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Flashback

Demon

Chapter 11

"Wait a minute. What about the note? Is he really going to fight everyone?"

The question Asia just asked wiped the smiles on their faces, replaced with shock and concern for the Queen.

"We have to help him."

"No."

Kiba halted in his tracks looking at his master in shock, her arms crossed as she looked out the window.

"Buchou you can't be serious!? How is one man gonna beat a whole Peerage!? Riser can regenerate... and they have Phoenix tears!"

"This is Asumoto's fight Kiba," Rias said in a calm tone. "Asumoto is stronger than all of us. Are you forgetting the nickname my brother bestowed upon him?"

Kiba shook his head. Of course he didn't forget, he could never forget the name which he was there to hear Asumoto be given.

He was truly lucky that it was them to have him as their Queen, if he was anyone else's… Kiba shuttered at the dreadful though of facing Asumoto in a real battle. There was a reason why he was called that name and this battle would show it to those who were watching.

However, even though Asumoto said he'd take care of Riser's Peerage alone - and the importance it was to protect Rias - the young Knight felt the desire to go and assist their Queen, to be out there on the battlefield fighting side by side with his fellow swordsman.

But he had his orders from both King and Queen, and would follow them.

"Uhm, Buchou," said Asia with a look of confusion, "what's this title Asumoto-san earned called?"

Rias smiled at her newest servant. "Ah Asia, since we will be doing nothing unless attacked. I think now is the time to tell you an incredible story, of the nickname Asumoto goes by."

He knew what he was doing. It may be suicidal. But to repent for his treatment toward Rias' he'd do, even if he didn't trust her and became her servant she still gave him a second chance at life.

Asumoto knew Riser had a full peerage but who they were and what skills they possessed was unknown to him. A mistake he scolded himself for.

He knew about Devil history. But not individual Devil's, except the house he served. Asumoto was going into battle without any knowledge of the enemy.

Not that this was a major problem for him of course. He knew battle better than anyone with the Gremory peerage and Riser made the mistake of choosing Kuoh Academy as the battlefield.

Why?

Because this was Asumoto's turf. The samurai had memorized every path, object, and building... like the rest of the town.

This would be a walk in the park.

"Hmm. A picnic in the park would be nice…" He thought aloud as he exited the building and looked to the skies. It was filled with a greenish glow like those of the northern lights in artic and while they were beautiful to look upon, they couldn't compare to the real ones in the human world, his world.

Adjusting his grip on the yari spear he set off through the forest to confront the Phenex peerage. As he did so he his mind drifted back to the hours leading up before the game.

"I'm going to join the Rating Game."

Asumoto looked between the two black haired women. Akeno couldn't hide the smile that crossed her beautiful face, nor could Tsubaki, but hers wasn't a big as Akeno's.

Even though he understood at last what really happen the night he died, he still couldn't put his trust into Rias yet. Once the Rating was won, he would make sure to start over with Rias and try to become acquaintances - no - to become friends with her.

First there was something he had to do, and with the Rating Game drawing closer, he had little time. Looking to his familiar he spoke to her, "Izumi, go to Sirzechs and tell him I'm participating in the Rating Game." Izumi nodded and disappeared in a flutter of feathers.

"Akeno, Tsubaki - I need you both to come to my house."

"Unfortunately, I cannot do so, Asumoto. I must return to Sona. I've kept her waiting too long. Besides, I'm sure Akeno is more capable to do what you are requesting."

"Tsubaki, you're part of the Shinra clan," Akeno stated.

"Was." Corrected Tsubaki as she pushed her glasses into place. "You and I both are no longer human and to do what you ask will only cause pain to me. Now I must go. I shall be watching you in the Rating Game." Tsubaki departed leaving the shrine maiden and samurai alone.

"Well Akeno, I guess that means you get to help me prepare for the Rating Game." Taking hold of her shoulder he teleported them both to his home, his bedroom to be exact. Once there he marched over to a closet, so focused was he on preparing he wasn't aware of the blush that was on Akeno's face when he touched her.

