"" - Speech
'' - Thought
[] - Ddraig
{} - Sparda
...
It was the night before the Rating Game with the Sitri family, The Gremory group having gathered in sensei's room for there last meeting before the game. Yukio was glad that the Hollows hadn't hurt anyone and that Bikou and Kuroka's attack had failed with the help of Tannin and unlocking his Bankai. There was also talk of Rias gaining higher assessment and value thanks to both of those battles and him unlocking his Bankai.
"Yukio, how's the state of your Bankai?" Azazel asked, Yukio smirking as he answered
"I can use it…Its main aim is to increase all of my stats in favour for a smaller blade but the destructive power I can unleash is massive but I've got to learn to control that aspect now" Azazel nodded as he spoke
"Well that's a surprising thing…When I heard that you destroyed a mountain with a idlely launched Getsuga Tensho shocked me but is there any limits on your need to transform?"
"Not that I'm aware of…As long as I can take the stance to trigger it I can change into it" Yukio answered, having gone through these sorts of questions with Sparda once the party had finished as Azazel smirked
"I guess you've got a form to hold while waiting for your time limit for Balance Break to happen…But what happens when your Balance Break takes over?" Yukio looked confused as he shrugged
"No idea…I'll probably work it out after the game" Azazel frowned for a moment before turning to ask Rias
"Rias, Sona Sitri knows about the Gremory group to some degree, right?" She nodded in response as she explained
"Yes, she understands us roughly. For example, she knows the main weapons of Yukio, Kiba, Akeno, Asia and Xenovia. Video recordings of our battle with the Phenex group were partly open to the public, after all. Furthermore, Gasper's Sacred Gear and Koneko-chan's background have also come to light."
"Well, she roughly knows about you all then. So, how much do you know about her side?" Azazel asked, Rias taking a moment to think before answering
"I know the abilities of Sona, of her [Queen] the vice-president, and of several others of her servants. Though some of their abilities haven't been confirmed yet."
"So you're at a disadvantage in that regard. Well, such a thing is fine for a game or an actual battle. That is often the case in both the games and in actual battles. There are also cases of a Sacred Gear evolving and transforming during battle. You should pay careful attention. The number of your opponents is eight." said Azazel, Rias nodding as she broke it down.
"Yes, one [King], one [Queen], one [Rook], one [Knight], two [Bishops], and two pawns, for a total of eight enemies. It seems she still doesn't have a full set of pieces yet, but it's the same numbers as us."
Azazel wrote something on a white board he'd got prepared as he started to speak "The Rating Game classifies players into different particular fighting-types. Power, technique, wizard, support. Out of these, Rias is a Wizard-type. The type that is superior in magic in general, so to speak. Akeno-san is the same. Kiba is a Technique-type. He fights with speed and technique. Xenovia is a Power-type that excels in the area of speed. A player that aims for a one-hit-certain-kill. Asia and Gasper are Support-types. Also, if you classify them with even more detail, Asia is closer to a Wizard-type, while Gasper is closer to a Technique-type. Koneko is a Power-type. And lastly, Yukio, you're also a Power-type. However, you're also good at being a Technique and Support-type as well. With your [Gift] power, Amonusen and mixture of magic and Kido which if you increase will make you an all rounder"
Yukio nodded, understanding now why Sparda and Ddraig had insisted on training his magic and Kido as Sparda spoke up {Your Kido and magic allow you to make up for distance and even if you are a fast opponent sometimes it will not be enough against others}
Azazel drew lines to form a cross and wrote the names of the four types within each of the quadrants to turn it into a chart before putting in there names. Yukio spotting his own near the middle of the cross but in the Power area while Kiba being in Technique and Xenovia in Power. The chart turned into layout of where each member sat in terms of skils.
Yukio noticed that there wasn't any Wizard type which was situated near Power and that there group wasn't very balanced with Kiba being the only pure Technique type amongst them.
Azazel then circled Yukio, Xenovia and Koneko's names in the Power type and spoke "The things that Power-types have to be most careful of are—counters. A troublesome class among the Technique-types. That is the counter-type ability. There are counter-types even among the Sacred Gears, but when fighting an opponent who carries one, power-types like Yukio, Koneko and Xenovia can have their situations turned around by a single counter blow. It's because counters return the opponent's power to them plus the power of the one who counters. When one is strong, it's natural for there to be damage just as strong."
"If there's a counter, I just have to overcome it with power." Xenovia said bravely, Yukio facepalming while Azazel shook his head
"It's possible to overcome it with that, but it's another story when your opponent is a genius in that field. Avoid attacking as much as possible. It's better to face counter-users with the spell-user Akeno, the technique-user Kiba or Gasper with his special vampire abilities. Everything is a matter of compatibility. Power-types are simply strong. But the risk is big for them when fighting against Technique-types."
"Technique types have a lot of abilities or moves to work against there opponents depending on the style of fight" Yukio spoke up, Xenovia silent from Azazel's explaination as he nodded and replied
"That's right, Yukio… You have Balance Breaker and Bankai now, but do you think you can win against Kiba?" Yukio went silent for a moment, thinking it over before speaking
"…Speaking honestly, I could but it wouldn't be power that I used against him...I would probably have to employ a combination of Sonido and Bankai to overcome Yuuto's speed and possibly Ascalon to double the amount of attacks I could release"
"That's how it is. Whether it is against Kiba or anyone else, you have options to alter your fighting style…Between Ascalon, Yamato, Amonusen and Boosted Gear along with your Kido and Magic you can come up with counter attacks for opponents and that is what battle compatibility means." Azazel explained, Yukio nodding to himself as Azazel turned to Rias
"Rias, if there are counter-users in Sona Sitri's group, they might run into Yukio, you know? If a counter eats up his enormous power, it will be an instant out. You need to come up with and refine some tactics for that just in case" Rias nodded in understanding before Azazel spoke worried
"By the way Yukio, the fact that you attained Bankai was noticed by people nearby during the attack of Bikou and the others. Sona Sitri should also know about it. You should be thoroughly careful. Since the possibility of you being crushed before you activate it or Balance Break is high."
