How interesting.
'Who...Who is that?'
I must say partner I never thought you'd be as powerful as to attain a power even I don't know about.
'Who are you?'
Don't play coy with me boy! You know who I am!
Issei found himself face to face with the legendary dragon. His body froze upon seeing him.
Well? Aren't you going to say something?
'How is this possible? You're part of a Sacred Gear, but I don't have any-'
Don't be silly boy. Any one born with my power has me inside them. That Sacred Gear you lack is only a tool for you to manifest my power. No you've been experiencing my raw power since the beginning. I'm impressed you haven't burnt your body to crisp by now.
'The hell is that supposed to mean? Look it doesn't matter, what matters is what am I doing here talking to you when I should be out there fighting Riser!'
Did you seriously forgot what transpired? Do you not feel that pain within your heart?
'What do you-' Issei stopped. His dream began breaking down as he felt his chest. It was so swollen and purple. Drops of blood were on it and Issei could hear every beat his heart took.
We shall converse again when you realize the dilemma you are in.
0-0-0-0-0
Issei woke up and panted. He clutched his chest and felt a small bit of soreness in it. "Ow. What hit me?"
"Lord Riser's fist." He looked up at the voice and saw Grayfia looking above him. Her silver eyes pierced him. "You should move carefully if you intend to sit up."
She put a hand under his back and slowly lifted. Issei took his breaths in slowly as she helped him sit up. "There, better?"
"I guess, but what happened? Did we win?"
Grayfia shook her head. "I'm afraid not. Even after you put up a spectacular fight, I'm afraid it wasn't enough to take down Riser."
"Rias...he hurt Rias, right?! The bastard took her down after I fell?!"
"No she did not fall. In fact right after you fell in battle, Lady Rias surrendered. Riser had won the game."
Issei shook his head in disbelief. "No, no! Rias would not do that. She'd fight until the end. There was no way that-"
"She sat by your bedside right afterwards. The rest of your friends joined her on occasions, but she didn't leave your side until the House of Phoenix picked her up. The surrender was only to give her time to see if you were alright."
Tears welled up in Issei's eyes. "No. She...why?"
"It wouldn't be a stretch that Lady Rias cares for you. Then again I thought the fight would've ended differently."
"What do you mean?"
Grayfia gave him a quizzical look. "Have you no idea what you done? That power up you used against Riser?"
"Power up? I don't remember any power up. I just remember his Queen beating me down and then saw Riser blowing back into the school." Grayfia didn't stop him, but looked deep into his eyes. "Um, I'm sorry if I couldn't answer your questions."
"You seem stronger than before." Grayfia could feel some level of power.
"Really? Thanks I guess." Before they could continue, the door opened and Issei saw Asia right there. Grayfia stepped back as the two saw each other. The blonder girl jumped on him and the two fell back.
"Issei! You're ok!"
"Asia." His hands travelled to her back and felt the bandages. His feelings swelled up as he cried again. Asia felt his tears on the top of her head and looked up. He wiped his eyes and looked Asia. "You took a fireball for me."
"I did."
"I was so scared when it happened. I couldn't protect you or Rias. I'm sorry Asia." She didn't respond right away and just let Issei sob his heart out. "What kind of man am I if I can't even protect you guys?"
She just held him before he felt ready to let go. They did and Issei wiped a few more tears off.
"You are such a nice boy. Clearly not pure of heart in some cases, but pure in right areas." Grayfia commented. Issei turned to her and tilted his head. "In fact I actually came here besides informing you of the results of the game. I cameby orders of my master to have a second chance to see Rias."
"What?!"
"I said see not save. Although I'm not implying that's impossible either and before you go I suggest you find out you stretch first. My master has a small test for you to undergo before any plans are made for you to enter the Underworld. I already set up a warm up station outside in your backyard."
After a quick change of clothes and some water, Issei stood in his backyard and walked toward a pile of bricks. Closing his eyes, Issei felt a surge of power rush through him as he punches through the bricks on display with ease. He spins around and kicks one of Koneko's hardened punching bags. It split wide open and spilled sand all over the grass.
