Good day, my readers. It's been a while.
Two years. What a crap-ton has happened between the last real update and this one. Too much to go on. For those reading, you can thank a few fans who wanted me to continue my old fics so that is what I did.
And because things worked out, this fic is now on the list for updates.
I have not been dead. If you have followed my other fics, you might be aware that I have written a ton over the last few years. But this and other fics have taken a backseat. Especially with the world opening again and my job taking most of my time.
Not going to add anything to that now.
We do have the same events going to happen in the coming chapters. Not just this one but some other fics as well.
Replies for the guest reviews
Appolyon on the 12th of December, 2020. I did not nerf anyone. All of the characters need some major training before they become powerhouses. Plus, Issei lacks a ton of experience. That is also playing in.
Guest on chapter 9 on the 29th of January of this year. This update should explain it to you. I am not saying much else about that.
You can all expect an update on the anniversary day. Next year.
Started on 21/11/2022
Ended on 25/11/2022
Published on 30/12/2022
'If you ever get knocked out, it feels like you caught a beating and you feel hungover from a bottle of tequila.'
Jonas had remembered those words from his father and had always found them to be true. Waking up wasn't fun. It had happened more than once.
It was one of the reasons why he would never get into fighting or into drinking.
The last thing that he remembered before his light was punched out was that Asia started to heal him back up to make sure that he was fine.
So when he felt light hitting him, the chill of nature was around him.
Forcing his eyes open, he was greeted by blue hair, a maroon jacket, and brown eyes which looked at him, disapproving of his actions.
"Morning, Kalawarner."
"Good evening, Jonas-sama. I take you had a good rest." Before her arms could even constrict him, the mercenary had moved up and sat before her.
"Better than usual. What time is it?" Glancing at his watch, the hour was past midnight and the night had fallen over them.
"Crap. Past one am. I have been out for over ten hours." Looking around, the house had gone dark and Jonas didn't have a clue where everyone was.
"All of them had moved back into the house. Were you expecting they would wait for you?"
Jonas shook his head while he sat back on his knees. Something told him that Kalawarner wanted to talk to him.
"No. But I didn't expect you here. Asia's guess on it?"
The eyes narrowed on the young man who gulped as he felt some intent, aimed at him. Fear could be a useful emotion. It had saved him more than once.
"You were expecting Raynare. I convinced her to let me be the first one you would see when you woke up. I feel that my friend is a bit too soft on you given her past with you. I will say, Jonas-sama, that you acted like a fool."
"Excuse me?"
Without a disturbance, Kalawarner continued her lecture.
"You were severely exhausted and you were lucky enough that the first aid kit you had brought along, continued IV fluids that helped to stabilize you."
His arm had a bandage around his elbow. They clearly had to go all out.
"Ah, I went overboard, didn't I?"
The eyes of Kalawarner narrowed even further.
"You did indeed. Gave us quite the scare. I would appreciate it if that didn't happen again."
Jonas stood up and went to stand before the woman. Despite the fact that his own hormones had begun to play in, he ignored the sexy bits and glared back at her.
"One. I can't promise that. Two. My own choices. Am I understood?"
Kalawarner had hoped that Raynare wouldn't fall in love again with a sacrificial fool but it appeared those men were just her type.
"Did you stop to consider the fact that it might hurt Raynare?" That did stop the mercenary who kept his breath for a few seconds.
When he recovered, he scratched his cheek and looked back at her.
"I'll keep it in mind." With that done, Jonas put his hands in his pockets and walked back to his room. While he didn't wait, Kalawarner had joined him and in silence, they walked back to their room. When they turned around, Jonas halted her as they heard Rias and Issei talk.
It appeared he wasn't the only one who was up late.
Rias told her [Pawn] an important secret.
"I'm the daughter of the Gremory House. I'm its heiress after my older brother became Satan. No one sees the Rias that I am as a girl. In the world of Devils, I'm always Rias Gremory. I'm proud of my name but I am never treated as a girl. I want to find someone who sees me for me."
Issei answered in just the way how Jonas expected him to.
"I like you, just for who you are. I don't know anything about your family or the social hierarchy of Devils. But what I see, is the girl in front of me. You're my number one." The blush gave enough away that made Jonas and Kalawarner slip into their rooms.
Jonas hoped that he could leave on time that morning. An idea had been cooking in his head.
Scene skip
"Okay, that is turning out great." Jonas had agreed with Rias and Akeno that he would go back to Kuoh first. Given the fact that magic was out for him, he had to be back to make his own preparations.
When the day of the Rating Game would come, which was less than four hours at that point, Jonas would be able to work his way through his plan.
The three Fallen had already changed into their usual school clothing. It gave Jonas a bit of a distraction.
Locked and loaded, Jonas had a small little plan worked out. A very nasty surprise for Riser's Peerage.
"Are you sure this will work?" Melding the buckshot closed again, Jonas regarded the question of Raynare.
"We can give it a shot. This is going to be something to look forward to. And it was the last thing I needed. I think we best be off."
Rias had given him the okay that Raynare, Kalawarner, and Mittelt could watch the game with Sona and Tsubaki, as long they agreed to be civil.
Jonas carried his guns in suitcases. He didn't want to risk anyone to see them. It had become night but Jonas was never one to take risks if he could avoid it.
Loading in his shells, the four walked in silence.
The four realized that it was more than just Rias' own freedom. Their own had come into play. Riser was aware of Jonas and he could demand payback.
At the school, Jonas gave Raynare a kiss as goodbye and good luck. They knew exactly where to go.
Walking alone to the clubroom, Jonas hadn't imagined that the guns would weigh so heavy on him.
Knocking two times on the door, he could hear Rias' voice.
"Enter."
Opening the door, it appeared he wasn't the last one.
"Jonas. Good evening." Nearly using his own automatic reaction, Jonas did not salute Rias but he did close his legs.
"Good evening, you all."
Koneko and Kiba were wearing the usual school clothes with the slight difference that Koneko had gloves without fingers on them with a kitty face on them. Kiba was leaning against the wall with a sword on his hip.
Akeno and Rias had their own clothes on. The [Queen] had taken the opposite side of the [Rook]. Sipping her tea, she nodded to the mercenary.
"Glad you are here on time, Jonas. Now, do you mind if you show me what weapons you are carrying into the Rating Game?"
Without a word, Jonas threw the first suitcase on the table. "My customized 7.62 TKIV 85 model. Box fed with ten bullets. This beauty can punch a man over a click away. I can be a sniper on this thing. Good for everything. As for close quarters."
Opening the second suitcase, a shotgun appeared. "A project I poured a lot of work into. A refurbished 1887 with an extended magazine size and a bayonet attached underneath, would work just fine in many cases. As side arms."