Taking hold of the knobs he spoke, "This is something nobody has seen, not even Rias." Then opened the closet.

Akeno released a tiny gasp at what she was looking at; within the closet sat a full set of armor, it was scratched and worn from battle. Hanging on the walls where the weapons of choice he will use in the coming battle. Above the armor was a haiku, like the one above the front door.

"Wielding his blood sword, A hero who fights with pride - And slays with honor."

At the foot of the armor stood a miniature statue of Susanoo, his sword drawn and mouth open wide as if he letting out a war cry.

As Asumoto examined the armor, he brushed a finger along the breast plate and he hummed, "Hmm, this definitely is gonna need some fixing. I'm sure Sirzechs or Grayfia can do it."

"You're not efficient in magic?" Akeno asked with surprise.

"My efficiency is in swordsmanship, but I do have some skill in magic. Unfortunately it's only with flight, teleportation, memory wipe, and sealing. I can't repair objects or shapeshift."

"Allow me." A flash of light and she was in her miko garment. Then she raised her hands, the shrine maiden formed the hand signs for Shinto magic then cast a spell at the armor, the image of a new armor appear within her mind. In minutes the scratches it had were fading away and the bronze color it had begun to change into crimson, a few shades darker than Rias hair. The symbol of the Gremory clan appeared at the center of the kabuto helmet.

"Repairing and alteration magic at the same time? Impressive, but why crimson?"

"To show you are the servant of Rias Gremory. If it's not to your liking I can change it."

Asumoto was silent as he looked upon the armor, careful inspecting every detail of it with keen eyes. The armor looked as if it had just been built, the armor gleaned in the light form the bedroom. As for the color…

"It's perfect." Asumoto said with a tiny smile.

Akeno smiled back, glad the alterations were to the samurai's liking. Suddenly the samurai rose and began to strip, causing the miko to blush.

"Can you help me?"

Before Akeno could do, so she halted, noticing his body was covered in scars and making her eyes narrow. By the looks of them, he was cut and stabbed all over. Not only that, but something was wrong with the scars. She knew when a Devil heals someone, scars go away. But these one's stayed, leaving Akeno to come to one conclusion.

Whoever or whatever gave him those scars, had used holy or cursed weapons.

Asumoto turned around, revealing even more of them.

`Guess whatever stabbed him went all the way through his body - poor Asumoto, the pain must have been excruciating, ´ she thought.

But…

They did make him look sexy...

Asumoto quirked a brow at Akeno licking her lips and once realizing why she smirked, flexed his muscles.

"Enjoying the show?" Seeing Akeno blushed at his teasing and quickly turned away, he chuckled before getting serious. "Kidding aside. I require your help in suiting me up as well as send my prayers to Heaven once more."

Fighting down the blush Akeno obeyed his request. She knew praying would hurt Asumoto but she'd do it for him, because he was her friend. Putting her hands together, she knelt before the statue, and began to pray. As she did so, she asked the samurai, "Did Rias really try to rape you?"

Asumoto felt pain vibrate through his head but showed no problem to it, he wasn't a newborn devil like Asia. Besides, a tiny headache was nothing compared to wounds sustained in battle.

Looking at her kneeling form, the warrior priest nodded. "She did. I come home after a client and she suddenly pops up and orders me to take her virginity. And you can image the rage I felt about that. After ordering her out Grayfia comes along in search of her. It was the day after the rape attempt, that I discovered why she did so; as a means to try breaking the engagement with Riser Phenex. While I still believe this marriage is important… I'll do this as atonement for the cruelty I've sent her way."

"And Issei?"

"I thought I told you about this already? She didn't act before the Fallen did. Had she confronted him sooner, rather than stand at a window looking down upon him, then maybe she could have obtained him."