He ran around and started wrecking all of the equipment. And the backyard was filled with broken bricks and split bags. Issei stood in the middle with his fists not at all grazed.
Issei clenched his fists tighter and tried summoning his power. That warm fire in his belly rose quicker and the ground caved underneath him. In fact his aura rose high into the sky.
"Impressive isn't it." He turned and saw Grayfia with a small smile. "While you would be able to do this earlier, it appears to come much easier."
"Yeah it does. I do feel a lot stronger." He looked at his hand haphazardly. The laugh of Draig could be heard echoing through his ears when his body began to shake. He turned and saw Grayfia approaching.
The air chilled around them as Grayfia put one hand up to face level. "If so then land one clean hit on me then you may be able to save Rias. That is your test."
"Seriously?"
"If you wish to let proceedings go on then by all means give up. However if you want to your bishop will watch and heal any wounds after this match." The sky turned into a soft artic blue as Issei looked up to see Asia looking down from the window. He nodded and faced Grayfia. "I take that as an acceptance of my challenge."
The maid kept her calm stance before Issei lunged forward. She raised her palm up and blocked his first hit. The shock wave made a small ring in the ground. Grayfia looked intrigued before Issei continued. She casually dodged and blocked each blow.
'Issei.' Asia thought while watching him. Grayfia caught his fist and looked cooly at him.
"Perhaps you should consider letting the marriage continue." He growled in frustration before letting out an explosive burst of energy. Grayfia then felt herself beginning to be pushed back. She moved back slightly when Issei twirled around and landed a solid hit against her arm.
She grunted at the effort before feeling his barrage come quicker. Bursts of red came out from each blow given and Grayfia saw him pushing for more.
The maid kicked Issei away and appeared above him. He rolled out of the way and side swiped her foot when she dove at him. Grayfia looked surprised when he got up and charged. Grayfia took the chance to aim once more when she covered her fist in magic.
She threw the punch fast, but Issei met hers with his own. Red covered his hand and the two clashed. Wind picked up and the ground began to cave in. Grayfia kept her footing when she was punched Issei down.
"Standing down seems wise young Issei. If you cannot even land one blow on me, what can you accomplish against Lord Riser?"
Issei growled before feeling something bubbling within him. Red energy poured out of him when he pushed forward. Grayfia flew back and saw Issei standing in the middle of the crater with energy pouring out of him.
"I'll show you!" He charged forward with his hand glowing again and Grayfia prepared a magic spell to counter it. She threw it first and was caught off guard when the light from Issei's hand went off and he ducked. Her ice went over his head and met nothing but air.
A loud sound echoed the air when Grayfia looked down to see Issei's fist against her stomach. He carried a triumphant smile on his face when Grayfia stepped back. Her body just realized the pain it was in when that blow landed. She let out an uncharacteristic grunt and moved back slightly.
"Issei!" Asia came out of the house and she ran to see Issei looking at Grayfia.
"I'm fine Asia and I'm ready."
The maid took a moment to compose herself when she looked back at Issei. She smiled herself and held out her hand. "Then let us proceed."
"Of course, but let me get something first." Issei left the two outside as he grabbed his jacket. He stopped and looked around. He closed his eyes and let the world melt away around him.
'Draig, I need your help.'
Of course you do, but with what?
Issei saw the green eyes looking at him. He smirked and made his request. Draig looked at him before roaring with approval.
You're attitude is most refreshing. Though I must warn you the first time you use this power will be short and it will be some time before you can use it at will.
'You can grant me this power in the first place. Honestly I'm glad it can happen at all. So are we doing this or not?'
Very well. This deal should grant you the power needed along with a new ability. Don't think you can use it irresponsibly. I should warn you that the first time using this will be the most critical.
'That's alright. I intend on going at full strength only for Riser.'
The entire place began glow green as Issei turned around with his energy changing.
"Issei." He opened his eyes and saw Asia. "Are you planning on doing this alone?"
"I am."
Asia didn't like that answer. "No! I've improved on my healing. What happens if you get hurt? I couldn't live with myself if you got hurt! I don't want to imagine that!"
