"Sona?" Rias asked. The others haven't arrived yet and now Sona's here. "What brings you here?"

Her friend stepped up. "I'm here to cheer you on for the Rating Game and to bring you up on my studies on your pawn."

"A bit late to give me information on my servant."

"Well my family's library was rather extensive and with the updates you've given me throughout your training period I had to look even deeper."

"Well?"

Sona cleared her throat. "There was nothing to find."

"What?"

"I mean to say that there was no amount of studies that were found linking Defects to their Sacred Gear powers. They are a rare breed as it is, but for someone like Issei it's believed to be impossible."

Rias sighed. "So you're telling me that there's no way of finding out what Issei is?"

"May I ask why does it matter?"

The king looked out of the window. "Because that night at the church. When the Fallen Angel was about to kill Issei, I felt something. It was nothing like the power he displayed before me or Riser. It was deeper and I'm afraid that if I don't know what it is I can't help him. What if in this Rating Game something happens to cause that?!"

"Rias calm down. I've known for years that you care for your subordinates, but this is all new. You didn't show this level when you initially asked me."

Rias sighed. "I've grown fond of my pawn. When it started the power peaked my curiosity, but as I felt more of Issei begin to grow, the more concerned I got when his power never felt the same from the church."

"Was it something when Lord Riser was here? I can understand that."

"No it was weaker, but it was deeper. You could almost sense the almost limitless well of power within. What Issei used against Riser felt like normal magic."

"I see."

The Rating Game will begin in one hour.

"Tell me later. I got a game to win." Rias said.

Sona stopped her. "Rias, you cannot rely on Issei's power too much. Listen to this at least: The Red Dragon may still live but with the defect Issei will never live up to what he could truly attain with a Sacred Gear."

"...I won't rely on just Issei. My servants have all been training. Issei will just contribute to the team."

There was a knock on the door and the two looked at it. The doors opened and it revealed Koneko, Kiba, and Akeno. "Good evening my King. Asia and Issei shall arrive in two minutes."

"Good."

Issei and Asia soon arrived and the others waited. Time passed by as everyone waited. Issei came and was throwing practice punches.

The Rating Game will now begin.

A magic circle appeared and everyone looked at it. Rias stepped on and urged everyone else to follow. Issei and Asia got on last and when they did, the circle rose up and teleported them.

They opened their eyes to find...the ORC clubroom?

"Hey I thought we'd left. Did something happen?" Issei asked.

"No. This is the battlefield. Just take a look outside." Issei followed her directions and looked out. He gasped to see the green sky. Across the field, the current school's windows lit up. "Now Riser's here."

Meanwhile in the real schoolhouse Sona took her seat next Tsubaki.

"The first phase of the fight now begins. Tsubaki, do we have both combatants on stage?"

"Yes President. Grayfia has allowed us to watch the battle from any angle to which we desire."

Grayfia herself was observing the fight as other high class devils filled in the seats. Her husband sat down behind her. "Are we ready?"

"Of course my lord."

The ORC meanwhile was looked out the windows. Issei and Asia held closer together when Rias cleared her throat. "Now let's not get too intimidated. The battleground is our school yard and as such we technically have home advantage."

"Really?"

"Not per say. The Rating Games take place in a separate dimension. We simply have the battleground shaped like our school." Akeno said.

"Alright then, but still we technically have home advantage. We'll storm the school, take out the peerage, and smash Riser's face in!"

Rias laughed. "A simple idea that I wish we could do. However that won't be happening anytime soon. Riser has us in both numbers and experience, what we have is surprise and I'd hate to ruin our chances to catch them off."

She turned to the others. "So for now we'll play defensive. Kiba and Koneko go and set traps for our opponents. I want them to struggle even stepping foot in our territory." The two nodded and ran out.

"Akeno, keep the skies clear and form a barrier around it. The traps are only meant for those who suddenly change their mind on coming here." Her queen nodded and left. Asia and Issei stayed behind.

"As for you two, I need Asia to stay with me."

"And me?" Issei asked.

"Sit down near my feet. I have a gift for you." Issei plopped down on his butt and Rias put her hands on his shoulders. She rubbed the muscles tightly and Issei groaned slightly. She chuckled to herself while her hands began glowing.

The light kept growing until Rias stopped it. Issei felt instant relief when it died down and her hands moved away. "There easier now?"