Taking out a revolver, even a rookie like Rias could see this was more than your usual six-wheel gun.
"Smith & Wesson Model 629 Stealth Hunter. Longer barrel, a better trigger, and a great coking hammer. Six bullets in the gun and 24 with me. I doubt that your fiancée can walk away from being shot with this. And as his partner."
The M1911 had been seen by all. They knew what it could do when Jonas aimed his shots with it.
"That will suffice. Will you fight in the clothes you have on?"
The mercenary wore clothes that were most likely military in origin although Rias wouldn't say which country or era.
"Yes. I will wear something above it though." The vest he took out made Rias really see what she was dealing with.
Zipping the vest shut, Jonas began to load his shells on his vest and put the two hand canons in their holsters. The sniper rifle got attached to his back while he grabbed up the shotgun and carried it into his hands.
"Now, if I am not mistaken, I heard that ma'am said I'd fight in this game as a stand-in Devil, or was I mistaken?"
"No, you are not." Rias reaffirmed as she showed the Evil Piece that has been chosen for him.
"As of now, you will fight under me as my second [Rook]. You will be a Servant for twenty-four hours. After that, you'll revert back to being human. Ajuka-sama had a field day developing this for you. But given the circumstances, they were right to make this." The Crimson-Haired Princess did have an uncomfortable look.
"There is a slight chance you'd die though. In case you are not strong enough for this." Jonas blinked as he received that news.
"I am made of stern stuff. A continent couldn't put my six feet under. I doubt your little piece of magic will."
Jonas joked around which caused the group to relax a bit.
"Now, if you accept this Piece, I have to ask you to kneel." Jonas felt that to be an affront to ask of him.
"Do I have to?"
"Yes. This is how we reincarnate our Servants. And you are going to be one of my Peerage, even just for this."
Jonas mulled over that little bit. Throughout his life, he never wanted to kneel for any living being as he had to live on them for the first eight years.
"I can't say no to that?"
"I'm afraid not."
Jonas wanted to curse a storm but held his tongue. He couldn't back out now.
"Okay. Out." Opening the door, he turned to the three assembled members.
"I have to kneel but none of you will have to see that. Out. Now." The growl was nearly feral which caused the three members to walk out. Jonas closed the door behind him.
Rias could understand his pride on that part but what she didn't expect was the fact that the mercenary lifted her up and placed her feet on the desk.
"I am not going to kneel for you. You need to be higher than me. Here you go." The heiress looked back at Jonas. You didn't argue with a guy that could break your spine like it was a twig.
"You got some issues."
"Complain to my mother." Rias adjusted the piece as she stood before him.
"In the name of the Maou, Sirzechs Lucifer, I, Rias Gremory, reincarnate you, Jonas Kerevechko, as my [Rook]." The blast of magic went through his body as it hit the mercenary in full force. Yet, his stubborn nature and strength kept him on his legs.
Gritting his teeth, Jonas tried to stand up as he felt more power run through him than ever before.
Yet, he remained on his legs.
"Crap. You weren't joking one bit, Rias." Just as his line was finished, the door opened and a magical portal showed the last two of the Peerage had entered the room.
"Good, you are all here." Issei was wearing the usual uniform while Asia had picked up the green dress that she wore when she entered Kuoh.
"Jonas is now playing as my second [Rook]. I think that it fitted him best. I don't think that we need much else. Jonas, your Fallen Angels?"
Checking his watch, it was ten minutes after he had gotten to the clubroom.
"They should be with Sona. Really appreciate it that they could watch this."
The [King] nodded to her Peerage while they awaited Grayfia to come in.
The Peerage sat down with Issei, Asia, and Kiba on one couch as Jonas joined Koneko and Akeno. The feeling of the shotgun in his arms and the rifle that lay on his lap made him calm down a bit.
It had been ages since he had a real fight. Despite how things should go, he was also a bit nervous.
Before long, the Ultimate [Queen] entered the room, dressed in her usual maid outfit.
"I see that the Piece already has been taken in. How do you feel, Jonas-sama?"
"No complaints from me, ma'am? Anything I should look out for?" It struck the Devils with the sight that Jonas treated her with a tad more respect than anyone else. It showed how much Jonas knew and felt how strong Grayfia really was.
"Good. When it's about time, you will be teleported to the battlefield. It is a separate dimension prepared for Rating Games such as these so do not hold back. I'd also like to inform you that this match will also be watched by the heads of your respective households as well as Maou Lucifer-sama and select other guests."
Rias blinked a few times when she heard that. Jonas had taken up his arms again when he heard that name.
"You said that name when you shoved that Piece into me. Who is that person?"
"It's my older brother. Sirzechs Lucifer-sama. I must have forgotten to tell you that after the Great War, the title of Lucifer, Leviathan, Asmodeus, and Beelzebub, were taken by others such as my brother. The original descendants could no longer inherit their family's legacy."
Rias explained to the awestruck Asia and Issei.
"They're the protectors of us, Devils. Sirzechs-sama succeeded the previous Satan Lucifer-sama who perished in the war." Kiba continued the explanation.
"So that's why the president is the heiress of the Gremory family!"
With a small cough, Grayfia let the attention be turned to them all.
"It is time. Please stand ready." The group stood ready in the magical circle and teleported through it.
And when they opened their eyes, they were right back in the clubroom they had just left.
"Eh, did something fuck up? We're right back at the clubroom."
Rias shook her head as she turned to Jonas.
"No, this is the Rating Game. Look outside." The sky looked like some green and orange mixed together.
"We play in the school?" Issei wasn't sure if this would work well.
"We gotta blow up the school? Fun." Jonas pulled the lever of his shotgun.
[Good day, everyone. My name is Grayfia Lucifuge. Servant of the family of Gremory and appointed judge of this match between the Gremory and Phoenix family. Taking Rias-sama and Riser-sama's opinions into consideration, we prepared a replica of Kuoh academy, the school that Rias-sama attends in the human world, as the battlefield.]
Jonas began to think of plans on how they could turn this fight around.
[Due to special request of both Riser-sama and Rias-sama, the human, called Jonasavo Ietljo Kerevechko-sama is playing as Rias-sama second [Rook]. This is an extra participant in this fight. The location where both teams have been transported is their base. Rias-sama 'base' is in the clubroom for the Occult Research Club, located in the old school building. Meanwhile, Riser-sama's base is in the new school building, located in the Student Council office. [Pawns], please make your way into the enemy base in order to use promotion].
The eyes of Jonas were glued to the room where the Student Council was. Too bad the windows were closed. Even he could get a shot away from that. Benefit of being a friend of 9029.
