"Hard at work, are we?"
Sirzechs Lucifer looked up from his desk to the speaker, stretching his arms above his head as he did so. He contemplated ignoring the question – it would hardly be the first time Ajuka had shown up to bother him, after all – but the draining tension in his body as a result of the stretch convinced him to extend his impromptu break. Ignoring the remaining mound of files in front of him, he responded to his newly arrived friend.
"No rest for the wicked, they say. And what are we if not the most wicked of all?"
His green-haired associate released a snort. "As if I haven't heard that particular one before. But I suppose several centuries of tedium is enough to blunt even the sharpest of wits; though yours was dull to begin with."
He brushed off the friendly jab with a smile. "Indeed. It is a cruel world we live in, where nothing can stand before the infinite, heartless taskmaster that is paperwork."
"Not even the engagement party tomorrow?" Ajuka queried.
"Alas, not even that," he said, shaking his head in mock horror. "Grayfia says I'm to continue my duties until an hour before the ceremony, and to resume them immediately afterwards."
"You seem remarkably unconcerned about the whole affair, considering who it is your sister is marrying."
The question was offhanded in a way that came natural to few. If he hadn't known the asker for most of his life, it may have yet fooled him. A smug grin crept its way onto his features as he spoke his next words.
"Why, Ajuka, you almost seem concerned. Is my well-being of such import to you?"
The other devil rolled his eyes. "Of course not, Gremory. You know full well why I'm here. Out with it; what have you got planned?"
"It wounds me that the good sir Astaroth thinks I would interfere with my beloved sister's day of happiness. The very notion leaves me positively heartbroken!"
He accompanied the melodramatic words with an aggrandised show of clutching at his heart, scrunching up his eyes in false pain in the process. Seconds passed, and he cracked open one of them to peek at Ajuka's reaction. There was a notable lack of one, and his fellow devil was gazing at him with a thoroughly impassive look, paired with a rigid posture. A few more seconds passed as they stared at one another.
Then, simultaneously, both broke into wide grins, dropping their respective facades.
"So," Ajuka said good-naturedly, taking a seat opposite from him, "what's it going to be?"
He waved, conjuring two glasses of wine for them to share. His companion took one and waited patiently for him to begin.
"You are aware of my sister's new pawn?"
"The bearer of the Great Welsh," confirmed Ajuka. "Then, you think he is a match for the Phenex boy alone?"
It was a testament to their prolonged friendship; that the current Beelzebub had discerned his plan so quickly. He nodded, and provided explanation.
"The wielder of the Boosted Gear is exceedingly tenacious, and displays an impressive grasp of his abilities; when taken into consideration the short amount of time he has been allowed access to them. During the Rating Game, he fought until he passed out and continued standing beyond that. Rias has found herself an excellent servant."
"I daresay she has, if the boy has truly used eight pawns. Grayfia will ferry him to the hall, then? I notice she isn't hovering around you like she usually is."
He smiled wryly, remembering how his wife had lectured him about neglecting his duties while she was gone. "She's watching over the boy as we speak. She'll see to it he gets there at the appropriate time."
"And if the boy should fail?" Ajuka said, taking a sip of wine.
"He won't," he returned assuredly, "but should the worst occur, I will annul the marriage myself."
His colleague sighed. "Most of the clan heads would crucify you for that. They'd call for your resignation of office."
"A small price to pay for my sister's future freedom," he shrugged, "besides, those pure-blood advocates are in need of a good wake-up call. With the new generation of reincarnated devils, arranged marriages are becoming a thing of the past."
"That they are," Ajuka agreed. "Speaking of which, I also came to inform you that I won't be attending the party. A recent research development has left me rather occupied for time."
He swallowed a mouthful of red liquid, and accepted the words without complaint. "I hadn't actually expected you to come. I know very well how boring you find such functions."
"Mmm," mumbled Ajuka indifferently. "I should be going then, once I finish this. I shudder to think what Grayfia would do to me if she found I had distracted you from your work."
