Well, sorry this took so long, but real life blows. Fortunately I have a lot of writing time from now until Destiny drops, so hopefully I can churn out a few chapters. Warning: For those of you who aren't reading the light novels I draw from them slightly here. If you have any questions about it just look up Divine Dividing on the High School DxD wiki and you'll see what I'm talking about and it's actually canon. On the other hand I do make up a power here that I intend to use in future again. In canon Vali only displays 3 or 4 abilities of the Sacred Gear, and that just isn't enough for a main character in something like this.

Chapter 8

After the…incident…with Akeno Rias doubles Issei's training regimen. Rather than running once around the property Issei now has to run twice, with Rias cutting down the amount of time Issei is allowed to rest before continuing on to the next training session. Focusing on his training Rias starts working him harder, literally pushing Issei until he passes out from exhaustion. Watching it all Akeno, Raynare and Asia try to argue against Rias training method, but Rias counters that Issei needs to focus on his training.

Ultimately they'd backed down, not wanting to cause another problem like what happened between Akeno and Rias.

The day before the match Issei groggily opens his eyes, the sun is just beginning to creep through the closed blinds, Issei still feeling exhausted, even after collapsing into his bed the night before.

Looking around Issei takes in the bedroom assigned to him, noting mutely that it's empty. A part of him expecting to see Rias standing over him, glaring down at him telling him to get up.

Sighing Issei pushes himself to a sitting position, the White Dragon Emperor not sure what Rias has planned for the day. He knows that the match is tomorrow, and that today is his last chance to try and improve before he literally has to kill or be killed.

The door opening Issei's eyes pan toward it, seeing Rias walk into the room through the open door, Issei half expecting Rias to tell him to get up, the Gremory pawn swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.

"I'm getting up Buchou…" Issei offers proactively, and Rias stops walking as Issei's feet hit the floor, her lips curling in a slight smile.

"You don't have to if you don't want to." Rias counters, and Issei blinks in surprise.

"Don't I have training today?" Issei asks, and Rias shakes her head no.

"Not today." Rias explains to him. "You've been working very hard since we started this camp, today you rest. You fight for your life tomorrow, and you need to be at your best to do it."

Nodding Issei looks down toward his bed, not sure what to do now that he doesn't have to get up and exercise. He'd been fully expecting to have to run around the property again, now Issei just wants to go back to bed.

Maybe Akeno-chan will want to spend the day in bed with me and let me use her oppai as a pillow…

Just the thought has Issei's lips curling in a grin. He would love nothing more than to just put his head on her breasts and just move it back and forth, wallowing in her soft flesh.

"Asia and Raynare are working on your breakfast…" Rias explains to him, cutting into his thoughts.

"And Akeno-chan?" Issei asks, Rias noticeably frowning.

"You still refer to me as Buchou, yet you call her by her name…" Rias mutters, and Issei blinks in surprise.

"Buchou?" Issei asks, and Rias shakes her head dismissively.

"Ara-ara…Breakfast is ready…" Akeno's singsong voice wafts into the room, both Rias and Issei turning their attention to see the buxom dark haired devil standing in the doorway.

At the sight of her Queen Rias frowns slightly, the red haired Gremory still upset with her right hand servant. Since the morning Rias found the two of them naked together in bed Rias has yet to actually work through her issues with Akeno dating Issei. The two of them have been focused on training Issei and making him ready for the match. Now the two of them are alone with him, and Issei doesn't know how to approach both of them together.

"Why don't we bring Issei's food to his room?" Rias asks, and Issei blinks in surprise.

"You don't have to do that…" Issei trails, pushing himself to his feet.

Unfortunately for him he'd fallen asleep in his clothes, so Issei is still presentable, though even he can smell the rank coming from his clothes.

I need to get a bath and change clothes…Issei thinks to himself.

"It's no problem at all Issei." Rias denies, turning toward the door. "I'll bring you your breakfast. I'm sure Raynare and Asia both want to spend some time with you as well."

Walking out of the room Rias walks past Akeno without a word, the red haired Gremory not even looking at her, Akeno's head following Rias as the older devil walks past her, Issei standing near his bed, dumbfounded as to what is going on, and wanting more than anything to patch things up between Rias and Akeno.

"Well then…" Akeno begins, putting Rias out of her mind as his buxom girlfriend turns toward him. "What should we do to pass the time?"