"But you never mentioned anything about murder. You said Rias was hoping the Fallen would murder him. Although I shouldn't expected much considering she's a Devil, they'll do whatever they can to get what they want."

"Yet you still consider her a friend after her attempt to recruit Issei and trying to rape me?"

"My uncle said true peace can never be obtained unless we learn to accept one another."

Asumoto smirked, "Nothing less of the famous Iwamatsu Himejima Hayashi."

Nodding in agreement, Akeno finished her prayer and then, with careful hands, took the armor piece by piece off the mantel setting them delicately on the ground. Seeing the white robe hanging beside it, she took it and slipped it on him, feeling his muscles in the process.

He sure is well built...

Once securing the robe, she slid the breast plate over his head, then shoulder, arm, thigh, knee, shin, hands, and feet. With his armor tightly secured she then handed him the Katana and Wakizashi that he slid into the sash.

"Does it have a name?" Akeno asked, looking at the beautiful crafted swords hilt. She knew some swords were given names by their master.

"Souruītā"

Soul eater… a good strong name, and fearsome too.

She stepped aside to allow Asumoto to choose the rest of his arsenal to bring into battle, which would be happening soon by the way. As he did so Akeno asked a question which had been bugging her since hearing about Asumoto's past.

"Asumoto, the story about losing your family… I've heard it before… my uncle told me a story of how a Shinto clan was wiped off the face of the earth. That happened three ago - the same day you died… Asumoto… who are you really? What is your last name?"

She wasn't sure if he would answer her question but she had to know, she had to see if he really was part of that clan...

Grabbing the yari spear, he turned back to Akeno, his expression neutral. What she asked him… it was true… guess word about the extinction of his clan spread quicker than he though. If he told her, would she spread the word of who he really was… or would she keep it secret… could he trust her with this information?

Trust was a tough thing for Asumoto to accept. He didn't trust Rias, nor anyone after losing his family.

But Akeno… something about her made him feel he could trust her. Could it be cuz she was kind to him, or perhaps her beauty?… she had said he was her first friend and she had help him with his hate for Rias, and sent his prayers to Heaven.

She already knew what happened to his family, she now was trying to confirm if he was part of the clan she suspected him to be with.

If she wanted conformation she'd get it.

"My name is Asumoto-"

Akeno was speechless. She still couldn't believe it but her suspicions were true, he really was part of that clan… This… this was big! Way bigger than she imaged and if word got out of who he really was… She shook her head, not wanting to think of the possibly issues that could or would arise should Asumoto's last name be said. Still, she thought that clan was wiped out but to think one had survived and Asumoto being that lone survivor was quite the pill to swallow.

"Akeno-san, you seem distracted."

The words cut her train of thought immediately, forcing her to look at the speaker.

Sona had an inquisitive look upon her face. The Rating Game had started and Akeno, after being told by Asumoto to tag along with Sona's peerage, had been staring off into space - thinking of what, she didn't know. She couldn't read minds. All she could do was make sure the shrine maiden would pay attention to the game.

She was quite surprised Asumoto had joined at the last minute, but was nevertheless glad he came back to aid his master. This was good, she could use this Rating Game as a means to see the skills Asumoto possessed and a means of preparation for when the Young Devil Gathering happened. It was inevitable that she and Rias would have a Rating Game, which she herself and many others were looking forward to. There were debates on who the better King was with supports for Sitri and Gremory.

Plus this would explain why he earned his nickname. She didn't know what exactly happened, only that Asumoto was given a great title by Sirzechs.

"Is Asumoto-senpai seriously gonna take on all of Riser's peerage at once!?" Her newest servant, Saji exclaimed. "I mean, I know he's strong, but… can he really do it?"

A very good question. Could he do it? That was what Akeno was thinking as she stared at Asumoto with great shock.

There was no way he could fight Riser Phenex entire peerage, he'd be slaughtered! Even with the help she gave in prepare for the Rating Game, one couldn't take on sixteen. It was madness! Not just that. Riser was immortal, since he was part of the Phenex Clan.