Issei didn't say a word, but went over and hugged Asia. "Neither can I if I brought you over, but listen I need to trust me on this." His mind flashed back to when Asia took an attack from him.
"This is going to be just between me and Riser. Trust me I'll make sure the bastard pays for everything he's done to use. For you and Rias." That warmth fired up and Asia finally felt it up close. It wasn't hot like it was when he fought Riser the first time, but it definitely held power that she could barely comprehend.
"Ok against my wants, but Issei...come home alive." Asia said. Issei smiled and walked past Asia. Grayfia held out her hand and Issei took it. The two disappeared in a flash of light. Asia stood there before praying to herself. That things will turn out for the better.
0-0-0-0-0
The wedding reception was going on and conversation sparked up. Many devils saw the Rating Game and it was the subject of many conversations.
"The Gremory peerage had some good moves, it'd be very unsportsman not give credit where credits due. And besides if we love anything it's a good dramatic game." Ravel boasted.
"I agree. I must say that moment when Issei Hyoudou seemed to corner your brother and frighten your frilly skirt was quite dramatic." The girl turned around and saw Sona approaching.
She huffed. "Cornered? My brother? Please I know how you're all analytical around the battles, but even you could see that my brother was going to win."
"Going to win perhaps, but still cornered like a trapped bird." Sona snarked back.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ravel started growing more irritated with Sona when several voices came out.
"Sona, glad you could make it."
The two turned and saw Akeno, Koneko, and Kiba standing by. "Good evening Lady Ravel. Would you mind if we took Sona off your hands?"
"Have it. And enjoy the part, Gremories...Sitri." The girl left them and Sona watched her leave.
She sighed. "Thank you for moving her. I was trying to pointing out a true fact about the fight, but it seems the girl is not much to admitting her failure in inaction."
"That's fine. We'll win next time."
"Next time?" Sona asked before Riser and Rias appeared in a column of flame. The man stood before the whole crowd and smiled brightly.
"Friends, family, allies, and rivals on behalf of the entire house of Phoenix I welcome you all to our palace to be witnesses to the joyful union of Devil strength. Where the two pillars become one. Introducing the future Lady Phenex, Rias Gremory."
Rias stepped up and bowed respectfully. The crowd applauded before Riser raised his hand in silence. "Thank you before we continue with the party let us take a moment to remember this time in history as-"
A loud crash was heard and Riser stopped talking. Everyone else was surprised to hear it as well before the oak doors at the entrance were blasted open. At the doorway stood Issei. His fist was held out and Rias gasped in surprise.
"You?!"
"Riser!" Issei shouted. "Don't think we're done yet."
"I think you may have given you brain damage because apparently you don't know when you already lost! Seize him!"
Guards assembled all around Issei and moved forward. Suddenly they were all blown back as Issei powered up. The guards went flying everywhere and the crowd felt the power that erupted.
More appeared and were about to cast spells, but they were either knocked out, frozen, or electrocuted. Akeno and the others rallied behind Issei. "My, my someone seemed to get quite the power boost since the game."
"You think so?" Issei almost asked sheepishly before turning to Riser. "I hope so because I feel like we opened the door to have our asses kicked."
"As if." Koneko said.
Riser roared in anger as the group defied him. "Do you all have a death wish? Do you know what it means to stand against the importance of this wedding!"
"Riser stop!" Rias tried to reign in her betrothed, but he wasn't listening. He erupted in pure anger before charging. Issei powered up again to meet him. The crowd panicked when they saw the two began to charge.
"DIE!"
"YOU FIRST!" Issei shouted. The two almost clashed before a third being stopped them. Their fists were blocked from each other. The light between the two died down and revealed Grayfia.
"What?"
"The Strongest Queen?!"
The crowd bursted into murmurs as Issei and Riser backed off. Grayfia lowered her arms before turning behind her. "My lord, I have stopped them per your request."
"Thank you Grayfia. While seeing their displays of power was interesting to say the least I didn't want it to ruin this party."