"Uh…" Issei mumbles, not sure how to respond to Akeno's question as she walks toward him.

Giggling Akeno reaches out, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"I've been waiting to do this…"

Opening his mouth to ask what Akeno is talking about Akeno's head crosses the distance between them, the dark haired girl kissing him passionately, her lips claiming his as her tongue coils and writhes around his, Issei feeling his knees get weak as Akeno kisses him, Issei somehow finding himself on his back on the bed, Issei managing to slip his arms around her ribs before Akeno pulls back, a smile on her face.

Lying there Issei must look like a deer in headlights.

"Ara-ara…surprised by that?" Akeno asks, and Issei nods.

"Ye…yeah…" Issei affirms for her.

"Well…" Akeno trails. "You want me to feed you breakfast in bed when they get back?"

"Y…yes please…" Issei nods, and Akeno smiles.

"All right then…"

XXX

In her true form Raynare carries a small food tray in her hands, Issei's breakfast laid out on the plastic tray, Asia walking next to her holding a thermos of tea along with a glass. In front of both of them walks Rias, her red hair swaying back and forth with each step. Neither Kiba nor Koneko wanted to join them in serving Issei breakfast.

Glancing to her left Asia has her eyes forward, Raynare acutely aware that Asia doesn't relax around her. In all the time she's been around the blonde former nun she's never once relaxed around her. After what happened between them Raynare can understand that. Raynare tried to kill Asia in a vain attempt at acquiring her Sacred Gear, and in the end she ended up bound to Issei as his blood servant.

Approaching the door Raynare notes that the door is still open, the three of them walking into Issei's bedroom to see the two of them lying on his bed, their clothes cast aside, the two of them as naked as the day they were both born, Issei's right cheek pressed against Akeno's left breast.

Seeing the two of them Asia's cheeks darken, the blonde nun not liking what she's seeing. Standing behind Rias Raynare has no idea what Rias is feeling, but from what she knows about the red haired devil she's fairly sure that she isn't happy at what is developing between her only Pawn and her Queen.

"Wha…what are you two doing!?" Rias demands, and Akeno grins.

"I'm enjoying some skin ship with my boyfriend." Akeno replies matter of factly.

"I'm going to do skin ship too!" Asia proclaims, setting the thermos and glass on the tray before she pulls off her blouse.

"What? Wait, Asia-chan!" Issei tries to argue as Asia pulls off her bra.

Here we go again…

XXX

Two hours later Issei sighs, sitting in the large bath, the steam from the water rising into the air. Sitting there Issei can't help but remember that this is the room where Akeno came to him, revealing her heritage before the two of them became lovers and he took her virginity. After somehow managing to eat his breakfast Rias had put her foot down, saying that Issei needed to bathe in peace, creating a de facto ban on anyone entering the bath with him.

Not that I really want Asia joining me…

Even after being with Asia that night, Issei still looks at her like a younger sister. She's a precious person that he has to protect, he can't go around treating her like a servant.

Then there's the fact that she only seems to want to do ecchi stuff when someone else is doing it. She doesn't know about that sort of thing and I don't think she really knows what it means. I know that she wants to stay with me, but that doesn't mean she has to sleep with me just because Akeno or Raynare does…

The door opening for a half second Issei thinks that Akeno is violating Rias' declaration and coming to join him when it isn't Akeno that comes walking through the door.

At first all Issei notices is red hair, and then a moment later Issei takes in the sight of Rias wearing the Kuoh School uniform. Seeing her close the door behind her Issei's mouth drops open in surprise.

What is Buchou doing here?

B…Buchou?" Issei asks, and Rias looks at him, her green eyes staring into his dark orbs, frustration creasing her face.

"Why am I even surprised?" Rias mumbles, and Issei blinks in surprise.

"What?" Issei asks, and Rias sighs.

"Forget about it." Rias replies.

Blinking Issei doesn't know what Rias could possibly be doing in the bathroom.

"I…Is there something you need Buchou?" Issei asks, and Rias reaches up, opening her collar.

"I'm here to bathe with you." Rias explains, and Issei's mouth drops.

"B-Bathe?" Issei asks, remembering what Rias looks like naked. "But you said I should bathe in peace!"

Pulling off her blouse Rias casually sets the garment aside.