"What did you do?"

"I took down the seals on your power. Before you go asking what, I simply placed a barrier on your power during our training days. Your power level is inconsistent and if you were to go above your limits with no Sacred Gear to hold you down then it would hurt you severly."

Issei was surprised. "So I'm now at 100%"

"Of course. You'll last a lot longer in battle now. If you thought what you displayed at the countryside was impressive then you'll be in for a shock." Rias said. Issei's ears warmed up at the praise before Rias hugged him from the back. "And also remember. That warmth you feel everytime you're with us, bring it out and make it your power. You don't need the anger or an extreme power boost to win, you need control and to remember those you fight for."

Asia looked jealous at the display when Koneko came in. "Traps are set."

"Good. Asia, Issei you two were the last to get here, but take these." She held out her hand and two small orbs of light appeared. They floated near their ears before placing themselves in. "Communication is key and I don't want to lose contact with either of you."

They got up and Koneko approached. "So what's our next move?"

"Right. Issei and Koneko, you are to head towards the gym and claim the area as our territory."

The two nodded and left. They ran out the place as Asia stayed near Rias. "Asia, I'll need you as my back up. When we approach Rise I'm going to need all the healing support I get."

"What about the others?"

"They'll be fine. Asia, Riser's defeat will mean the end of the Rating Game and the sooner we go home."

Asia took a breath and nodded. Rias smiled before looking out the window. Koneko and Issei walked in through the back door of the gym.

They stepped out of the upper right stage side as they faced Riser's peerage. Issei briefly blushed at the cute chicks that stood there before Koneko gave him a glance.

"Don't get distracted perv. I need you to distract the pawns while I handle the rook."

"Maybe, but if work together and take out the rook we can end this quicker with the pawns the same way." Koneko cracked her knuckles.

"If you say so. Then in that case follow my lead. Mess up and don't expect my help." Koneko said.

Issei smiled brightly. "Right. HAA!" His red aura came out and Koneko let out a small smile of pride. The power he gained from training was now more potent. Heavy and even better, in control. He wasn't flailing it like a jackass upon their first encounter with this peerage.

The two charged into the group and began their teamwork. Each pawn that made an attempt Koneko was blocked by Issei, the rook never gets a clean shot as Koneko deflects each blow away from Issei.

Issei jumped back and grabbed Koneko's hand. The girl felt him pull and she went along with it, kicking away the tiny pawns away from her. The rook grabbed her leg though and pulled her away from Issei. The two were separated and were cut off by the pawns.

Koneko found her and the Rook squaring off one on one.

"I see you've gotten better since the last time our king destroyed you, but that won't stop us!" Issei sneered at them as his instincts began to grow even sharper. With each blow, Issei began reading them. Not only did was this helping him in a fight, he may have been using this to lock some views into his mind for...later purposes.

Still he couldn't waste much time as Koneko kicked away the Rook. Issei jumped away from the pawns and slid next to Koneko. "We're doing pretty good."

"Don't go jinxing us now." Koneko stated before raising her fist and slamming her knuckles into the ground. The gym floor splintered off and Issei had wide eyes on that.

The other pieces went flying off in all directions. The rook jumped out of the rubble and was above Koneko. "Alright brat! Take this!"

Before her fist could land Issei appeared in front of Koneko and caught it. He gripped her hand and tossed her to the wall.

"Thanks."

"No problem."

-Alright you two time to get out of there.- Rias ordered. The two obeyed and dashed to the door. The other pieces were trying to get a hold of themselves when a flash of yellow destroyed the gym.

Koneko and Issei were blown back.

Lord Riser has lost one rook and three pawns.

"Aw man. Look at that crater." Issei commented. He didn't realize that he was holding Koneko close.

"Hey guys." Akeno said. "I have to admit doing that got quite the rise out of me. I can't wait to do it again."

"Hey if you keep hitting everyone with that kind of power then we're a force to be reckoned with." Issei said.

Akeno laughed and landed next to them. "Oh you charmer. You certainly know how to make a girl blush." The two shared a small laugh with Koneko looking up at him.

She elbowed him hard enough to break his hold. "Hey idiot we should probably get moving. Rias will be needing us soon and we're out in the open."

"You're right Koneko. I'll leave it to Akeno to keeping us covered." Akeno blushed again, but this time she kissed Issei on the cheek.