"Brother?!" Rias almost shouted. Everyone turned to the subject and word of the Devil King arose. Issei looked and felt his presence. It was imposing. "What're you doing?"
"Sirzechs' I believe I agree with your sister. What are you doing?"
"What I'm doing is bringing us some good entertainment. Riser, I've watched your Rating Games and I know for one as experienced as you it is shameful that a first timer got as far as they did. This pawn my sister owns was more than a match for most of your peerage even taking down your Bomb Queen."
"I did?" Issei questioned.
Riser gritted his teeth. "So what does this have to do with him being here?"
"It means I'm offering you a personal chance to earn some level of honor back. Issei Hyoudou has come here under the impression you and him were going to fight. I don't blame him even as a recently turned human, the blood of the Dragon seeks a good fight."
"I see. If the boy seeks to fight me then so be it. I'll gladly put him down again."
Issei stepped forward. "It won't end the same way Riser. I'm pretty strong this time around."
The two glared at each other and the hallway began to feel heated. Rias didn't care whatsoever. "Issei, don't do this!"
"No Rias. Let Hyoudou stand and fight me. He wishes to fight one of the best and who am I to deny a request."
"Brother please!"
Sirzechs glanced at his sister and turned to Issei. "Rewards first. The boy has come here under my orders and as this is a special request compensation is in order. Now tell me Hyoudou what do you wish for? I can guarantee you that it will be granted no matter what stands before it."
"You know what I want Devil King." Issei said.
Sirzechs smiled and waved his hand. Riser and Issei disappeared from the hall and Rias lunged forward. "Brother, do you have any idea what you've done?!"
"Giving you a chance." He replied quietly. Rias was stunned by that before screens appeared around them. "The battle of Dragon vs. Phoenix will begin and the prize, Rias Gremory!"
The two appeared and fell to the ground. Riser sprouted out his wings and landed gently. Issei landed on his two feet and clenched his left fist.
"I hope you enjoyed your moment in the spotlight because after this they'll be sweeping your ashes off the arena."
"I wouldn't jump to conclusions too fast chicken head." Issei cracked his knuckles.
The entire arena was silent as Riser got ready. Then Issei began with a small walk. He didn't run up to Riser or try to attack right away. He kept walking and Riser didn't sense any trickery in his walk. The Phoenix watched Issei get closer before they stood almost two feet apart.
Rias watched and felt worry bubble within. "Issei! Please be careful."
With a small twitch of his muscle, red energy erupted from Issei as he continued to stare up at Riser. The king gave a cocky smirk as rubble began to float. Issei slowly built up a battle cry with each pitch rising with his power.
"HAAA!" He screamed before a large cloud of dust blew up and covered the two.
Sirzechs watched with interest and turned to his wife. "I see he was trying to make a statement to Riser."
"A display of power to show Riser that he means business. Quite the stunt, but it does show his power. And somehow it was even greater than his first fight Riser." Grafiya responded. Everyone tried looking for any signs of the two before a shockwave was heard up above.
The perspective shifted to show Riser and Issei exchanging blows. Each blow Issei gave was returned twice as much by Riser. Their clash was moving in Riser's favor when Issei charged up a blast and fired.
Riser broke away and watched Issei fall to the ground. The student landed on his feet and looked at Riser. "Hm."
He disappeared in the blink of an eye and reappeared behind Riser. He threw a punch, but Rise caught it. "Not bad boy. If you weren't trying to ruin my engagement I would hold some semblance of respect that a lower class devil would even try challenging me."
Issei gritted his teeth. "Save it. As long as my master is away from your damn hands then I would fight you a thousand times over." Riser sneered before throwing Issei off.
He crashed against the ground and his classmates were getting increasingly worried. Despite the new power boost he's displayed, Riser's was still mightier. Ravel let out a haughty laugh as she watched Issei struggle to get up.
"Oh please. We all saw how my brother demolished him during the Rating Game, how are we to expect any different?"
Issei stood up and grinned at Riser. "Alright then. Seems I'm already going to have to use it, Draig. If you really want to prove your superiority then take this." Riser looked down curiously when Issei's red aura returned. He was charging it up and the ground shook again once more.