"Akeno has already done this with you." Rias replies, slipping off her skirt, revealing that she's wearing a lacy black bra and matching panties.

Whoa…

Staring wide eyed Rias smiles at Issei's reaction to her underwear. Reaching behind her Rias casually opens her bra clasp, slipping the garment from her shoulders a moment later, setting the bra aside before looping her thumbs through her panties.

Looking at her as Rias takes off her panties Issei is reminded why she is considered the most beautiful girl in Kuoh Academy. Standing there in her skin Rias is absolutely stunning.

At the same time Issei is reminded of their first time together, when she'd come to him looking for him to take her virginity so she wouldn't have to marry Riser. Looking away from her Issei balls in his hands into fists beneath the water, Rias setting her panties aside before dipping her right foot into the water.

"Embarrassed?"

"W…Well…" Issei mumbles, not sure what to say as Rias slips her other foot into the water, her body flowing into the tub as Rias takes a seat next to him on his left.

"It isn't as though you haven't seen me before." Rias counters, and Issei swallows.

"I know…it's just…"

Growing up he'd always thought he's always wanted to have a Harem. A childhood dream he'd never REALLY believed it was even possible. He'd always believed that once he got a girlfriend he would be faithful to that one girl. Meeting Yuuma he'd been just that. He was so happy to have a woman in his life and would've given her the world. It's just who he is.

So now with Rias setting next to him naked in the tub Issei finds himself feeling distinctly uncomfortable.

Her hand moving beneath the water Rias places her hand on Issei's right thigh.

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be Issei." Rias says, and Issei sighs.

"You…you chose to be with me rather than marrying that Yakitori bastard." Issei comments, and Rias nods.

"I did." Rias affirms for him. "I chose you over him, because I would rather be with you than Riser."

"He's a jerk though…" Issei replies. "Almost anyone would be a better husband than him."

It's like choosing between a ham and a turd sandwich. It's a no brainer…

"That isn't all of it though." Rias replies. "If I didn't want to be with you I never would've come to you like I did."

"Could you really be with me though?" Issei asks. "I'm a reincarnated devil and you're a pure blood. Even I do somehow manage to kill that Yakitori bastard I'll still be just a reincarnated devil. Your family will still try and arrange another marriage for you to another one of the other families…"

Shaking her head Rias' grip on his thigh tightens ever so slightly.

"That isn't true Issei." Rias corrects him easily. "If you kill Riser you'll be recognized as a proper devil."

"Yet you would still want to be with me? Even after taking Akeno-chan as my girlfriend?"

Frowning Rias looks away from him, momentarily looking down toward her reflection in the water.

"I understand that you've got feelings for Akeno." Rias replies solemnly. "Like you she's a reincarnated devil, and you know about her heritage. She wouldn't have shown you her wings unless she cared for you."

"I care about her too." Issei explains to her.

"I know." Rias assures him. "Even if I were your wife I understand that you couldn't be with just me." Rias explains. "I know that Asia, Raynare and even Akeno would want to continue to be with you."

"That's…" Issei mutters, somewhat surprised by the statement.

"That's why, no matter what you have to win tomorrow." Rias explains to him. "Everyone will be cheering you on, so I want you to fight your hardest and show Riser just how powerful you've become."

"I…I will." Issei affirms, his left hand clenching into fist.

I'll win or die trying…

XXX

Standing in the locker room in the arena Issei stares at himself in the mirror, the young devil alone in the locker room. Looking at himself Issei looks down at his own left hand, a part of him wondering how he can be so calm when he's about to start fighting to the death. Looking down at his hand Issei balls it into a fist, another part of him knowing that he's done everything he can to prepare for this battle. So long as he can survive through his countdown Issei is sure he can defeat Riser once he enters Balance Breaker. With the Queen Promotion he'll be as strong as he can be. One good punch against Riser should be enough to ensure his victory, but Rias has warned him that Riser has the power to regenerate, not only wounds but also his own stamina.

That means that I have to hit him hard and fast. If I let the battle get drawn out he'll just run my armor time down and then burn me alive.

The door to the arena opening Issei turns around, seeing a devil dressed in a suit and sunglasses standing in the doorway.

"It's time." The man explains, and Issei nods.