"Such a sweet boy." Akeno said. Issei almost sputtered out a response as Koneko sighed. The girl took a few steps before a magic circle appeared under her. Akeno realized and tried reaching out, but the circle exploded. Akeno was blown back and Issei caught her. The two flew back and landed on their backs.

"Issei are you okay?"

"Peachy." He said before Akeno got off him. The two looked at the crater and found Koneko on the ground. Issei found himself holding Koneko up with Akeno trying to keep up. "Koneko. Koneko!"

She gritted her teeth and opened one eye. "Can't believe they got me. Sorry Issei."

"No, no don't apologize. I'll get you to Asia and-" He stopped when she glowed green and broke into millions of shards.

Lady Rias has lost one rook.

"Well I would surprised if she didn't." A voice up above said. Issei and Akeno looked up and saw a buxom woman floating above them. "Allow me to make a proper introduction. I'm Yubelluna. Lord Riser's Queen."

Issei didn't respond before his aura flared up. Gusts of wind were blown everywhere as Issei looked up at Yubelluna. The queen didn't look sorry in fact it seemed she was goading him to attack.

-Issei stand down! Koneko is fine, she was just transported out of field when the damage was too much. Akeno, take his place.-

"Rias is right Issei. You need to get out of here and be on standby for the Rias to call."

"But Akeno…" Issei trailed off when the air became electrified. Yellow energy erupted from Akeno and it seemed to dwarf his own. She took one step and the playful look on her face turned serious.

"Well, well I imagined the Red Dragon Emperor to be my opponent however I will not turn down the Priestess of Thunder."

"Same here Bomb Queen. Now Issei be a good boy and leave this skank to me."

Issei nodded and left the two queens behind. He didn't turn back as he heard explosions behind him.

"Rias tell me you got a plan."

-I do. I originally planned for Akeno to take on Yubelluna anyways, but I thought Koneko would be here for the next part of the plan.-

"Which is?"

-Kiba's on his way to the track field. You two will draw the remaining pieces from Riser's peerage out and distract them long enough for Asia and I to attack Riser. If we take out the King then the game is ours.-

"Alright, I'm on my way."

Lord Riser has lost three pawns.

"Three pawns? Kiba's hogging all the action to himself!"

-Then get moving and Issei while I expect a distraction, feel free to take out a couple of pieces while you're at it. Better safe than sorry.-

"Understood!" Issei ran off to the track field and found Kiba clashing swords with another knight. "Kiba!"

He kicked his opponent away and turned to Issei. "Issei! Hurry up!"

"Calling for backup in our duel? How cowardly for a knight of Rias Gremory." The girl jeered. Kiba smiled politely before kicking the knight away. Issei ran up to them and noticed movement in the tree lines.

"However if you were do such a dirty move, Isabella would take you down." Issei ran faster as a woman jumped from the pushes and lunged at Kiba. He caught Isabella off guard and kicked her off.

Kiba took the knight's surprise and swung his sword. Her blade shattered as the two women backed off. Issei stood back to back with Kiba.

"Hey thanks for the save."

"No problem. I was going to leave you alone with that sword girl, but they forced my hand when they were going to jump you."

"I did find it suspicious that when I tried drawing out more pieces to fight us that only one came out. And she was good that I forgot the others."

The two girls hopped back and circled the two. "The Red Dragon Emperor? It seems fate has smiled upon us Siris."

Giggles were echoing throughout the place as more pieces came out. The rest of the peerage stepped out of their hiding spots. They surrounded the two boys and one stepped up.

"This going to be a slaughter. Are you ready boys?"

"Bring it on! Hell I'll even take you out first."

The girl laughed. "Please don't expect me to fight the likes of you. I'm just here to observe. Isabella, Siris?"

"Of course Lady Phenex."

"Wait, what?" Issei asked before the two pieces charged at them. Isabella tried landing a punch, but Issei deflected it. She then pushed her leg against his neck and pushed him around. Issei went flying and Kiba tried following him when Siris tried striking him.

The two boys were holding their best when Issei kicked Isabella away and she landed on Siris. Kiba stood next to his side.

"So was that their team strategist?"

"No that's Ravel Phenex. The little sister of Riser Phenex."

