With Koneko out, how will the Gremory team respond to this loss? The Rating Game concludes this chapter!
Kreceir: The Sacred Gear does have some special abilities if its vessel is in a Rating Game, but he'd be willing to defend them with his life, for sure.
Linkonpark100: Eh, I'm not sure.
OechsnerC: You have to remember that these pieces affected by the Undying Remorse will eventually have to be returned, since the Sacred Gear will reject them soon enough. So, in answering your question, it's something more. Much more.
I only own my OCs. Anything else isn't.
In her home, Orchintia Anthivale was successfully able to hack into the broadcasting of the Rating Game, now watching the competition unfold.
"Looks like I'm in." Orchintia said as she watched her laptop display the Rating Game. She just witnessed Koneko get taken out.
"And in the thick of things too. Where's Kurin...there he is." She had her hidden camera turn to Kurin. He was running.
"You can make it, Kurin-kun...I know you can win this." She said, a worried yet determined look on her face.
"Riser's gonna attack our base soon enough, Rias. Without Koneko, it'll be a lot more difficult." Kurin said. He was now hiding in an alley.
"Yes, that much is certain. But...we can't risk anything else." She said.
"Raynare can't just watch there and do nothing. I'll take her with me." He said.
"And what will you do?" She inquired.
"Only way that we can up our chances. I'm gonna attack their base and promote myself. Hopefully it'll be able to hold them off and launch an attack to force him to concede."
"No, we can't force that, especially if you go head-on. But I understand why you need Raynare. Change of plans."
"Alright. What do I do?"
"Divert the enemy's attention to you while I launch a sneak attack on their base with Asia. Take Yumi and Raynare with you for backup."
"It's a bit risky, Rias. Having the King away from their base would warrant danger for you. Are you sure?" Yumi asked.
"Riser will be thinking similarly to that. I'm hoping that the element of surprise will take them off their game." Rias reasoned.
"Way ahead of you, Buchou. I'm heading to Kurin's location now." Raynare said.
"Good. As all of you know, we don't have many options left after losing Koneko. This has to work. Everyone, keep to this plan and do your part well. We can still win."
"Right!"
The three soon met up on the track and field area. As they all shared a nod toward one another, Kurin began laying more traps around the area.
'Rias better be right about this. But I have a feeling that Riser already has an idea about what we're doing...' Kurin thought.
He stood up, the last trap laid out. "Alright. Anyone wanna take a shot at us? We're out here in the open, waiting." He said aloud.
"How foolish." A girl's voice rang out. The three turned to its location.
A girl in knight's armor appeared. "I am Karlamine, a Knight under the service of Riser-sama. To request to be attacked out in the open makes me question your state of mind." She drew her sword. "But if that is what you wish, then you shall have it." Her sword then lit up in flames.
Yumi stepped forward. "Kiba Yumi, Rias-sama's Knight." She also drew her sword. "I hope you're ready because I look forward to do battle with a fellow knight."
"Well said! Then there's no time to waste!" Both knights clashed.
Kurin and Raynare watched on, but both sensed there are others arriving.
"Hmph. Karlamine as always. Obsessed with swords." Kurin heard. He recognized it. The duo then noticed all the other remaining participants circle around them.
"She was bothered with the other pieces that we sacrificed. Now she's up and fighting another sword-obsessed individual." She continued.
"Ravel. Sensing your level, you're a Bishop." Kurin said. "And I see the others are here too." He smirked.
"Don't think of fighting me. I have no intention of fighting here. Instead, you'll face her. Isabela!" Ravel called out.
The orange-haired girl with the mask stepped forward. "I'm Isabela, Riser-sama's Rook. Prepare to fight, Pawn of Gremory!" She charged.
"Oh are you kidding me?!" Kurin said, exasperated, facepalming. He snapped his fingers.
Underneath Isabela, a cage appeared, stopping her in her tracks.
"Trap activated. Time Cage in effect. Lightning Shock in 10...9...8..." The sound of Kurin's voice rang in the cage.
"What?!" She asked, panicked.
"Ever bothered to check for traps?" Kurin asked.
"Isabela, NO!" Ravel said. The rook tried to fight her way out of the cage, but it wasn't doing any effect.
"...2...1...Lightning Shock activated." The cage shocked Isabela, and she screamed in pain.
