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Flashback

Demon

Chapter 12

Sona was speechless.

Her eyes were glued to the screen at what she just witnessed.

That explosion unleashed by the Bomb Queen was immense. The inferno before her looked terrifying - as if it could do more than just eliminate people from the game... like it could kill them.

Rias herself had been lucky to escape it. So did most of the rest of her peerage.

Her Queen on the other hand…

"N-no… Asumoto…" she whispered.

Her eyes flickered to Akeno. The ravenette's hands clasped over her mouth, eyes wide in horror with tears at the corner of them threatening to fall.

She knew the girl cared for Asumoto and if he was dead...

`No.´ Sona told herself.

There was no way Asumoto could die from something like that. He was the Strongest Queen of the Rookie Six for a reason!

But what if he had? What if that spell was too strong and killed him?

Had Rias made a mistake to send him out alone? - Without someone to watch his back or help him if he got in trouble... like right now.

Sona doubted she would have done the same thing in Rias situation. But on the other hand, she wasn´t in her situation. She had never faced an opponent where she was so completely outnumbered.

She knew she'd have to wait and see.

Horror... A feeling of shock and fear.

A feeling that now flowed through both Rias and her entire peerage.

They had seen what Yubelluna had done... and their Queen getting consumed by the explosion that was now being reflected in there wide eyes.

Why didn't he move, they asked themselves? Did he know there was a spell underneath him?

"Is… is Asumoto-san…?" she asked.

"Not likely." Koneko tired reassuring the blonde nun, though she herself was feeling a bit worried for her senpai.

Rias' eyes were locked on the smoke - hoping - praying to Maou that Asumoto had survived.

Her fists tightened as regret filled her.

What the hell had she been thinking, letting him go alone!? She should have ordered Kiba and Koneko to back him up, but let her overconfidence in his skill get the better of her.

"Asumoto…"

The growl emitted by Kiba wasn't unheard by the redhead, nor the anger burning in his grey eyes.

Seeing the anger her Knight showed lit a flame in her stomach which turned into a fire that caused her eyes to flash yellow.

Riser's Queen would pay for harming one of her precious servants!

Riser watched the smoke rise into the sky with a triumphant smirk. His Queen had both, eliminated the biggest threat and destroyed Rias base.

Speaking of Rias, he could see his fiancé and her pathetic excuses for a Peerage floating in the sky.

Now that her Queen was gone, he was now one more step closer to marrying her - thanks to Yubelluna. His lovely `Bomb Queen´ had truly lived up to her name.

"It is done Riser-sama." she said when she returned to his side. "I apologize for Xuelan-san," she stated regretfully.

His smirk faltered at the mention of Xuelan. She should have ran for it before the forest was obliterated. If she had done that however, then Asumoto would have surely escaped his Queen's spell.

Since her sacrifice had not been in vain, he'd make sure to reward her once he won the game.

"It's not your fault." He said with a wave of his hand.

Now that Asumoto was gone they could crush the rest of their opponents.

But first he waited because he wished to hear of Asumoto´s retiring.

He didn't care if the Queen was dead. But if he died, then there would be lots of hate being sent his way not just by Rias... but the entire Gremory house as well Sirzechs-sama.

…

…

…

Well… where was the announcement? Had Grayfia-sama simply not wanted to declare the man's retirement yet? Or had he not heard her over the sound of the deafening boom released by the explosion?

Or... could it be that he survived?

No, impossible! Nobody could survive an explosion of that magnitude. They'd need to be Ultimate or Super-class to do so.

As smoke began to clear he could now clearly see the damage done by his Queen's spell.

A giant crate, sat where the forest once was - with nothing remaining.

No, trees, nor building, not even Asumoto.

His smirk returned to his face before praising is Queen. "Well done, Yubelluna-chan, your title as the Bomb Queen has been proved today in this little Rating Game."

"Thank you Riser-sama, your words fill my heart with joy and pride. However, I find it unusual that Grayfia-sama hasn't announced Asumoto's retirement yet."