"WHAT?!" Issei exclaimed as Isabella and Siris charged again. Issei looked at Kiba and nodded. The two swapped opponents, Kiba gave Isabella a deep gash and Issei punch Siris right in the jaw. The two fell jumped back as Issei looked around them.

"Kiba can you do that training exercise again? I can help." Kiba looked at him confused before it hit him. The two broke off and ran around the entire group. The pieces tried landing hits on them, but each dodged.

Their hands met the ground many times and left a small sparkle on the ground. The girls were too busy to notice.

"Running away? I must admit that's something I didn't expect from the Gremory household." Ravel said arrogantly. One of pawns tried to follow Issei, but their foot hit one of the sparkles. A cloud of dust and heat erupted and the pawn disappeared. Several others went off and Riser's peerage screamed.

Yubelluna and Akeno both landed on the ground. Their bodies were exhausted as each magic spell pushed them closer to their limit.

"Give up Priestess?"

"No way." Akeno got up slowly and walked over to Yubelluna. She stood over the queen and smiled. "I have no intentions on letting you go free just yet. What about you?"

"Good answer." Magic circles appeared around them both and Akeno's eyes widened. She moved back and the circles blew up. There was a circle of craters around Riser's queen when she got up. "I was thinking the same thing."

A red bottle in her hand caught Akeno's eyes.

In the principal's office Riser watched from afar. His expression was neutral. Rias was putting up a much better fight than he expected. Then again perhaps it was that underestimation is why things are going the way they are.

"I must admit I had no idea you were this capable Rias. Which makes you becoming the bride of Riser Phenex all the more sweeter!"

He swung his arm around and a red magic circle stopped it. Behind him Rias and Asia were. The King faced her opponent and summoned a ball of destructive energy.

"And denying you that pleasure will make it better." She almost growled. Riser smirked and the entire room lit up.

The track field was littered with craters and most of Riser's peerage was underneath some rubble. Kiba and Issei bumped fists when they looked up and saw Ravel Phenex looking down on them.

"You bastards. Look what you did!"

Issei smiled before Kiba stopped him. He pointed around him and saw that the others were beginning to get up.

Ravel Phenex smirked. "Nice try, but you don't seem to get it. We're more than ready for any little tricks you got up your sleeve."

"Damn." Issei said as he saw others like Isabella stand up. Kiba gritted his teeth too as their enemies decided to rush them both. Issei's fist clashed with Isabella's when Kiba jumped back. Siris tried rushing him, but Issei tackled her when he jumped from Isabella.

The two began fighting Issei when Kiba held his sword above his head.

"SWORD BIRTH!" He sunk his sword to its hilt into the ground and blades began popping from the floor. Issei, Siris, and Isabella were spared as Issei pushed them a good distance back.

He dodged Siris attack and kicked Isabella away. The mines did some damage and now they were either too tired or injured to go on. Issei moved away from them when the swords came out.

Isabella dropped to one knee and Siris looked at Issei. "You bastard I'll take you and your knight out for Lord Riser!"

Issei prepared himself and waited for the first swing. She swung hard, but Issei dodged it and sent power to his leg. He pulled back and fired a devastating kick to the knight. She went flying into the blade pile next them. Her body stopped flying when it was pierced by a rather angled sword.

"Damn it." She broke to pieces. Above them Ravel watched in complete disbelief.

"Isabella get up and fall back! We need to regroup."

"Yes Lady Phenex." She replied before feeling a slight wince of pain. She reached over and touched her back. Blood tipped her fingers and she fell on all fours. Ravel saw Kiba now standing next to Issei with a bloody sword. Isabella broke down and Ravel saw the two boys looking at her.

Issei took in a deep breath before turning to Kiba. "That was good."

"Yup. Now I'm guessing we'll need to-" He was interrupted when a loud scream was heard. The two looked behind him and saw Akeno on the ground.

"Akeno!" A magic circle appeared under him.

"Issei, look out!" He pushed Issei back when the explosion went right under his feet. Issei was thrown back and fell on his front. His vision was blurry with his ears ringing.

-lost a Queen and rook.

He got up. The air was hot around him and he turned to see the leftover sparkles of Kiba and Akeno. "How...how did this happen?"

Before he got a proper answer Issei found another glowing circle underneath him. He pushed himself off as the ground exploded. He turned and saw Yubelluna floating over them. Ravel flew next to her.