"Too much." Kurin noted. He sighed. "I'm really sorry."
The cage disappeared, and Isabela dropped to the ground, with Kurin catching her before she dropped.
"Rest." He said, lightly touching her forehead. She fell asleep, eventually fading away.
"Riser's remaining Rook has retired." Grayfia said.
"Impressive from Salamencia-san. We're slowly understanding now why he's called a Trap Master, and it showed here!" Sirzechs said. "How will Riser's remaining pieces react?"
"You...you're gonna pay!" Ravel said.
"Well, if you want to make me pay, then fight me!" He challenged. Ravel was taken aback.
"Don't worry, Ravel-sama. We'll fight for you and Riser-sama!" Mihae said. The others nodded.
"Then let's go at it!" The Knight and Pawn duo said. The six charged at each other.
Rias and Asia arrived inside the New School Building.
"Hello, dearest Rias." Riser said, looking at the two from the second floor.
"Riser...so you did expect us." She said, holding Asia behind her. The two then began their battle, which eventually went to the outside.
Back outside, Ni and Siris, Riser's pawn and knight, took charge and attacked Kurin. Raynare meanwhile fought against Li and Mihae.
Mihae used her magic capabilities to send blasts of magic towards the Fallen Angel. Raynare fought back by using her light spears, creating and throwing one every half-second. Kurin meanwhile fought using armblades, negating Ni's close-range fighting abilities, but Siris made it tougher for him with her swordfighting, as this allowed Ni to get close to him and give a few hits.
"How?! How is it that you have so many Sacred Gears?! The swords you have..." Karlamine said, shocked as for each sword destroyed, Yumi simply created another.
"These aren't Sacred Gears. I can simply create so many swords. I have Sword Birth. You'll be done for in time." Yumi said, and they clashed again, with Yumi gaining the upper hand this time.
As they fought, Kurin noticed at the courtyard the two Queens' battle. Both were nearly drained, and it showed through the damage in their bodies and clothing. However, he noticed Yubelluna pull out an item. One which he knew very well.
'A Phoenix Tear! Damn it, Akeno can't take any more damage if Yubelluna's fully healed! I have to get to her!' The pawn thought. Looking back at his two opponents, he opted to end it quickly.
"Damn, I didn't want to do this, girls, but I'm sorry." He pulled back and formed his hands together. "Surrender to my will! Coalescence!" A beam of white and black energy shot out of his hands. It struck both his opponents, blasting them away, the energy beam penetrating through them.
Ni and Siris coughed out blood. "H...how..." Ni gasped out.
"Impossible..." Siris said. Both collapsed and faded.
"Ni!" Li said.
"We lost two more." Ravel said.
"Whoa..." Raynare and Yumi said, surprised.
"One of Riser's pawns has been retired. One of Riser's knights has been retired." Grayfia said.
"That was unexpected. Kurin's magic capabilities has also grown." Tsubaki said.
"He's full of surprises. But I think he's gonna need to keep thinking on his feet to keep at it. He's quickly heading to where Akeno and Yubelluna are now." Sona said.
"This is the end for you, Priestess of Thunder." Yubelluna said, having used the Tear and fully recovered from it.
"Then finish it." Akeno said, drained. 'Looks like...my time's up...' She thought. However, she noticed Kurin jump at her. 'Kurin? What are you doing...wait, what is he doing?!'
Yubelluna created another explosion, but Kurin arrived in time. "Shield!" He threw out an item, and it turned into a big shield, covering Akeno.
"GRAAAAHHHHHH!" Kurin yelled out. He took the brunt of the blast. He fell.
"KURIN!" Akeno called out. Yubelluna looked on in surprise.
'He did that for her...knowing that he'd take the full effect of the explosion...' She thought.
Crashing to the ground, he held out his hand, looking up at the sky.
[That...was foolish.] Sellorion said. He chuckled.
'Don't get me started.'
"Damn it Kurin, you should've let me take the blast!" Akeno said, coming down to him.
"And let you get hit when there's still a chance to save you? Like as if I'd let that happen." He said. "Rias...Akeno's saved."
"Kurin, what did you do?!" Rias asked warily.
"You idiot! Why?!" Raynare said as she fought off the two.
