The day had arrived. Ten days of preparation and training led to this. The Rating Game between Riser and Rias.
They all trained hard. They honed their abilities. While there's the very real chance that they may lose due to inexperience alone, surely they must've at least gotten stronger, right?
The only way to determine that was during the game itself.
It was only twenty minutes left. Everyone save for a few were just warming up. They were then met by two individuals that entered their room: Student Council President Sona Sitri and Student Council Vice President Tsubaki Shinra.
"Greetings, Rias-san." Sona said. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
"No, not at all, Sona-san, Tsubaki-san." Rias greeted back.
"Hey there, you two. While I'm glad to see you two, what brings you here?" Kurin said.
"The competition is going to be broadcasted for family members to watch. Sona and Tsubaki here are in charge of that." Rias explained.
"I'm also here to wish you guys good luck. It's her first Rating Game, after all. I'm not going to miss it for the world." She said. But...I am curious about something concerning you and Raynare." She turned to the young man.
"I think I have a sense as to what you're gonna ask." He said.
"I have a question myself, if you'd be kind to answer it." Grayfia said as she appeared from a magic crest.
"Well...saves the time telling this to both of you at least." Kurin said, shrugging. "You're both wondering how the hell is it that me and Raynare have Evil Pieces inside of us, while at the same time not turning into Devils. An interesting moment, that I can say."
(The Previous Day)
It was late afternoon on the final day of preparation. Everyone had finished their training and improvement, and are about to pack up to head back home. Kurin was sitting in the living room of the house they were staying at, eyes closed and focused.
'Alright, Sellorion. I want to help Rias-chan win. But since Evil Pieces can't be inserted inside of me, since the Undying Remorse will force it out, it's impossible. Not to mention that Raynare wouldn't want to be a Devil either. But you told me there's a way. And it's the last day of training, the day you promised to tell me. How?' He asked.
[I can tell you agonizingly waited for this entire thing. But it's good that you waited. I will not tell you how but rather I'll show you how. Gather everyone. Now.] Sellorion said. Kurin did so, and everyone immediately went.
[Let me take over your body for now, kid. I can't speak out to everyone if you're in control.] Reluctantly, Kurin allowed him to control his body.
'That's done, Sel. I'm now in, and you're in control.'
[Nicely done, Kurin.] He spoke. His voice was deeper than Kurin's. His eyes also changed. They were now a myriad of colors that changed every ten seconds.
Upon hearing him speak, everyone was on edge. "What did you do to Kurin-kun?!" Raynare said, getting onto his face angrily.
[Nothing to worry about, Raynare. Your boyfriend's safe in this body. I just temporarily took control for me to speak to you. I haven't properly introduced myself to all of you yet. I'm Sellorion, the embodiment of the Undying Remorse.] He said. Everyone looked at him shocked. They lowered their weapons.
"You're...the Undying Remorse?! You're the Sacred Gear itself?" Rias said. The boy shrugged.
[Eh, kinda. He's listening, by the way. Just as how I listen to you guys when Kurin's in full control. So when I speak, he's able to hear me too.] He said.
"So...why are you here?" Raynare asked.
[For ten days, you guys trained your hearts out. You pushed yourselves to your very limits. But it would be meaningless for Kurin and Raynare if they couldn't even participate.] He said.
"That's...right. They're both not on our peerage. We'd be disqualified for getting illegal players into the game." Rias said. They saw Kurin, or rather, Sellorion smirk.
[Fortunately, it shouldn't be too hard of a disadvantage to fix. Rias, if it were possible, which pieces would you use for both of them?]
"Well...I don't have many available positions left. For Raynare, it's easy, as she's best used as an attack piece, so for her, she'll be a Knight, since I still have one open spot. For Kurin-kun...with my knights taken up, and with Asia taking up as bishop, it's only either being a rook and a pawn left. While the rook would be great for him, as he can take up even more damage than before, the pawn, while weak, has much versatility, especially when he is promoted, so if it was possible, he'd be my pawn." Rias answered. That earned another smile from the immortal being.