"Then perhaps you may have killed him," Riser suggested, telling her his thoughts. "Hmm, I'm sure the House of Gremory will understand."

"Riser-sama! In the smoke!"

Hearing his Queen's words, he looked where she was pointing to see the silhouette of someone coming out of the smoke.

His smirk grew wider. Xuelan had survived huh? She truly was gifted to be able to survive such… a…

His eyes widened in shock as the shape within the smoke started to become more distinct.

The shape of the body wasn't curvy or short, and the hair was long.

"No… impossible!"

The immortal Phenex wasn't the only one surprised. His servants, the Gremory Peerage, and the audience... they all were shocked.

Out of the smoke came the Strongest Queen of the Rookie Six, looking worse for wear.

His helmet was gone, as was the tie holding his ponytail together, leaving his hair a wild mess. His armor wasn't in good condition anymore either; there were scorch marks everywhere, the left arm guard and right leg guard had a dent in them.

Both of his gloves had been damaged to the point he could no longer use them and Asumoto had thrown them away.

Gone where his shoes and the lower half of his pants, which now ended just below the knees. His scared body now sported burns and blisters on his exposed skin, with his right leg - which caused him to limp - was severely burnt, between first to second degree.

All in all he looked as if he just walked out of a nuclear explosion.

Then they noticed within his arms was a very burnt - very naked - Xuelan.

"Xuelan-chan!" Ravel shouted in horror at the state she was. Although not as bad as Asumoto's, she still suffered some from the explosion.

Had Rias Queen been trying to protect her?

"I must admit, Riser, your Rook is one loyal servant," Asumoto said while looking down at the unconscious Xuelan, "Never in all my life have I fought a man or woman as brave and loyal as her. To sacrifice herself to ensure I'm eliminated from the game, that has earned my respect.

"H-how is this possible!?" Burnet questioned, unable to comprehend how this man had survived Yubelluna-sama's power.

"There's a reason why he's called the Strongest Queen of the Rookie Six," Isabella answered, impressed that the handsome warrior made it. "How did you survive such a thing?"

"I put all my magic into the Rook trait," Asumoto said simply. "And as you can see, I'm battered, burnt, and holding one of your comrades, which means I'm unable to fight."

"Which means you'll be easy to beat!" the same Pawn - Burnet - said with much overconfidence preparing to cast a spell on him.

"Wait!" Karlamine ordered, placing a hand on the younger girls shoulder before stepping forward.

"You're skills are noteworthy Asumoto. However, as you said yourself, you are unable to fight. Surrender and we won't need to hurt you anymore."

"A generous offer," Asumoto said back, "However, I should specify as to why I'm unable to fight. You're friend Xuelan is—"

"Someone will look after once we crush you!" Ravel interrupted. "Burnet! Marion! Shuriya! Finish him off!"

The three Pawn's obeyed the Rook's orders without question. Shuriya and Burnet flanking both sides of the samurai and Marion charging straight at him.

The edge of her lips tugged upward to form a small smile.

Sona's feelings of Asumoto surviving where correct. But the extent of the damage he sustained was greater than she though. He couldn't move well with that limp and if he wasn't carrying the Rook, he could use his weapons to try stalling till the others - who were moving as fast as they could to intercept the 3 Pawns attacking him - could help.

However, the distance between the Peerage and Queen was just too great, they wouldn't reach him in time.

"They're not gonna make it!" Ruruko shouted the obvious.

"Yes they will!" Countered Saji, hoping Rias-san would save Asumoto-san.

Sona´s violet orbs turned back to Asumoto, who for some strange reason, licked his lips and gave a whistle.

A quick, sharp, whistle.

Sona looked around the room to see her servants wear confused expression by his action, except for two.

Her Queen and Akeno, who both shared a knowing look with one another.

What did they know that she didn't?

"What's that!?"

Her attention was drawn back to the screen to see something zoom past Kiba! She couldn't make out what it was, but there was some red at the end of what looked like a feathered tail.

Whatever it was came crashing into Marion, causing the Pawn screaming in surprise and pain at the sudden attack.