"I had to. Yumi, are you there?" He asked.
"I'm here. What is it?"
"Use all your strength of Sword Birth, now!" He instructed.
Yumi hesitated. "A...alright. If you say so! Sword Birth!" She planted her sword on the ground.
"Pure Damage Amplification Buff, activated. Sword Birth...enhanced."
All of a sudden, numerous swords rose from beneath the Earth. Ravel was able to avoid it once she saw them coming, but the others weren't so lucky. Karlamine, Li, and Mihae were taken, and they all were subsequently stabbed through their guts.
"Riser's Knight, Pawn, and one Bishop, retired." Grayfia said. Sirzechs could only look on with wide eyes. He was impressed.
"No words. I am speechless." He could only say. 'This kid...he's more capable than I thought.'
"His abilities as a Trap Master aren't just limited to traps alone, it seems." Sona commented.
"How's that, Riser? We now outnumber you six to three." Rias said. They were now standing opposite each other on the roof of the New School Building, with Asia firmly behind Rias.
He only smirked in response. "Is that so? Yubelluna, end them." Riser instructed as he watched his opposing King and Bishop from the other side of the roof.
"But Riser-sama..."
"Now."
"As...as you wish." She created multiple explosions, directed at each of their opponents save for Rias and Asia. 'I'm sorry.'
Yubelluna retreated to her king. Ravel watched from the bottom her brother facing Rias. The explosions sounded off. Akeno fell. Yumi fell. Raynare, fortunately, escaped the blast, though not unscathed. As for Kurin...
There were a few seconds of silence as the dust floated around their bodies. "Rias's Queen, one of her Knights, and her Pawn have been...retired...?" Grayfia trailed, unsure at the sight. Even Sirzechs was surprised.
The dust settled, and Kurin slowly stood up. "Like I'm gonna let myself be ended here..." Kurin said. The cuts and wounds on his body were slowly being healed.
"Impossible..." Everyone was shocked. It made Sona stand up as she couldn't believe her eyes.
[I'd like to point out, though, that you still died, Kurin. You didn't retire, but instead you actually died. As a result, your power may be diminished slightly.] Sellorion said.
'I know. I felt it.'
"I'm coming, Rias." He silently said, his walk going to a full sprint.
However, even though his wounds had healed...
"Oooof!"
...his energy wasn't replenished. He collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. Raynare helped him up, but he got onto his knees.
They all heard the review of the game, and who was left. Only Rias, Asia, Raynare, and Kurin were left on their side. Only Riser, Yubelluna, and Ravel were left on their side. But still, Riser still had the advantage against them.
Upon hearing the entire commentary, Riser smirked at his opposing King. "Did you hear that, Rias? Despite you having the numerical advantage, I can still be able to beat you. And once this is done, this marriage will be fulfilled."
"Asia, stay behind me!" Rias instructed. She felt Asia's fear. Whether the redhead wanted to admit it or not, she was afraid as well.
Kurin's heart was pounding. "DAMN IT!" He slammed his fist to the ground. He had almost no energy left. He stood up, his breathing returning to normal. "Raynare, provide diversion to his queen. I'm gonna do something crazy." He instructed.
After a few seconds of silence, he heard from her, "Okay, Kurin. I hope you know what you're doing." He heard wings blazing from the other end.
He closed his eyes. He held the pendant beneath his clothes. 'Sellorion...it's time.' He said within himself.
[Are you sure? You've never tested this power yet. At least not against opposition like this.] The embodiment asked, concerned.
'I can't let Riser win. I have to put all my faith into this final move.' He said to him.
Sellorion sighed. [Alright, kid. It's a risk, but since you really do want Rias to win...I hope things turn out well.]
Kurin's body glowed red on one side, and cyan on the other. Ravel noticed this.
"H-hey, what are you doing?! You're going to lose regardless!" She said.
He turned to the short blonde girl. "Something you've all never seen before." The glow became brighter. This did not go unnoticed by the two Kings on the roof, along with Asia.
"What is that brat doing?! Yubelluna, stop him!" Riser instructed to his queen. Before she could react, though, Raynare appeared, throwing a spear between the two.
"Sorry, Bomb Queen, but your focus is on me!" She said. "You're not gonna get to him unless you get past me!" Another spear was created, holding it firmly.
