It was almost midnight as Issei sat in the Club-room, simply eating candy. Koneko, who was right next to him, was chewings on a chocolate bar – a treat from Issei.
Rias and Akeno were drinking tea, while Kiba was standing against the wall, with a sword in his scabbard.
Koneko had MMA gloves on, while Issei was full on dressed as a soldier. Boots, gray pants and a uniform shirt, with a body armor on top. Tied on his arm was a scarf. At first, the peerage had thought it was an overkill, but after telling them that this was what he used usually before, they didn't say a word more.
The all around atmosphere was calm, a lot calmer than Issei expected it to be.
Because, who wouldn't get stressed about a fight against a regenerating freak, and if you loose- you have to marry him.
A teleport circle appeared on the floor and a silver haired maid materialized in it.
''Good evening, everyone. Are you ready?''
''Yes, we are, Grayfia.'' – Rias nodded.
''Good. You will be teleported to the game field soon. I hope you spent your training time wisely.'' – She looked at Issei just long enough that he understood her. –''And protect your master. I wish you luck.'' – She bowed and teleported away.
The minutes past slowly, at least for Rias. She was afraid. The all mighty Gremory was just a front, she was scared. She spent the time that was left watching her Pawn and her Rook make small-talk.
Who would have known, that the stoic Koneko would open so to Issei. Not even mention his background. The little girl seemed actually happy talking with Issei. She occasionally smiled and her voice gained emotion in those small, rare, rebutes she made to Issei for jokes or jabs at her.
White light shone as they were teleported to the battlefield. It looked exactly the same.
''Hello everyone. I am Grayfia, a maid from the House of Gremory and today I will be the arbiter of the Rating match between the House of Gremory and the House of Phoenix.''
Grayfia was using the school broadcast system to speak.
''In the name of my Master, Sirzechs Lucifer, I will be keeping my eye on this match. By using both Rias-sama and Raiser-sama's opinion, we created this battlefield which is a replica of the school, Kuou academy, which Rias-sama attends to in the human world. The location where both teams were transported will be their "base". Rias-sama's "base" would be the Occult Research Cub's clubroom located in the old school building. Raiser-sama's "base" would be the Student Council's room located in the new building. For the Pawns to use "promotion", please head to the enemy's base to do it.''
She stopped speaking for a small while.
''Now it's the time for the commencement of the battle. Also, this match will continue till dawn in the humans time. So, Game starts now.''
Like that, it was game on. Rias gave everyone an earpiece so they could communicate.
They looked over the maps and then Rias exhaled.
''So, we will do as planned. Kiba you go and wipe out the enemies that will be in the south side of the area, where you will lead them into a trap. After that, we will reunite and head for Raiser. Issei and Koneko, you will clear out the gym and after that, it will be destroyed by Akeno. Then the other buildings will follow the same pattern. Are you ready?'' – She asked in a soft tone.
''We are.'' – Akeno answered, with a smile. Koneko and Issei slightly nodded and Kiba put his hand on his heart and bowed slightly.
Rias smiled – Go get them.
Issei and Koneko were silently trenching trough the bushes towards the gym. Koneko was slowly following Issei, still wondering how he could be so silent while moving like that. As they were about to step out of the brushes, she was stopped by a handsign from Issei.
''..Look, we are the kids in this game. Raiser probably knows we are going there, so we need to cut the electricity.''-As he whispered, he pointed at the fuse box near the wall. – ''I'll do it, this time.''
They went near the box, and Issei cut some wires.
''Listen, if you don't have to destroy it, don't. Just disable, if possible. Let's move.''
Koneko nodded and they did. As they entered the gym, the girls were talking. Not noticing them.
Turning off the lights were a good idea. The gym wasn't completely pitch-black, but it was however, dusky.
''You can tell that Rook is the strongest, right?''- Issei whispered, while they both looked at the girl in a blue chinese dress. ''Some might think you should attack the weaker and then the stronger, but no.'' –He narrowed his eyes –''Attack the strongest, kill her and then wipe out the rest.''
Koneko widened her eyes. –''Kill? We only need to knock them out.''
''..Haha, a force of habit.''- Issei chuckled, as he scratched his head.-''I'll be the distraction.''
He walked out without hesitation, jumping down from the platform as the 4 girls looked at him.
''Good evening, girls. How are you?''- He spoke, in a soft tone.
''..Aren't you a bit too arrogant?''- The rook spoke,with ridicule filled expression.