In the human world, Tsubaki opened a screen that showed Riser, surrounded by his harem while they were fawning over him.
Raynare now understood why Rias was so desperate to get out of this marriage.
Rias shared out a little bulb that glowed.
"Everyone, put these in your ears. They'll work like communicators." Jonas felt it a bit sticky but it was something else than a headset that he usually wore.
With that done, Rias began to work out a plan.
"We need to prioritize the [Pawns] before they promote. Extra [Queens] is too much trouble. We can't play this defensively So that is why aggressive is going to be our way." Turning to her [Knight], Rias asked him one thing.
"Yuuto."
The map of the school was spread over the table. It made things a bit easier to explain.
"There is a forest near our base. You would all do well to consider that part territory of our own while the new school building belongs to Riser. It's too dangerous to just walk there. The school field will also be heavily guarded."
"Most likely, one [Knight], maybe more, and a few [Pawns]. They will just lie in wait in one of the clubrooms, surrounding the sports ground."
The [Knight] added his thought. And he got a few more.
"Why don't we take the gymnasium which is near both the schoolhouses?" Jonas scratched his cheek as he heard those words.
"If I am allowed to make a suggestion as well?"
Rias nodded to the mercenary.
"Next to the gymnasium is the entire forest that stretches to the schoolhouse. While I don't think that we can get there unnoticed, if I can use that forest to sneak through, I can destroy any Piece that wants to sneak through that. Plus."
Lifting his sniper rifle, the group waited for it.
"I can play, excuse the term, Arch Angel over all of you like that. The forest gives me excellent hiding spots and cover. Besides that, I can make a few tests runs if I can say it like that."
Rias nodded to the two.
"That works perfectly fine. Yuuto, I hate to say this but take the long route to get to Riser. There might be others going through it. You'll be faster than Jonas."
The [Knight] didn't fault his [King] and nodded to her while Jonas had a sympathetic look on his face.
"Jonas, if you are in the forest, I'd like it if you could make some traps. If you're up for that." The human [Rook] nodded at her.
"Will do. I'll figure something out. Rias, but if I'm outside, I'm going to stay outside and push my way through the forest. Is that agreeable?"
The bombshell nodded to him.
"Very well but contact Akeno. Once the traps are secure, I want her to make illusionary magic in the forest. Jonas, to be on the safe side, push through the forest completely and get to the gymnasium. I will give you further instructions from there on."
Jonas saluted Rias as he understood his orders.
"Aye, aye. Rias, how do I deal with enemy personnel?"
"Shoot on sight. Do not give them chance to retaliate."
Pulling up his scarf, Jonas hid his bloodthirsty grin through that.
"Issei, you and Koneko are going to take the gym. As soon as Jonas is done with the forest. Asia, you are to remain here. We will be defending this place. You all have your orders. There is no turning back now! Our opponent is the Immortal Bird. As soon as we can, we blow him away!"
The voices shouted in unison.
"Yes, Buchou!"
Jonas had heard the things through the communicator. The Devils wanted a show. He would give them one that they would take about for ages.
He was just done tying the rope down. If one would step on them, they would be skewered.
He wouldn't attribute this to his father. His older sister taught him way more tricks to survive like this.
Although, a part of him wished that he would find the members of Riser first. After all, they were going to serve like some test subjects.
When he found that enough had been placed, he pressed his hands to his ears.
"Akeno, you copy?"
He was almost expecting a giggle but luckily, Akeno could be quite accommodating. He had to thank her for noticing that Issei wasn't the only one who was dying of nerves.
"Loud and clear, Jonas. I take you're done with your preparations."
Jonas almost wanted to scoff at her voice but relaxed.
'They're not like the kids. They're here with you.'
It was almost pathetic how shaky he was. Fuck, he was supposed to be a professional at this. Rias couldn't have two nervous wrecks. So taking a deep breath, Jonas steeled his resolve.
'You'll see. As soon you're in the fight, you forget everything. The heat of it, the rush of the battle, the shock of a gun, it's, it's, it's.
"It's fine. I'm done, Akeno. I'm going to push through on the field. If I find anyone of Riser's Peerage, I'll blast them through."
This time, the [Queen] did giggle.
"Ara, ara. Bloodthirsty, are we? Well, leave something for your seniors."
"Senior? We're in the same year." Jonas chuckled when he heard Akeno retort.
"In Devils, I am your senior." Her voice turned serious.
"Jonas, I'll be watching over the gym after Koneko-chan and Issei-kun have secured. I won't be able to help you."
Jonas knew that and he didn't mind it.
"Don't worry. Watch over them. I'll be fine on my own. Always been there. Good luck, out there." And with that, Jonas knelt down and made his way to the gym. He would need to find a great sniping spot, so he couldn't waste any more time.
Some time before.
Riser was sitting in his room. There was no reason to prepare for this. The match had been won, already. He would show his inexperienced bride what it meant for a fight. His cute servants were not to hold back.
But when the match was done, then the real work would begin. He would break that pathetic [Pawn] as Riser would make him watch how he took Rias as his own. And the other girls would join his harem.
When the [Pawn] was broken, he and the other males would be put to work. But before that, he would murder that human that had joined the fight. Fighting as a Devil? That would seal his fate.
"Onii-sama, shouldn't we prepare?" The voice of his sister brought him out of his musing.
"This might be Rias-sama's first Rating Game but I have a feeling that she will take this very seriously." The [King] shook his head, amused as his little sister was fretting.
"Don't worry, Ravel. Rias has only one chance to come at Riser and that's at full strength. We'll wear and tear them down."
The sight of his cute sister brought out more of him.
"Might I remind you that the Human is around? He might be just one [Pawn] Piece but something tells me that he looks experienced."
"What can he do? I don't think that I'll need to worry about an insect like him. When I'm done with my bride, I'll make an example of that man and make sure that no one will stand in my way."
Ravel sighed as she realized that there would be no sense in talking to Riser.
Looking outside, she knew this match would be done. "You have no idea what you called on yourself, Rias. My brother will destroy you."
With the timer now over, Riser turned to his servants.
"Now, go out and play. Do not hold back. We will show Rias and her Peerage a real Rating Game." With those orders, the Devils left the house.
Scene skip
In the gym, Issei and Koneko had slipped through the gym but they knew it wouldn't be for long until they had to fight.
"We're at the gym. I think that there are Pieces of Riser's Peerage. What about the rest of you?"
"Up in the sky. I got good visual." Akeno answered.
"Taking the long route but I'm getting there," Kiba replied.
"I'm in the forest. I'll wait for a bit until the gym is secured before I go through. By the way, nice outfit, Akeno."