"Hmph, so be it." She said.
All the while, Rias was looking at the glowing human with worry. 'Kurin...you're really not giving up? Even when the odds look so bleak? Be careful...please.'
'Sellorion, how long do I have for me to hold?' He asked.
[Fifteen minutes.]
With a defiant smirk on his face, he stated to him, 'More than long enough for one last desperation move.'
The glow engulfed the entire field. Even those watching from the screens were shielding their eyes from the red/cyan light.
When the glow faded, Kurin was no more.
'Where is he?' That was the thought on everyone watching the battle alongside its participants.
They heard his voice from inside. He was actually inside the building. "Promotion: QUEEN!" He felt a surge of power course through him. He charged through the roof. He was now staring through the Phenex noble.
Everyone gasped and widened their eyes in shock at the sight of him.
This time, he had a cyan aura enveloped around him, and he now had red wings on his back. His hands were also engulfed in red (left) and cyan (right) energy.
(On the first training day, nighttime)
[Do you have a trump card that you'll unleash?] Sellorion asked. It was nighttime, and everyone was sleeping at the house they were staying at for training. Only Kurin stayed awake.
'You remember my wings?'
[Those? Ah, I remember. I could still remember the shock I had when I first saw you with them. And I still remember how you reacted to what you looked like. You said you're basically a human Salamence from Pokemon, with the cyan aura and curved red wings not unlike that Dragon-type.] He fondly laughed at the fun memory. Kurin turned red from that.
'Hey! I've accepted that fact now, you know. But I remembered how I couldn't control my flying back then. Back when they were...still here. But enough of that. I need to improve that now. The power boost from activating this hidden power...I need to increase the limit I have. I had like, what, ten minutes? I want to improve that to at least fifteen to twenty.' He said to him. 'Will you help me?'
[I've had my history of flight before. I'll help and guide you in controlling it. Remember that if you want to increase your time limit, though, you'll have to purposely drain and force yourself to exert more effort to extend it. It'll be difficult, but I'm sure you can handle it.]
'Thanks, Sel. You're the best.'
[Don't mention it.] He said. He then proudly said to himself, [Admittedly, you've been my best friend in a long time. When we part, I'll miss you, but I'm not gonna let you go without a fight, kid.]
Kurin glowed, and then the wings appeared on his back. They started their nightly training.
[Ahhh, be careful with the wind! They can fuck up your flying capabilities and mess you up, tossing you around!]
'I'm beginning to understand why! AHHHHHHH!'
"Surprised?" He asked, smirking. He now had full control of his flight after ten rigorous days, and he also improved in some areas with this ability.
Riser was the most surprised of them all in the battlefield. "A human having wings?! That can't be possible!"
'His wings...so majestic...' The girls thought. He looked to them and smiled, waving his hand. They blushed. He turned his focus to Riser, now serious.
"Let's face off, then. This fight. This will be all that matters."
"Gladly."
Riser flew up to his level. Kurin struck first, punching him in the face with his right hand with inhuman speed. Riser responded with a flaming fist at his stomach. Kurin recoiled, but he flew past him, using his sharp wings to cut him at his sides.
He wasn't healing as fast as he'd like, and he wondered why. But he couldn't just lose focus. He needed to beat Kurin and show him why Riser can't lose. When he saw Kurin fly away from him, he was outright infuriated. No one should run away like a coward from Riser Phenex!
"Get back here, fool!" He said, chasing him.
'I'm not gonna win with my power alone. I'm gonna win with everything else I have in my arsenal, and that includes...' He looked back to see Riser still chasing him. Once he saw him in a certain spot, his eyes lit up. 'There!' He snapped his fingers.
"Traps activated."
"What?" A multitude of attacks were unleashed, and Riser couldn't comprehend the speed of these attacks, and he did his best to avoid them. Kurin stopped flying and watched him avoid all of them. Surprisingly, he did avoid all of them.
"None of your traps and tricks could ever stop me, even if they do hit. I'm a Phenex, the representation of a Phoenix, rising from the ashes. With the regeneration, I'm nigh-unstoppable! I can't lose!" Riser boasted.
"Then luckily this 'trick' can." Kurin said. He raised his hand and sent it down.