Plus, as Sona explained earlier, each member within his peerage was extremely powerful with his Queen Yubelluna - also known as the Bomb Queen - as his strongest servant... and to top it off, each member has a vial filled with a Phenex tear, meaning all their wounds would be healed!

So how could one man defeat them all!?

Her concern for the brunette was interrupted by a hand touching her shoulder. She glanced at the owner to find Tsubaki smiling at her. "Don't worry, Akeno-san, his title as the Strongest Queen of the Rookie Six isn't exaggerated."

"Strongest Queen of the Rookie Six?" Akeno repeated.

"Watch and you will see."

Doing so, Akeno looked back to the screen just in time to see Asumoto enter the forest. 'Asumoto-kun, please be careful.'

Something wasn't right. Xuelan could feel this as she stood at the edge of the forest.

When the game had started Riser-sama had sent his whole peerage forward to gain control of the battlefield and wait for Rias to come to him. But she didn't. In fact, there was no sign of Rias' or her servants.

They took the gym, no resistance.

They took the courtyard, no resistance.

Even the auditorium and still no resistance from the Gremory peerage.

Riser-sama wasn't happy with this. There was confusion in his tone when asked what was happening. Until he concluded they were hiding at the base, which they would advance upon now they had control of the battlefield. Everything was going smoothly.

Until Rias' Queen joined the battle.

This wasn't supposed to happen either. She had been told by her master Asumoto wouldn't patriciate in the game. So what changed his mind? What made him come back and aid his King?

This put everyone on guard and Riser-sama ordered her, Mira, and the twins Ile and Nel to advance forward with caution, while the others stayed back in preparation for a second attack. They had heard of the Strongest Queen of the Rookie Six but never meet him before. They had no idea what he looked like or what skills he possessed, the only knowledge they had was his name.

Asumoto.

As the three Pawns and Rook entered the forest, the Chinese girl's blue-green eyes darted left and right from tree to tree with caution. Xuelan knew Asumoto could be hiding in here waiting to spring an ambush on them.

If Ni and Li and came along, there Nekomata powers could have helped snuff him out of hiding making it easier to for them, instead of walking in blindly.

When they encountered Asumoto however - and they would - she'd confront him alone. Not out of honor, but to allow the Pawn's to escape.

Xuelan knew her power rivaled that of a Queen's, meaning she would be able hold off Asumoto to buy time for Mira, Ile and Nel. She was never a boaster of power, for power was a gift and a curse. It could make one strong to defeat their enemies and protect friends, but it could also fill one's mind with the belief they'd be unstoppable - Riser-sama being a prime example of that. Loyal to the third son of the Phenex family, she nevertheless did not approve of his arrogant attitude, which most of her fellow peerage members had been consumed by.

"Xuelan-sama, didn't Ravel-sama meet Rias-sama's Queen before?" Nel asked with a tilt of her head.

The Rook nodded at the little girl's question. "She did. He was kind to her."

"And handsome," Ile added with a giggle.

"Handsome or not, I won't let him harm Riser-sama."

"Don't let that arrogance cloud your judgement, Mira-chan." Xuelan warned with a frown. "We are going against a Queen and I fear out of the four of us, only I can handle him."

Mira clicked her tongue in annoyance. "You're just saying that because you're always training! That's why you're so strong!"

"Maybe Mira-chan." Ile started, "should train to get stronger!" Nel finished.

"Quiet!" Xuelan shushed the Pawn's before Mira could yell at them. "I think I heard something…"

"It's him!" Mira exclaimed charging forward, twirling her staff.

Xuelan hadn't heard it over the sound of Mira's voice but saw a tree branch rustle from movement followed by something sleek.

"Mira move!"

The Chinese girls warning came too late, the arrow pierced the Pawn through the chest going all the way through. Mira stared at the arrow in surprise before disappearing in a burst of red light.