He was about to respond, but the detection of a familiar presence approaching stopped him in his tracks. A cursory glance at Ajuka told him the devil had also noticed, and both wine glasses and their half-emptied contents disappeared with the wave of a hand and the snap of fingers.
Not a moment too late, as the presence manifested itself in the room right after. The newcomer took the form of a woman in her early twenties, her long, silver hair fashioned into four braids – two at the front, two at the back – with each embellished by a single blue ribbon. The colour was further displayed in her clothing; the otherwise azure maid outfit being tastefully accentuated by segments of white. Despite the subservient nature of the ensemble, she exuded a commanding aura; perhaps due to the disciplined confidence that schooled her features.
"Grayfia?" he asked, "Is something amiss?"
A small frown alighted her face at the words, though it was more quizzical than troubled. Her silver eyes swept the room, taking in the two occupants, and she gave a light bow.
"Master Lucifer, Master Beelzebub. There is no problem, however…"
They waited as she took a pause to compose her next words.
"…There was a boy; a human one. He arrived and claimed to be a friend of Mistress Gremory and her peerage. It was vouched for by the young bishop, Miss Argento, so I saw no harm in introducing myself. He- "
"This boy," Ajuka cut in, "did he have black hair? Violet eyes, above average height?"
"Yes," replied Grayfia, unperturbed by the verbal intrusion. "He named himself as Lelouch Lamperouge. Does Master Beelzebub know of him?"
Ajuka didn't respond directly, choosing to instead clap his hands together once cheerfully. "Excellent! Tell me, what did he do?"
"Initially, he asked if I was there to prevent any interference with the engagement party tomorrow. When I denied, he asked me… he then asked if I was there to do the opposite."
"Sirzechs, it seems as if your dastardly scheme has been uncovered," said an amused Ajuka. "And by a human boy no less."
"I do believe an explanation is in order," he returned, giving the green-haired devil an accusing look. "I take it you have some stake in the boy?"
"I'm not the only one. Have you talked to Serafall recently?"
"No," he answered, "but I'm beginning to think I should, and in the near future. Grayfia, how did the boy know of the wedding?"
"That is the matter which I have returned to discuss, Master Lucifer. The boy held an invitation, one issued by the Gremory House. It was legitimate, and he claimed to be unaware of the sender, neither of which is a complication per se… but he professed his intention to attend tomorrow."
"Wait," said Ajuka sharply, "he plans to use it?"
"You were the one who gave him his invite, weren't you," he stated rhetorically. "Then, didn't you intend for this?
"Not at all. I just wanted to observe his response," the now frowning devil explained. "It was a judge of his character. I had not placed him as one to pull such an ignorant stunt, however. Does he not realise his presence will incite the disdain of every blood purist in the room?"
"When I told him as much, he assured me he had already taken that into account," said Grayfia. "But obviously, I am unconvinced. Do I have permission to return and confiscate it, then, Master Lucifer?"
"Of course," he replied. "We can hardly have a human attend a devil's gathering."
She gave another light bow, doubtlessly preparing to leave, but was prevented by Ajuka, who had held up a hand to catch her attention. "One moment, Grayfia."
"Yes, Master Beelzebub?"
"Did the boy say why he would be attending?"
"His exact words were 'It would be an opportunity I cannot pass up'."
Ajuka nodded once at the words, as if to drive away any lingering doubts. "…Then I must request you let him be."
"Ajuka…" he warned, "while I can ensure his safety for the most part, there are still more than several attendees who will not take kindly to his presence."
"He can handle a few snide whispers and taunts," his friend said dismissively. "Though if it will make you feel better, I believe I will be going now, if only to see what transpires. You wouldn't happen to have a spare invitation, would you?"
He eyed his friend warily, but accommodated him all the same. Sorting through the files on his desk produced an embroidered letter sealed with the crest of House Gremory; a sigil of a crimson rose encased in three rings equal in hue. He handed it over, and it was tucked away into some hidden compartment in the devil's clothes.
"Would you care to elaborate upon your fascination with this 'Lelouch'?" he asked.