Suddenly the sky turned dark gray. "Trap activated. Holy Metal Rain in effect." A flurry of caltrops pelted Riser, as he was too drained to even move away. Only his wings were holding him up, but they were taking damage as well.
'Holy...Metal Rain...he made this trap specifically for devils! No! NOOOOOO!' Riser thought in horror. He couldn't heal this time, and the number of cuts on his body were growing by the second. When the trap's duration expired, Riser was left bleeding profusely. He collapsed to the ground. Kurin softly landed with his wings.
"I...I can't lose...this Rating Game...it is for the future of all Devils..." Riser said, though at this point he was even lucky to speak.
"As I said, there's other ways we can do to fix that issue. We'll all come to that in time." He crouched down. "Now, this...this was to serve you a lesson, Riser Phenex. I don't care how strong you are. I don't care how many girls you have in your peerage. Your attitude, should it not change, may be the cause of your downfall. Respect the people around you. More importantly, respect the girls you have, or else you may lose them. You, who's so high up in the sky with your wins, couldn't even keep your feet on the ground. Don't take things for granted. More importantly..." He smiled. "Be kind. There's no harm in being kind. Still, we have to honor our bet. Do you concede?"
It gave him a lot to think about, that was for sure. For now...
"Kurin Salamencia...Pawn of Rias Gremory...you did good. Impressive, even." He said, smirking. He slowly and painfully held out his hand "I concede." Kurin shook hands with his. He faded away.
"Riser Phenex has surrendered. The winner of this Rating Game is Rias Gremory!" Grayfia said.
Kurin's wings faded, and he was brought to his knees again.
"Ugh...I'm gonna need to get used to that. I don't think this'll be the last time I'm gonna use this power.' He thought to himself as he depleted nearly all of his magic reserves for the wings. Looking on, he saw Rias, Asia, and Raynare heading towards him. Yubelluna and Ravel followed soon after.
Before he had time to react, the three girls all tackled him in an embrace shared by the four.
"Whoa, take it easy! I just nearly had all my energy gone!" He said, trying to wrap his arms around his girls.
"We were so worried when you just flew off like that!" Raynare said.
"To think..." Ravel said, looking up at her Queen. "He actually beat my brother. It almost looked one-sided, in fact. And he was a Pawn that promoted himself to Queen. But...I wonder if he really needed the promotion."
"He didn't need to. I sensed his power from the start. He...he's really strong. We are probably lucky that he was only a Pawn. He could've wiped us from the start if he wasn't limited by the Pawns in his body and if he wanted to. Now...I've seen and understood at least a grasp of who he is now." The Bomb Queen said.
In the room where the two are, Sirzechs noticed the twinkle in Grayfia's eyes. He knew that his best friend was impressed by this display. While they had some doubts whether or not Kurin could help his little sister win, after this one, there wasn't any doubt now. 'Whether he knows it or not, he's slowly winning Grayfia-chan over...' He smiled, looking back at the screen focused on Kurin. 'I may have to find a new Queen soon...'
Orchintia was jumping with joy. She was happy that the person she had bonded with was able to win. "I knew it! You did it, Kurin-kun! I had faith that you and your team can win!"
"What have you learned about him?" A voice rang out from her cellphone. She stopped cheering and looked at the phone with doubt. While she knew the time was coming soon, she didn't want the guy who had helped her so much fall down into these schemes.
For now, she ignored the phone. "Hey, are you listening to me?! Answer and tell me what you have learned!" The voice droned out, but Orchintia muted it, opting to enjoy these moments for now, at least before the time comes. The worry was etched on her face, but she chose to ignore the worry and be happy for the human.
She will have to face it, though, soon enough.
Back in the broadcasting room, the two Student Council officers watched as the game concluded. "Sona, it seems what you said came true..." Tsubaki said as she turned to face her.
"The strategies he employed...the traps...all of those other traps he laid in the beginning of the game, it wasn't intended for any of the front line pieces...it was intended for Riser all along. He had planned nearly all of his backups from the start." Sona said, watching the recap. 'Kurin...'
"I think I'll rest for now..." Kurin said, collapsing as he did before being caught by Raynare and Rias.
"Let's all head back home." Rias said. The circle glowed beneath all the remaining participants and everyone disappeared, as did the entire field.