"Don't worry about it" Yukio replied calmly with a smirk, Azazel turning as he closed his pen and delived his final conclusion
"I'd say that the chances of you guys winning in this game is over eighty percent. I do believe that you'll win, but—I don't believe you'll win "for sure". And the value of pieces isn't absolute either. Like an actual game of chess, the value changes according to the situation on the board." Everyone listened seriously and attentively as Azazel continued
"I have lived a long time. In that time, I have seen a great variety of battles. That's why I will say this. —I have seen guys win despite having less than a ten percent chance of victory. Do not take even a one-percent chance lightly. Don't believe that you'll definitely win. However, think that you want to win no matter what. This is the last advice I can give to you all in this training camp."
With that Azazel discussed tactics with the members who had been left out of the conversation until the day of the decisive battle.
…
The day of the battle found the Gremory group in the basement of the Gremory Castle were a huge magic circle sat for the exclusive use of transporting them to the game area.
Everyone was gathered atop of the magic circle and was prepared to transport to the game area where they would battle soon. Beside Asia and Xenovia, they were all wearing the summer uniform, Yukio with his red coat atop of it. Asia wore her sister clothes while Xenovia was wearing her form fitting battle suit that Yukio's seen her wear when they met the first time and both girls were full of fighting spirit. It also seemed that the Sitri side would also be wearing there Kuoh uniforms for the match as well.
Rias' parents, Millicas and Azazel spoke from outside of the magic circle
"Rias, you've lost once before. Win for sure this time."
"Fight a battle that won't make you ashamed as the next head of the family. Everyone else as well, okay?"
"Do your best, Rias-nee-sama!"Well, I've taught you about the things you needed to be informed about this time. All that's left is to exert yourselves and go all out."
"Good luck Yukio-sama and everyone" Georgia added, Yukio smiling and nodding to her.
Sirzechs and Grayfia weren't here as they had gone to the spectator's lounge for the VIPs to watch and not just those from the three great powers, although they had managed to get Keiko a seat so she could enjoy the battle. Azazel was going there to watch after they had been sent off and Yukio knew this game was getting a lot of attention because it was the fight between two little sisters of the Maou. A feeling of tension floated in the air, but the magic circle began to shine under there feet before transporting them.
…
Where they arrived was full of tables like a wide restaurant, Yukio looking around and recognising his surroundings as the dining floor at shopping mall in Kuoh. He wanded a little and caught sight of familiar stores lined up within the interior and the glass ceiling atrium.
"I didn't expect that the department store near Kuou Academy would serve as the stage." Rias spoke as she came up next to Yukio who replied
"Yeah…I know"
[Everyone, I, the "Queen" of the Lucifer group, Grayfia, will be carrying the role of arbiter in the "Rating Game" between the Gremory group and the Sitri group on this occasion] was announced from the PA in the store, recoginsed as Grayfia as she continued
[In the name of my master, Sirzechs Lucifer, I will watch over the battle between these two families. It's a pleasure to be here. To get right to the main topic, the battlefield for today is the department store within the neighborhood of the school "Kuou Academy" that Rias-sama and Sona-sama attend, which has been prepared within a separate space as the game field.]
'Looks like we both have a location advantage then' Yukio thought to himself, figuring that everyone knew the layout so there wouldn't be any chance of getting lost.
[Both groups have been transported to their respective "bases". Rias-sama's "base" is on the second floor of the east side, while Sona-sama's "base" is on the first floor of the west side. In order for "Pawns" to promote, please go to your opponent's "bases".] Grayfia spoke up, Yukio figuring they could stock up on things from the nearby shops before they would start out through the store as Grayfia added
[This time, there will be special rules. Documents on this have been sent to each group, so please check them. A single bottle of the healing item "Phoenix Tears" has been provided to each team. Furthermore, the time to strategize before the battle is thirty minutes. Contact with the opponent during this time is forbidden. The game is scheduled to start after thirty minutes. Then, let the strategy time begin.] Everyone quickly gathered together so they could begin planning as Rias started while looking at a guide map on the dining floor wall.
"The battlefield is modeled on the department store near Kuou Academy. So it's an indoor battle."
[I bet they won't let you destroy things…It would be too easy for you] Ddraig spoke up, Yukio agreeing that he had the means to destroy the whole building in moments while remembering he'd been here often with Rias and Asia for things.
Rias looked over the document with the special rule that had been given as she spoke "The rule this time states [Don't destroy the department store which has become the battlefield]; in other words, we can't do any showy battles."
[Told you!] Ddraig roared annoyed, Sparda sighing while Rias narrowed her eyes and thought about the rule.
"…I see, so to me, the fuku-buchou, and Yukio, this is a disadvantageous battlefield. We can't do attacks that affect a wide area." Xenovia spoke, Yukio starting to mental cross out attacks he couldn't use
'No Dragon Shots, Getsuga Tenshos, Cero…Darn I can't use a good chunk of my attacks' Yukio thought to himself, knowing that Xenovia wouldn't be able to unleash her holy slashing wave with Durnadal, althought using the sword at all would probably cause problems with how much aura it gushed out .
"That really is troublesome. A battle of large mass attacks has been mostly sealed." Akeno spoke with a sigh, a hand on her cheek as she looked troubled as she added
"Gasper-kun's eyes also won't be as effective. There are too many places to hide within the department store. All the goods and products have also been exactly reproduced, so there is an overflowing amount of objects to obstruct his vision. There is also the possibility of surprise attack in the dark…It's troubling. This is a disadvantageous battlefield for our special characteristics. Because the Rias Gremory group's forte is to battle showily, we're completely sealed."
Rias shook her head in response as she spoke "No, Gasper's eyes couldn't be used from the start. They put in a restriction on it here. [The use of Gasper Vladi's Sacred Gear is forbidden], it says. The reason is clear and simple. Since he still can't perfectly control it yet. They judged that it would be problematic if the entire game was spoiled by his eyes going out of control. Giving him Yukio's blood is also prohibited. It seemed that they've provided him with Sacred Gear-sealing glasses developed by Azazel. [Since it was made for Gasper's exclusive use, it won't have any particular bad influence on his body]—so it says here. Really, he likes to prepare."