Jonas had peeked back and when he wasn't sure, he had taken his scope. It appeared that Akeno had changed into a Miko outfit. Jonas would agree that she had a good sense of fashion.
"Very well. You have your orders. Get to it."
Issei turned to his Kouhai. A solemn nod and a crack of the knuckles were all that he needed to hear.
"We know you're there, Servants of Gremory. No use in hiding!"
Looking at each other, they shrugged and came out. There was no use in staying hidden. They could take care of whoever came their way.
Getting on the stage, they were greeted by a familiar face. One of them was Mira, dressed in a haori. She was the one who attacked Issei in the clubroom.
The other one was a [Rook], dressed in a traditional Chinese Dress that did show the goods. The other two [Pawns] were dressed in gym outfits and Issei could swear those bags were bad news.
Koneko assessed the situation faster than Issei did.
The [Rook] spoke for their foes.
"Was that the best Rias could send? A [Pawn] and a [Rook]. What should you expect of a new player?" Issei loosened his neck. It was time to test out what Jonas had taught him.
"I think we should introduce ourselves. Xuelan, [Rook]. Mira, Nell, and Ile are [Pawns]."
Koneko made herself ready as Issei summoned his [Sacred Gear].
"Issei-senpai. I'll take care of the [Rook]. Can you handle the [Pawns]?" Issei didn't say anything to her.
[Boost!] was the only answer that she would get. Issei didn't hesitate as he was the first to act. He would need to save his energy for when he needed it but using the surprise, Mira felt the fist of Dragon smashing in her face.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to bring her down but it dazed her. Issei easily avoided the first strike from her and the second one.
Koneko couldn't afford to look away. The [Rooks] began to trade blows as Xuelan used her fire to fight back. Koneko had learned some speed as well. When she got one of the feet brought in, Koneko pulled her closer. Grabbing the skull, she smashed her opponent in the ground.
Avoiding an uppercut that would have given her some serious damage, Xuelan crawled back up on her feet.
Koneko wouldn't allow that to happen. Honesty and chivalry could go out the window.
The [Rook] wanted to win this fight.
Again, a few lightening fast punches caused Xuelan to stagger.
Meanwhile, Issei was playing a long game. Mira, Ile, and Nell were trying to get to him. Despite the fact that his [Sacred Gear] was shouting [Boost!] every ten seconds, Issei was saving up his power. He did keep Mira close enough. Being hit by wood was a lot more agreeable than being hit by chainsaws.
That didn't mean that he didn't forget about the twins that wanted to slice him up.
'Just a bit longer now.'
When the fifth [Boost!] was heard, Issei felt that it was enough. Smashing into Mira, he could finally use his Ultimate Technique.
[Explosion!]
The power was released inside of him and when Mira felt a touch on her shoulders, Issei shoved her out of the way.
He didn't know why but the twins moved slower. Blocking the first one with his [Sacred Gear], the chainsaw kept turning against it but the touch was made. The second one followed as she had to avoid her sister being smashed into her.
Issei was glad about how things had gone.
'I'm all set. Now, let's see if this works!'
"Dress Break!" Issei shouted as the magic on the girls caused their clothes to shred, revealing their naked bodies to the world. Issei laughed like a maniac as he was glad that his ultimate technique had worked.
"How was that?! I kept imagining myself blasting away the girls' clothes and I used that drive for a magical attack! Special technique, Dress Break!" Like a superhero, he made a pose while in the Student Council, Mittelt had turned green for seeing that, Kalawarner was a bit unnerved while Raynare had buried her head in her hands.
"How vulgar." Tsubaki commented while neither she nor Sona showed any facial disapprovement.
"He must have planted his imagination with magic on the girls when he came in contact with them." Raynare just shuddered when she looked at Issei. She felt sorry for killing him but when she saw what he had done, she began to doubt if it was wrong if he survived.
"Jonas always says that his [Sacred Gear] is the equivalent of a nuke. I am very glad that he doesn't see this. He would be incredibly furious that Issei would use his power for that."
Issei was smiling over this while he cried tears of happiness thinking this had finally worked.
"I'm disappointed in you." Koneko stood afar from the scene watching it. Xuelan was lying down until Grayfia's voice echoed over the battlefield.
[Riser Phoenix. One [Rook] retired.]
"Koneko, Issei. How is the situation?"
Issei heard the lovely voice of Rias through the communicator.
"Buchou! We're done. The gym is secured."
"Eh, little bit of a heads-up." Jonas had butted in the channel.
"You guys got someone above the gym, floating about. I'd say that you keep your eyes open. Akeno, you see her too?"
Akeno had been scanning around the place and when she found their foe, she knew exactly what Jonas was talking about.
"I see her yeah. You two, for now, get out but make sure that you keep your eyes open. I am going to destroy the gym."
"Good eyes, Jonas. I want you to push through and get closer to the school. Have you encountered anyone of Riser's Peerage?"
"Not yet. But." Getting behind the scope, Jonas aimed through it. It looked like their foes had been going through the forest.
"Rias, I got incoming. I can deal with them, right?" He could nearly hear the smile in her voice.
"Go right ahead." Jonas knew that his sniper rifle could deal with them, just easily. But he knew that he had to test out his shotgun. So he crawled to them as he used the terrain. The Peerage of Riser shared his arrogance.
The forest had given him ways to muck his presence and hide through the trees. Jonas cocked his gun while he held his eyes on his foes.
Bit by bit, the three that were sent through the forest were getting closer to him. He would let them come to him, even if they weren't aware of it.
He didn't know why they were dressed like that. Two maids and one like some showgirl. That one had to go first.
When he was sure, Jonas pulled the trigger. A loud bang was heard over the fields. There wasn't much left of the girl as buckshot had torn her body to pieces.
[Riser Phoenix. One [Pawn] retired.]
His shotgun did the trick. Pulling the lever, Jonas smirked as his test had worked.
"What the?" One of the maids had wanted to retaliate but found that Jonas was just faster. The bayonet might have been just a knife, tapped to the gun but it did its job wonderfully.
The remaining [Pawn] wanted to fall back as she saw the body of her comrade being consumed by light.
She ran away and didn't look back. Not that it mattered for Jonas. The mercenary switched to his 7.62 TKIV 85 and he didn't have to calculate anything. With a trigger pull, another loud crack was enough to indicate Jonas had made his shot.
[Riser Phoenix. Two [Pawns] retired.] Jonas smirked when he heard that.
'Test successful.'
"Rias, I'm pushing through. How are you holding up?"
[Riser Phoenix. One [Rook]. Three [Pawns] retired.] Besides that announcement, Jonas was also treated through some earth rumbling.