When Kurin woke up, he saw that his shoulders were wrapped in bandages, as was his back. The first person he saw was Riser.
"Well, hello there, burnt chicken." He greeted. Riser chuckled.
"Greetings to you as well, Salamencia-san. You've been out for about five hours." He said. "I'm not going to bother how you and Raynare-san entered the game while still retaining your original race. As I see it, you two were still following the rules, since there wasn't any rule stating that only Devils can participate. I further discussed the terms of our bet, my loss specifically, with my peerage, and I honored it. I allowed whoever didn't want to stay with me anymore to leave. If they had decided to join you instead, then that would be better, as I don't think I could trust anyone else with any of the girls than you. They considered joining you, you know."
"R-really? I actually didn't think that some of them would leave." Kurin said.
Upon hearing that, Riser sighed, walking away from him and to the window, looking out to the field. "Pondering about your words, Kurin...you were right. I had grown too arrogant. The victories I had of my Rating Games made me forget the lesson of humility. As a result, I did begin treating the girls a bit worse than when we had started. I thought I could beat anyone. You proved me wrong. I talked to my father after the game, and he agreed with your words, saying that this was the loss I needed to snap me out of my deluded prideful reverie. For that, I thank you."
"You just gotta stay humble from here on out, man. Now, if you don't mind me asking...who left your peerage?" He sat up.
"Five of them. Mira, Isabela, Xuelan, Ravel, and Yubelluna." He stated. Kurin's eyes grew wide with shock. Sellorion laughed.
"No. There's no way I could accept-" Kurin said before the Phenex heir interrupted him.
"It's still our agreement, Salamencia-san. You have no choice but to accept it. I honored my end of the loss, so you must honor your end of your victory. Besides, I can simply look for formidable individuals to regain what I've lost."
Try, try as he might, Kurin couldn't find a way to counter that. He decided to just go with it. "Talk about turning your own words against you. Not like I've got a choice." He said, smiling and sheepishly scratching his head after.
"I have my faith in you, boy. You can be able to take care of those girls better than I ever could." He said. He then began walking away. "You have a great road ahead of you, Kurin Salamencia. Your future looks bright. I'll be sure to keep your words to heart and take better care of my girls. Also, take care of Rias-sama. She's part of your responsibility now. And thank you...Cyan/Red Terror." He left the room.
"I will too." Kurin said. "Wait, Cyan/Red Terror?!"
Sellorion chuckled. [Looks like you got yourself not only some new girls to get to know and love, but a new title as well. Not too bad for your first Rating Game, kid.]
To this, Kurin just groaned. 'More trouble. And I don't even know how I'm gonna fit any of the girls in my small house when Raynare and Kalawarner are in there already...'
Two people met in a secluded place. One was a blue-haired, red-eyed Fallen Angel. The other was a short, fat human wearing church robes. They were Kokabiel and Valper Galilei, respectively.
"Is progress moving along well with the swords?" The Fallen Angel asked.
"Faster than we had anticipated. It's going to be ready in a short amount of time." Valper said. Kokabiel madly grinned.
"Good. With the swords, I'll be able to wage war with the Devils and Angels. That damned fool Azazel thinks that peace is good, while he researches these Sacred Gear. He'll learn his place. We've had nothing but silence for too long."
"The swords will be ready. And we have our tester here." From the shadows, a familiar man walked in, facing the two of them. He had that insane look on his face, as usual. His white robes were stained in blood.
"And I'll be glad to cut down everyone in my way to fulfill this." Freed Sellzen said, laughing as he did.
Days passed since the Rating Game. Life had returned to what they perceived as normal. It took some time, but Kurin and Raynare helped the five former members of Riser's peerage in getting accustomed to the way of living in the human world.
Kurin stood at the edge of the roof of his house. Looking at the pendant on his hand, he smiled as he gazed at it. 'I think meeting Raynare-chan and Rias-chan has helped change my life for the better. I hope you guys approve.'
[I'm sure they already have.] Sellorion assured.
"Kurin?" Someone called out to him. He turned around.
"Xuelan. What brings you here?"
"Word travels fast. The Rating Game between Riser and Rias had become the talk of the devil world. And one thing was singled out in that chaos: you. They said that they hadn't seen anyone become so proficient at traps and amplifications. They also found out that you're still human, which was also a shock to them. Looks like you're making a name for yourself." She said.