"About time Yubelluna. What took so long?"

"Apologies. Their queen was much stronger than we initial believed. I had to use some tears to get up."

The two nodded as the rooftop on the school exploded. Issei and the others looked up to see Rias and Rias fighting. The shockwaves from the magic was being felt and Yubelluna smiled. "It seems we should wrap up here and finish the king."

The two turned to Issei who was glowing. Yubelluna raised her staff when Issei thrusted his hand out and a beam of red shot out. She protected herself with a barrier and the beam broke, but when it died down she saw Issei running over to the school.

"Come on Queen, Queen, Queen!" He muttered to himself. When he broke through the doors, his body surged with new power and he felt his strength almost increase twice over. He bolted up the stairs and then into the principal's office.

The trail of destruction was obvious and he hopped over the ruined building to the roof. He saw Rias's power keeping up with Riser and the two seemingly okay. Well Asia was backing Rias up with plenty of magic to help the King stand against the bird.

Riser summoned a fireball and held it over his head. "Time to end this my love!"

He threw the fireball before Issei appeared right in front of it. Rias and Asia exclaimed in surprise when Issei backhanded the fireball away, his arm covered in the red aura.

"You guys ok?"

"Perfect timing my servant." Rias said.

Issei stood next to Rias as the two faced Riser and his queen Yubelluna. "Rias dearest, I do grow ever bored. If you surrender then I will spare your pawn with only minimal injuries."

"Not a chance!" Rias rebutted. Issei charged forward to Riser, but Yubelluna appeared right in front of him. She kneed him hard in the stomach and punched him off the building.

"Issei!" Asia and Rias said in distress when Issei got a hold of bearings and caught himself before hitting the ground.

"I'm fine. I'm fine." Issei said.

"Are you really?" Yubelluna said before punching Issei into the school. Rias was about to jump over when she had to block fire from Riser.

"Don't think of leaving me just yet my love. We still have to do battle here!"

Issei crashed against the floor and rolled off the spot before Yubelluna kicked it in. She held up her staff and blew up Isse's spot. And all that was left was a smoking crater. "Where are you?!"

There was no announcement of his fall, so he must've survived. Issei hid around the corner and suppressed his power. He kept a keen eye on her movements and watched whatever she does.

"Come out and face me like a man."

'Oh trust me I would.' Issei thought perversely. 'But the whole beating me till submission kind of dampers it.'

Issei charged a small dragon shot and placed it on the tile. Repeating the process over and over again, Issei hit the locker and drew her attention. She stepped around the corner and hit the first trap. The queen was surprised to see the whole hallway explode around her.

Her enemy peaked around the corner and congratulated himself. "Aw yeah! Magic mines for the win!"

"Hey Red moron. Try not choke on your own foot." Ravel said behind him. Issei turned to the hall again and saw Yubelluna with a torn dress. She looked around and casually wiped some dust off her shoulder. Afterwards she found Issei gawking at her survival.

"Dude if this hot chick wasn't going to kill me I'd be so taking more time drinking this in." Yubelluna raised her staff and blew Issei back. He crashed through the wall and hit the back of his head against the bookshelf. His conscious mind went blurry while his hearing began to ring.

She walked into the room and found Issei trying to get up. She tilted her head in examining him before beginning to kick him in. Ravel watched the queen put Rias's pawn underneath the heel.

Yubelluna found the boy stopping to struggle and began decreasing her attacks. She looked down to see the beaten boy on the ground, but refusing to retire.

"I will hand you this. You are stubborn, but it's over." She lifted up her staff and swung down. Issei felt something within come forth.

He caught the blow and surprised the queen. Yubelluna tried pushing down the staff, but a burst of power pushed her back.

"Yubelluna, what the hell?!" Ravel asked.

"I don't know. He just stopped me." Issei pulled the staff away and broke it with one fist. Power was pouring out and heated the air. He stood so relaxed and the aura wasn't blasting everywhere. It stuck closer to his body with the shade of red growing deeper with each second. He opened his eyes and it showed a draconian glare. The pupils were slitted and the iris maroon.

Yubelluna got into a stance, but then found Issei's fist connect directly to her chest. Yubelluna could feel her ribcage break. She sailed through the air before landing inside another classroom.