"Then, will Gasper fight using magic and his vampire abilities?" Yukio asked, Rias nodding in response as she replied
"That's right. From the beginning, his time-stopping power carried a lot of risk. The other side has not only the counter-types I mentioned before, but also Saji-kun, who possesses a Sacred Gear that absorbs the ability of others, so we don't know what kind of counterattacks they'll use. Like suppressing it with genjutsu. There are also other technique's to take away a person's vision. When talking about such things, it becomes impossible to use that power in either the games or actual battle. Using meticulous caution is only natural."
"…The Rating Game isn't something you can win simply by having a lot of power. The battle situation changes completely according to the battlefield and rules. Because this is a ground where even devils that lack strength can depend on wisdom and rise higher, it has become popular in the Underworld and among the other powers. The rules this time may be disadvantageous to us. However, if we can't make up for this, we won't be able to win and advance in the games from now on. [Even a "Pawn" can take down the "King]—this is not only a basic rule in chess, but also a proverb of the Rating Games. In other words, it implies that [anyone can win with the proper method]." Rias added, Akeno nodding approvingly as she spoke
"That's right. There may be indoor battles like this on true battlefields as well from now on. If that were the case, we wouldn't be able to completely display our power like today. This may be a good opportunity for us. Today's battle is most suitable for getting used to indoor team battles."
"Umm, Rias-sama, while I trained to attain Bankai and raise my magic, I didn't practice holding back my power when fighting…" Yukio spoke sheepishly, Rias smiling to him as she replied
"I know. This time, things came completely opposite from what we expected. Although the battlefield and rules are decided randomly, this game may be close to being the worst for Yukio. Your power is too enormous. According to the rule, destroying the building means an instant out. However, there's sure to be somewhere where you'll be able to use Balance Breaker or Bankai. But please hold back your power as much as possible while fighting. Don't shoot your Dragon Shot or Getsuga Tensho as much as possible as well. The department store may be blown away. Please survive with just hand-to-hand fighting somehow…I'm sorry for asking such difficult things from you."
"…Yes. I'm a bit worried, but I'll come up with something" Yukio nodded as Rias continued with her strategy plan
{Best we not use Bankai here…} Sparda spoke up
'Yeah…I mean I released a burst of Reiatsu and made a crater under me last time' Yukio thought back with a sweatdrop before tuning back into what they were discussing.
"Even if we attack, the atrium of this shopping mall is a problem. You can grasp the progress of the opponent from both the first and second floors. It's the same for the other side." Rias spoke while looking at the interior of the store, Akeno expressing her own opinion
"I've considered an attack from the parking garage as well, but they would also be looking out for that too."
"Yes, it's the same for moving from the rooftop. Whether it be breaking through the center, from the rooftop, or from the parking garage, we have to advance along these routes. Since we can't leave the department store itself."
"There should be cars in the parking garage as well. That's what I feel, after seeing that they reproduced even the merchandise and merchandise shelves. They may have copied the cars that were parked there."
Yukio looked between Rias and Akeno as they discussed diligently a strategy, making Yukio realise that the [Queen] was important in this aspect as well to the [King].
Kiba raised his hand as he proposed "Buchou, I'll go look at the rooftop and parking garage. Since there are stairs nearby, I'll go check them out."
Rias nodded as she spoke "Please do, Yuuto."
Kiba immediately headed out at a quick pace, Yukio realising something as he asked "Do you think they would use the cars against us?"
"Maybe if they plunge into the store interior with a car, it'd be serious, you know? Besides, we have to openly consider the possibility that they'll use the car itself as a bomb, though I don't think that someone like Sona would do something like recklessly driving inside the department store." Rias replied, Yukio nodding as he thought aloud
"I guess it's good to be cautious."
"Naturally, I still feel like this isn't enough. It's also possible for someone to rest and hide inside cars. Now that I think about it, we haven't seen the inside of the staff room before. We should go check it…Since it's a department store, there are an endless number of things to consider." Rias spoke, considering every minute detail before turning to Gasper and instructing him
"Gasper, please change into bats and fly to every location within the department store. In the opening of the game, you'll inform us of the situation within the department store in detail."
"R-Roger!" Gasper replied before the strategy planning continued on.
It took them half of the time for them to conclude there strategy session and solidify there plan as Rias looked around and spoke "The game will be starting fifteen minutes from now. We'll gather here again in ten minutes. Everyone, please remain on standby with your respective methods of relaxing until then."
With that the group broke up and walked away, Rias stopping Yukio as she spoke
"Yukio, since you attained Bankai, the power of the eight [Pawn] pieces I placed in you have all been forcibly released. With this, you may be able to completely use Ddraig and Sparda's power, but your body still can't handle it. They both should also save power in order not to break your body. Be careful. If you make a mistake with the Sekiryuutei's power, the host's body will be destroyed."
"Don't worry Rias-sama…I'll be careful" Yukio replied with a smile, Rias giving him a brief hug before going into a shop on the dining floor and pouring herself some tea. Gasper was eating donuts at a donuts shop and Asia and Xenovia were talking about this and that in front of a hamburger shop. Kiba was rummaging through the drugstore beside the dining floor, collecting medicine that he could take with him.
Yukio smiled to himself as he headed to a nearby music shop, grabbing an acoustic guitar before starting to strum randomly before settling on trying to play the Goddess's Ballad from Skyward Sword which took him a good minute or two to work out the notes before he attempted to play it from memory of the game.
"Yukio-kun . That song sounds quiet peaceful... It's the remaining time before the decisive battle, you know." Akeno spoke up, Yukio blushing as he felt her breasts against his back as she clung to him.
"I know Akeno-san…I was just messing around and I like this song cause of it being peaceful although I don't give it nearly enough justice" Yukio replied, Akeno smiling as she embraced him from behind even tighter, making him more nervous as he asked.
"A-Akeno-san, what are you doing?"
"…I'm getting courage from Yukio-kun." Akeno replied in a painful voice, surprising him at the sudden change as she added
"…I need the courage to fight… Because I might have to use the other power that flows inside me this time, I'm scared. I hate it. That's why I'm getting courage from Yukio-kun."