Issei's aura rose to new heights before something else came out. Green. Green covered his red one, double layering the aura. "OVERBOOST MODE! ACTIVATE!"
Bright light covered the arena once more and Riser covered his eyes until the light died down. As soon as he did, the smoke from below revealed Issei standing there with his double layered aura.
He looked so serious at Riser before looking at his hand. "Yes, the deal went through!"
"What exactly are you talking about boy?"
Issei gave a smug grin. "I found a way to use my Sacred Gear. Multiplying my power through a deal and internal control of both our powers. Adding this level of complexity to my own strength and there's no telling how high I can go!"
Everyone's jaws almost dropped at the explanation. His friends stood appalled at the idea of the Red Dragon's power being used without a Sacred Gear.
"I call your bluff."
Issei didn't respond as he was too busy landing the first punch to Riser's face. The Phoenix could barely comprehend what just happened to him when Issei kicked him down to the ground. He landed with a large crash and found Issei landing a good distance away.
Riser roared in anger before charging at blitzing speed. The floor was torn up by the speed, but Issei caught his strike and landed a heavy punch to Riser's stomach. The king spat out blood. "I told you even I don't know how high this mode will take me, but I'm sure it's more than enough to deal with you!"
Issei began to rain down a barrage of blows on Riser before kicking him into the air. Riser was barely able to start healing when Issei held his palm out.
The double aura began to flicker rapidly as Issei cursed himself. 'Ten seconds already? I need to end this in one shot.'
Red and green energy began to pour into Issei's palm before circulating around each other violently. Issei gritted his teeth as he struggled to control it. However he noticed the wounds on Riser's body began to fade.
"DRAGON FIRE!" The energy burst from his hand flew on up to Riser, who held his hands out, and power began to fluctuate wildly. The two let out mighty screams as the two struggled for dominance.
The struggle then exploded between the two as Riser gripped the energy hard. Everyone covered their eyes before opening them slowly to the light fading. Issei fell onto one knee and almost passed out when he heard chuckling.
"Good attempt. It really was." He looked up in fear and saw Riser holding a large fireball over his head. "Actually congratulations should be in order. It's been awhile since I had to pull out my trump card against anyone. I never thought it would take the likes of a filthy reincarnated dragon to push me this far in battle."
Issei, you need to get out of there! The energy I provided for you is no longer accessible and your body is facing its limits.
"Damn it. Are you serious?!" Issei punched the ground angrily as he faced Riser. "It's because I'm weak isn't. The training I did wasn't enough?!"
Far from it. You've come exceptionally far especially when it came to the problems of your Sacred Gear. And with your power it pushed a Phoenix to take you seriously. You should be proud of yourself.
"I'm not. I still lost. Rias is gonna be gone forever and I-!"
"Time's up boy! Die knowing it took the hands of Riser Phenex to destroy you! Perhaps that would boost your pride for the last few seconds you have!" He threw the ball and Issei got up.
Rias and the others watched in abject horror as Issei ran up to the energy ball and caught it with his hands. "Issei! Stop, surrender!"
Issei ignored them and pushed forward. His red aura returned as the fire began to burn off his jacket. "No, dying by Riser would be an insult! RIAS, I PROMISED I WOULDN'T FAIL YOU!"
But despite his conviction, Issei was being pushed back. Riser looked at him with a contemplative look. "Why don't you give up? You must know it's hopeless."
"Shut up!" Red erupted and began to expand. "SHUT UP!" Now the ball began to be pushed back and everyone looked floored at seeing this.
"I am a pawn and as a pawn, I will go on until I win or die!"
"Then die as the foolishly brave pawn!" Riser added his own fire and the ball expanded. Issei began to feel overwhelmed as Riser's power loomed over his. Issei's pupils went to white as his body slacked and the fireball consumed him.
Everyone was deaf despite what appeared to be Rias screaming in horrible dismay at the loss. Grayfia and Sirzechs beared a solemn look when the fireball finally exploded. A large crater was left in its place as Riser slowly dropped down to ground.