"Truly, I had only meant to learn about the boy, and how he managed to ingratiate himself with the sisters of both Leviathan and Lucifer. It is also not often a human seeks after me by name, and even rarer that they wish to hold discourse."
He knew there was more to it than that, from the way Ajuka – almost imperceptibly – narrowed his eyes while speaking.
"And?" he said tolerantly.
"…And he beat me at chess. Granted, I was not committed to the first few moves, but the fact remains I was soundly defeated."
Now that was interesting. "Nobody has done that since Falbium," he noted.
"Yes," Ajuka agreed. "Of course, simply being a prodigal chess player means nothing in of itself. But it has been a long time since I've had such a fine opponent. Even if my investigations push the boundaries of etiquette, I believe they will be worth it."
"I can see why you would take an interest in the boy," said Grayfia, "but to send him your invitation is a little excessive, is it not?"
"Ah," said Ajuka,"it held a double meaning; somewhat of a joke. Ask Serafall about him and you'll understand. With that cleared up, will you be returning now, Grayfia?"
"No. If the boy is to keep it, then I have no need to. Issei Hyoudou awoke earlier than expected. Well, I should say he was awoken, and rather violently no less. I have already passed him Master Lucifer's message, and his own invitation."
"Then it is I that shall be off," nodded Ajuka to each of them. "Sirzechs. Grayfia."
"I'll look forward to seeing you there tomorrow Ajuka," he said.
"A word, Master Beelzebub, before you go? To Master Lucifer, as well."
"Something you needed, dear?" he queried.
"Must I again remind Master Lucifer to refer to me as Grayfia while working?" she said sternly. "And yes, just a simple question. Would either of you care to explain why the room smells slightly of alcohol?"
He instantly paled, knowing exactly where this line of interrogation would lead. Seeking support, he looked swiftly in Ajuka's direction, but an audible snap told him his friend had already made his escape, leaving him to the mercy of his wife.
"That traitor," he muttered under his breath. He gazed at the spot where the green-haired devil had been previously, and tried very hard to disregard Grayfia as she slowly stepped up to him, looking down at him from where she stood over his seated position. It was hard to ignore her next words, however, as they came in a tone that tolerated no disobedience.
"Master Lucifer, I think we need to have a very detailed conversation on exactly what is appropriate in the workplace."
Five twenty-six in the evening. Tick tock. Tick tock.
The sound of his alarm clock as it counted forwards was almost deafening to Issei's ears. Seated on the edge of his bed, he fought the urge to check it again. Looking wouldn't make the time pass quicker. Looking wouldn't make his fight come any sooner, though it was already soon enough in his eyes. In the better part of an hour, he'd be in a wedding hall. He didn't think he'd ever attended one before. Maybe as a child, when he couldn't remember?
He could hear the sounds of his mother preparing dinner downstairs. From the constant exchange of muffled voices, Asia was probably helping.
He lost against the urge, and checked the time again. Half a minute since he'd last looked. Half a minute closer.
The invitation given to him by the scary maid lay in his left pocket, carefully folded. He verified it was there again anyway, just to make sure. He couldn't lose it, not now.
Another glance at the clock, another half-minute gone by. Lelouch would be at the wedding by now, accompanied by the other members of the Occult Research Club.
[Never before have I met young of your kind quite like that one.]
He jumped slightly, startled by the sudden words. A peek at his left arm revealed that it was still normal, no scarlet gauntlet, no keen-edged claws.
"You can talk when I'm not wearing the Boosted Gear?"
Ddraig had first made himself known yesterday, while he was still unconscious, yet he still remembered their meeting with crystal clarity. The being titled 'The Red Dragon Emperor', sealed into his Sacred Gear by the combined efforts of the Three Factions. It was kind of scary that he had something like that inside him.
[Naturally. I am as much a part of you as you are of me, bonded in soul. My existence is not so weak as to be limited to only your left arm, whelp.]
He rubbed the arm in question, uncertain.
"…Do you think I can do it, Ddraig?"