[Astute observation, Gremory-san. That would be my answer as well. Hand me those pieces. Raynare-san, come closer. It's time I show you all something.] Both did as told, and he held the knight piece first.
[While the Undying Remorse rejects Evil Pieces, as it's unwilling to change it's vessel's supernatural form permanently, meaning Human, Devil, Fallen Angel, etc., that doesn't mean that it can't temporarily accept them, even if the individual in question doesn't hold the Sacred Gear and doesn't want to change as well. The Undying Remorse allows up to three people, the vessel not an exception to the rule, to temporarily accept the Evil Piece into their system for a short time, while also preventing them from turning into Devil, Angel, etc.] Sellorion explained. [Observe.] The piece in hand, he gently pressed it with his palm into Raynare's chest. The knight piece entered her body, though only a dim glow was present.
'No way...'
"No way..." Everyone mouthed.
Looking at the jaw-dropped looks on their faces, he couldn't help but laugh. [Impressive, isn't it? Rias, give me the pawn.] Rias, getting out of her shock, handed him one.
[Let's see if this works.] He pushed the pawn onto his chest. Unfortunately, it didn't take. He looked back at her. [Not enough, it seems. One pawn can't contain his power. Hand me another.] He tried again, now with two pieces, but still it didn't happen. He asked for another and tried again, but again, nothing came from it. Even with five pawns, it still wouldn't contain. [How much power does Kurin actually have?!] He thought.
'I guess...a heck of a lot. Wow.' Kurin said, surprised at this himself.
[Rias...let's try all eight pieces.] He said.
"Are...are you sure? Do you think he holds that much power?" Asia asked.
[Considering that five pawns weren't enough...then I have a hunch that eight pawns will hold his powers.] He replied.
"Alright. I see your point." Rias said, giving him the remaining pawns she held. He then pushed them into his body.
It accepted them.
He emitted the same dim glow Raynare had.
"Eight pawns. That...that holds almost equal value to two rooks together, or even two bishops and two pawns." Akeno said in surprise.
"He's that powerful..." The others murmured.
Sellorion smiled at this before speaking up again. [Five days. That's all the time the Sacred Gear can hold for both bodies. If it were three people affected, there would've only been three days. Once that time limit ends, the pieces will be too much for the Gear to hold, and they'll be ejected from the bodies they were held in. Use the time wisely. And take down the burnt chicken for me. He needs to learn. That's all for now. We'll meet again like this soon.] His eyes then glowed, but they stopped all of a sudden, the eyes unchanged. He turned to Raynare, one thumb up. [Oh, and thanks for getting him into a relationship, Raynare-san. As someone who's been with this idiot for a long time, he needed someone. He sure picked a good one to start with.] He said, eliciting a blush from the Fallen Angel. His eyes glowed again, and they returned to Kurin's colors.
"Holy crap...I feel those pawns circle in me." He said.
"The Knight piece...I feel it too." Raynare said.
"Then it's working. I guess we have that issue fixed up now." Rias said, now smiling. "We may have a chance after all."
"Interesting. To think that a Sacred Gear can just take control as simply as that. To be honest, it scares even me a little bit." Sona remakred once Kurin finished his story.
[Why thank you, Sitri-san. I'm flattered.] Sellorion suddenly voiced out, making everyone jump in surprise. [I'm not some ordinary Sacred Gear after all. I'm a little more than that.]
"Is that...him?" Sona asked.
[Obviously. Surprised?]
Sona shook her head. "No, not exactly. I just expected-"
[Something different? I'm just the embodiment of a Sacred Gear, after all. I'm not much, to be honest.]
"So what brings you here, then?" Rias asked. He turned to face her peerage.
[Just some parting words of encouragement before the game. You're the underdogs. Riser's a very strong individual. He's won many games due to his peerage's strength and growing experience. His experience alone could be enough to take the game from you. The key is to not be deterred when, not if, things don't go your way. There's a solution to every problem that arises. Don't give up, even when things look very bleak. And remember to use every ounce of your strength and abilities. You'll need every single one of that, trust me. I have faith in all of you. I'll be watching. Good luck!] The eyes quickly returned to normal, and it left Kurin scratching his head.