''Listen, children, and listen very carefully.''- He spoke, as the girls seemed bewildered from the ''children''-''Arrogance, is simple. Arrogance can be used if you are strong enough.''-Issei tilted his head to his right, and made a triangle with his fingers, as he looked trough it. The girls only saw one of his eyes.-'' And you see, I CAN THROW IT AROUND AS I PLEASE.''
The girls shivered, simply from the cold words coming out his mouth, as they looked at his one, cold, narrow eye. Issei was smirking, showing off his teeth.
''..W-What is th-'' – The rooks voice was cut off as a arm went trough her side. Koneko's arm destroyed her liver, lung and shattered few of the girls ribs. A splattering sound was made as she pulled out the blood covered arm.
The other rook ,fell to the floor, holding on to her side, trying to hold the organs that were spilling out, back in place.
[Riser-sama's rook has been resigned.]
''XUEALLENA!''- The other 3 girls screamed, but the screams were cut short, as one was smashed into the ground by Issei. She was knocked out instantly.
The second was grabbed by Koneko and flung into the wall. Before she could react, she got a fist in her stomach. She coughed out blood, and vomit as fell to the ground while clutching her sides.
The last girl, on looked the domination with fear. She was shaking to her very core.
Issei raised his head and looked at her. He smiled, softly. – ''Ah, it's you. Hello again, Mel.''- He narrowed his eyes –''SHALL WE PLAY?'' The girl dropped her stick and began to run. In her mind, she rather disappoint Riser-sama then get killed by the demon behind her.
''Koneko, if you will.'' – Issei spoke, softly. The girl, looked back to front, not noticing the fist coming her way fast enough. As it connected, the girls jaw and nose was shattered. She fell to the floor, holding on her face, that was poring blood from everywhere.
''Good job, Koneko-chan.''- Issei smiled at her. Koneko frowned at him.
''..The way you switch your personalities is very creepy, Issei.''- She spoke, while frowning.
''Sorry, I'm damaged, ya know.''- He said as he ruffled her hair.
''..Baka.'' – She frowned, as she looked back at him from below, with a sympathetic look in her eyes.
''Wasn't that a bit too much, Sona? Just who is he?'' – Tsubaki, the Queen of Sona Sitri, spoke from the room they observed the fight.
''I'm not sure about who he is, but it wasn't too much, Tsubaki. The rating game is meant to be a simulator for war, not a game. So I say he did extremely well.''- Sona answered, reserved as always. –''But his eyes, they disturb me.''
They stepped outside of the gym, this time not bothering with hiding or stealth.
''Akeno, do it.'' – Issei spoke in the earpiece. The sky split in half with yellow light, as the Gremory Queen, dressed as a miko, with a wave of her hand, the gym came down as a house of cards.
[3 Raiser-sama's pawns have been resigned.]
''Ara ara, Take.''- She flashed a sadistic smile.
Issei showed her a thumbs up. –''Koneko, let's move on to the next target. Stay behind me.''
She nodded and they began to move again. The air suddenly became thick. It was hard to breath for Koneko. It meant danger. She grabbed Issei by his hand to stop him, as a giant explosion occurred right in front of them.
Koneko closed her eyes from the sheer power of the blast. She opened them a second later, to see Issei covering her with his body.
''Issei!''- She grabbed him by the shoulder, because both of his arms were in a cross in front of him, as a shield from the blast.
He turned around and grinned at her, showing his teeth. His face was dirty and scraped, but nothing serious. Koneko exhaled as smiled, glad that Issei hadn't been hurt. She looked to the front of them, there was a giant crater just where they were about to go.
Then she noticed the piece of metal sticking into the front of his body armor. It had dug into it, about centimeter deep.
''Oh, didn't notice that.'' – He chuckled, as he pulled out the piece of metal. With a clang, it fell to the ground. –''See,now will you stop laughing about my armor?''
She swallowed the lump in her throat, as the initial shock washed off. –''..I want some as well, I think.''
Issei ruffled her hair. The armor he wore, had served him countless battles. Armor was something many people overlooked. The simple piece of armor could be the reason for life or death. Honestly, people who didn't wear any kind of armor, were idiots. Why ''were''? Because most of them are dead.
''Hate to ruin your touchy moment, but I need to wipe you out for Riser-sama!''- Riser's Queen flashed an arrogant grin to him, as she was floating above them.
THIS FUCKING ARROGANCE.
Issei could have called in Akeno, to take care of things. No, actually he didn't even need to call her in, all he needed to do was wait for her.
But he had to teach some manners, he couldn't stop himself.