"Riser Phenex Pawn retired!" Declared Grayfia.

Ile, Nel, and Xuelan raised their guard, searching the forest for the attacker. That arrow clearly came from Asumoto and that idiot Mira had given away their position and cause them to lose the element of surprise.

The sound of another arrow being fired was heard coming from the left. With quick reflexed, Xuelan blocked it before having to block another from the right that soon was followed by a third coming from behind! So that's what he was doing, using the forest for cover and the knight trait to move to different places to attack from.

"Ile, Nel, get going. Warn the others!" She ordered.

Before they could, a voice came from the forests. "Your friend was quite foolish to believe she could defeat me. You - Rook - however, your power almost is on pair with my own. Impressive - Most impressive…"

"Show yourself!"

"Not a chance. I also must say I'm disappointed in Riser and will only say this once; leave now, little ones. I do not wish to hurt you."

Xuelan looked confused. What did he mean by disappointed with Riser-sama? And—Ah—Ile and Nel, the twins. They were just children, children brought into a life they never deserved to be a part of. A tiny smile came to the Rook's lips at his concern for them before calling out to the Queen once more. "You're very noble to worry about these children, Asumoto-san! But they, like all of us, have our orders to crush Rias' peerage."

"Then you have chosen your destiny?"

"Yes!" The twins cried in unison as they pulled chainsaws out of nowhere with flames spitting out the roaring blades. "Will play with you!"

"…"

The silence they received was a little intimating for the green haired children. Maybe it was a mistake too—

"Very well!"

As soon as Asumoto finished speaking, the arrows came flying out the forest once more. Xuelan legs were like lightning with flames at the tips as she ducked, dodged, blocked, deflected, and broke every arrow sent her way. It was like a scene from a kung fu movie with Donnie Yen, or Jackie Chan, or Jet Lee.

As the arrow's kept coming, a rush of excitement filled the Rook. She hadn't had a challenge this tough since she was still a human training under her sensei. Suddenly the sound of multiple bows twanging filled the air. Looking around the Rook she saw two, no four, six arrows come flying at her! Worry filled her, but was overshadowed by her excitement rising. This would be a challenge she'd accept and defeat! Standing on the tips of her toes, she lifted he left leg high and spun swiftly - her foot breaking one arrow, then two, three, four!

SHINK

"Xuelan-sama!" The twins cried.

She wasn´t fast enough…Two arrows hit there mark, one in the right shoulder, the other her left thigh.

Dropping to her good knee, she clutched the arrow in her thigh before hearing the sound of clapping. Looking to where it emanated from she saw a man in samurai armor step out from behind a tree. His brown hair was long and tied in a ponytail and silver eyes staring at her with admiration.

'So that's Asumoto huh? Ravel-sama's right, he is handsome.'

"I am most impressive with the skill you've displayed Miss…?"

"Xuelan."

"Xuelan. I've never seen someone block so many of my arrows and move so fast as well. You have my utmost respect."

The Rook smiled a little. Like her, this man was a fighter. Perhaps someday she could spar with him. Bowing her head in acknowledgement to his words she then turned to the twins and said, "Run."

Obeying the Rook they turn to run but found the path blocked by Asumoto, arms crossed, and a frown on his face. "You should have run when you had the chance."

Before either of them could attack or call out a promotion, the twins were disarmed of their weapons and held by the back of their shirts. They looked back to the Queen, his frown still on his face as he said in stern tone. "You've been bad girls."

What the audience from the Underworld saw made them burst with laughter as some pointed at it - others cried from laughing too hard - and the rest frowned or sighed.

Even Xuelan left stupefied at Asumoto's action. What was he doing exactly?

He had both twins on the ground slapping their butts! W-was he actually a pedophile!?

"W-what the hell are you doing!?" She asked/demanded.

Asumoto paused to spare a glance to the Rook and answered in a stern tone, "Spanking them as punishment for not listening sooner."