"Gods damn it. He even surprises me sometimes." Kurin said. While he did give permission for him to take control once again, he felt him take over so quickly that it left him very dazed.
"Are you okay, Kurin? No side effects we should worry about?" Raynare asked, half-concerned and half-joking.
He quickly grabbed her and rested his chin on her head. "Oh shut up, Ray-chan." He laughed. "I'm a hundred percent alright." She laughed along with him. Everyone smiled at this.
"Well, that's over and done with. It's almost time, Rias. Are you all ready?" Grayfia asked.
"As ready as we'll ever be." She answered.
"Good luck, Rias. I'll be watching from the Student Council broadcast booth, cheering you on. But if I had to bet on who'd win, I'd say you'll beat him definitively." Sona and Tsubaki left the room. Grayfia then conjured a magic circle.
"I almost forgot. I must also inform you that the Maou Lucifer will be watching." She said as she did.
"Oh. My brother." She said, slightly downcast.
"Your brother is Sirzechs Lucifer? The King himself?" Raynare asked.
The nod was all the confirmation the Fallen Angel needed. Asia was surprised to hear this as well.
"That explains how Buchou is the heiress to the Gremory House." Asia remarked as the magic circle was finally completed.
"This will transport you to the battlefield for the game. Good luck to all of you." She lastly said. The circle glowed red underneath them, and then they were gone.
"That's strange. We just came back in the same room. Did something go wrong?" Asia asked.
"No, Asia. We are in the same room, but we are in a neutral space. It looks like the school is the battlefield for this Rating Game." Akeno explained. "With it, there's no collateral damage that will actually occur." She grinned in a sadistic manner. "That means we can do as much damage as we want."
"I like the sound of that." Kurin said, grinning with glee not unlike Akeno's.
They then heard a voice ring out around the battlefield.
"The Rating Game between Rias Gremory and Riser Phenex is about to begin. I am Grayfia, and I will be your referee for this match."
What they heard next was something no one expected. "Sirzechs Lucifer here, and I'm here to provide some commentary on this match. Oh this is going to be so good!"
"My brother is-?!" Rias shrieked in surprise.
"Whoa...this is cool." Kurin said, amazed.
"Yes, Sirzechs Lucifer is here as a special guest on commentary. Though seriously, must you be this childish?" Grayfia said.
"Not like I can't help it. It's my sister's first Rating Game after all. Good luck Ria-tan!" He excitedly said.
Rias covered her face with one of her hands, embarrassed. "And already he's at it..." She groaned.
Despite the tension, everyone lightly laughed at Rias's embarrassment.
"OWWW!" Sirzechs said.
"Keep yourself neutral from this point on, my King." Grayfia said.
"Yes Grayfia-chan..."
"Anyways, for the battlefield of this game, I took suggestions from the Kings of both peerages. Many of you are probably familiar with the location as it is an exact copy of Kuoh Academy, an educational institution in the human world that Rias Gremory and company study in." The Queen explained.
"Well, it seems your intuition served right, Akeno-chan." Kurin said.
"What did Grayfia-sama mean by that?" Asia asked.
"Take a look outside. You'll find that things don't exactly look the same." Rias said. Kurin went to open one of the windows, with Asia and Raynare following, and they saw the sky changed to a completely different feel.
"Wow...to think something like this actually exists." Raynare said.
Yumi smiled. "It's cool, isn't it? Despite the uncanny resemblance to our school, we're not actually in school."
"It definitely is. So amazing." Asia said.
Grayfia continued speaking, "Each team has been given a certain location that serves as their base of operations. For Rias, her group is situated at the Occult Research Club Headquarters in the Old School Building."
"Right. Show the Phenex group's location." Sona instructed.
"As you say." Tsubaki said.
"For Riser, his team is situated at the Principal's Office at the New School Building." Grayfia continued. "The pawns of both teams will be promoted if they reach the opposing team's base. Best of luck to all participants."
"Right. Now that introductions are complete, what is the plan?" Raynare asked.