Yukio smiled, setting down the guitar before turning to hug her tighter, Akeno's eyes widening for a moment before she melted into his hold as he spoke "If you're fine with me, please get courage from me"
"When I bring out my power of light, will you watch, Yukio-kun? If Yukio-kun is watching, I will be able to use it." Akeno asked, Yukio nodding as he replied
"Yeah, if Akeno-san can display her power just by me watching, it's a small price to pay"
"…I'm happy. If I'm together with Yukio, surely… You belong to Rias, but even so I will always… by your side…" Akeno spoke in a low voice, her eyes moist as she moved back from him before bringing her face in close to Yukio's, Akeno's lips about to touch his own…
"…Yukio-senpai, it's almost time to gather." Koneko spoke up, suddenly appearing and ruining the mood as Yukio smiled to her nervously tried to come up with a reason
"K-Koneko-chan! This is, umm…" Koneko sighed with half closed eyes as she looked at him,
"Ara-ara, Koneko-chan. You saw us. Ufufu. Yukio-kun, thank you. I'm already okay now." Akeno spoke in her usual pleasant smiling tone and tried to leave as she muttered quietly to herself
"…Next time, for sure… with you…" She looked regretful at having to part, Yukio calming himself down as Ddraig spoke up
[Damn the cat for ruining your moment. Things could have got ecc-] Sparda quickly shut the dragon up as Yukio flushed red for a moment as the Dark Knight added
{She's relying on you now Yukio…} Yukio nodded to himself before jumping slightly as Koneko grasped his hand
"Koneko-san?" He asked turning to see her blushing red as she spoke
"…Please give me courage too." Yukio could feel her shaking, scared of using her Nekomata power as he smiled
"Sure. I did offer didn't I?" Yukio replied while grasping her hand back before Koneko asked with an anxious expression
"…Yukio-senpai, aren't you afraid of me, as a nekomata?"
"No, not at all… I'm more scared of myself" He answered calmly, Koneko looking astonished before turning her head down as she spoke
"…Before the training began, I said something horrible to Yukio-senpai."
"You don't have to worry about that. I was also at fault then. Although I didn't know your circumstances, I—was an inconsiderate senpai."
"That isn't true." Koneko replied angrily, grasping his hand harder as she added
"…I'll use my nekomata power." Yukio looked surprised at her as Koneko explained with a resolved look.
"…I hate what nee-sama became. But as things are now, I may not be able to be useful to everyone. That's why, I'll use it."
"Koneko-san, you'll surely overcome your nekomata power in the future and someday become a hell cat." Yukio replied with a smile, Koneko looking confused as she asked
"…Hell cat?"
"Yeah, it's written as "cat of the underworld" and read as hell cat" Yukio explained before continuing as a thought came to mind
"I'll declare this to Koneko-san too. Even if you run out of control with your nekomata power, I'll stop you. I want to use my power not only for myself, but for my friends too. And even if that scary onee-san comes again, I'll definitely save you. Since I'll blow away that nee-chan, you don't need to be scared."
"…You really are a gentle Sekiryuutei." Koneko murmured, her cheeks a deep red.
…
The group had gathered at the dining floor where they were waiting for the start time, an announcement streamed in through the store
[It is now time to begin. Furthermore, the time limit for this game will be a blitz-style of three hours. Then without further ado, game start.]
Rias stood up from her seat with an expression filled with fighting spirit as she spoke "Your instructions are just as we agreed on before. Yukio and Koneko, and Yuuto and Xenovia will split into two separate groups. Yukio and Koneko will advance through the store interior. Yuuto and Xenovia will advance forward via the parking garage. Gasper will transform into many bats and do surveillance and reporting inside the store. According to the condition of your progress, me, Akeno and Asia will go by the route of Yukio's group." Everyone nodded in understanding as they fitted the communication-use microphones into there ears.
"Now then, my cute servant devils! We won't lose again! This time, we'll win!"
[Yes!] Everyone declared with fighting spirit.
"Then, Xenovia, let's go."
"Yes, Kiba."
Kiba and Xenovia spoke as they headed out first, rushing out from the dining floor and heading down towards the parking garage. Kiba had confirmed earlier that there were cars in the parking lot but they only seemed to be imitations making them not very useful.
"Koneko-san, let's go."
"Yes."
Yukio and Koneko left that place behind and headed out, Amonusen on Yukio's back as he smiled at how Koneko had told everyone that she would use her power.
"Yukio, good luck."
"Yukio-san! Do your best! Don't lose!"
"Ufufu, I expect to see your cool side."
Rias, Asia and Akeno all called out to him, Yukio giving them a thumbs-up as they continued, Koneko next to him as they advanced at a subtle pace which was just a jog as sound echoed in the store interior which could be used against them to judge distance. Plus the store interior was a long horizontal shopping mall so they had to move while concealing themselves beneath cover.
Five minutes had passed since the game began and neither of them had seen any enemies yet but they continued moving forward while being on alert, they'd only progressed through a quarter of the place.
Yukio frowned at the oddity of them not having met there enemies yet while they were acting as a diversion, glancing to Koneko to see her cat ears on her head and a tail poking out under her skirt, his cheeks reddening at how cute she looked.
Koneko pointed ahead of them with her finger and spoke "…They're moving. There are two people straight ahead moving towards us."
Yukio focused his senses for a moment and quickly picked up the pair as he spoke "I can sense them as well"
"I released a part of senjutsu in my current state, I can read the flow of spirit fairly well. Naturally, I can't grasp the fine details of it, but…" Koneko explained as Yukio nodding in understanding as he asked
"…How long until we meet up with them?"
"…At this pace, most likely within ten minutes." Koneko replied, Yukio staring ahead as he wondered what he should do only to be broken as Koneko spoke, her cheeks red
"Yukio-senpai wears a warrior face when it's important. Even though you usually have a relaxed look…"
Koneko and Yukio suddenly looked up at the ceiling ahead of them as she spoke
"…Above!" Yukio spotted the line stretched straight up to the ceiling like a rope, descending from it like Tarzan was Saji who shoutled
"Yu! The first attack is ours!" Yukio brought his right arm up to grab Amonusen, using it to guard against the knee kick Saji had ready, the silver haired Pawn picking up the girl on his back. Yukio's stance shook from the impact of combination of there fall, the kick and the weight of the two people before pushing back making Saji use the flat of his sword to jump back.