Turning back to the green haired children he resumed spanking the twins and scolding them like a father.

"Bad girls! Children shouldn't be on battlefields or play with chainsaws!"

"Ouch!"

"Waaaaa! That hurts!"

…oh…

Xuelan continued watching, not sure if she should help them or not…

'You know…' She thought with a slight amused expression, 'I think that this might actually be a good experience for those two. They are still children after all and Riser-sama had never punished them in their entire life as his servants.

Before Asumoto could give them more spankings the twins retired, refusing to let man scold them any longer, thus leaving a wounded Xuelan alone.

"Two Riser Phenex's Pawn's retire."

Asumoto looked at the Rook, as she was struggling to stand.

"I admit, you got me good. However, I won't go down that easily," she stated.

Asumoto shook his head. "I admire your determination but you're wounded and if you're hit again in the leg, you won't be able to move."

"Which I must ask you about. How were you able to break my Rook defense? And why… does it...?"

"Sting? I think you know why."

She did know why. His arrows had been tipped in holy water! That explained the stringing feeling and why he was able to wound her so easily. Nevertheless, she wasn't going to let just two arrows slow her down.

Summoning all the strength she had, the Rook pulled the arrows from her body, blood trailing out the wounds.

Before she could rise to her feet however, Asumoto shot another arrow at her - forcing her to roll to the side, before jumping to her feet and charge him.

Cursing himself for not shooting earlier, Asumoto began firing at her, one more. But even with a wounded leg and slight limp in her movement, Xuelan expertly dodged each arrow.

She truly was a skilled Rook, to be able to still dodge his shots.

Grabbing another arrow he now pulled the bow string but didn´t get to release it, Xuelan had closed the distance and with the tip of her foot kicked his bow to point it away from her.

Asumoto quickly reacted by taking two steps back and jumped into the air, retaking aim at Xuelan to finally take her out of the fight.

"Promotion! Knight!"

"Promotion! Rook!"

Hearing the words, Asumoto twisted his upper body half way in the air to find two more Pawns readying to punch him! This wasn't good! They had called out there Promotion at the same time, so he didn't know which one was using the Knight piece. He'd have to gamble on this!

Pointing his arrow at the red haired one, he fired!

His shot however, never hit the target… the girl's hand moved faster than the arrow, her fire covered fist breaking the shaft in two!

That was the Pawn using the Knight! Which mean the one about to punch him was using the Rook!

Before her hit landed on him however, he himself activated the Rook trait to take most of the force. But even with the added defense boost, it hurt a lot and sent him flying through the air!

Summoning his wings he flapped quickly to slow his movement before crashing into a tree.

'At least I didn't crash right through it,' He thought before observing the newcomers.

One had red hair and blue eyes while the other had blue hair and red eyes.

The red-head had her hair styled in a braid with a pink bow tied at the end, while the bluenette had hers was a ponytail. They both had a fang sticking out of their mouth, and brown ears with black stripes atop their head.

'So Ile and Nel weren't the only twins Pawn's Riser had within his Peerage.' He thought, while frowning t their choice of clothing, which wasn't appropriate for combat at all.

Short skimpy, white sailor uniforms that reveal their abdomen, shoulders, and lower breasts, and wore short black skirts. Both had an orange ascots in a different place. Lastly they were wearing red and blue fighter's glove and leg guards matching their hair color respectively.

Looking back at the ears on their head, he realized they were cat ears.

Cat ears…

They were Nekomata!

This was quite a surprise to the samurai. He though the Devil's wiped them all out, with Kuroka and Koneko being the only survivors. If Kuroka, Koneko and these twins were once Nekomata now turned Devil's… did that mean more of their species had survived and become Devil's too!?

This he'd have to try looking into. As well as tell Kuroka more of her race was still alive.

But that would be for later. He had a battle to focus on.