"First, each of you should take one of these." Rias said as Koneko handed each of them a tiny magical pink sphere. "These will help communicate between us during this battle." Everyone inserted them into their ears, and it disappeared inside.
"To all Devils, Fallen Angel, and Human, the game has begun!" Grayfia said.
'Seven versus sixteen. Here we go!' Kurin thought, determined.
On the other side, Riser's peerage was waiting for his orders.
"The plan is simple. Crush them. Force them to submission. If we don't win this battle decisively then it would be meaningless. You all know what to do. Go!"
Meanwhile, Rias's team was making their strategy for their attack. Because they are severely outnumbered, they can't let any one of them go down. Each piece of their plan has to be picture perfect, or else they will be forced out of their zone, possibly costing them a few key members.
"The key to this first attack is setting up defenses to put them off-guard. Kiba, Koneko, Kurin, can you—where's Kurin?"
"I'm outside, setting up traps all around the field since Grayfia officially started the game." Kurin said. "Yumi-chan and Koneko-chan can help set up additional traps if it's necessary. Akeno, you can start setting up the illusions once the two girls begin setting up and finalizing the traps. Am I clear?"
"Yes." The three said, leaving thereafter.
"In the meantime, what should Raynare-chan and Asia-chan do?" He asked.
"Asia cannot be harmed since she's primarily a healer. Raynare can help make up for Asia's lack of combat prowess, so that means she has to stay and defend. You four will have to be the attackers for this. We'll have to wait until all of our defenses are set up."
"Right." Both Asia and Raynare said.
Minutes passed. Akeno contacted Rias. "Buchou, all our traps and illusions are set. We're ready when you are."
"Well, it seems that Team Gremory are set to initiate their first move. What do you think is the key for a victory here, Sitri-san?" Sirzechs asked.
"Because they are outnumbered 7-16, Rias's group cannot be able to defend their base and launch a full assault at the same time. They will have to use tertiary attacks to gain the positional advantage." Sona answered.
"They do have numerous traps and illusions set. Their defensive setup is actually pretty decent for a team who is on their first Rating Game." Sirzechs noted. "However, they are up against a team who have won numerous competitions. They are not going to be surprised at this."
"Alright. Koneko, Kurin, your first target is the gymnasium. Understand that once you arrive, the chances for a battle is inevitable. Be sure to stick to our plan."
"Noted." Kurin said.
"Got it." Koneko said.
"Yumi, are you ready?"
"Affirmative. I'm in position."
"Akeno, Raynare, hold the fort for now. Stand by to move once the signal is given, Akeno. Raynare, continue to watch the field after Akeno leaves."
"No problem, Rias. We totally got this." Akeno said.
"I'll make sure no one gets close." Raynare said.
"Then we're set. This operation is now a go. With our enemy being Riser, he's not going to hold back. Show no mercy." Rias said. Everyone headed for their respective positions.
Arriving at the gymnasium, Koneko and Kurin hid. Kurin was gripping the pendant he was wearing.
'Please, guide me.'
"No point in hiding. Show yourselves, Gremory trash and fight us!" One of Riser's peerage's members said.
"Well, since you asked for it..." In unexpected fashion, Kurin charged, twin armblades on guard. There were four members of Riser's peerage, and they all just barely dodged his attack. "Be careful what you wish for!"
'So fast...' The others thought. Koneko appeared, and Kurin stopped opposite of her.
"Introduce yourselves before we begin this fight. I'd like to get to know who I'm up against before anything." He said.
"I'm Mira. Pawn." The blue-haired staff-wielder said. Kurin gained a look of understanding.
"Oh. You're the one who sent me up to the chandelier and killed me." He said.
Mira had a flashback to that day. She bowed down. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for...I just thought..."
He waved it off. "That's alright. All in the past. I've died a lot of times, so it's more of a minor setback for me now. How about you three?"
"I'm Xuelan. Rook." The blue Qipao-wearing woman said.
"I'm Ile. Pawn." The green-haired girl on the left said.
"I'm Nel. Pawn." The other green-haired girl said.
"You're twins?" He asked. The two girls nodded.