"Yo, Yu" Saji spoke with a grin, next to him was a first year girl who was apart of the student council before his eyes focused on Saji's right arm, noticing that [Absorption Line] had changed since he'd last seen it. His eyes trailed down the line to see it connected with his right arm, guessing he put it there when he attacked but it didn't connect to Saji but rather headed off to somewhere far away. Yukio's left arm had a line connected with his gauntlet that was connected to Saji.
Yukio frowned as he noticed it didn't feel like his power was being sucked away from the right one.
"Well, I did some training. The result of that is this. So, when I had stuck a line in the ceiling and rose up in order to observe the store interior from above, I saw two people hiding under cover further away. Since you didn't notice me, I used that brief chance to do a Tarzan attack." Saji spoke with a bitter grin
"I also trained. I spent almost all my summer vacation being battling a dragon!"Yukio countered, swapping his grip on Amonusen to his left hand before a shocking announcement was called out
[One of Rias Gremory-sama's "Bishops", retired.]
Saji grinned as Koneko spoke "The one that was taken out is most likely Gasper-kun."
"Gasper was caught." Saji spoke as he explained
"We were contacted and told that Gasper-kun's Sacred Gear was sealed according to the rules. As such, it was inevitable that he would use his vampire powers instead. [He will change into bats and observe the situation within the store]. This is what Kaichou thought. So we utilized our base."
"First, one of our members moves suspiciously at the Sitri base. Then, Gasper-kun who was doing surveillance would naturally be interested and follow them, you know? Then, when we showed more suspicious behaviour, he would call the other bats he had launched and start to observe with several of them. When all the many bats had gathered, that's when it happened. If something happens to the bats when all of them are gathered, they revert back to Gasper's body. Near the place where the bats had assembled together was—garlic, a vampire's greatest dislike. Our base is a grocery store on the first floor of the west side. There were large quantities of garlic left there. It was easy to catch Gasper with that." Saji explained, Yukio frowning as the Sitri Pawn continued
"It's pretty simple, right? But even if I say that, this method of taking him out won't work again. Kaichou said that, no matter how much training he did, he still wouldn't be close to overcoming his aversion to garlic yet. It was a lucky coincidence that we had a base at such a location, but even so a defeat is a defeat."
[Partner, doubling is dangerous. Now that you're connected to that guy's Sacred Gear, you'll have part of your power stolen by him if you double.] Ddraig spoke up as Yukio slipped into a fighting stance as he mentally replied
'I figured as much…I've got an idea to take advantage of that'
[To detach this line, you have no choice but to blow it away by using the after-shocks from activating Balance Breaker.] Ddraig added, Yukio frowning as Sparda added
{That release enough reiatsu that you'll make a crater under your feet}
"Start!" Yukio muttered quietly in an attempt for his timer to not be noticed.
[Countdown] The Boosted Gear called, the timer appearing on the jewel as Yukio gripped the line connected with Saji with his free hand as he called out
"Hadō #11! Tsuzuri Raiden!" Saji looked shocked as a bolt of lightning shooting down the line and electrocuted him.
"You know that Shinigami can touch anything spiritual linked so your line is just another way I can hit you now" Yukio spoke, Saji getting up and smirking at Yukio as he spoke
"I didn't expect that, Yu…" Yukio dismissed Amonusen as he charged to met Saji, surprised at the latter's speed as a kick hit Yukio's abdomen only knocking him back slightly.
"Heh, even though I kicked quite seriously there. You also seem to not have done incomplete training." Saji spoke with a bitter smile as Yukio swung a punch at him only for Saji to shoot a line past him, connecting with a store light as he called out
"Nimura! Put on the sunglasses we got at that store just before!" Both Saji and Nimura put sunglasses on as Yukio called
"Koneko close your eyes quick!" The store lighting issues a blazing light and burned Yukio's vision, Koneko managing to close her eyes in time as Sparda spoke up
{They got you. He caused a burst of light for just an instant by connecting his line to the light and sending magic power into it.}
Yukio felt Saji in front of him, his body dodging the attack aimed at his abdomen before he swung out blindly and missing. Saji not speaking but the sound of footfalls and Saji's spiritual presense helping Yukio dodge the attack from behind only to get an uppercut in his jaw, blood spreading inside his mouth as his eyesight came back
"How did you avoid that?" Saji asked, his hand pointed with a magic bullet aimed at him which shot forwards as Yukio activated and swung Amonusen to cut through it and making the attack explode before him.
"I trained with Sparda and his clones for three whole days…Just relying on your eyes will get you killed by him" Yukio replied bitterly, swinging Amonusen to disperse the smoke as he added
"That wasn't bad, Gen"
"Yu, I'm serious. I'm going to seriously defeat you, the Seishinryuutei." Saji spoke with resolution, raising his hand to fire another surprisingly large magic blast. Yukio dodged it and the store behind him was destroyed in the attack, frowning in confusion at how he'd created something that powerful until his eyes widened at spotting the line that was connected to his chest over his heart.
"Gen! You! Are you converting your own life-force…into magic power!?" Yukio shouted shocked, Saji looking serious as he replied
"That's right. With my low magic, this is the only way for me to shoot powerful attacks. I convert my life-force into magic power using my Sacred Gear's ability. It's just as you see. I'm [risking my life], as it were."
"Do you really intend to die…!?" Yukio shouted angrily, lessening as Saji smiled
"Yeah, I intend to die. I intend to beat you with the intention of dying. —Do you understand our frustration, having our dream laughed at! Do you understand our desperation as we believe in our dream? This battle is being broadcast across the entire Underworld. We have to show the seriousness of the Sitri group in front of those guys that laughed at us!"
Yukio gritted his teeth, remembering back to when he'd stormed Rias' engagement party to fight Raiser. Steeling himself, Yukio decided to bat away the next magic ball into the air as he noticed Koneko was winning against her opponent, due to her superior hand-to-hand fighting, and continued when Koneko's fist grazed Nimura's cheek and made her whole body shook a little as her eyes swam. Koneko took advantage of the opening and clad a pale white aurea covered fist into her opponent's chest. In an instant Nimura dropped to her knees as Koneko spoke
"…I drove a fist clad with spirit energy into you. Since damage was also dealt to the blood vessels flowing inside you at the time, you won't be able to build up magic anymore. Furthermore, the damage also pierced through your insides…You can't move anymore."