Be careful partner, and remember my offer…

I know Albion…

Following the devil out of the locker room Issei remembers Albion's offer. In order to completely bypass the countdown Issei just has to offer up one of his limbs as a sacrifice to Albion. The chosen limb would appear like a dragon's and in return Issei would be able to instantly transform into his Balance Breaker one time. After that though he would have to endure the countdown, AND have to deal with his arm, legs or his eyes or head looking like a dragon's rather than a human.

"Here it is." The devil informs him, motioning with one hand toward a large open archway.

Approaching the archway Issei can see a slight shimmer in the air, Issei recognizing it as a barrier erected to allow spectators to view the match without fear of injury. Being the so called 'White Dragon Emperor' Issei is supposed to be a very powerful devil, and with Riser being a member of the Phenix family the match has generated a lot of interest among older devils. Fortunately any children are barred from watching the match, and it isn't going to be broadcast, meaning only those in attendance will witness it.

Let's not forget the fact that Rias' brother is here as well…

He doesn't know much about Sirzechs, but from what Rias has told him he is a generally likeable, relaxed man. Although he's also an incredibly powerful devil.

Right now Rias, Akeno, Raynare and the rest of the Occult Research Club are up there in the Moau's box watching all of this happen along Rias' older brother. They'll have a great view to watch Riser burn me alive…

Closing his eyes Issei shakes his head, telling himself that that isn't what's going to happen, and he can't think that way.

Walking through the barrier Issei feels electricity runs across his skin for a moment as he passes through the archway. Looking around the arena is nothing more than a barren patch of land set in a large circle. All around bleachers rise in stadium style seating with the barrier separating the combatants from the spectators. To Issei's surprise many of the stadium seats are occupied. Looking across the nearly barren arena Riser stands near the middle of the circle, his arms crossed over his chest, a confident smile on his face.

Steeling his nerves Issei walks toward Riser, the young devil suppressing the urge to summon his Sacred Gear.

"You actually showed up? I give you credit for bravery or maybe it's just stupidity." Riser comments, and Issei tightens his grip, his knuckles white.

"Don't think you're going to just kill me." Issei denies.

Grinning Riser isn't the least bit concerned about Issei's threat.

"You fuck my fiancée and now you think you can kill me?" Riser asks with a laugh. "Don't be stupid. I don't care if you're the White Dragon Emperor or the Breast Dragon Ruler. I'm still going to burn you alive you low class piece of shit."

"We'll see about that." Issei retorts.

XXX

Sitting in a VIP box Rias can't help but rub her hands together. Since well before the match she, Akeno, Raynare, Asia and the rest of the Occult Research Club were ushered up into this VIP box to sit alongside Rias' older brother. Wearing the Kuoh Academy uniform Rias doesn't want to be sitting up here watching her second newest servant fight for his life. Instead Rias would rather be down there, fighting Riser in Issei's stead.

Sitting on a throne next to Rias Sirzechs is the polar opposite of his younger sister. Unlike Rias Sirzechs is the epitome of calm and controlled, not a doubt in his mind that Issei is going to emerge the victor in today's battle to the death. Unbeknownst to Rias or any of her servants this match has garnered at great amount of attention amongst the devils of the Underworld. Issei being the White Dragon Emperor many are curious to see just how a high class Phenix compares to one of the Longinus Gears. Although the official odds in the Underworld betting community are 10 to 1 in favor of Riser Sirzechs has bet heavily on Rias' pawn, and even made a private wager with Lord Phenix. Should Riser win Rias will become his personal servant. Should Issei win, one of Riser's current servants will be given to him, since they will all become free pieces anyway.

I wonder how Issei-kun will react to that when he hears the news? Sirzechs thinks to himself, choosing not to tell either Rias or Issei about it. They both have enough on their minds, and it will come as a pleasant surprise when he wins.

XXX

Standing in the arena apart from Riser Issei makes no move to attack the high class devil. Should Issei try and harm him before the match begins he would automatically be deemed the loser and given a death penalty.

"And now…" A male voice booms over the arena floor. "The battle to the death begins!"

Summoning his Sacred Gear to his back Issei doesn't hesitate for even a second.

Promotion: Queen! Balance Break!

20 seconds partner. Albion informs him.

Nodding Issei drops into a fighting stance, his eyes on Riser the older devil crosses his arms over his chest, his lips curling in a confident smirk.

"So, how long until you can manifest that armor of yours?" Riser asks, and Issei blinks in surprise.