"Alright. Koneko-chan!" He called out. "I'll take on the three pawns. You take on Xuelan. I'll be sure to provide backup." He instructed. She nodded.
With that, he turned to the three. He smirked. "Well, ladies? Shall we dance?" The armblades switched to two burning shortswords, now on his hands.
"You really think you have the advantage here? It's a still three-on-one." Mira challenged.
"Not like I've had worse odds against me. And besides..." He crossed the swords against each other. "...odds like these are my specialty. Make your move."
"If you say so. Just don't cry if we beat you." Nel and Ile charged towards him with their chainsaws. He moved away from each thrust.
"Chainsaws, eh?! Interesting." Kurin focused on Ile, using his swords to make a grab at the chainsaw once he saw an opening and throw it aside.
"No way! You're so strong!" Ile said, looking at her weapon which was firmly planted on the floor. She headed towards it and tried pulling it out. She was met with a knee to the face for her efforts. Her mouth started bleeding, her lips cut.
"Ile!" Both of them said.
Kurin cringed. "Yikes. I'm sorry about that."
"Don't be." Ile said, smirking. "We're here to fight, after all."
Nel aggressively slashed down with her chainsaw. Kurin moved right. He sent a hard left elbow to her side. Nel gasped as she was sent to the floor, the breath taken out of her lungs.
Mira swung with her staff. She caught him off-guard as she did, as Kurin held his side.
"Man, that still hurts." He remarked.
With her wind energy, Mira struck again with her staff against Kurin, blowing him away to the wall. He broke his landing by planting his swords to the wall, landing on his feet. He recovered just as quickly as he had done many times, using the hilts of his swords to propel himself...past the pawns and towards Xuelan.
"Koneko, switch!" He said. The rook nodded, rising up, fist aimed at the three pawns, and slamming to the ground, creating a huge crater as the ground shook heavily. Xuelan kept her balance, however. But she was then met with a punch to her stomach.
'What in the...his raw physical strength is so powerful, even my increased defense is being ousted by his power!' She thought.
"Just...how are you this strong? You're just a pawn!" Xuelan asked.
"Pawn, I may be, but it seems I'm powerful enough to have eight pawns in my body." He said.
'Eight?!' That was what their adversaries thought, including Riser and Yubelluna, who were spectating from their base.
"Yeah." He shrugged. "So, I can sense that you have a power level that is nearly equal to a Queen, even without the piece. No doubt your abilities were also enhanced with the Rook position as well." He said.
Fire fists and cold steel were exchanged as the Rook and Pawn fought. Koneko was holding her own against the three pawns.
Meanwhile, in another area, three of Riser's pawns arrived in the forested areas of the battlefield.
"This fog...it's making it very hard to see." Burent said. Not a moment later did they trigger a trap, but they quickly anticipated it and avoided them, leaping up high into the air.
"A trap? Did they really think that would work?" Shuriya said, smirking.
"These Gremory fools must be dumber than we thought." Marion said.
"Expect no less from a Rating Game virgin!"
However, despite avoiding the trap, they didn't expect the next one as they continued searching for their opponent's base. And they immediately felt its effects take hold on them.
"Why do I feel slower?"
"Same here. It's like...something heavy's dragging me down."
"Whoa...I feel it too."
"Trap triggered. Crippling Slow in effect. Second trap triggered. Ilusion Barrier in effect." Somehow, Kurin's voice projected throughout their area.
"Crippling...slow?" Shuriya wondered. The trio landed safely on the ground.
"Infinity Barrier?"
"Ah, good. You're here." Yumi said, appearing to the three. She was already holding a sword. "If you're wondering, it wasn't me or Koneko that set the traps. These were set by Kurin. And...let's just say he's got a good moniker before we even knew him. He's a Trap Master. These two traps are enough." She had initiated a stance.
"Even with this hindrance, do you seriously think you can still take on all three of us?" Marion asked.
"Let's find out, then." Yumi challenged, grinning.
Back in the gymnasium, Xuelan was on her knees. Despite being a rook, she was heavily outmatched by her pawn of an opponent. Kurin had given Koneko support by briefly flanking her three opponents before returning to his battle with Xuelan. At this point, the three pawns were becoming drained of the fighting.