Now that it wasn't longer moving at blinding speed, the blur was visible - which turned out was a red-tailed hawk beating its wing rapidly, pecking and clawing Marion's face.

Sona wasn't known as the smartest girl in school for a reason, the whistle Asumoto gave and the sudden appears of the hawk meant this was his familiar defending his or her master.

Asumoto smirked. Izumi always came to his aid when needed. Not forgetting the other two Pawns, he whistled again and his familiar went off, striking Burnet and Shuriya with her sharp beak which forced the Pawns to cease there attack.

Before they could try again, a sword came out of nowhere imbedding itself into the ground in front of the samurai that was followed by a shout.

"Sword Birth!"

As the name implied, thousands of swords came shooting out of the ground, surrounding Asumoto in a forest of blades and impaling the three Pawns. They had been too slow to react to the attack.

"Three Riser's Pawn's retire!"

For a rare moment, Asumoto sighed in relief. "It's about time you showed up." He said, gently laying Xuelan on the ground.

Kiba, Rias, Asia, and Koneko all landed in front of the wounded samurai.

"Servants of Riser Phenex, prepare yourself! I am-"

"Rias Gremory of the Gremory household! Yeah we all know who you are!"

Rias shot a glare at the dark haired sword wielding girl, who had interrupted her and who glared right back.

Asia activated her Twilight Healing and prepared to heal Asumoto. Relief had filled her when she saw him emerge from the smoke. She wasn't sure how long it would take for his wounds to heal. With so much damage it could be a while, meaning the others would have to protect them till she completed her objective.

"No. Not me. First her."

Rias sent a surprised look at her Queen. "Why are you asking Asia to heal the enemy?"

"'Enemy' is a strong word Rias," Asumoto replied looking down at the Rook being healed. "She was only following orders. Besides look at the damage she sustained. Had I not shielded her from most of the blast, she could have died."

"So could have you," Rias shot back with a frown.

"I think you're forgetting my Rook trait is stronger than hers."

"So that's how you're survived?" Asia asked.

"Partly. I had to use the Knight trait to first to get some distance from the explosion, before switching to the Rook trait to minimize the damage. But as you can see, I didn't get out unscathed." His eyes flickered back to the Rook, who was beginning to wake up after Asia finished healing her.

Xuelan looked around, her vision blurry and memory foggy. Last she remembered was stalling Asumoto so the spell went off and then feeling something hitting her in the face.

The spear, Asumoto had knocked her out using the spear and then she knew nothing more. Now she was on the ground surrounded by the Gremory Peerage.

When finding Asumoto she opened her mouth to speak. "W-why did you s-s-save me?" she asked weakly.

"Because nobody deserved to endure pain like that. Now I suggest you retire or I may have to do it for you," Asumoto suggested kindly.

"You truly are one of a kind, Asumoto. I hope that next time we fight it'll be as friends and not enemies." Xuelan smiled weakly before disappearing in a burst of light.

"Raiser's Rook retired!"

Rias couldn't hide her smile as she counted the remaining Phenex members confronting them; Two Knights, two Bishops, and one Rook.

The tide was slowly turning in their favor! They just might win this!

Sparing another quick glance to her Queen, Asumoto was now being healed by Asia.

Why he wanted Riser's Rook healed because she followed orders, she probably would never understand. Perhaps it was out of kindness or respect.

"Kiba, Koneko, we have a job to do. Protect Asia till our Queen is ready for action again!"

""Hai Buchou!""

Obeying their King's order, the Knight and Rook jumped form the forest of swords and rushed the enemy.

"Crush them!"

There was panic in Ravel's tone. But who wouldn't be unsettled when you think you've won the battle, but the tide turns against you?

This wasn't supposed to happen. They were to find the base and defeat Rias. Instead it all came crashing down, when Asumoto joined the game and obliterated half their peerage.

No, there was nothing to worry about, she told herself. Yubelluna was the strongest member of the Peerage and her brother could regenerate.

'But for how long could that last?' The young blonde wondered.

"Nobody interfere!" Karlamine ordered while drawing her sword and charging Kiba as flames dancing around her blade.

