maybe more considering it was one of her more advanced barriers.
"Just who is this woman exactly?" Grayfia muttered to herself.
"I'll tell you if you get off me." Raven growled at the maid, who happened to unconsciously straddle herself on her.
"My apologies." Grayfia quickly said as she got off the woman. "Are you okay to stand?"
"As if a minor explosion can kill m-" Raven mumbled out, only to interrupt herself as she looked past Grayfia and at the destruction. "No. No no no no! Shit!" She exclaimed as she rushed past the maid and looked to the sky. "This is bad. This is really, really bad…"
"Huh?" Blake groaned out after Asia finished healing her, with everyone getting up to see the woman. "Who are you?"
"Doesn't matter right now because we might be all fucked right now." Raven said in a slightly panicked tone as Penny tilted her head while she did a quick scan of the woman.
"Wait a minute… that voice…" Weiss muttered out before gasping. "You're the one who stopped Yang back at the church!" She realized.
"Took you long enough…" Raven said quietly. "I've been living across the hall ever since you came from Remnant."
"What!?" Weiss shouted out in disbelief. "Who are you!?"
"Someone who made a very grave mistake so shut up and let me fix it." Raven growled as she started rushing for the exit, only for Blake to get in her way, weapons in hand. "Stand aside!"
"Not until you tell us what the hell is going on!" Blake called out.
"Guys… she has a 95.6% facial match with Yang." Penny spoke up. "It's possible that… she could be Yang's biological mother."
"Huh!?" Asia exclaimed. "You're… You're Yang-san's mother!?"
"Yeah… now that I look at her… she looks like if Yang dyed her hair black…" Blake muttered out.
"Argh! Fine! Yes! I'm her mother! Now get out of my way!" Raven called out frustration as she pulled out her ōdachi, only for the Strongest Queen to grab her hand before she did. "Oh come on!"
"You obviously know more than us about what has happened here, so unless you wish to lose this arm, I suggest you start explaining." Grayfia stated in her normal stern tone.
"We don't have the time." Raven growled out before giving up. "Fine." She sighed out as Grayfia let go of her. "Look, I was trying to break in here to stop Yang from going berserk after the Rating Game."
"Wait, how did you know about the Rating Game?" Blake asked before stopping herself as there was a much more important question. "Huh? Yang going berserk?"
"Where is Yang…?" Penny wondered out loud.
"That's why I'm here and this happened. I was too late." Raven stated.
"She… She caused all this…?" Weiss whispered out as she looked at the ruins that was their apartment and several other floors. "How did she find out?"
"I guessed she worked it out by herself." Blake guessed. "But… Yang would never destroy this much… let alone get us, her friends, hurt in the process."
"Well, she's not Yang now." Raven stated, confusing everyone there. "There, all caught up. Now please, let me go and make this right. For all we know, she could… be…" Raven slowly trailed off as horror dawned on her face. "We need to move. Now."
"Wait, slow down! What's happening!?" Weiss demanded, getting annoyed by the woman's vagueness. Raven just sighed and turned her head to Grayfia.
"Hey, you're Grayfia Lucifuge, aren't you?" Raven said, the maid nodding in response. "Go to the Underworld and tell everyone there to evacuate now. Everyone there is in grave danger so unless you like to be extinct, I suggest you get going now."
Noting the serious expression on the woman's face, she just nodded and disappeared in the blink of an eye.
"Wait, evacuate the entire Underworld?" Weiss repeated in disbelief.
"Wah! Ruby-san… Rias-buchou… Issei-san… They are all in the Underworld!" Asia called out.
"You really think Yang can destroy the entire Underworld?" Blake asked, looking skeptical.
"No. But her dragon can." Raven said as she looked at the sky, noticing the faint shimmer in the air. "And we're running out of time. Get your gear. We need to find Yang before she gets to your friends. If we can't… well, you better be ready."
"Why? And how? You've barely made sense since you got here." Weiss stated as Raven picked up a palm-sized rock before throwing into the air.
The very next second, it vanished leaving behind a small ripple effect in the air like water.
"To answer your question… she caused that." Raven stated as everyone from Remnant started to piece it together.
"Th-That's not a Semblance, is it." Blake muttered out.
"Yep." Raven replied.
"Do… Do you mean…" Penny whispered out.