Issei jumped in and punched her down. She reeled horribly when Issei grabbed her leg. The teen gripped tightly and began spinning fast. The classroom was being torn apart by the swirling queen when Issei let go and she went flying.

Ravel watched the queen fly out of the arena and disappearing.

-Lord Riser's Queen Retires-

Issei turned around and faced the little sister of his enemy. He took a few steps toward her direction. She looked at him fearfully and summoned some fire. "Stay back!"

A loud crash was heard and Issei stopped his advancement and looked up. Ravel took that moment to flee as Issei charged up more power.

Rias held up a shield as Riser kept the heat on. The news of the lost of his queen shook him slightly. His opponent smirked proudly at the news as Asia kept charging her up. Rias pushed forward.

"Looks like things are tilting in my favor, Riser!"

"Don't think to quickly, dear Rias!" However the two suddenly felt the roof heating up. A red circle appeared on the roof when energy broke through the roof. Rias picked up Asia and jumped back.

"Issei!" The two girls reacted positively. He didn't reply back and was facing Riser. Rias tried gauging him, but her body froze. The same power from the church, that deep well of almost limitless possibilities it was back. She felt her knees buckle as Issei seemed completely focused on Riser.

"Hm. You seem different than before." The wind moved softly against the two when Riser lifted up his arm. A large shockwave shook the area as Issei suddenly appeared there with his fist caught by the block. Riser was surprised to say the least.

The two began swinging at each other and the intensity was felt. Rias and Asia jumped off the roof as the fighting began to intensify. The roof broke apart from each blow. Splashes of red and bolts of fire began striking the ground when Ravel tried getting out of the way.

Breaking apart, Rias got a better look and saw Issei's pupils were now red. He growled with what almost seemed a second voice as Riser landed a distance away. She saw him visibly shaking. His body was healing much slower and looked pissed.

Rias was about to jump in when a fiery barrier stopped her. "Sorry Rias, but you can't interfere."

"I thought you don't mean to fight." She replied back.

Ravel laughed in her face. "Don't worry I still won't. I just can't have you double teaming my brother as he pounds your pawn to the ground."

"No way! Issei's doing much better!" Asia argued. Ravel sneered at her, but before she could retort the heat turned up. The three turned and saw Issei staring right at Ravel. There was no anger, no hatred but the stare was still off putting. Issei turned back before swinging his arm in an arc.

The wind blew hard and Ravel went flying off. Rias laughed before hearing Riser smash a bottle.

"HAHA! Ah, Phoenix tears can get you out in a pinch." Issei turned back to Riser and stared right at him. Riser then found a foot on his gut as Issei reappeared. The two began fighting again and it was breaking the arena.

Sona and Tsubaki watched with great interest. "What is that, President?"

"I have no idea. The battle with Yubelluna was almost his guaranteed defeat. And considering his Sacred Gear is unsummonable it's unknown where this strength came from. Was this what Rias was talking about?"

Grayfia looked on with interest as well. Each punch Issei fired was getting faster, sharper, stronger. Earlier Issei would've been lucky to even land a scratch on Riser at his current level. Now he was matching the heir fist to fist. It was something Sirzechs would mostly take interest in.

Yet Grayfia could sense the waning. Issei's eye briefly returned to normal as he kept the fight going.

"RAAAH!" Riser felt Issei land one strong uppercut to his stomach. With a hard kick, the king went flying towards the ground and caught himself. Issei roared one more time and the green sky was shaking at his very power.

He launched himself down and was charging at Riser with the last punch. Riser went defensive and prepared. A large cloud of dirt erupted from their clash. Issei stood with his fist out and caught by the shattered arm of Phenex. Fire erupted from the wound and healed.

Riser gritted his teeth in damaged pride as Issei finally caught his breath. His aura faded and he slumped down on one knee.

"Issei Hyoudou."

He looked up and saw Riser giving him the most sinister glare. "If you were a Devil with some inkling of a rank I'd feel proud to have fought someone like you, but you're not that. This was an insult...an attack on my honor!"

Riser gripped Issei's fist and lifted him up. His palm charged hellfire and blasted the pawn away. Issei screamed before he hit the remaining bits of wall from the school. Rias was trying to break through the barrier with more magic.

It was sturdy and meant to counter her power of destruction, but Rias knew it had a limit. Asia kept her healing stream going, but her thoughts were filled with Issei's well being. Riser came out of the crater created by the pawn and found him lying on his back.