As much as she wanted to face the Queen of Rias, her Knight would suffice in a duel.

While Kiba clashed with Karlamine, Koneko was exchanging punches and kicks with Isabella.

The four Devils where equally skilled, neither gaining nor losing ground.

While they fought, the other Knight - Siris - looked at the forest of swords with narrowed eyes. Behind that defense was Rias Gremory, along with her Queen and Bishop. With the redhead's Knight and Rook occupied in battle, this would be their best chance to win the game.

"Mihae, protect Ravel-sama." Siris ordered as she removed the large weapon off her back and zipped past Kiba and Koneko.

Reaching the swords, the Knight swung her Zweihander hard, smashed through swords as if they were nothing but bamboo. Sure she could just fly or jump over but that would leave her wide open to attack... and she wasn't sure how fast or powerful Rias Gremory's Power of Destruction was.

Nevertheless, she would try to take out Rias.

But if she couldn't then at least her Queen or Bishop, since both were dangerous in this game. One was a healer and the other was the Strongest Queen of the Rookie Six.

Slashing away another column of swords, Siris saw a glimpse of her target.

This was it, time to slay the king!

Flexing her muscles, she swung hard again breaking the last of the swords thus allowing her to...

"Now!"

See a wave of black and red flames and arrows come flying at her.

"One of Riser's Knight's retired!"

Riser sighed at the announcement.

He watched Siri's attempt to beat Rias. But it had been foolish to go in alone, and now that cost him another valuable piece.

This was taking too long. Rias and her whole Peerage was out in the open with no cover to protect them.

Now was his chance to end this foolish game one and for all.

"Yubelluna… I think it's time we greet them."

"Asia - hurry up, Riser's coming!" After eliminating the brave, but foolish, Knight, Asumoto had kept his eyes on Riser and his Queen, both in plain sight to be seen upon the roof of Kuoh Academy.

He hoped he wouldn't come down and fight them himself but sadly, his hopes were dashed when watching them spread their wings and slowly descend to the courtyard.

This wasn't good, the wounds were taking too long to heal.

"I-I'm trying my best, Asumoto-san," Asia apologized as she poured more magic into the burnt leg to quick the healing process. Though her skill in magic had increased greatly it still wasn't strong enough to heal a burnt leg like Asumoto's fast enough. Her eyes flickered to the battle raging. If she would be given a little more time, then maybe she could...

Foosh!

A blast of fire came crashing into Koneko, incinerating parts of her clothes and sending her skidding across the dirt... before disappearing in a burst of light.

"Rias Gremory's Rook has retired."

"Koneko-chan!"

"Shit!" Asumoto growled as he readied his bow and arrow. Asia too took long, Riser had come!

"Bravo." Riser clapped, an amused smirk on his face. "I have to applaud you all. Especially you, Asumoto. You managed to best half by peerage, as well as survive my Queen's spell. You're one tough man, or should I say Devil." His eyes flickered to Rias, "This has been quite a fun game Rias, but I suggest you surrender. I still outnumber you five to one and your Queen is badly injured. Just do the noble thing and forfeit."

"Never!" Rias shouted motioned for Kiba to come back, which he did in an instant. "I won't marry you, Riser! And I think you need to recount because where almost even in numbers!"

"That's not a really good excuses," Riser responded with a shake of his head. "My Peerage has been in more fights than yours has. We've won more Rating Games than you. The only reason you were able to do so well is because your Queen came back to aid you. Which reminds me," He paused before looking at Asumoto with a curious look, "Why did you come back to fight? I was under the impression from Grayfia-sama that you agreed to the marriage. So why fight?"

Asumoto spared a glance at his leg, the burns were almost gone. He just needed a few more seconds before it was fully healed. The rest of his wounds could wait. His leg was the biggest priority.

Deciding a conversation with Riser would aid in the healing of his leg, he answered truthfully to the immortal Devil.