He pulled out an grenade out of one of his armors many pockets and chucked it at her. The queen simply smiled as she created a defense magic circle.
''Learn you place.'' – Issei grinned while showing his teeth with narrow, arrogant eyes.
The grenade exploded midair but it didn't have the impact everyone thought it would. Instead of flames or shrapnel, water and fumes poured out of it. The defense circle was useless, as the water poured all over the queen.
''..What is th-aaaAAAAAAAARGGGH!''- The queen shivered and screamed in agony. It felt like her skin was melting off. Even through the pain she heard the pawn of Gremory laugh.
''Grade A exorcist holy water. See, people get burned when they get too arrogant.'' –He chuckled dryly, at his own lame attempt of a joke.
She, while shaking, brought a small, red bottle. She smashed in her hand and it turned into a condensated form. The burning stopped and her face and other places on her body turned normal.
''That was my only Phoenix Tear, you brat! I'm gonna make you pay.'' – She narrowed her eyes as killing intent mixed with her magical energy.
''Sorry, I don't do magic fights. Akeno, if you will?'' – He spoke into the earpiece.
''I will, with pleasure, Issei, fu fu~'' – Akeno appeared, floating with her wings.
The magic explosions were left behind them, as they moved forward.
[Riser-sama's 3 pawns have resigned.]
''..Kiba doing a good job.'' – The knight was by no means weak. He was just impatient.
Koneko simply nodded.
Issei felt a smell. The smell of women. He hand signed Koneko to stop.
''Oy oy, do you think I'm anosmic? You smell like the damn Phoenix, stop wasting time and come out.''
He spoke, into what seemed the nothingness, but just then, girls appeared on all of their sides, surrounding them.
A knight with brown hair and a giant sword at her side came forward.
''I am Riser-sama's knight, Carlamain. You must be out of your mind to come at us directly.''- She sighed, disappointed. -''Although I hoped I would face another knight, I would love to have clashed swords.''
''Carlamain, would you please stop talking about swords? It's not very ladylike at all.'' – Issei moved his head to see a girl with a frilly, pink dress. Her blond hair was made into curly drills and she too, held a arrogant smirk.
She spoke, in a refined fashion. –''Ah, I wanted to talk with Rias's knight, he seemed pretty cute, but I'm stuck with you? How unfortunate.'' – She sighed.
''Ah, don't worry, my lady, I do not disappoint.'' – Issei held a smile, as he answered, charmingly, as he touched his heart and bowed slightly-''I am Issei Hyoudo, the only pawn of Rias Gremory, who might you be?''
''Ara, unexpectedly polite? I am Lady Ravel Phoenix, the little sister of Riser Phoenix.''
''I see, no wonder you carry such a charming presence.''- He smiled at her.
Ravel blushed slightly.
''...Issei, please stop flirting with girls.''- Koneko was onlooking their interaction with dead eyes, sounding disappointed.
''Ah, Sorry, Koneko-chan.''- The polite demeanor was changed into bloodlust. Narrow eyes, tensed body. –''Shall we do it?''
She pulled her arm up, as a deny. –''I do not fight. Carlamain, would you do the honor? And Isabella, please take care of the rook.'' She crossed her arms on her chest, smiling proudly, as if she had one the fight already.
''I see, you don't carry the presence of a fighter. '' – He smiled as the knight was already charging at him, with a flaming sword. Predictable. Issei jumped away as he brought out a knife from his boot. They clashed. Issei was blocking the burning sword with no problems with a knife.
''What? How are you bloc-'' – The question was cut short as he kicked her in the gut. She staggered back and brought her sword down.
''I won't hurry you up, we have a lot of time.'' – he smirked, as he looked over to Koneko.
She was having no trouble at all with the Rook named Isabella. She dodged the punches and kicks and counter attacked when she could.
''Siris, help Carlamain!'' – The cute Ravel spoke.
Issei exhaled as he felt killing intent behind him.
He kicked the ground and span around holding the knife in front of himself. The blade shattered from the sheer force. A girl with her straight, blue hair in ponytail was holding onto a giant sword. Her breasts were large, if that matters.
Carlamain got up and got into a stance.
''2 versus 1? This is about to get interesting.''- He spoke, but the girls we not in a mood to talk, at all.
He dodged the strike from Siris, as he stepped backwards – closer to Carlamain, denying her the ability swing her sword. She instead went for her dagger. She lunged at Issei as he kicked dirt towards her. She stopped and pulled her arms up to guard her face.