Issei sat back up as Riser looked at him disdainfully. "You don't know when to give up."

"No I do. Trust me I do, but I refuse to. Asia, Rias, everyone is counting on me. I can't let them down!" His aura fired up again only to break down. Issei fell to the floor coughing. Spit drooled out of his mouth before evaporating near Riser's feet.

Issei gritted his teeth before charging only for a fist to hit him square in the face.

"That last punch really drained a lot of stamina from him." Grayfia noted.

"It seems his body has hit his limit." Sona said. "Though I must say considering the amount of power he used to defeat a majority of the peerage with Kiba."

"But what about that power he used against Yubelluna and Riser?"

"..."

Issei took another punch to the face as Riser continued to beat him down. One of his eyes swollen shut. Rias was still trying to break through the barrier through her power, but it was a slow process. Asia tried to provide as much power as she could, but it was pushing her body.

The battlefield before them was filled with sounds of gut wrenching punches. Blood began to splatter as Issei fell to the ground for the umpteenth time. Small droplets of blood dotted the floor and Issei slowly began to rise again.

A foot stomped on his back and Issei screamed in pain. Riser grabbed him by the hair and stared him right in the eye. "I think it's time you retire boy."

He punched Issei so hard in the stomach, Issei coughed up more blood. It splattered on Riser's shoes, he looked at it with disgust.

Putting his hand on Issei's chest, a small fireball burned his shirt. It expanded and Issei screamed in utter pain as it spread all over his body. A few seconds later, it exploded and left Issei in a small crater. His clothes were almost burned off with the exception of his pants.

Rias broke through the barrier and fended Riser off. "You monster."

"N-No." A pained voice said. Riser and Rias looked in surprise and saw Asia healing the worst injuries off Issei. "I'm not done yet."

"Issei." She said.

"Issei, you can't! It would take a lot of time for the healing to work with this much damage." Asia begged. Issei gave her a small pat on the head.

"Don't worry Asia, you got me to stand and that's more than enough." Issei said before a light covered him and Asia. Riser held his smoking hand out as another large explosion was upon them. Rias cut his face, but he scoffed and blasted her back.

"There. You're worthless pieces are now gone." Riser said.

Rias bared her teeth when the smoke cleared. Issei was holding a damaged Asia in his arms. She held his neck and her entire back was exposed with her burnt dress.

"Asia!"

"We protect each other. I'm glad to have at least get you standing." Asia said before kissing Issei softly on the cheek. "Now go get him."

-Lady Rias' bishop retires-

Asia broke into sparkles in front of Issei as he got up. Fury was burning through him as Riser sneered.

"She sacrificed herself for you? Pathetic."

"Issei, stand down! That's an order!"

"No...my king needs me. As long as I stand, I know I haven't hit you with everything. And I promised everyone we'd win this." Issei choked out. Crimson poured out as Issei broke into a smile. "I have more than enough power to beat your ass!"

Riser's sneer turned into a frown of annoyance. "You stubborn fool. If you say so then go ahead. Hit me everything so we can end this drawn out fight."

"Issei don't! You could die."

"Now, now dear Rias. Hyoudou does have some power left. Let him try."

Issei held out his hand and charged one more shot. "Don't worry I'll be more than happy wiping that ugly smug off the face of the planet. DRAGON SHOT!"

He fired and the dragon shot covered Riser. Rias jumped out of the way as a large cloud of dust covered the area. Issei fell to his knees as Rias let out gasp. "Issei look out!"

Issei blindly threw a punch in Riser's general direction and it was caught by the immortal. Riser sighed. He casually wiped the dust off his coat and pulled Issei close. He put two fingers against his chest.

"This is how we first started this, heh, rivalry. As one of the smallest tokens of respect I'll end your fight here with the same blow." Issei grabbed onto Riser's wrist in a vain attempt to push him off.

"You're done Hyoudou. I am the victor." Riser said with a serious expression. He closed the small distance with his fist. Issei went flying off before someone caught him. His blurry vision was barely able to see an accepting Rias.

"That was good. Really good Issei. You're the best pawn I could've asked for." She kissed him on the forehead. Issei wanted to get up once more, but felt his body turn into light.

-Lady Rias' one pawn retires.- And with that Issei was no longer conscious.