"To be honest, I still do agree. If Devil's are to flourish, they must breed together if they are to continue the line of Pureblood Devils." He paused when Riser smirked in satisfaction by his answer. "However," He added quickly, "that doesn't meant Rias doesn't need to marry you to continue the Pureblood's survival. Thousands of Purebloods could do the very same thing. And…"

He paused once more to check on his leg and smirked slightly.

What flesh had been burnt by the fires of Yubelluna's spell was now replaced by new skin. He really had to thank Raynare for trading Asia for Issei. The Twilight Healing, along with its possessor, had proved to be great help, much greater than what that pervert Issei might have provided.

No longer needing to limp, Asumoto rose to his feet and stepped forward. Hand grasping the hilt of Soul Eater tightly.

"I have to save Rias, just as she saved me!"

Riser smirked. So this boy came back to Rias to save her because of this.

He didn't know what she saved him from, he thought. But now he was repaying it by saving her from this marriage.

The question was, how did he - the immortal bird - feel about that?

He would find it commendable - commendable that Asumoto was powerful in his own right, that he was brave enough to face his whole peerage alone... and of course that he was showing the loyalty, that all servants should toward their Master.

He approved of the marriage but refused to allow Rias to marry him… he was a strange reincarnated Devil that he was.

Those thoughts would have been his reply... if he was a different man, a man who was less prideful and more honest with himself. But as he was now…

Brushing a lock of hair away from his face, he scoffed.

"What a heartfelt choice of words," Riser stated. "It's too bad that I couldn't care less about them. This marriage is happening. I won't let you take what is mine even, if I have to kill you all!"

"Kill us all?" Repeated Asumoto with a scowl, though he still didn't trust Rias, he was at last understanding why she didn't want to marry him.

"Choose your next words carefully, Riser, they may evoke the wrath of Maou Lucifer…"

Again Riser scoffed, his hands ablaze with flames.

"Tch. So what if he gets angry if I kill you? You, like those who came before and after are not even true Devils! You're all reincarnated excuses! A means to bolster our numbers until we Purebloods obtain the strength and numbers we once had!"

A long silence fell upon the battlefield, neither side saying a word.

Asumoto sighed as he reached into his armor and pulled from within it a piece of string that he tied his hair with to make a new ponytail. His eyes flickered to Riser's servants who glared at Riser for the crude words he said.

Being part of one of the remaining thirty seven pillars didn't grant him the excuse to say and do whatever he wants.

He really believed reincarnated Devil's where just tools to be used by Purebloods? Oh what his family would think after hearing that from him.

His sister's expression said the answer to that, shock and disappointment. The rest of the Phenex family was probably feeling the same way... and was possibly embarrassed.

"There it is," Asumoto said in a deathly tone, as he drew his sword and stood ready for battle, "the true face of Riser Phenex."

Rias looked at her Queen. It was admirable that he would to continue fighting alone, but foolhardy. Her eyes moved from her peerage then to Risers, the third son of the Phenex house still outnumbered.

'Come on Rias, think! Don't be overconfident, use your head! What would Sona do in this situation!?' She though as she chewed the inside of her lip, trying to think of a strategy.

What would Sona do? What would the smartest girl in Kuoh Academy do to stay alive?

There was no forest for them to commence ambushes from, and a full frontal assault would only end up in her losing the game.

"What about the school Buchou?"

Rias glanced at her Knight who whispered the option to her.

The school…

It had never occurred to her that the school was still standing, which meant they could still use it to for ambushes. But what if Riser orders his Queen to destroy it, like the forest?

Maybe… possibly… but she would still risk it.

"Distract them," she whispered back to her Knight before addressing Asia. "We have to time this right. As soon as they start fighting follow me and keep close."

Asumoto stood ready, eyes flickering to the six Devils. Though the odds were stacked against him, he would fight all of them to ensure Rias' freedom.

"Need a hand?"

Asumoto didn't take his eyes off the enemy, a rule anybody should learn when in combat but still replied.

"Not that I'm happy to have company, but shouldn't you be protecting the King?"

"We have a plan," Kiba replied as he drew two swords. "Hopefully it'll work."

"And what is that plan?"