"You're...*huff*...really strong..." She said.
"So I've been told." He said. He clasped his hands. "We've had our time here. I'll finish this now. Though...I would like it if we were to talk a lot more freely after." He smiled, closing his eyes. "I'll try to make this as painless as possible." He held out his hands. "Song of Sleep!" A white wave of magic flowed throughout the gym. Once they all got hit with it, their eyes started to become drowsy. They started yawning.
"What...did you do..." Xuelan asked tiredly, rubbing her eyes, looking down, and sitting down. She saw him walk over to her and gently lifted her chin so that she could look into his face and those mesmerizing eyes.
'Those eyes...they're so...dreamy...' She thought, lightly blushing.
"I'm really sorry about all of this. Though I am serious about what I said earlier." He said. He pressed his forehead against hers and then gently laid her down.
"Koneko, let's go." He said. The two left the gymnasium. "Akeno, you're up." He said.
"On it." Dark clouds surround the building. She had a sadistic grin. "It's finally time." She brought down the lightning, and the gymnasium was, for a better term, devastated.
"Three of Riser's Pawns have been retired." Grayfia said.
"And we have our first casualties of this game. And it seems that we may have another group of casualties here, as Yumi is holding off three pawns of Riser's team. Meanwhile, the Rook and Pawn of team Gremory are recovering outside." Sirzechs said.
"Koneko, you alright? You look pretty beaten up." Kurin asked in concern, tending to her bruises and wounds.
"Just a bit hurt. I'll be fine." She said.
"Alright. Just don't push yourself harder than before. We can't risk any one of us being eliminated in this." He said.
"I know that." She said.
"Three of Riser's pawns have been retired." Grayfia said.
"Kiba must've finished them. The traps were used, I assume." He said.
"Yup! Thanks for the traps, Kurin." Yumi said.
"No problem." He then switched receivers. "Rias, the gymnasium's done."
"Good. Continue with the plan." She said.
The two started walking off. However, an explosion was set off. It blew away both, with Koneko taking most of the damage.
"KONEKO!" He yelled, immediately recovering and rushing to the Rook. Her clothes were badly damaged, and so was her body.
"Kurin-kun...I'm sorry I wasn't...strong enough..." She said.
"No no, you did awesome. Don't think of yourself any less than that. You're strong enough for us." He reassuringly said, lightly placing a hand on top of hers. She smiled.
"Thank you...Kurin."
Her body faded away.
"Rias Gremory's Rook has been retired." Grayfia said.
"Oh no...the first casualty of Rias's team. Things will be more difficult without their Rook from here on out." Sirzechs commented.
Kurin stood up and turned to the one responsible.
The Bomb Queen Yubelluna.
"So, Riser finally sent his trump card, eh? I'm guessing he's gonna attack the base himself." He said.
"Yes, that's correct."
"Get going, Kurin-kun." Akeno said. "I'll take care of this one."
He was hesitant, but he eventually relented. "Alright. Be careful."
"Don't worry. You just need to keep going."
Kurin ran ahead...but not before subtly leaving a few things behind.
"I'm going to make you pay for hurting Koneko." Akeno said, hands crackling with lightning.
Yubelluna smirked, her scepter glowing. "It'll be a pleasure to fight you, Priestess of Thunder."
AN: That's the end of part 1 of this Rating Game. Part 2 should be out within the first half of February. I'll be sure of it. No review responses for this chapter, as I'll be doing that after this chapter.
Reaching at least 10k views at this point, I'm just so overwhelmed that so many people read this story and are very interested in it. Thank you.
Updated (Confirmed) list, in no order:
Raynare, Rias, Akeno, Sona, Koneko, Kuroka, Serafall, Yumi, Kalawarner, Xenovia, Asia, Grayfia, Ravel, Seekvaira, Xuelan, Yubelluna
As before, let me know what you thought about this chapter by reviewing below. Leave a fave or a follow if you'd like. I appreciate all the support I'm getting for this story.
See you all next update!