"Ni. Li." Xuelan sighed in relief as she looked between the cat-girls as that stood in Asumoto's way. She knew Riser-sama would be upset with his sister but it was smart of Ravel-sama to send these two into the forest after hearing they lost Mira, Ile, and Nel.

"So you're names are Ni and Li. I though the Nekomata where wiped out?" Asumoto said as he kept his gaze on the Nekomata.

"We are not Nekomata no more. Nya!" Said Li, or was it Ni?

"We are servants to Riser-sama now. Nya!" Said the other.

""And we wanna play! Nya!"" They rushed the Samurai, fists covered in flames.

Asumoto retaliated with more arrows. But each one missed their target and with each miss they draw closer.

Flapping his wings he started retreating to gain distance between himself and the twins. While he was efficient in close quarters it laid in swordsmanship, not hand to hand combat. So if these girls closed the distance, he'd have a tough time dealing with them. Especially since one had promoted to Knight and the other to Rook.

He saw Li, no Ni, - the blue haired one - rush forward her fist's reared back with the aim to hurt him.

Beating his wings once more he flew out of reach and fired another arrow, grazing her shoulder. Though not a solid shot, he was still able to wound her slightly.

Although the Yumi bow was part of a Samurai's arsenal, its size meant it couldn't be slung across the back like smaller western bows. Thankfully since he knew magic he didn't need to leave it lying about somewhere within the forest.

Xuelan thought his weapons were dipped in holy water but that wasn't case. In fact, Asumoto wasn't sure how Akeno did it but he really had to thank her for empowering his weapons with light powers. They really gave him an advantage in wounding Riser's peerage.

"Come back! We wanna play! Nya!" Both girls yelled cheerful.

As the two Pawn's chased the Queen, Xuelan watched while nursing her wounds.

For being the strongest Queen, he had been quick put on the defense by the twins. Perhaps he knew they were dangerous because of their Nekomata powers. Ki was hard to fight against and could mess up one person´s body if it hit in certain areas.

Maybe he wasn't skilled in hand to hand combat, which explained why he kept his distance from herself, Ni and Li. If so, why have swords? Maybe they were for back up purpose or a last resort if the distance was closed.

As the battle drew farther out of sight she turned to her injuries. The wounds were minor but still stung from the holy water. 'Where and how had he gotten it from?' She asked herself. The Church would never allow a Devil to obtain their precious water.

Perhaps he killed a priest and took it from him?

Her eyes drifted to her still bleeding tight. Her legs were her primary weapons in combat, just like the video game character Chun Li.

Funny thing was when she had been human, Xuelan loved playing Street Fighter with her big brother. She loved her look, personality, and especially her fighting style. Those fast powerful kicks were always fun to watch as they dung into Mr. Bison or Ryu.

She always wished to be just like Chun Li, brave, beautiful, and strong, and that wish came true, in the most tragic way however…

By means of a terrible car crash which took her life, as well as her brother and father.

Sadly, she was the only one rescued, and it wasn't by God, or humans, but Riser Phenex, who she was now debt to.

Her first few weeks as a Devil, however, were spent crying over the loss of her family. It wasn't until Lady Phenex comforted her that she was able come to terms with her loss and move forward in life.

With the skills possessed from training with her sensei, and the power of the Rook trait, Xuelan devoted herself to the dream of being like Chun Li. She practiced the same fighting style and even dressed like her.

Sadly, Riser wanted it to be more revealing…

Fucking pervert.

She hoped that someday when she passed the test to become a middle-class Devil, she could have the freedom of traveling the world and becoming a renowned fighter.

Like Chun Li…

For now, she had to serve a perverted Devil.

The sounds of battle started to come back and soon they were back in sight. She saw Ni and Li split up, meaning Asumoto would have to divide his attention between the two. This also meant if he focused on one, the other could maybe get in close.

He would have no choice but go into close quarters.

Hearing the sound of flames coming from the left, Asumoto used his magic to teleport his bow and arrow back to the home and quickly drew his yari spear off his back... just in time to block the red haired girl's swift punch.