"Thanks for the warning, Jonas-senpai. We avoided the attack after Akeno-san blew up the gym."
Jonas looked up at the sky. The smoke had been going from the building. Jonas had to find another spot.
The enemy [Queen] had her hands full and Jonas imagined that she would be frustrated after she got denied a kill.
"I see the fights going on. Rias, what are our orders?"
"Thanks to you, we are still at full strength. Yuuto, Koneko, Issei. I want you to push through to the school field. Jonas, keep a watch on them."
"Will do." Jonas said as he began to run. If he wanted to get there, he had to make sure that he had a perfect oversight. It would take some time though
"Yes, Buchou!" Her three other servants had spoken for them as they got to the field. Jonas just looked up at the field and shuddered when he saw Akeno fighting that woman. When they trained, he didn't get Akeno that pissed at him.
And the mercenary, for once, hoped that he would never get her to that point.
Akeno was using her full magic on Yubelluna who could barely keep up with her younger adversary.
The Priestess of Thunder managed to avoid the attacks that were sent her way while sending the Bomb [Queen] a ray of attacks. Jonas had really worked things on her when she used more of her powers.
But it wasn't just his training. She also had to put her thanks to the Fallen Angels. Raynare who had trained her. Maybe, when this was over, she could put her thanks to the ones who had helped her.
Akeno was covering more bases as she used her full speed of the [Knight] Piece. Instead of focusing on one attack, the [Queen] of Rias spread her attacks over the more experienced fighter.
When her bolt hit the wings of Yubelluna (idea from Raynare), Riser's most powerful Piece was sent down.
This was getting better by the minute.
Scene skip
"So it appears that Rias has sent her entire Peerage our way. Too bad it won't work." Riser had answered by sending his two [Knights], the remaining [Rook], two [Bishops], and the last two [Pawns].
The one who spoke was Ravel. Issei watched her as he regarded the fighters on the school grounds. Even if they discounted the [Bishops], they were two short against the group.
"Riser is throwing it all in now. Don't count on your [Queen]. Ours will keep her busy."
Stepping forward, a [Knight] who appeared to be a mix of European and Japanese styles stepped forward.
Issei guessed that her hair was sandy brown with green eyes, and the headband was Japanese, like the plating that protected her shoulders and hips. But the chest plate, gauntlets, and greaves were definitely European.
"As the [Knight] of Riser Phoenix, I challenge the [Knight] of Rias Gremory to a duel." At the declaration, Kiba stepped forward. Unsheathing his sword, it was all that he needed to make clear that he would fight.
"Koneko-chan. Who do you take on?"
"I'll take care of the [Rook]. Issei-senpai, fight the [Knight] and [Pawns]." Unlike before, it appeared that his foes were stronger.
Like the [Knights], Koneko and her dance partner used the full open area to smash through the area. That did leave them open.
"We really are in bad luck. To think we have to fight this foul [Pawn] while Karmalaine and Isabella are fighting the [Rook] and [Knight]." Issei was stupid to be distracted as he was closed in by the remaining fighters.
The other [Knight] was a long woman with black hair who was handling a Zwei handler. The other [Pawns] were wearing school uniforms and appeared to be another set of twins. They stood behind Issei, not giving him anyway to fight back against them when the [Knight] would attack.
"Just a question though. Do you two [Bishops] fight?" Issei was uncharacteristically calm when he looked over the field.
"Absolutely not. Riser-sama would not allow his sister to be hurt in Rating Games." Issei scoffed as he had figured that little bit out.
"Just have to ask. Jonas-senpai. You can." Issei's words barely left his mouth as another crack came through.
One bullet pierced through the twins, seemingly out of nowhere.
[Riser Phoenix, two [Pawns] retired.] Grayfia spoke as Issei summoned his [Sacred Gear].
[Boost!] was shouted over it as he smirked.
Making his way to the [Knight], Issei used his full power on her as Siris felt the blast of his punch.
'If she is using a sword, don't give her a chance. It'll get a whole lot more difficult.' Siris wasn't used to hand-to-hand combat.
And while Issei was a complete rookie, the training with Jonas had been absolutely brutal. Breathing in, Issei avoided the fist. It was answered by a roundabout kick as Issei just enjoyed the fight.
The clashing of metal and the rumbling of the earth showed that Koneko and Kiba were also having fun.
"Jonas, status report?"
Rias asked the only one who wasn't actively fighting. Jonas was hidden in the forest. Using a log, he rested his sniper rifle, looking over the sight.
"Took out two of the [Pawns]. No extra [Queens] coming through. Can't say what Akeno is doing. So far, the other three are holding up fine. At least, what I can see."
Kiba moved too fast to follow him, especially with tunnel vision. Koneko did her best against Isabella but she was feeling the effects of the previous fights.
"Good. As long this is going on, I don't think I have to fight."
"Stay put. You go out there, and Riser might come to finish you, himself. Speaking of which." Jonas' aim shifted to the windows of the Student Council Room.
"I don't have a visual on the asshole. Permission to punch his clock out if I can?"
Rias had been a proud and proper lady that has always believed in fair fights.
But this was never a fair fight, to begin with.
"If you can, by all means, do so. But beware, Jonas. Riser might still have a nasty trick up his sleeve. Keep me posted."
Jonas nodded as he felt pride in how it was going. This was turning just fine and most of it was done by the Peerage. It would make things easier to slip back in the fold when this was over.
So far, the [Bishops] weren't participating in the fight although one of them was giving directions.
They wouldn't need another commander in the fray.
"Rias." Before Jonas could even say the words, Issei got smashed through behind as the black-haired [Knight] threw him away like a ragdoll.
"Shit."
Jonas didn't hesitate as he fired one bullet. It hit Siris right in the face.
[Riser Phoenix. One [Knight] retired.] Grayfia's voice was a welcome reminder. And a hit confirmed.
"Jonas-senpai! She was mine!"
"Can it!" Just at that point, Grayfia's voice echoed over the battlefield.
[Rias Gremory. One [Rook] retired.] The male of the Gremory Peerage tuned to see how their junior got her back broken by Isabella.
The other [Rook] nearly looked gleeful when she turned to the [Pawn].
"Fuck!" Issei glared back at her.
"You want her or do you want me to shoot?"
Jonas was happy that Issei and Kiba kept the Peerage further away. A bolt-action rifle was ill-suited for close combat.
"Take her out!" The command came from Rias who had gotten an idea of how the battle was going.
"Aight." Jonas fired another round that hit Isabella right in the face.
[Riser Phoenix. One [Rook] retired.]
With that done, only Kiba was busy and from the clangs of metal, the [Knight] summoned swords as he went. Jonas would admit the sounds were delightful.