Yukio found himself reminded of what Azazel had said before hand "Koneko's true fighting style, which mixes senjutsu and hand-to-hand combat, will certainly become a weapon. An attack that not only deals damage to the opponent's body, but also their blood vessels that circulate within their body will break the enemy's aura from its foundation. However, if she becomes consumed by power, she must stop using it immediately. Senjutsu can read and handle spirit energy, but it also takes in the malice and ill will that floats in the world. Koneko's sister became like that because she absorbed too much malice as well."
"…Saji-senpai, I'm sorry." Nimura spoke as her body shone and disappeared from where she was as Grayfia announced
[One of Sona Sitri-sama's "Pawns", retired.]
"…I have become a hellcat. I won't lose!" Koneko declared, Yukio smirking slightly as he turned his focus back onto Saji who was still firing magic bullets at him, pouring his soul and spirit into each of them
"Haahaa…Haahaa…" Saji panted in exertion from firing it all, Koneko about to speak as Yukio interrupted her
"No, Koneko-san. Please let me do this, just between me and Gen." Koneko shook her head as she countered
"That's no good. This is a team battle. Let's work together."
"Yeah, it's just as you say, Koneko-san. But, while he was fighting against me, Gen didn't make any direct attacks on you. If he wanted to, he could have attached the line to Koneko-san and sucked up your power. Why do you think he didn't do that even so?" Yukio replied, Koneko not able to answer as Saji did while smiling complacent
"…Sorry, Toujou Koneko-chan. I want to win against Yu, against the Seishinryuutei one-on-one. Didn't I tell you? Our dream is serious. We will build a school. We will construct a school without discrimination in the Underworld. And I will become a teacher…That is my dream…This battle is being broadcasted across the entire Underworld. That's why this has meaning. I, a [Pawn]! Will win against the same [Pawn], Seishinryuutei Hosokawa Yukio! I will defeat the Seishinryuutei! I'll win and say it boldly! That I will become a teacher!" Saji declared seriously,Yukio smiling to himself as he spoke to Koneko
"And that's how it is. If I just run away from his challenge, I'd be uncool, right? If I don't do it—. That's why, I have to do it. Because I'm his friend, I have no choice but to fight him seriously. I have to do it! Otherwise, I won't be able to show my face to Buchou!"
After hearing that, Koneko stood down and moved some distance away from us.
""Thank you."" Yukio and Saji spoke together, chuckling to each other before turning his focus onto why he had two lines on his body
[He wants to prevent your Sacred Gear's doubling ability from being restored and then flowing into him at the same time as he sucks away your own power. He knows that, if he sucks away both your own power and the Sacred Gear's power at the same time, his body won't be able to take it and will blow up. He plans to stop the Balance Breaker countdown and return you to your normal form instead.] Ddraig explained
"—This is going nowhere, huh." Saji spoke with a sigh as he gathered a mass of magic power between his hands, condensing it to the size of a softball as he spoke with heavy breathes
"With this, it won't affect the surrounding area, and it will completely knock you out"
"I was jealous of you. The pride of your master and senpai. The Seishinryuutei. Everyone knows about you. But, even though I'm the same [Pawn] as you, I have nothing. That's why, I obtained pride and self-confidence. I will defeat you, the Seishinryuutei!" Saji yelled as he threw the magic attack at Yukio
'I guess its time to use that…' Yukio thought to himself with a smile, Saji releasing his line on the Boosted Gear and attaching it to his leg so he couldn't escape. Yukio rose his right arm towards the attack, his eyes turning serious as he called out
"Dividing Gear!" Forming over his right hand the white gauntlet appeared, taking a few seconds to form as he caught the attack from Saji
[Divide!]
"—! My magic bullet was halved!?" Saji spoke shocked, Yukio using a small burst of reiatsu to blow away the smoke as he spoke
"You know me, Gen…I'm quite happy to risk my life as well so I had Ddraig work to give me an easier access to the [Dividing Gear] the downside is that I shave my lifeforce to be able to activate it" He grabbed hold of the line attached to his right hand before his white gauntlet called
[Divide!] The width of the line halved as he turned his focus back to Saji as he added
"It wouldn't be fair for me to hold back so let's go! Shine! Boosted Gear!"
[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!] The red extra large aura surrounded Yukio as it changed into armour, his right gauntlet still in the form of the [Dividing Gear].
…
It had been several minutes since the game had begun. I—Kiba, and Xenovia entered the multi-storey parking lot.
We advanced forward while cautiously looking through the dimly-lit parking lot. Because we had both encountered a lot of spies in our missions, moving forward like this was our strong point.
I walked in front, and then, after I confirmed that there was no one hiding under cover ahead of us, I called back to Xenovia behind me for her to move forward as well. We repeated this many times and gradually advanced through the parking lot.
The plan was to descend down the car passages on the second floor and go down to the first floor. The elevator was also functioning, but we feared being attacked while we rode it down.
We had no choice but to advance with the most reliable method.
We advanced down the passage from the second floor and set foot on the first floor of the parking lot.
—There was a silhouette before us.
Looking closely, it was a glasses-wearing girl with long black hair—.
I knew her. Kaichou's [Queen], the "vice-president of the student council", Shinra Tsubaki-senpai. She held a naginata in her hand.
That's right, I had heard that she was a naginata-user. And she held a considerably high-rank with it as well.
"How do you do, Kiba Yuuto-kun, Xenovia-san. I knew that you would come here."
Shinra-senpai spoke indifferently. There were two girls at her side—. A girl with a tall figure and a slender girl carrying a Japanese sword.
The tall girl was called Yura-san. A [Rook]. The girl holding the Japanese sword was called Meguri-san. A [Knight].
Yura-san excelled in hand-to-hand combat techniques, while Meguri-san was a member of a clan that made their living on the extermination of evil spirits.
I see, so you stationed three people at the parking lot, Sona-kaichou. She read us well. She had secured this place… She predicted that we would be the ones most likely to attack.
Xenovia unsheathed the sword that she carried on her back and I also produced a holy demonic sword in my hand.