[A foolish question. A dragon needs not contemplate his victory. Only how it will happen.]
He cringed a little. They were all so confident he would succeed. The maid, Buchou's brother, Lelouch, Ddraig. What if he couldn't do it? What if he let them down? He was weak. He'd lost before, in the Rating Game. He couldn't keep his promise of winning to Buchou. He couldn't even save Asia from dying.
[Yet the latter remains happily alive, and the former, you are about to rescue, with every means at your disposal. Cease your brooding. It is unbecoming.]
He took a deep breath. It was true. The maid had given him the invitation, and words from her master. 'If you want to save my sister, barge into the hall.' All the greater, Lelouch had even given him a course of action, with a little contribution from Ddraig. His hurried explanations had been brushed off in the older boy's usual cool tone.
'What you have told me of is not true immortality. There are ways it can be conquered. Tell me, in what manner does Ris- …The gem on your gauntlet seems to be flashing at me."
In hindsight, it may have been a little silly to rely so much upon another only a year or so his senior, and one that was human no less, but the upperclassman had exhibited such calm confidence and willingness to help that they'd overshadowed any doubts he may have had about Lelouch's intentions.
Despite the popularity with girls, and suicidal antics, and dislike of talking about all things lewd - how could he? – the guy was kind and generous. Very generous. He was beginning to run out of space under his bed, with the amount of material he was buying these days. But that was all he'd thought about Lelouch, until yesterday.
Who knew the older boy had such a wicked streak?
[He is a fine flight-fellow. It will be a fight worthy of a dragon.]
"If… if it works, Ddraig, and I somehow pull it off...you're sure it won't ki-"
[It is folly to worry for an enemy's health. But to assuage your concerns, no, it will not. The blood of the Phoenix is not so weak. Excruciating pain is another matter.]
He twitched slightly. Pain. Right. He could still almost feel Riser's blows from the Rating Game. Man, his manga made it look so easy. The heroes on pages didn't seem to care about whatever punishment they took. Cuts, bruises, and shredded clothing were a lot more trouble than ink made them out to be.
…Maybe he didn't mind the last one so much though. While his future opponents probably wouldn't also have all-female peerages, a man could still dream.
"Hey, Ddraig?"
No response, but he knew the dragon was listening.
"Did you ever have, what'd you call them, 'flight-fellows'?"
He thought of his club members, their kindness and camaraderie. How they put up with him with barely any reprimand, taking his perverted outbursts with good-humour. Well, except Koneko anyway, who always responded to them with a sharp tongue, breaking her usual stoniness. He was sure that she was super nice on the inside though. Probably. Maybe.
[Perhaps. Perhaps not. It may be that, millennia ago, I was once no bigger than you, and flew with other hatchlings of my kind. It may also be that I was always Ddraig. Always the Great Welsh. Born into existence in all the glory that entailed. It is unimportant.]
"You don't remember?"
[Have I need of childhood memories? Would you question a maelstrom of its adolescence? Storms and their ilk are kin to dragons. On a whim, naught but desolation is left in their wake. They care not for human values.]
"That's kind of… sad."
[That is a human value.]
He couldn't think of anything to say to that, so he didn't. Another three minutes passed, and a knock at the door broke his reverie.
"Come in."
It opened to reveal Asia, still donning a frilly white apron from where she had recently been cooking. She stepped into the room and closed the door behind her, but that was all the movement she took, and they stared at one another, from where he sat and she stood.
The blonde girl's eyes shifted to his left arm, and when they returned to his face, they were noticeably downcast. Then, she took a deep breath and straightened, and the emotion was replaced with tempered steel.
"Dinner will be ready when you get back. There's an extra spot at the table, too."
He mustered the widest smile he possibly could, uncaring of how silly it made him look. "Thanks Asia. I'll definitely bring her back."
She gave him her own smile in return, as full of unguarded trust as it always was. "I know. You promised already."
She skipped forward and pulled him into a tight hug, holding it for several seconds before heading back to the door, closing it behind her on her way out. Just before it fully shut, she peeked through the gap at him, and spoke again, green eyes darting in every direction but his.