"Yes. And it's going to get a lot worse soon." Raven said in a grim tone as everyone stared up into the sky with one thought coming to mind.
The next few hours were not going to be easy.
(Assembly Hall)
The main area was cleared out to create a proper battlefield to allow the combatants to fight at their fullest. Already, the three were ready to give it their all as the stood on opposite sides of the room. Everyone else was on the sidelines, watching them as they got prepared, with people cheering for both sides.
"You can do this!" Akeno called out.
"Give it all you have you two! We believe in you!" Kiba encouraged.
"…Don't screw up." Koneko said flatly as she waved a small flag.
"Please… win…" Rias whispered out. Sirzechs just put a hand on her shoulder, calming her down just a little.
"So, what's the plan?" Issei asked as he did some stretches.
"Not sure, really." Ruby admitted as she did maintenance on her two scythes as Pancakes massaged her shoulders. "I don't know if any tactics I can make up will be able to work on him. So there's only one thing we can do."
"What is it?" Issei said as they finished their preparations, with Ruby sending Pancakes to the sidelines.
"Fight like Hell." Ruby replied with a smirk, who only got a smirk back as she put away Death Rose while Issei summoned his Boosted Gear.
"Well… I may have a few things up my sleeves that might help us. Let's do this, Ruby." Issei said as they went into battle stances.
"Okay! May I have your attention please! This is a match between Ruby Rose and Issei Hyoudou versus Raiser Phoenix!" A male Devil who offered to referee the fight called out, silencing the crowd. "Anything goes and this place had been built to withstand most attacks so don't be afraid to go all out. Is everyone ready?"
"Yes." The three said in unison.
"Good, now! Begin!" The ref shouted out before jumping out of the way to be safe from the ensuing chaos that was about to be unleashed. Yet, they all just stood there glaring at each other daring their opponent to make the first move.
"Why bother with another fight?" Raiser asked in a taunting tone, his fiery wings making a few people sweat. "You know I outmatch you two in every way. I've already cracked what you are able to do. The Pawn has a Sacred Gear that will keep doubling the user's power every ten seconds and the Human King merely has a speed boost and a useless mental attack. Though it seems the Pawn has also unlocked a new power, to transfer their multiplied power into objects and allies. Not that it will help you in any way."
"Damn it, he knows about Booster Gear Gift." Issei mumbled under his breath.
"Argh…! What is with you and looking down on everyone!?" Ruby shouted out. "And that's just our skills alone! Together we can rival gods!"
"Oh, don't give me that Power of Friendship and the Power of Believing in Myself bullshit." Raiser scoffed. "Sorry, but that only works in children's stories."
"Yeah, but those guys don't have bullets and demonic powers." Issei pointed out before looking at Rias and smiling. "Buchou, set a timer! We'll finish this in ten seconds, guaranteed!"
"What!?" Rias and Ruby exclaimed, both of them looking doubtful.
"Ten seconds or your money back! We're doing this live after all!" Issei cockily said, acting like this fight was some sort pay-per-view fight.
"Uh… You're kinda getting show-boaty…" Ruby spoke up.
"You sure talk big for saying that you will finish it in 10 seconds." Raiser said as he smirked. "Then I will finish you two off in two seconds. It won't be like last time, Rias' Pawn and Apprentice!"
"It's Issei and Ruby to you." Ruby growled. "And you'll be saying our names right once this is over."
"If you can even speak afterwards!" Issei added in. "Buchou! Allow me to use Promotion here!"
Rias didn't hesitate and nodded at his request.
"Alright! Promotion! QUEEN!" Issei shouted out as he felt the power of the ultimate Evil Piece flow through his body, his Devil energy flaring around him. "Oh yeah! That's the stuff! I may not be a swordsman like Blake, Kiba and Weiss! I may not be smart like Akeno! I may not be as crazy strong as Koneko and Yang, nor will I have special abilities like Asia, Penny and R-R-Pancakes! Even if I can't master anything, I'll still become the best Issei Hyoudou I can be! I promise Buchou… I promise everyone… I will become the Ultimate Pawn!" He declared.
"You keep looking down on everyone! You never seem to realize there's always someone stronger than you!" Ruby yelled out at the Phoenix, her Devil energy also flaring. "We will never falter, we will never rest, and we will never let people like you destroy someone's life because it's what you want! You're selfish! You're arrogant! And most of all you're going to lose! I may not have earned my King Piece, but at least I've been trying ever since! And until then I'll help people, sacrifice my life for everyone I care about if have to!"