Xenovia didn't use Durandal. With that special rule, she wouldn't be able to act well with Durandal. Since its power couldn't be controlled, it would recklessly destroy the building.
[Rias Gremory-sama's first "Bishop", retired.]
—! The defeat of one of our comrades was heard from the announcement. It was difficult to think that it was Asia-san. I didn't understood how it happened, but Gasper had likely been taken out.
"How calm you are." Shinra-senpai said that.
"Yes, since I won't be able to endure if I don't get used to something like this."
I responded extremely calmly. Inside, though, my heart was seething. Because even I felt the frustration and regret in losing a friend.
Gasper-kun. Most likely, he was taken out before he could display his power. I'll swing my sword for your share as well.
"Geez, it's because he didn't train his body enough."
Beside me, Xenovia sighed as well. She was also calm—or so it seemed, but her eyes were still.
"But even so, they took out my cute kouhai. I'll have to avenge him."
Dreadful pressure was being given off from her. The pressure was even transmitted to me, her ally. She's surprisingly soft towards her friends as well. Despite appearances, she also felt that Gasper-kun was cute. Being notified of his defeat was unforgivable to her.
Together, we prepared our special weapons and while shortening the distance between us and our opponents—we sprang forward!
Giiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin!
Me and Shinra-senpai, and Xenovia and Meguri-san crossed swords. Sparks flashed from the force of the blades clashing, and intense clangs rang out.
At that instant, Meguri-san noticed what Xenovia held in her hand and took a step back.
"…A holy sword!?" She let out a voice of surprise.
Yes, Xenovia was holding a holy sword. Moreover, it was a legendary one.
"Yeah, this is Ascalon. Yukio-senpai loaned it to me."
[!?]
Azazel-sensei had remembered about Ascalon, which was assimilated into the Boosted Gear that Yukio removed before.
"Yukio, can you remove it like when you fought Vali?"
Due to these words, the fact that Ascalon could be detached from the Sacred Gear was confirmed Sensei had then hurriedly handed Xenovia a training plan to get accustomed to Ascalon.
It seemed that she had practiced handling Ascalon while training outside. As both dragon-slaying powers and the Sekiryuutei's power were now imbued in Ascalon, it had changed into a specialized weapon that boasts enormous power.
It may not match Durandal's destructive power, but when taking into account its ease of use, it had a wider range of uses than Durandal.
However, that meant that Yukio-kun didn't have Ascalon at present. That shouldn't backfire on us this time, but…
After that, me and Xenovia entered an intense slashing battle with our opponents.
We made sure to avoid each other, but it was the other person on the opponent's side, the [Rook] Yura-san, that I was concerned about.
Depending on her movements, we would know whether she regarded either of us as dangerous and was aiming at either me or Xenovia.
While remaining vigilant of Yura-san, I continued firing my holy demonic sword at the vice-president! My and Xenovia's swords emitted a holy wave. If we landed a blow on our opponents, big damage would be definite. If that happened, they would have to retire, as healing techniques were restricted.
A single stroke of the sword. If they suffered a single stroke of our swords, it would become our victory!
As she switched between offense and defense, Xenovia suddenly made a hole in space. Normally, anyone would think that she would materialize Durandal here—. But that wasn't it.
A holy aura drifted out from the tear in space and wrapped itself around the Ascalon that Xenovia held.
"—! While keeping Durandal locked up in the space!? You're taking out only its holy aura!" Shinra-senpai was shocked as she understood. Xenovia smiled.
"Yeah, I was suggested an interesting way to use Durandal. I somehow managed to achieve it in my training. Now, I can use it more than sufficiently."
Buchou and Azazel-sensei had also highly regarded Xenovia's Durandal. At the same time, they felt that it was wasteful that she couldn't control the sword.
Durandal was a holy sword that boasted a tremendous sharpness. Therefore, when its owner couldn't control it, it became an assassin's blade. In reality, Xenovia used Durandal, but it was also a fact that she was also considerably tossed about by its destructive power.
She may become able to control it eventually. However, until then it was also dangerous to simply swing such an assassin's blade recklessly. Therefore, sensei had an idea.
"Can you not release only Durandal's aura from the separate space? You could then clad it on Ascalon or a holy sword that Kiba creates."
I was also wonderstruck by such an amazing idea of using Ascalon and my swords like this.
Durandal was simply kept in that space and it continuously emitted its mighty holy aura. Only the aura was taken out from the separate space and the power was poured onto other swords.
It wasn't Durandal itself, but a power equal to its own was limitlessly poured onto a different sword. That—was the new power of the Ascalon that Xenovia held in her hands.
The Fallen Angel Governor Azazel. He had showed all these possibilities to us. Such a fallen angel had been our enemy. I was delighted that he was now on our side.
Xenovia attacked her opponent with Ascalon + Durandal's aura!
Giin! Giiiiiiiin!
Silver light and sparks flashed in the darkness of the parking lot. The skill and sword possessed by the [Knight] Meguri-san were quite special, but she was gradually being cornered by Xenovia's speed and power!
"Take this!"
Not overlooking an instant of opening, Xenovia instantly cornered her opponent! She had got her!
But, there was someone who stepped into the space between them—the [Rook] Yura-san!
As she put out both of her hands in front of her—.
"Reverse!"
Xenovia let out her attack, but the holy aura had disappeared and changed into a demonic aura!
Xenovia's slash became an attack trapped by momentum, and in that moment her sword was caught by Yura-san and flicked away. Yura-san tried to pursue her in that state, but Xenovia regained her balance and avoided her kick.
Gasshaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!
The kick blew away several cars with its force. A direct hit would be dangerous.
I had become speechless from the phenomenon just now. A holy aura become a demonic aura!?
Yura-san had called out "reverse". In other words, she transformed a holy aura into a demonic aura? Was that Yura-san's ability? Or a Sacred Gear? I didn't understand the reason for it, but this was troublesome.
It was a kind of those so-called counters. It's a special case, but it would be bad if that counter was used while Yura-san and Meguri-san worked together.
Ascalon's holy power was reversed and turned into demonic power. Only ordinary damage would be given to a devil from demonic power. Since a devil's origin was from demonic magic. It became just an ordinary slash.