"Before I was interrupted. Rias, can I punch out the two [Bishops]? That would just leave."
[Riser Phoenix [Queen] retired].
Jonas turned to see Akeno flying. While her outfit was burned and it showed superficial wounds, the [Queen] of Rias was still in the fight.
Akeno made the mental note to really thank Jonas.
Scene skip. A bit before the fight of the other Pieces.
Akeno didn't lose her head. She was switching positions to keep Yubelluna guessing. It didn't matter how much power was behind the spells. As long they didn't hit their intended target, it was useless.
With another blast, Yubelluna ate dirt as she was sent down.
"It appears that I have underestimated you, Princess of Thunder," Akeno smirked as she watched the older [Queen] stumble from the dirt.
"But it's too bad that it won't be enough." Akeno's eyes flattened as she saw how her foe took out a small bottle from her cleavage.
Before Yubelluna could take out the Phoenix Tears, Akeno had raced to her and one savage blow was enough to blow the Bomb [Queen] away.
It wasn't elegant, it wasn't proper and it sure as shit wasn't lady like but it was enough to do the job.
Then she heard the announcement.
[Rias Gremory. One [Rook] retired.]
A dangerous light flickered in Akeno's eyes when she realized that Jonas warning had come in vain.
"Oh, you are going to be in for a tough time." Grabbing the hair of Yubelluna, Akeno smashed her face in several times on the pavement. She did grab the Phoenix Tears. The spoils of war couldn't go unnoticed.
She didn't hear the announcement that Koneko's defeat hadn't gone unpunished. She lost herself in the fight as she felt that her anger could be relieved. Eventually, the announcement was heard.
[Riser Phoenix [Queen] retired].
The particles made her smile as she sighed.
"Akeno, do you hear me?" Rias' voice was like a cool shower that calmed her down.
"Yes, Rias. I am done."
"Good. Riser only has his [Knight] and [Bishops] left. I want you to join with the others."
Akeno smiled when she heard that her juniors had finished their business.
But the next two announcements had taken her off guard.
[Riser Phoenix. One [Knight] retired.]
Just a bit later, the words that brought her relief had engulfed her in fear.
[Rias Gremory. One [Knight] retired.]
Akeno looked in horror at the inferno that engulfed the entire school grounds.
Scene skip
Jonas turned to the school. The fight was really turning into their favor. With the [Queen] out, the mercenary wondered if he was that much needed.
His mouth dropped open as he saw Riser coming out. Not via the door, that would be so common. No, he destroyed the window where the Student Council was located. Jonas' mouth dropped open at the braze and reckless nature of the Phoenix Heir.
He couldn't hear what he said but the building up flames showed enough.
"Issei, Kiba, get out of there. That motherfucker is going to." Just at that moment, Kiba defeated his opponent.
[Riser Phoenix. One [Knight] retired.]
Only Issei heard the warning and had the decent sense to fall back. Unfortunately, Kiba wasn't so lucky.
Before he was even done, Riser had focused all his fire on the [Knight] who couldn't handle that much fire on him.
"Kiba!" Issei was horrified to see how the other male Devil was blown away.
[Rias Gremory. One [Knight] retired.]
"Shit!" Jonas was a bit too slow to fire back.
"Onii-sama! What are you?"
"This fight has gone long enough. I am going to take out Rias herself. All of you stay here."
He turned to Issei and dismissed the [Pawn].
"I'm not going to waste my time with low trash like you. You'll be too late, trash." Opening his flaming wings, he flew at the old school building.
"You're not getting off that easy, bastard!" Jonas didn't know if Riser could hear him but there was a price to pay.
Riser would make sure that he knew that one.
He still had seven bullets in the magazine. Two thundering cracks later, the two [Bishops] fell down.
[Riser Phoenix. Two [Bishops] retired. Riser has no remaining Pieces.]
Riser would have turned to the forest but even in his bloated ego, he knew better than to waste his time with the ones like Jonas or Issei.
"Rias, you got Riser incoming hot. Stay there, we're getting right to you." Akeno wanted to stop Riser but he swept the [Queen] aside with one stroke of his powers. It appeared that the fight with Yubelluna took more out of her than she was willing to admit.
She adjusted in mid-flight as she looked aside. Issei had opened his wings and flew right after Riser but the Dragon had yet to get used to flight.
"Jonas-senpai. What do we do?"
"We're getting to Rias. Move!" Jonas shouted as he left his rifle where it was. Switching back to his shotgun, Jonas ran as fast as his legs could carry him.
Riser landed right on the roof. A wave of the Power of Destruction hit him right in the body. Yet, the crackling fire showed that he was healing already.
Like a bat out of hell, Rias shot out of the clubroom, carrying Asia with her. It appeared they weren't worse for wear.
Jonas began to think about his route. He would have to avoid the traps that he had placed for Riser's Peerage so he decided to ask for some help.
"Akeno, you're still there?"
"I'm fine, Jonas. What do you want from me?"
"Can you give me a lift? Issei, where are you?"
When the silence came through from the [Pawn], Jonas guessed that he was already in the fight.
"Issei-kun is fighting Riser already. While he has Boosted himself several times, it appears that it wouldn't work."
Akeno was torn between getting to Jonas and picking him up or helping out her junior. But if the wounds that she received from both Riser and Yubelluna were any indication, she was better to help Jonas.
The mercenary had already begun to run to the old school building. Akeno decided to make his way to him.
Scene skip
Issei had crawled up the roof where he saw Rias, having a desperate struggle with Riser who seemed nothing more than amused by her attempts.
"Buchou!"
"Oh, it appears that your [Pawn] has made its way to you. Not that it matters, Rias. I will take you. After I have dealt with this inconvenience."
Rias unleashed her power on Riser who just smirked.
"You'll have to deal with me first." Despite the power that flowed through her, Riser just let his body heal.
"Resign already, Rias! It's over now." Testing his new arm, Riser just looked at his upcoming bride.
"I read through all your moves. It's checkmate."
"Checkmate? Don't make me laugh. I, the [King], am still standing."
Issei still stood on his legs while he looked at the group.
"Rias, I know this is your fight. But this has taken its toll on you. Permission to engage Riser on my own?"
Rias knew that her inexperienced [Pawn] couldn't handle his own against the Phoenix heir.
"Please, do. I am getting through the forest. Akeno will pick me up. But just hold on a bit longer until I get there."
The desperate edge in Jonas voice made the two realize that they still had him.
"I'll let you have him. Fight Riser, Issei."
Issei nodded and he let his power run through.
"Come on. Just one more [Boost!].
[Burst!]