"Ok, which one are you? Ni or Li?" He asked pushing the girl away and ducking under the blue haired one's kick.

"I'm Li! Nya!" The red head said.

"And I'm Ni! Nya!" The ponytail girl said.

Li red head, Ni, bluenette… at least now he knew who was who.

He saw them come at him once more

And to make matters worse, Xuelan was coming back for round two as well!

Twirling the Yari, he braced himself for the three girls.

Punches and kicks were thrown his way. But each one was easily blocked or dodged. He danced around there strikes with the grace of a dancer.

Ducking under Ni's punch, he tried to stab her but she quickly backed away.

This allowed him to jump onto a tree branch and begin running.

"Don't let him escape!" Xuelan ordered... giving chase with Ni and Li, but moving a little slower from the wounds.

"There no use running we can smell you miles away! Nya!" Ni said following Asumoto's scent.

She was right, those Nekomata twins would be able to follow him all around the battlefield if he didn't get rid of them.

Realizing his mistake, he jumped down to the ground and turned to face the Pawns.

"Finally decided to play?" Li asked, eyeing every detail of his face.

"Yeah...I'm ready to play..." he answered.

Suddenly silver magic erupted from him, startling Li and Ni. "I had hoped to wait till I face your master. But there's no choice. I can't take you lightly... time to get serious."

In a burst of speed he was gone.

It happened so fast but Xuelan saw it.

Li was stabbed through the arm, while Ni had the shaft of the yari whack her in the face. That was followed by a deep cut across her face... and then both suddenly had deep cuts on knees, leaving them immobilized... as well as a stab to the abdomen.

Before they hit the ground, the twin's disappeared liked the other three Pawns.

"Two of Riser Phenex Pawns retired."

Incredible… from sixteen to eleven. And he had been holding back until now. If he fought the others as he was now...

"Looks like your all alone again."

"Xuelan!"

Both looked to the sky when hearing the voice.

A beautiful, busty woman with long wavy purple hair - falling all the way down her back and matching eyes dressed in a navy blue tunic top, which revealed much of her cleavage, and held with a gold choker with blue and red jewels with gold accents and a pale blue skirt with open sides, and black shoes over matching thigh-high stockings with garterbelts - floated above them.

Her lips were the same color as her eyes and hair and a red-orange jewel adorned her forehead to keep her long hair place.

"Yubelluna-sama."

So this was Risers Queen - The Bomb Queen Yubelluna.

Asumoto stared at woman. The power he felt radiating off this woman was incredible.

This caused a grin to spread across his face.

"To send his Queen out after losing only five Pawns must mean Riser is desperate to eliminate me!" He shouted with his arms spread wide, Ni and Li bloods sliding down the spears blade.

Yubelluna frowned at Rias Queen. Yes her master was desperate because Ni and Li where needed to smell the scents of the Gremory group. But after hearing their defeat, Riser-sama sent her out to put an end to Asumoto, which she would do.

Rias gritted her teeth at Yubelluna. This wasn't good.

Riser sent his most powerful piece to deal with Asumoto. Did he have the skill to defeat her? Could he do it?

The redhead now saw the scepter in the opponent Queen´s hand be raised high and start to glow with fire. This was followed by a large bright purple glow appearing at the edge of the forest.

Rias' eyes widened in horror! No question was needed to know what she was doing!

"Out!" Rias shouted while blasting a large hole in the wall with her Destruction magic. "Out the build! She's going to level the forest!"

Her words didn't need to be told twice. The three servants followed their master out the hole, spreading their wings and flying upwards.

"Climb! Don't stop!" She ordered while sparing a glance downward which emulated a gasp.

The whole forest was surrounded in the magic circle and Asumoto was in the middle of it, fighting against Xuelan.

Before Rias could even shout for him to get out, a purple explosion consumed the forest... and Asumoto.