"Nothing I can do to stop them. I've learned during my time with Rias and Raynare to just let things take its course."
"Does that include their advances towards you? You let them kiss you?" She teasingly asked. He blushed.
"I...I...g-guess..." He stuttered.
"I don't blame them if they couldn't stop themselves. You're so kind, helpful, and so easy on the eyes, Kurin-kun~" She purred, getting close to him.
He squirmed. He still wasn't used to getting this close with girls, save for Raynare, but even that took some time to get used to.
The former Rook giggled and moved away from him. "Will you take me on a date?" She asked.
Kurin was taken aback by her proposal. In fact, he was so taken aback by it that he lost his footing on the edge of the roof and fell. Xuelan tried to catch him but she wasn't fast enough. Luckily, he immediately brought out his wings.
She had an apologetic look on her face, feeling very ashamed. He just smiled and flew closer to her, embracing her. "It's alright. I'll take you up on that offer, but I'll have to set a certain day. That alright?"
Her face softened at that. "Being with you is more than enough. These past few days of you helping us has been a big assistance to getting used living here in the human world. I want to know you more, you know? Not just for what you did in the game, but because I do want to know you." She then nuzzled her face onto his chest. "It's different being with you compared to being with Riser. Riser...he's a decent guy, don't get me wrong, but...with you, I feel something...different. Something special." He felt her smile. He held her closer.
"I'll let you know when we'll have that date."
Rias was about to approach him, but when she saw the two together, she couldn't help but feel a bit jealous. She waited for them to finish talking to one another.
"Ah, Rias." Xuelan said as she walked back inside the house. Rias warmly smiled.
"Hey, Xuelan." She greeted. "Better get going. I think Ravel's calling you."
"Ah, really? Alright, better go see what she's up to."
Rias took a deep breath and walked outside to see him. He was sitting, waiting for her.
"Took you long enough. Been a few days since the game, yeah?"
She nodded. "It has been. You've been quite the popular one back home." She said, smiling.
"I heard."
She looked down. "I kept wondering about it until now, but why did you do it? Why did you willingly risk yourself like that? I'm talking about both participating in the Rating Game and making that bet with Riser. You didn't have to do it, since you're not my servant." She asked, looking at the pieces she had. The Knight piece Raynare was holding along with the eight Pawn pieces that Kurin held were returned to her after the time limit Sellorion had.
He gave a smile, which she had fallen for in so long. "I did it because I just wanted to. Rias-chan, you mean so much more to me than just being a friend. I knew that if I didn't do anything to stop this from happening, I won't forgive myself for just standing there and doing nothing. And as for the bet...I have to admit I probably wasn't thinking to straight for that, recovering from death and all, but I did take advantage of Riser's mindset at the time. I had full confidence in all of you that you could win. And I was right."
"Kurin-kun..." She laid a hand on top of his. "Thank you. For all you've done. I hope you don't mind me doing this..." She leaned in and kissed him, caressing his face. He at first widened his eyes at her actions, but he just let himself fall into the moment and kissed her back.
Once they pulled away, they panted heavily. It took them quite a few seconds to catch their breaths.
"That was my first kiss." She remarked.
"Then I'm glad to have been your first."
"Could we...you know..." She nervously said.
"Way ahead of you." This time he was the one who lightly cupped her face in his hands and initiated the kiss.
[Finally!] It was all the embodiment of the Undying Remorse could say. And let's face it: what else could he say that could capture his joy at that moment?
For this immortal being, it was perfect.
AN: I actually had this chapter ready to go since two days ago, but the site seemed to have a bug at the time that couldn't let me put up the document to edit the chapter. At least they fixed it up now.
So, he has wings! Kurin's secret ability is that he can grow wings on his back, along with a few other buffs during the time he has wings. And it's not from the Sacred Gear, I should add. Though he couldn't just use them a lot of times, since it would leave him exhausted after, especially during fighting.
I'm probably gonna put the next chapter (and the start of the next arc, Excalibur!) by the latter half of February. I'll be a lot more busy during this time, so I may not be able to write up the chapters this quickly.
As before, let me know your thoughts in the reviews below. They are a big help.
See you next update!