The [Pawn] made his way to Riser but felt his body slipping down. He was getting down on the roof while Riser just smirked.
His [Sacred Gear] was giving out while Issei couldn't stand on his two legs.
Back in the student Council, the five had watched the scene go down.
"Boosted Gear places an immense physical burden on the host. Incomparable to other kinds of [Sacred Gears]."
Raynare saw the Dragon go down. 'Maybe it's only thanks to the training that he is standing on his legs.'
Riser just smirked at the two standing.
"Rias, it appears that your [Pawn] has lost his power. Why don't you just resign? It'd make things easier."
Rias answered the requests with a blast of her power.
"As if I would do that." The other [King] just smiled as he watched the [Pawn] on the ground.
"Your own power has been depleted. Be honest and admit your defeat." Issei coughed up blood as he felt his body being trashed through.
"I'm fine, Buchou! I can still fight! I'll keep my promise!"
Riser just flew at the [Pawn]. Without a shred of mercy, the heir of the Phoenix kneed him in the stomach.
It wasn't a fight. It was just a beating. Issei refused to back down while Riser just toyed with him.
It broke Rias' heart as she watched the fight of the [Pawn].
"Issei, please, step back. Please! That is an order!"
"I'll win. To keep your smile!" Rias really understood what he meant the night before. Riser just smirked as he lifted the [Pawn] by the hair.
"You annoy me! You're nothing but a slave to Rias. But I'll honor your wishes! I'll burn you to a degree that you can't be saved. After all, deaths in Rating Games are…"
"HEY, ASSHOLE!" Two feet kicked Riser away and a blast of a gun made sure that he couldn't get after Issei.
Before him stood Jonas who had leveled the shotgun as he kept Issei up in his left arm.
"My turn."
Scene skip, just before the entry.
Akeno was fast enough to pick up Jonas. Carrying him with her arms underneath, she lifted him up. Jonas was glad that he had dumped his rifle.
"You're good?"
"Yep."
When they understood that Issei was intending to fight Riser, Jonas knew they really had to get there, fast.
"Please, do. I am getting through the forest. Akeno will pick me up. But just hold on a bit longer until I get there."
Jonas shouted, in the hopes Rias and Issei could hear him.
Both were too focused on adrenaline to care about anything else. Jonas knew damn well that Issei wouldn't have much time to fight while Akeno was aware that Rias would tire out fast.
They saw the desperate struggle of Issei who was getting the crap beaten out of him as Rias was begging him to stop.
They could see how it was a beating but Issei refused to back down.
"Akeno, you think you can launch me?"
Jonas asked to which the [Queen] gave a dark chuckle. Jonas couldn't help but agree with her.
The Miko beauty followed his orders as she calculated her throw. She was right on the money as Jonas smashed with his feet first into Riser.
"HEY, ASSHOLE!"
The Phoenix heir barely had time to recover as Jonas' gun barked. Yet, the gunfighter wasn't just focused on Riser. With his left arm, he grabbed onto Issei. The [Pawn] was barely standing on his feet. Yet, Issei was still in the game.
"My turn." Jonas simply announced.
"Senpai." The boy croaked out, relieved that Jonas was there.
"Easy there, pall. You did your job and you did it well." Sharing a look with Rias, Jonas threw the [Pawn] to the [King]. Asia immediately started to heal while Jonas was relieved that Akeno had joined them.
"Rias, Asia. Patch him up. Do you mind if I take over?"
Rias smiled as she found that Jonas was more than capable. She had learned that her own pride couldn't stand in her way.
"He's all yours, Jonas."
The salute came like natural and when a cough indicated that Riser had recovered. The flames already working on him.
'So his wounds heal by flames. That is just perfect.' Jonas thought in silent contemplation as he levered the handle on his shotgun.
One out, six more to go. Reloading was a luxury that he, most likely, couldn't afford.
"Oh, that is just brilliant. I was hoping you would show up." Jonas cocked an eyebrow when he heard Riser speak.
"Wouldn't like to disappoint. But if I can be honest, I was hoping for this fight as well." Riser scoffed at him.
"Then it is just perfect. The [Pawn] might prove to be a challenge to me, a bird of immortal fire. Before I destroy you, what piece did my bride give you?" Jonas mulled over the thoughts.
"I'd say that you don't count your chickens before they hatch, asshole. I don't know about your bride but Rias gave me a temporary [Rook] piece. Let's see how that holds out." Jonas fired his gun again and to his delight, Riser didn't avoid the buckshot.
It would be enough to destroy a human being but yet, Riser barely staggered when the shot hit him.
"You should try to stop that. It won't matter, how many times you hit me." Jonas answered again with two rounds fired. The lever did its action wonderfully.
"But by all means, keep trying, filthy human. The fact that you use those guns above anything, created by us, means that you are just weak. Relying on tools, made by inferior beings."
The eyes of Jonas narrowed as he shot one more time at Riser. Pulling the gun open, Jonas was surprised that Riser let him reload. He didn't say much else as he breathed in the air.
"It doesn't matter. Let's see how you like this." The fire coming his way burned hot. Jonas hoped that Rias and Akeno could defend Asia and Issei. For himself, his hand went right to his back and pulled open a black, unassuming blanket. The fire burned through but Jonas kept his feet up.
It wasn't the first time that he was getting cooked. But never had the fireproof blanket failed him.
When Riser was done, he smiled but found that while the school was charred, Jonas just tied the blanket over his head like a cape.
"What was that?"
"Fire blanket. What evolution forgot to give me, technology will provide. Although I am a bit more surprised about it. Your [Pawns] fell by just one shot."
Riser's eyes slit into dangerous territory as Jonas didn't give him the time to react. Firing his shotgun, the buckshot hit Riser who flew up. But before he got away, another shot came his way.
The Phoenix heir was taken down by the shot but he smirked.
"What does it matter? I'll just come to you and." This time, Riser felt that he had difficulty standing as his vision became clouded. Jonas smirked as Riser coughed up blood.
"WHAT THE? WHAT DID YOU DO, HUMAN?" Jonas smirked as he answered with two more shots.
Riser couldn't avoid those as they were taken in. His face shattered by the shot, his body not able to take the pain.
Jonas just ran to him while firing the gun. He had seen it done several times and this shock tactic could be as effective as it was suicidal.
Impaling Riser through the heart and crushing a few ribs, Jonas gun barked as fast as he could pull the lever and trigger.
Pulling out the knife, Jonas's fist smashed right into his face.
"Oh, you don't get to retire that easily, I am going to enjoy this." The butt of the gun was used as a club.
"WHAT DID YOU DO?"
Jonas pulled back his gun and slowly, reloaded his gun.