''How dirty!''- She exclaimed
''There is no such thing as a dirty fight.''- When she brought her dagger down to strike at Issei who was closing in, he sidestepped and spun his entire body around, successfully latching onto her wrist. He hit her in the side and used his other arm to clutch to her elbow. He threw over himself and successfully disarmed her. He stomped her knee in, breaking it.
She screamed in pain, as he span around the stolen dagger. It wasn't what Issei was used to, but he could manage.
Siris screamed with anger as she tried to crash her sword downwards into Issei.
From the impact, dust was raiser. When it settled, Issei was standing atop of her sword. He stepped to the front and brought the dagger downwards to her head.
With a splattering sound, the battlefield went silent. From Siris skull, red liquid gashed like a river. Issei was covered from feet to ears with it. It was so unbelievably easy to smash in her skull. Her eyes, empty, still stared at Issei.
The knight then fell down, lifeless.
[Riser-sama's knight has been killed.]
The body was covered in white light and she disappeared.
''No way...you.. killed her?'' – Ravel looked at Issei, in shock.
Issei stepped towards her and she flinched.
''Ya know, you devils are so proud, but still, you have the same weaknesses.'' – His face, that was half covered in the red liquid, slowly dripping down, was devoid of all emotions. He licked his cheek. –''Well, expect for you Phoenixes, you can regenerate. I wonder how many times could I tore off your limbs until you would give up?'' – He spoke, in the same, elegant tone he had used before.
''You, you.. DEMON!'' – From behind him, Carlamain jumped at him, trying to impale his spine.
He sidestepped and brought his elbow in her solar plexus. The armor dented, as she staggered back. Her leg, was bandaged by the cloth that was in her hair.
''..See, that's why you should wear armor!''- He said, as he laughed.
He had went down to the deep end.
The memories flooded back to him. The things he usually suppressed had come out to play.
He showed off his canine teeth, as he jumped around the field, dodging the sword that was aiming to take off his head.
''Weak, WEAK!''- He shouted, berating her. And the knight was angry. She was furious. She stopped thinking, and that was exactly what Issei wanted. He stepped back, and waited for the knight to rush him.
And she did.
He brought his body low in a knife fighting stance and as he sidestepped, the dagger went trough her side like it would have went trough butter. He had skewered her side, ripping out her organs. It looked like a piece of her spleen was still stuck on the dagger.
[Riser-sama's Queen has been resigned.] – Meanwhile, Akeno had defeated the Queen of Riser.
''W-what? No way!''- Ravel screamed, as her world was crashing down with a fiery descend. Her morale was crashed into the ground. Her world, was spun upside down, and by him.
By the demon in a human's skin.
The knight was still holding onto her side, as a puddle of blood had formed under her feet. Issei just looked down on her.
And she understood it then, and forever.
That you shouldn't look down on people.
She was enveloped in a bright light.
[Riser-sama's knight has been resigned.]
Issei turned around, and stood infront of Ravel, in all of his bloody glory. He tilted his head.
''Well then, my lady, shall we play?''- He smiled at her, showing his canine teeth, that was slightly covere in blood.
[Riser-sama's rook has been resigned.]
Koneko stepped to his side, giving him a slight nod. She didn't have a scratch on her.
As they stepped another step, two catgirls jumped in front of him.
''Don't you dare lay a finger on Rav-''
BOOM.
The ground where they stood exploded with yellow lighting.
[Riser-sama's two pawns have resigned.]
A girl with long black hair and tattered miko attire landed right next to him. She gave him a seducing smile. Her breasts were basically spilling out, and her long, delicious legs were showing quite a bit.
''Ara Ara, you went hard, didn't you, Issei?'' – She winked to him.
In front of the trio, Ravel and the healer in a kimono, shook in fear. Issei stepped right in front of Ravel.
''Would you let us pass, my lady? I don't want to hurt you.''
She just nodded and let the demon continue as Koneko and Akeno followed him.
It was time to bring down Riser.
To teach the arrogant prick a lesson.
YO, IT IS, THE DESTROYER OF DREAMS, THE LORD OF THE EDGE, BLUEPRINTS.
I killed again. Should have I? Probably not. Was it edgy? It was.
But I understood something after reading some other Shadenights123 stories. If I want to call myself an Angst writer, I have to live up to the name.
Next chapter, Riser beatdown.
And yes, it was this easy to not loose a piece for Rias.
And if anyone is wondering, where is she - she is at the school building, fighting with Riser, with her knight as a guard.
The thing is I don't play Chess, and If it is a stupid move, then sorry.
If you liked it/disliked it, then please leave a review, so I know why!
See ya next time~!