How does he even know about that?

"What do you care?" Issei asks, and Riser grins.

"You don't stand a chance against me even promoted." Riser explains. "In order to make this slaughter even a little entertaining I'm willing to wait and let you come at me at your most powerful."

"I don't need the Scale Mail to fight you!" Issei retorts, charging toward Riser.

Were Riser in a serious mood he'd simply create his hottest fires and incinerate Issei as he runs toward him. Now though Riser allows Issei to cross the distance between them, Issei throwing a left punch, Riser letting Issei hit him.

Rather than just using his muscles Issei remembers his time with Koneko, learning hand to hand combat. She'd taught him to draw on his demonic power, to add it to his blows and enhance the force of his blows. So it is with all his concentration that Issei punches Riser, putting all the demonic energy he can into the punch.

His fist connecting Riser stumbles back, surprised by the force of the blow. He'd been expecting to just shrug the punch off as though Issei were punching a concrete wall. Instead Riser actually felt the blow and even felt a modicum of pain from the impact.

Seeing him only stumble Issei blinks in surprise. He'd been hoping to at least knock Riser off his feet, instead the high class devil is still standing, though for a moment after the punch neither of the two of them does anything, Issei sure that he managed to surprise the older devil.

"That actually hurt…a little…" Riser explains, slowly turning his face back to Issei.

Pulling his arm back Issei does his best to remain composed. He can only hope that once he's in Scale Mail he'll be able to use the power of his Sacred Gear to deliver a finishing blow and kill Riser.

Time's up. Albion says to him.

"Vanishing Dragon Balance Breaker!" The Sacred Gear calls out.

Hearing it Riser grins as white light shines from Issei's body. Entering into Balance Breaker Issei transforms into his armored state. The white armor with blue jewels surrounding him Issei can feel power flowing through his veins. Wearing the armor Issei can now use all the powers of his Sacred Gear, though he only has a limited amount of time in his state, and then he'll be powerless for over 12 hours.

His hands balling into fists Issei smiles inside the helmet.

7 minutes is all I have…

Charging forward Riser blinks in surprise at the swiftness with which Issei moves. Using the Sacred Gear he can fly now, and he crosses the distance between him and Riser in the blink of an eye, drawing his fist back and slugging Riser for all he's worth.

Amplified by his armor Issei's fist nails Riser in the jaw, the blow knocking Riser back and bouncing against the dirt of the arena floor. Flipping head over heel Riser winds up on his feet, a grin on his lips.

"Now that's more like it!"

His wings of flame appearing Riser charges at Issei, the high class devil drawing his fist back as he approaches Issei, Riser throwing a punch Issei tries to block it, Issei crossing his arms over his chest before Riser's fist hits him, Issei feeling the blow even in the armor, his arms hurting from the impact.

"Divide!" His Sacred Gear calls out, Riser feeling his strength drain out of him with the call out.

Feeling strength fill him Riser's stance falters with the effects of the Sacred Gear. Grinning Issei uncrosses his arms, drawing one of his fists back Issei throws a punch, nailing Riser right in the face, the impact sending the older devil flying. Seeing Riser sent flying Issei feels a momentary sense of satisfaction. With half of Riser's strength flowing through him Issei feels like he could move mountains.

Flipping in mid-air Riser lands on his feet, his expression overflowing with confidence.

"That power of yours is rather bracing." Riser admits to him. "Against anyone else you'd be able to mop the floor with them, but not me. No matter how much of my strength you steal from me I can just regenerate it all within a few seconds."

None of this is news to Issei. Rias has already told him how Riser is practically unbeaten in the Rating Games held between high class devils, and his only losses have been forfeits that were made for outside reasons. The only way to defeat him in a Rating Game situation would be to force him to surrender with overwhelming power or use some holy power, the second forbidden for use within the Games.

"It's more than enough to deal with you." Issei replies, and Riser grins.

Charging against Issei again Riser draws his fist back to throw a punch, ready to slam his fist into Issei's face when the Sacred Gear calls out.

"Divide, Divide!"

Feeling his strength suck out of him Riser falters, and Issei doesn't hesitate to capitalize. Sending his foot out Issei drives his foot into Riser's chest, Issei rewarded with the satisfying snap of bones breaking before Riser flies back, skipping on the ground before he somehow manages to land on his hands and knees.