"I'm human. Just a human. But not a normal human. If you wonder what I did, I live with Fallen Angels. I had an idea when I heard them talk. Holy Lightening is deadly for you, Devils. Just like anything holy. No matter how strong you are as Phoenix, you wouldn't be able to withstand holy power." Jonas closed the gun and used the most disgust that he could master when he looked at Riser.
"Before we came to fight, I asked them to pour holy lightning into the buckshot. Do you see this weapon? It's a shotgun. Useful, versatile, and simple weapons, capable of killing all kinds of quarry. While you have many varieties from the tiny pellets to the raw power of solid slugs, they can use several loads. This one for example, has six pellets. Bit less than the usual load of eight but they have been stored by lightning. Because I use lead rounds, the slugs won't hurt me, and only when they come out, do they work. The pellets have been sealed in by your own fire and embedded in your flesh. So it doesn't matter how it goes. It will eat you away." Jonas fired several times again while Riser struggled to get away.
"You disgusting human? Why do you not understand? This is for all Devils. You might have your tricks. But it won't be enough." Jonas didn't take enough consideration as Riser's hand went to his gun.
Fire engulfed the shotgun and Jonas couldn't hold on. Like a toy, Riser broke the gun and threw it away.
"But you forget how I control fire. You might have some skill and some uncommon thinking. But it won't be enough. I desire Rias Gremory and my fire is fueled by it. I will not stop until I break that [Pawn] by the sight of claiming her and I will destroy you. You and those Fallen that my bride appeared to have agreed with." Jonas didn't lament the loss of his gun.
This bastard threatened Ray. There would be hell to pay.
Grabbing to his back, his Smith & Wesson was pulled out. Jonas aimed and pulled the trigger while he kept his eyes on Riser.
"What Rias and I agreed on is our business. But you made things personal. Shouldn't have done that."
Riser laughed. "Oh, this is rich. Why don't you understand? I am superior to you. A Devil of high birth. You are nothing but a pathetic human who has risen up. Where do you even come from? I doubt that you know that." Grabbing the speed reloader, Jonas filled his handgun and aimed again.
"Son of Africa" the first shot rang.
Adopted by a Russian mercenary." A second slug was aimed at his head.
"Raised in Japan." The third hit Riser again and this time, he did stagger from that.
"Oh, what do those countries mean? Nothing. You are nothing. Made of dirt and to dirt, you'll return. Why don't you stop this pathetic fight? I will take you in and those Fallen. And I'll break you like I'll break Rias and that [Pawn]. And when you are broken, I'll murder you. Like I'll kill that [Pawn]. Deaths in Rating Games are considered accidents after all."
When Jonas heard those lines, a full-toothed smile washed over his face. Riser had just signed his death warrant.
"Really? Should have said so earlier." This time, his left hand fired with his M1911 and the bullets made short work off from the knees of Riser.
The mercenary holstered his handguns and raced to him and grabbed the throat of Riser. He build up pressure on the Devil who was thrashing. Despite his high power, Riser hadn't expected that a human could be this strong.
Fear and pain mixed in his system. Especially because the eyes of Jonas showed nothing of mercy.
"Do you know what you need for fire, Riser? Heath, fuel, and oxygen. While I can't do much about the temperature, and your fuel comes from within you, I can cut off your oxygen. I can shoot you through the head but I doubt that will do much good now."
Riser couldn't get to Jonas's face as he kept that away from the flames.
So in a desperate struggle, the flames burned through the vest and right into the abdomen. Jonas hissed when the heat was on his organs.
By some sort of miracle, he didn't let go of Riser as his guts came spilling out.
An inhuman idea came into his stressed brain and one that he could end this with.
"Well, thank you for giving me a strangling cord."
Taking his own guts with one hand, Jonas wrapped them around the neck of Riser. Pressing through, Jonas kept his hands up while the Devil trashed and writhed. Riser could see how the light in his eyes was fading as Jonas didn't let up despite the pain that Riser was causing him.
But the blood loss and pain began to do bad things to his body.
With one hand, Jonas grabbed his M1911 and pressed the barrel right at the head of Riser. The eyes went open but Jonas didn't let up. From close by, Jonas unloaded four 45ACP rounds into Riser's brain.
Then he finally heard the words spoken.
[Riser Phoenix has retired. Rias Gremory is the winner.]. Dropping the gun out of his hands, Jonas felt his own knees finally giving way.
Despite his wounds, he turned to the four remaining members of the Peerage. Asia had lost consciousness when she saw the gore that Jonas played out. Akeno and Rias were looking equally horrified and relieved. Only Issei was smiling. Jonas pulled his cloth down and smiled back.
"We won."
Scene skip
Sona and Tsubaki could hardly believe their eyes when Jonas had found a strangling cord inside his own intestines and the [King] could be squeamish.
Mittelt had looked away from the gruesome sight while Raynare didn't look that surprised. Jonas had always looked for solutions to problems.
And a part of her was honored that he would go this far for her. But the other part was now ready to scold him.
Scene skip
Jonas was teleported and he was glad that his mind had left his body as he slipped through the cracks.
When he finally came to, he opened his eyes. It appeared he had gone to a hospital. The mercenary opened his eyes and was greeted by the entire Peerage around him.
They did keep their distance around him but there was certainly a grateful nature in their looks. Jonas looked at his stomach. No indication that he was hurt there.
"Well, what are the odds that my guns would be recovered?"
"They're right outside. All accounted for, plus the ammo you brought with you." Rias answered his question while the others didn't know what to do.
Yes, he did win the Rating Game but the way was extremely grotesque.
It was Issei who acted first. Walking to the bed, the Dragon was smiling.
"You did it. We have won thanks to you."
"No, we won because we all played our part. If you hadn't bought me the time that I needed, we would have lost. You played your part well as I did mine."
"What was my part?" Issei asked.
"The part of the idiot hero. And mine was the part of the professional. And until you can play other parts, I'll continue that part."
Issei held out his hand and Jonas understood what he meant. Shaking the hand, the two had agreed at that point they would do just that. They would keep watch over the other.
I hope you liked it. The chapter went faster than I have dreamed of.
If you want to read about Jonas, he does make cameos in "Issei's Adventures with older women." He also is going to play a bigger role in "A Devil's Flock."
Most likely, the next chapter will be published next year.
The week off that I had did, wonders for me.
It was kind of fun to retread the grounds when writing this out.
I had some help though. My old files, the original anime, and some fics that I used for inspiration. Plenty of things worked out just fine for me.
I'm glad about how it went down. My schedule is kept in order and I can prewrite some other chapters now.
Great warm-up for me in March.
Saluut.