"Hmph. Rehearse that?" Raiser taunted.
"Nope! We're just stubborn as shit!" Issei answered. "With our weapons, we'll do the impossible! Boosted Gear! Welsh-Dragon Over Booster! BALANCE BREAKER!"
Suddenly, the gem on the Boosted Gear turned from green to red as it glowed intensely, shining brighter and brighter, blinding everyone in the room. When it started to fade, many gasped at the sight of Issei's new appearance.
Issei opened his eyes and smirked, feeling even more powerful than ever. His body was clad in red armour with green jewels which looked very much like a dragon. The only part of his body that wasn't covered in metal was his head, allowing him to clearly see Raiser's shocked face.
"Armour!? You turned the power of Sekiryuutei into a physical form!?" Raiser exclaimed.
"Yep! This is the power of the Emperor of Dragons! Scale Mail!" Issei announced, a helmet forming around his head before finishing off the transformation with eyes of the helmet flashing green, as Ruby stared at the Pawn in awe.
"Wh-Whoa…" Ruby whispered out, a little overwhelmed by his power. This was the same pervert who proudly announced his peeping habits on her first day at Kuoh? "Issei…"
"Like the new look? Just got it a few minutes ago." Issei said as he gave her a smile… though she couldn't see it underneath his helmet.
"Issei… I don't think I'll help much here now…" Ruby said with an amused expression on her face.
"You said we're doing together, right? Well…" Issei muttered out before grabbing the Human King's left hand. "Ddraig! Now!"
[You better be grateful, human. Making use one of my ex's commands.] A voice grumbled in her head, which confused Ruby greatly. [Share.]
"Hu-Ack!" Ruby choked out as she started to feel… tingly between her legs. "Wh-What's happen-Oh! OH!" She continued to moan out as more and more power flowed into her body… as a certain place started to get a little damp. "I-Issei…" Ruby growled out.
"I guess your body's not used to such energy, huh?" Issei guessed incorrectly. "Just power through it!"
"Th-That's n-n-n-not it, l-l-let me go-OH FUCK!" Ruby screamed out, her body glowing red as the Human King lost feeling to her legs and dropped her weapon while their audience just looked on in confusion… and slight arousal. Raiser was too stunned by the fact the lowly Pawn had a Balance Breaker already to really react to anything else. "N-No! No! Wait give me a sec-AAAHHH! WHY!?"
"…Idiot." Koneko sighed out.
"Well, that's… interesting…" Akeno chuckled out.
"…Issei-kun isn't that smart, is he?" Kiba whispered into his King's ear, who could only just… stare.
"I… I-Issei… um… y-you should… you should probably…" Rias weakly said. She honestly wanted to see where this was going.
"I'm… Oh butternut cookies and fudge, I-I'm gonna…!" Ruby gasped out between heavy breaths.
"Come on, Ruby! Unleash everything you have!" Issei continued to encourage the writhing girl, (still) completely unaware with what he's doing to her. "Show everyone everything you've got!"
"I'M GONNA KILL YOU ISSEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" Ruby cried out as her entire being was enveloped by light, once again blinding everyone. When it died down, Ruby slowly got up as she tried to recover from that… experience before noticing she had also gained a new look.
Over her usual battle outfit were on her arms two gauntlets that looked like Twice Critical except it was black and red with white gems, as well as boots that looked similar to them. On her torso was a red chest-plate with her black Scatter emblem on it along with bat wings, and on her head was a black crown decorated with rubies, diamonds, onyx and amber tilted slightly to the left yet was firmly on her head.
"Share allows me to give you half of my current power instead of all of the times I boosted, unlike Transfer." Issei explained, his Scale Mail looking lighter than it had been previously. "Neat, huh? Only works on other people though."
"…Let's just do this." Ruby deadpanned as she grabbed her scythe once more, her eyes flashing red. "Get ready Raiser!"
"The Red Dragon Emperor and the Red Reaper King!" Issei called out.
"Are gonna take you down!" Ruby and Issei shouted out in unison. "START!"
[X]
Save Game… Quit!
Whew! Done! Oh my god, this chapter was supposed to be a lot bigger but I'll save that for next time. I hope this chapter isn't too messy…
UknownHero signing off, my friends!