He held the greatest smirk he ever did on his face and threw back his head laughing. It echoed throughout the arena as the devils watching the party were either horrified, in awe, or smug at Issei's loss.
Koneko fell to her knees while Akeno gripped her fists tightly until blood began to stream out. Kiba bowed his head in respect to his fallen comrade.
Rias was on the floor sobbing. "Issei. Issei!"
Riser looked at the viewing party and waved. "Now that the entertainment has been dealt with, I would like to continue the party uninterrupted."
Before he could fly up, the ground shook. Everyone looked around curiously as to what was going on. The air became heavy and few people recognized it. Akeno noticed the core of the crater was vibrating the most.
Sirzechs looked at Grafiya and smirked. "Is this it?"
She nodded. "It is."
A pillar of red light broke through the crater and Riser felt once again fear growing within his chest. His sister held the same expression as Rias's face fell into pure relief. Kiba, Akeno, and Koneko had no idea what was going on.
A small figure was seen at the bottom of light as it broke down. Around him strips of fabric slipped off his body and Issei's red shirt remained. Issei stood strong and tall with his red aura different. Not a blazing flame, but a smoldering fire with the calming red of a sunset.
"Damn it boy! What is wrong with you?" Riser questioned loudly.
"..."
"Oh I get it. You think surviving my strongest attack entitles you to think you're better than me."
"..."
"Answer me boy! This engagement is meant to help the betterment of all devils, what you do will be irreparable!"
Issei didn't respond again, but jumped up to one of the towering pieces. He landed gently and looked Riser with glowing red eyes. The pupils were slitted once again. The air was sizzling around him and was felt throughout the arena.
"RAAAH!" Issei roared. The entire underworld could feel tremors as he powered up. The power of the Red Dragon was more prominently felt throughout.
A distance away, Vali looked up in the sky. "Well, well, well. You know that power, Albion?"
Back at the fight, Issei stopped powering up and looked at Riser. The two shared a stare down before Issei dived in. Riser raised up his arm and blocked the blow. A deep crater caved in underneath Riser's feet.
Issei kept his neutral expression when he appeared behind Riser and kicked him away. The king skidded across the ground with his body steaming from that clean hit. He struggled to get up and saw Issei charging up a dragon shot.
"I knew you were holding your power back, you didn't use this one till it seemed all was lost. You must have a flare for the dramatics."
Issei remained stoic as Riser tried goading him on.
"It doesn't matter though. I've managed to outlast your power up once already. I know you have a time limit on this as well."
Issei tilted his head before disengaging the dragon shot. He slowly went into a stance and beckoned Riser to come forward.
The king growled, "Fine if you wish to waste more of my time then so be it! I can match you fist to fist anyways!" The two leapt back into battle with each punch rocking the place. Rocks began flying everywhere and the wind was growing wild.
"Grayfia. This power the boy has, it's more powerful than I can imagine."
"It is. It's stronger than the last time it appeared." The Devil King looked at her surprised. "When Issei first attained that form, the power gave him enough to match Lord Riser and his queen. However I can see it's different again. Each punch, block, or reflex Issei uses, the more powerful it becomes. I dare say his limits keep breaking with each passing second and Riser is feeling it."
They watched Riser take a clean hit to the face and him stumbling.
"I see. And I suppose you have a theory that it's the reason the fight was more equal this time around than initially."
"Correct again my lord. Issei Hyoudou stood no chance against Riser when the Rating Game started, but obtaining this new power allowed him to do so either way. His body has acclimated to the Red Dragon's power so much that a sacred gear is no longer needed."
Sirzechs nodded at the information. "You think he'll be unstoppable."
"No." Grayifa stated. Sirzechs looked at her with surprise. "Not yet at least. The reason why is because he wasn't even conscious of it. When I awoke him afterwards, he expressed no idea on the power he used against Riser. He just knew that the queen was removed and that his body was worse for wear."
Sirzechs looked one more time at the fight. Issei and Riser slowly fell down while their fight continued. When they landed, Issei and Riser jumped apart taking deep breaths. Issei seemed to be more out of breath.