A few moments later Riser stands up, any trace of his wounds or the fatigue of Issei's powers gone from his body.

"Is that all you can do? Just suck away my strength?" Riser asks. "You're no Heavenly Dragon. You're nothing but a winged leech."

The contempt in his voice is obvious, and hearing it Issei can feel Albion stir inside the Sacred Gear.

He dares call me a lowly leech!? That filthy devil is nothing to me! I am a Heavenly Dragon and I'll show him just what that means!

There's a moment of silence, and when Issei next hears Albion speak, it's to him.

Partner, you want that Yakitori bastard dead, don't you? Albion asks, and Issei inwardly nods.

Yes, I have to kill him to survive!

Then I can give you a power to do just that. Unfortunately there will be a downside to using it.

Will I have to give up a body part or anything?

No, using this power will sever your connection to him so you won't be able to absorb his strength anymore, and it will require all the power you've absorbed and consume much of your remaining stamina.

That's fine…what do I have to do?

Standing there for a moment Riser doesn't give Issei the chance to form a strategy or create a plan. Charging for him again he's hoping to get the drop on him, somehow sensing that Issei is distracted he tries to strike before Issei can hit him with that Divide power again. Getting close Riser is about to hit him when the Sacred Gear calls out.

"Divide!"

Feeling his strength swiftly leave him Riser isn't surprised to find Issei's fist in his face again, the high class devil sent flying into a large boulder, the rock shattering when Riser's body impacts it.

"Eat this!" Issei calls out, putting both of his fists together in front of him.

XXX

Watching Issei hit Riser and send him flying Rias feels the beginning of hope form in her chest. More than anything she wants Issei to survive this match. Were Issei to die in front of her Rias would never forgive herself. For her it would be as if she were the one down there, killing Issei herself.

Standing next to her Akeno feelings mirror those of Rias and Asia. Watching Issei all she wants is her boyfriend to kill Rias' former betrothed so she can get back to him and congratulate him on winning.

Watching him put his fists together in front of his waist all the members of the Occult Research Club have no idea what Issei is about to do as electricity seems to arc between the jewels on his armor.

"What is he…?" Rias mumbles, about to continue when Issei's Sacred Gear calls out.

"Compression Buster!" Divine Dividing calls out.

Not recognizing the call out Rias is surprised to see energy leap from the jewels on Issei's armor.

CHOOM!

The blast erupting from his body it's like a column of destructive power lancing out toward where Riser fell.

BOOM!

The impact is loud, the concussive wave of the explosion felt even through the barrier. Covering their eyes from the light of the explosion Rias, Sirzechs and the members of the Occult Research Club can only hope that Issei has won. The light fading and the dust and smoke beginning to settle everyone in the entire arena believes the battle to be over. However, the rules of the match stipulate that the match isn't over until it's absolutely certain that one of the two combatants is dead. Since Riser is a Phenix and almost impossible to kill the match isn't going to be ended until it's actually confirmed.

The smoke clearing Rias and the others can see Issei standing there, still wearing his armor but his shoulders move up and down quickly, his arms hanging forward his exhaustion is clear to anyone watching.

That move must've drained a lot of his strength to use…Rias thinks to herself.

Not knowing how right she is Rias only hopes that she's right and Riser is dead.

A fire flickering Rias' eyes are drawn to it, a feeling of dread forming in the pit of her stomach as she focuses on the source of the flame, the breath leaving her lungs.

"No…" Rias mumbles, disbelief in her voice.

XXX

Standing in the arena Issei feels like he's just run his two mile morning run. Using the Compression Buster took all the power he'd drawn from Riser along with nearly all his own stamina. Albion had told him it is a finishing move, meant to kill the enemy and end the battle. Unfortunately for him Issei doesn't know if he managed to obliterate Riser. All he could was point the attack in a direction and let it go.

Flames flickering off to the right Issei's eyes are drawn toward the source of light. Seeing it Issei is about to ask what is going on when Riser's voice reaches his ears.

"That was really impressive…" Riser's voice carries, Issei looking to see Riser's head with his left arm and shoulder still attached rise from the ground.

Flames spewing out from his flesh the fire takes on a shape, forming into Riser's body and even replacing his lost clothes. Seeing Riser standing there Issei can't believe what he's just seen. He was sure that the Compression Buster was going to kill him. As it stands now Issei can't even use the Divide to regain some of the power he lost using the Buster.