"Um… you know, Ise, when you get back, we can… I'll…"
He tilted his head slightly, waiting for her to finish.
"…Never mind. Good luck! And tell the others I said hello!"
His door clicked shut, and he could hear the soft thumping of her footfalls on the floor as she returned to the kitchen. From the frequency, it sounded like she was running.
He only had a brief moment to wonder why before Ddraig spoke again.
[It is almost time.]
"…Yeah."
He stood up and walked over to his desk, examining the two objects atop the centre, both provided by the former nun. A glass flask of holy water, stoppered with a cork. A metallic crucifix, one small enough to fit within the palm of his clenched hand. He remembered the way Lelouch had woken him up with the latter, to 'test its effectiveness.' Even if Asia had been right there to heal him, it had still hurt damn it.
Though, he supposed that was the point.
He placed the flask in his pocket with his right hand, retrieving the invitation as he did so. Upon his left, he called into being his Sacred Gear, noting with awe, as always, how it seemed so perfectly moulded to his arm.
"Do it, Ddraig."
No response, but again, he knew the dragon was listening. An uncomfortable numbing sensation passed through the limb under the gauntlet, similar to as if he'd lay on it for an extended period of time. When the feeling passed, he grabbed the cross and made a fist, securing it in the centre of his left hand.
This time, it didn't burn him.
The general atmosphere, despite the bubble of light chatter and strains of the magically conducted orchestra, was decidedly stifling.
Lelouch could feel it in the way the other guests' gazes bore into him when they thought he wasn't aware. A few even discarded the pretence entirely, and actively examined him with looks of hostility. It was not as bad as his worst expectations, however, and he attributed that to the attendance of not one, but two of the leaders of the underworld.
Sirzechs Lucifer. Ajuka Beelzebub. The former, a doting older brother restrained by his position. The latter, the most probable culprit in his unexpected acquisition of the invitation. Thankfully, neither had sought fit to seek him out and converse yet, likely knowing that it would cause the already-tense mood to degenerate further.
He was glad he'd come. Already, he had more than Rias or Sona could ever tell him. There were no earth shattering revelations, as there had been the night of the church, but nuance and detail served fine in their place. Information was always the first step, no matter the game.
The diverse, opulent clothing of the devils inferred their varied tastes, as well as their global reach. Cheongsam, sari, and ball-gown danced with tuxedo, hakama, and military uniform as their wearers took to the floor. Every member of the room was considerably attractive by human standards, meaning the ones who took older appearances were making a show of seniority.
It was also worthy of note that it was only the devils of younger appearance that wore the multicultural garments that contrasted with the traditional western suits and dresses; and it was yet again only they who would deign to speak with him; either unable to realise his human status, or uncaring.
He himself was wearing a nondescript black suit, conservative in every which way. He'd considered something gaudier, but decided it would probably behove him to be inoffensive today.
Kiba was leaning against the wall in the far corner, similarly dressed, though the blonde's garb was white in colour. Toujou was by the refreshments table, adorned in a simple pink frock. Himejima had chosen Japanese attire, and the dignified kimono she wore was so deep a shade of midnight blue it was almost black. Standing next to him by the fringes of the centre crowd, she could very easily pass as his sister. Several had already made that mistake, taking their shared black hair and violet eyes as erroneous proof.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like to call me 'older sister'?"
Her voice was suggestive as always, though it held a slight forced undertone this time around.
"I'm older than you," he pointed out.
"And just who was it that was so rude as to tell you a lady's age?"
The Kuoh Academy student records, but there was no sense in revealing as such. "Lucky guess."
"I have my ways of getting information out of the uncooperative, you know," she smiled.
"I'm sure you do," he evaded.
He waited for the inevitable retort, but none came. His conversational partner had been distracted, her attention caught by the pair of figures across the hall, surrounded by a throng of party-goers.