"Stall them till Buchou gets to the school," Kiba answered before addressing Karlamine. "Ready for round two?" he asked with a polite smile.

The remaining Knight of the Phenex peerage stared down the Knight of Rias before setting her sights on Asumoto.

Karlamine knew he would beat her in seconds, but the thought of fighting Gremory´s Queen very temping.

However, Kiba had offered to challenge her once more... and being the Knight she was, Karlamine was one to never decline a challenge.

Glancing quickly at her master, who she felt anger toward after his crude words about servants being tools, to see what his decision was. He looked back and nodded, which mean he gave her the go-ahead to fight Rias Knight.

With the acknowledgement to fight she turned her attention to Kiba, weapon raised for their second duel. "I am Riser Phenex Knight, Karlamine!"

"My name is Kiba Yuuto, Knight of Rias Gremory."

Asumoto said nothing as he kept his gaze on the woman dressed as a biker standing opposite of him. From the servants he took down, this woman had to be Riser's second Rook.

He truly was grateful Kiba was here to fight Karlamine, this meant his attention could be focus on one opponent. Even for him, fighting all six in the condition he was in would be suicidal.

'Should have had Asia heal all the wounds,' he though as he sheathed his sword and summoned a naginata in its place. Soul Eater would taste the blood of only Riser Phenex. Rooks were close range fights, so the polearm would be the best choice for keeping his distance form her.

Deciding to waste no more time he charged the woman, ready to stall her until Rias reached the school.

"Izumi, protect Rias!" he ordered his familiar as he swung his weapon down upon the Rook. Seeing her dodge he performed a thrust that was followed by a swing, two more thrusts and more swings.

Two attacks were glancing blows but the others were deflected by the woman's forearms.

Although he was ordered to stall her, Asumoto would ensure to keep her on the defense until Rias reached the school. After that he would take her out of the game. Swinging his weapon again he spared a quick glance to Rias who - along with Asia - where making a run for school.

He hoped Riser and the others wouldn't peruse, otherwise this distraction would be for nothing.

Riser watched with amusement and chuckled. "So Rias is running to save her life eh? A useless meaning to prolong the battle."

"Shall I stop them, Riser-sama?"

"Let them go Yubelluna. Once her Queen and Knight are eliminated then we will finish this. I want Rias to know utter defeat."

"What of Asumoto?" Yubelluna asked, watching him attack Isabella.

"What about him?" Riser replied with another scoff. "He wasn't healed all the way. Which means he won't be a serious threat. We won't get involved until I say so."

Akeno's eyes darted all about as she tired following the events displaying on all the screens at the same time.

She already heard about Rating Games from her uncle but never saw one until now and it was an exciting thing to watch.

It also left her worried for Asumoto.

When Riser's Queen cast that spell on him, she had feared he died but was soon feeling relief and surprise that Asumoto survived. Tsubaki had been right about Asumoto's title not being just for show, to survive something as powerful at that proved he was incredibly strong. He nevertheless sustained a lot of damage, which she was lucky Asia managed to patch up till the battle continued.

But he should have let her heal him all the way, fighting at half strength would only let him fight as long as he could. At least this time he wasn't fighting alone, nor against multiple opponents.

"Look at that. He was so caution before and now he's letting his arrogance get the better of him," Saji said with a frown and crossed arms. "Sona-Kaichou wouldn't mess around like he is."

"You're right Saji, I wouldn't. Riser believes himself the victor. But if things go according to plan for Rias, she may be the winner in this game. Her servants are playing smart by stalling them. Perhaps once Rias reaches the school they'll eliminate them."

Her words where true, as soon as she had arrived at the school, Asumoto stopped playing around and easily slipped past Isabella's defense by sweeping her off her feet with the staff of the naginata before plunging the blade through her abdomen.

She heard Saji and Tsubasa wince and Ruruko remark about how that had to hurt. Which it did from Isabella's expression.

Within seconds she vanished, signaling her retirement and one less servant for Riser.

Now it was four against... - correction - three against five.