"Too bad it didn't work!"

Riser is on him in a moment, his fist smashing into Issei's helmeted head Issei is sent flying, smashing into the barrier wall before landing face first into the ground.

Pain filling him Issei's world begins to spin even as Issei tries to get up, managing to get to his hands and knees, his mind still reeling even as Riser appears next to him, his foot driving into Issei's ribs.

"Oh no! You won't be stealing any more of my strength!" Riser denies, Issei crying out in pain as Riser reaches down, grabbing Issei by the throat Riser raises him up, drawing his free hand back and slamming his fist into Issei's face. "I gave you the chance to hit me with everything you had and you nearly killed me! If you think I'm going to let you do it again you're fucking stupid!"

His fist slamming into Issei's face the young devil's world swirls around and around, the pain spiking every time Riser hits him Issei doesn't know what to do or how he's going to win, to survive…

Power…I need more power…

For just a moment Riser keeps beating on him, Issei surprised that his armor has held for as long as it had when something happens.

"Do you want more power?" Issei hears the words in his ears, but it isn't a normal voice.

It's like a bunch of different voices all speaking together.

For his part Riser doesn't appear to hear the question, Issei opening his mouth to answer the question.

"I…" Issei mutters, Albion coming to his ears.

"Partner…don't…"

XXX

The next thing Issei knows he's in a white room. There's no doors, no windows, nothing other than bland whiteness. Looking around has no idea what is happening to him.

"Wha…what about the match? Am I dead?" Issei asks the nothingness around him.

"Do you want power?" The voices from before answer him, the voices seeming to come from everywhere. "Ultimate power?"

"Yes!" Issei answers the voices. "I need the power to kill Riser! I don't want to die!"

A door seems to appear in front of him, a door knob on his left side of the door.

"Open the door and power will be yours." The voices tell him.

Stepping forward Issei reaches for the knob, Albion's voice seeming to come from somewhere.

"Partner, don't do this!" Albion tries to warn him off, but Issei doesn't listen.

He wants to survive, to motorboat Akeno's oppai one more time, and if going through the door can allow that to happen, then that's what he's going to do.

His hand on the knob Issei opens the door, white light spilling out over him, blinding him…

XXX

Clutching Issei by the neck Riser keeps driving his fist into Issei's face, the grin on Riser's face one of sheer joy. He almost died at Issei's hands, and he isn't going to give up the rest of his very long life just so some newly reincarnated devil can keep living.

"Well?" Riser asks, gleefully pounding Issei's face. "Why don't you cry out? Or are you dead already and your armor is just too stupid to disappear when you die!?"

Something comes from Issei, but it isn't his voice, the words themselves seeming to thrum with malice and evil.

"I, who is about to awaken, am the heavenly dragon that has taken the principles of supremacy from god."

The odd words clear Riser blinks in surprise, his fist momentarily hanging back, Riser not sure what is going on as the voices continue.

"I envy the infinite, and I pursue the dream." The words continue, a feeling of dread forming in Riser's stomach at the sound, though Riser has no idea why.

XXX

Standing up in the VIP Box Rias can clearly hear the strange words, and much like every other person occupying the VIP box Rias has no idea what is going on, the barrier blocking out anything but the sound of the words.

"I shall become the White Dragon of Domination and I shall take you to the limits of white paradise!"

With the final word something…evil…explodes from Issei's body. Dark, malicious energy flows out of him, Riser knocked back with the initial burst of power, Issei standing there silent a moment as the ominous energy flows, the dark power making a sound like a hundred damned souls crying out at once.

The armor covering Issei's hands, feet and legs cracks. Noticing it Rias is about to say something when the armor shatters, falling away to reveal not Issei's face hands and feet, but the head and elongated snout of a dragon with short white hair, Issei's hands 4 pointed claws, his feet with three toes pointed forward, with a fourth sticking out from the back of his heel.

"What the…?" Sirzechs mumbles, Rias speechless at the sight of her pawn.

"Issei-kun…?" Akeno mumbles, neither Asia nor Raynare able to say anything.

Down in the arena that creature that used to be Hyoudou Issei throws it head back, opening its mouth a bloodthirsty roar fills the arena.

"RARRRRRRRAHHHHHH!"