Xenovia also possesses incredible skills, but her battling would be disturbed because she had trained and fought based on holy swords. If she received a counter, even Xenovia would fall.
…Well done, Sitri group. If it's like this—.
"Xenovia! Switch with me!"
By my shout, me and Xenovia switched places and exchanged our respective opponents.
This was fine. With my holy demonic swords, the effect of their "reverse" would have no meaning. Because there was nothing to reverse when the power of holy and demonic were blended together.
Yura-san also didn't display her "reverse" stance, and she started to attack me along with Meguri-san.
Next to us, Xenovia and Shinra-senpai had started slashing at each other. Xenovia's furious attacks were intense and at last she managed to corner Shinra-senpai in front of a wall!
—She had her!
Xenovia, decide it instantly like that!
As if my thoughts were transmitted to her, Xenovia raised Ascalon and entered a posture for the finishing strike! She can do it! If we take out the [Queen], the whole situation will become considerably easier!
"With this—this match is decided!"
As Xenovia swung down the sword at Shinra-senpai and dealt a direct hit—at that instant.
"—Sacred Gear, [Mirror Alice]."
A huge ornamented mirror appeared in front of Shinra-senpai!
Xenovia's slash continued without stopping and crushed the mirror.
Zuooooooooooooooooon!
"—!?"
A wave was released from the broken mirror and attacked Xenovia!
With a bewildered expression on her face, Xenovia spurted out blood all over the place.
"When this mirror is destroyed, the impact on it is doubled and returned to the opponent. —I am a counter-user. Kiba Yuuto-kun, it was a mistake to send the Power-type Xenovia-san against me."
Shinra-senpai gave a sneer.
"Gahah!"
Lying on the road surface, Xenovia coughed out blood from her mouth in apparent pain.
—They got us! Her ability was different from what I had heard. Had she accomplished change and growth and attained a new ability!?
"The only one remaining is Kiba Yuuto. You're the only one left."
The three of them approached me. I picked up Xenovia and then swiftly hid myself within the shadows nearby.
I placed Xenovia in the shadow of a car and took out the medical supplies we had gotten at the drugstore a short while before.
We had completely lost just now. That she would station two counter-users here… It seemed that Sona-kaichou intended to completely crush us first. So she had naturally predicted that we would be the likely attackers.
Certainly, they were a threat to just us who were quick on our feet and users of holy swords. Kaichou had supplemented for their respective weaknesses by having them team up against us and spurred us to use power.
—Had she predicted everything to this point?
Xenovia… was in serious condition. She had received double the power of Durandal and Ascalon.
If Shinra-senpai's Sacred Gear was a type that countered holy attacks perfectly, it would be an instant retire for us. If it was handled poorly, Xenovia could have died. With these injuries, her withdrawal from the battlefield won't be long now. She'll completely retire with the next attack.
Buchou was the one who had the "Phoenix Tears". We couldn't use healing techniques here either.
Xenovia grasped my hand as I treated her and spoke.
"…Abandon me, Kiba. I'll disappear from this place anyway when I retire soon because of these injuries."
But I took my hand away from hers and continued treating her.
"Yeah, I know that. But, you know, I promised that I wouldn't abandon an ally so easily."
"…How soft. You're just like Yukio."
I gave a smile at those words.
"That makes me happy. Because part of me also thinks that I'd like to become like him."
That's right, I wanted a spirit that would never give up like Yukio-kun. He was amazing. Even though he has a Hollow inside of him, caused by his own high spiritual power, he wants to master his powers so it can't hurt another. He thinks less of himself because of that monster sleeping inside of him but he understands hardwork. I wouldn't be a match for him anymore in terms of simple strength or speed but he drives me to work harder. His efforts and guts entered into the territory of deserving admiration. Advancing step by step with effort, his progress was nobler than anyone else.
"Become like Yukio?"
"I want to obtain his guts and willpower."
At those words, Xenovia let out a strained laugh.
"…That doesn't suit you best, though."
I also thought that.
"True. But, as long as I can move even a single finger, I won't fall!"
"…I see. Are you telling someone like me to move since I can still move a single finger? What a cruel guy."
"If I fall down, I'll do what I have to do, even if I can move only a single millimeter or inch. Because otherwise—the regret of not doing anything would be so painful that I'd die!"
[Sona Sitri-sama's first "Pawn", retired.]
An announcement. It seemed that someone had taken out one of the opponents. We also had to hold on.
The sound on the enemies' footsteps approached.
—Xenovia.
You'll retire from here soon. But before that, I think that I'll show it to you. I appeared in front of the three opponents.
"Have you resolved yourself?"
Preparing to use her naginata, Shinra-senpai approached.
A small tear in space appeared behind me. Xenovia was making it form. It couldn't be seen like this, as it was in the enemies' blind spot. Then, Durandal's aura flowed into me.
Now then, Xenovia. I'll show it to you.
This technique created by you and me, Rias Gremory's two [Knights]!
Zazazazan!
Holy demonic swords sprang up everywhere within this parking lot. The holy demonic aura that covered them might have been little. But, if Durandal's aura is also added to them, it's another story entirely.
"—Durandal Birth!"
That attack pierced through Yura-san and Meguri-san. Just as they began to shine, they disappeared from this place.
Two down. Shinra-senpai—seemed to have escaped and left the parking lot.
In my arms, Xenovia's body began to shine.
"Kiba. That was a nice attack."
Her expression was covered with a smile as she was disappearing from here. So I also smiled and saw her off.
"Yeah, when you and I work together again, we can make more holy swords bloom."
Her weight had disappeared and then she herself disappeared as well.
Pariiiiiiin.
After making a short-lived noise, the holy swords that had bloomed all over the place crumbled and dissolved into nothingness.
…
Author's Note
Here's the next chapter and the first half of the Rias vs Sona Ratings Game. I'll have the other half up in a few days as I want to get this arc over with before Christmas. The effect on Saji will be quite noticeable next chapter but I've settled on a cross between some sort of long range Fullbring, A hollow mask like the Vizors and some Shinigami Kido given most of Saji's abilities are ranged to begin with.
As for Fallen Angel girls I'll add probably two once I get the personalities sorted out and they'll be twin daughters of Kokabiel.