"Hyoudou, feeling it now? Just a few more seconds and I will be the victor!"
Issei gave a low growl and held back his fist. Crimson poured into it before he fired it. The punch barely grazed Riser's cheek before destroying the entire arena behind him. It broke down into the void.
Riser didn't react before Issei uncurled his fist to two fingers which traced down to his chest. Everything was quiet before Issei gave a small grunt and hit Riser in the chest with a simple punch. Riser could the wind knocked out of him along with the cracking of his lungs.
He spat out blood before falling down on his butt.
"Brother, just surrender! He'll knock you off or worse!"
That triggered something. "Surrender? No...NO! I am Riser Phenex and I will not allow my name to be dragged down by surrendering to this ilk! Hyoudou, I don't care if you carry the power of the dragon you will fall before me like many others!"
His rage burst like a volcano as he got up. Fire licked the entire arena as Issei stood still. No flame got close to him as he held open his palm and charged a dragon shot. Riser focused all the flames outside of his body into a whirling vortex behind him.
"No way!" Ravel exclaimed.
Akeno narrowed her eyes. "He's planning to incinerate the entire arena to beat Issei. And this attack is stronger than the one Issei tried taking on."
"Doesn't matter. Issei will prevail." Rias said as she regained her composure earlier. "I've seen this power and Issei is unstoppable with it."
"Grayfia, have you come up with a name for this power?" Sirzechs asked.
"Hm. I have not. Lady Sona and her queen had an idea on what to call it. It's nothing like his balance breaker so the initial name took some time."
Issei charged forward as Riser used one hand to slow Issei down. He didn't even flinch. Either by dodging or punching through the fire Issei continued his final assault on the proud devil. Everything went so fast, but Riser knew he had more than enough of the young pawn.
"DIE AND BURN WITHIN A THOUSAND SUNS!"
Issei stared down the flames as it consumed him. Riser laughed victoriously as it consumed his rival. However his joy didn't last long before the fire storm formed an eye. And within the eye of the storm, Issei stood.
"I've called it within my mind, the Red Emperor. No true dragon form, but it's presence ever demanding of one."
He jumped up and Riser could do nothing as Issei held out his hand only a few feet away and let out on last battle cry.
"HAAA!" Issei screamed at the top of his lungs. The ball floated up before changing its shape to that of a dragon. Riser crossed his arms in some vain attempt to block it when the dragon consumed Riser.
The immortal felt his body being consumed when he passed out and was summoned away. The red dragon carrying him away dissipated as Issei smirked before falling out of his new form. The clinging aura no longer burning within him and the power no longer holding him up.
Below him, the fires have broken down the arena and Issei lands on one of the remaining stable pieces. A summoning circle opened next to him and Rias came out. She lunged out and grabbed Issei.
He woke up with the sorest body imaginable. "Did I win?"
"You did. You really did my Issei. Now get some rest."
Before he could ask how, Issei felt the soft dress Rias had on and nodded off. "Well I could give the designers some credit. They know their material."
Meanwhile Akeno and the others watched with amusement. "Well all's well that ends well. Now let's get everyone home."
Sirzechs and Grayfia walked out and watched the club walk out before vanishing within their circle back to the mortal plane.
"Amazing isn't it. Though that means the White Dragon should be appearing. It is their destiny to fight each other." Sirzechs stated.
"Perhaps, but for now we can focus on getting some rest. I've noticed you seem more relaxed now that your sister is no longer part of this engagement."
"You are correct Grayfia, but before we turn in follow this order." She listened. "Keep an eye on the boy. If his power expands further I want to know and I'd like for to study him closely whenever he attains the Red Emperor."
"Yes my king."
In the mortal plane, a hooded figure broke a smile in what seemed to be ages. His hoarse cackle echoed in the small cave.
"Such power, I believe I know that energy signal from anywhere. Draig." He lifted his left hand and saw the dark, dead tissue in it. It shook wildly when he clenched it into a fist and a gauntlet appeared. It was dull red and the green jewel on the back hand lacked its luster.
"Soon boy. Soon."