Akeno frowned. Riser's Bishop's had attacked Kiba from behind, a dirty and dishonorable trick to up their advantage over Rias. Karlamine wasn't happy either, she was yelling at the Bishop's as Kiba retired from the game.

This wasn't good. Now that Kiba was gone, Asumoto was the last line of defense against Riser's peerage.

Speaking of Asumoto, the Queen turned his attention on the three servants. Why wasn't he running? He couldn't take on all three, or could he?

He survived Yubelluna's spell, so two Bishop's and a Knight shouldn't be too difficult.

"So what will you do now, Queen of Rias?" Karlamine asked, still upset that Ravel and Mihae had interrupted her duel with Kiba. It wasn't that the Gremory Knight was stronger than her. They were equally matched in skill and she honestly was enjoying the duel.

Sadly, Ravel insisted they wipe out Rias peerage now and end this silly match.

At least she now at the chance to face the Strongest Queen of the Rookie six, this would be a worthy challenge.

"Yes, what will you do, Asumoto!?" Ravel asked a cocky smirk on her face. "You're outnumbered and can't beat all of us. Yubelluna is the strongest member of the peerage and my brother can just regenerate after getting cut! There's no way you can-"

Sling!

…

"Riser's Rook and Knight have retired!"

Ravel was speechless. The speed she just witnessed was… astonishing. She never blinked once but he just disappeared then reappeared in front of her with the tip of his spear pointed between her eyes. His silver eyes burning with anger and annoyance, and it scared her.

"Maybe this will shut you up!"

In one fell swoop the blade of his naginata sliced through Ravel's neck, flames spewing out of it as she looked at him in fear. A searing pain was felt flowing through her body. She wanted to scream but with no neck, her voice could make no sound and her regenerating wasn't working. No - it was just going slower than normally.

Why did she feel so much pain, and why wasn't she regenerating fast enough!?

Before Asumoto could launched another strike, he disappeared once more as a ball of fire came crashing into the spot where he previously stood.

Ravel's eyes looked at her brother, a look of anger etched across his face. She could understand why. Asumoto had ripped through Karlamine and Mihae in seconds, hurt her... and evened out the numbers.

It was three against three.

"ASUMOTO! WHEN I FIND YOU! I'LL MAKE SURE THERE'S NOTHING LEFT OF YOU FOR HURTING MY SISTER!" Riser roared in furry, his wings spread wide as they exploded with flames.

"Then maybe you shouldn't have brought her into this you arrogant ass!"

"Agh!" Riser threw a ball of fire, three times the size of his head at where he heard the voice.

"I'll find him, Riser-sama, and ensure he pay for hurting Ravel-sama," Yubelluna offered, preparing to hunt for the brunette.

Elsewhere within the school, Asumoto had regrouped with Rias and Asia, who at last was making sure to healing him all the way.

They all knew he needed to be in peak condition to face Yubelluna and Riser, otherwise he'd be turned into ashes. Nobody said anything. They sat in silence, as Twilight Healing's power worked on healing Asumoto's injuries.

It was at last broken with Asia pulling her hands away from the Queen.

"A-all done." She watched Asumoto rise to his feet and called upon his bow. "Asumoto, please be careful."

"Yes, please do so Asumoto," Rias added. "If you fall, I'll have no choice but to surrender. I can't lose you, you're my only hope."

"Now don't start quoting Star Wars, princess," he said.

"I'm serious Asumoto. You are my only hope and you have done so much in this Rating Game that I promise to make it up to you."

"Well, if you turn me back into a human that would be nice."

Rias was shocked by his reply. She wasn't sure if he was serious or sarcastic either, but his words repeated over and over in her mind. Removing an Evil Piece from someone would lead to their death, so it was impossible for him to become a human again.

Or was it…?

Perhaps after this Rating Game was concluded she could speak with Maou Ajuka about possibly reserving it´s effects to allow Asumoto to live once more as a human.

"Would you really want that? Do be human again?"

Asumoto was silent, his back turned to her, his thoughts unknown to her. Was he possibly thinking about what she asked?

"We can talk about this after the Rating Game," he said at last before departing to engage Riser.