Rias Gremory sported a modest red evening dress a degree lighter than her hair, and was occupied by the task of making polite small talk to her well-wishers. Beside her, Riser Phenex was decked in attire much like his own, though it was worn with greater casualness. The blonde would-be groom had lived up to each one of Issei's descriptions, and even now he could see the conceit upon the man's features.
He couldn't fault the man for it. In truth, Riser Phenex bore none of his enmity. The devil was naught but a product of his environment, vain from lack of failure and hardship. Much like Clovis had been.
Bang.
The great doors at the end of the hall slammed open, revealing the not-quite-imposing form of Issei Hyoudou. The noise caught the attention of the entire room; the music of the orchestra suddenly seeming clamorous in the bewildered silence, but even that died out as the boy shouted his piece.
"RISER PHENEX! I, Issei Hyoudou, challenge you to single combat for the hand of Rias Gremory!"
The scowl on Riser's face told him his predictions had been in the right. Such an open declaration could not be refused, for fear of losing face.
"Or are you too scared of me to fight, you overcooked chicken?"
The sentiment certainly had the intended effect, and what was previously an annoyed scowl became venomous.
"I accept," spat the duel recipient. "You will learn your place boy. I'll make it so you won't ever take a step out of being a low-class devil."
"Now wait just-"began an aged devil in formal military wear, but he was cut off by the magically magnified voice of Sirzechs Lucifer.
"Wonderful! It seems as if we'll be having some further entertainment for the night, and what better than a match between two legendary beings? Wouldn't you agree, Ajuka?"
"Dragon against Phoenix," mused the green-haired devil. "It will certainly be a sight to behold."
The room broke into whispers at the words, snippets of which he caught as everybody moved to clear the centre of the room.
"…then he is…"
"…Longinus?"
"…that…Welsh?"
"…love triangle!"
The protester's objections died out amidst the wave of people, and with a minute or two of spectators shuffling into position, the stage was set. He secured himself a spot by the Occult Research Club sans Rias, who was standing by her brother, her face displaying a mix of utter shock and cautious optimism. Her three peerage members fared similarly, and Kiba sidled up to him, gaining his attention.
"You were with him while we stayed at the Gremory House for the wedding. What happened?"
He glanced around before he answered. "Later."
Kiba gave a hesitant nod, and settled in to watch the fight. From the way the blonde's right hand was twitching, it was obvious the knight longed to be of help.
Issei and Riser took their positions across from each other, and a fearless stare matched an arrogant grin.
This would be his first experience of a true supernatural battle. From here, his path would be decided.
"Buchou! Please let me use promotion!"
The heiress gave a sharp bob of her head towards her pawn's request, and settled her features into grim determination.
"Promote, Knight!"
He could see no visible change in the boy, but Riser clearly thought otherwise.
"Hah! That's the extent of your strength? Was a queen beyond your abilities?"
Similar derisive mutters echoed around the hall. He disagreed. Why commit power to where it wasn't needed? Speed was all that was necessary here.
"Are both participants prepared?" came the gleeful tone of Sirzechs, looking to each combatant in turn. When both gave their consent, the red-haired devil continued. "Then, begin!"
[Boost!]
Immediately, Issei began a mad dash towards his opponent, fists clenched, only to be met with the surging wall of fire that spewed forth from Riser's outstretched hand. The boy employed his enhanced swiftness to dart to the right, guarding his vulnerable side with the scarlet gauntlet upon his left arm.
An inferno erupted from the back of Riser, coalescing into a pair of blazing wings, and the devil lifted his other arm, aiming both palms towards the brunette. The air of the hall began to shimmer and glisten as arcane barriers were raised to rebuff the subsequent firestorm. Issei had no such defences, and was forced to retreat backward, still shielding himself with his Sacred Gear.
[Boost!]
The same happened again. The boy charged his opponent once more, only to have to involuntarily withdraw by a roaring conflagration. Again. Again. Back and forth, to and fro. The temperature of the room grew noticeably warmer, fuelled by the constant outpouring of heat. Shadows danced madly upon the walls, revelling in the display of destruction.
[Boost!]
"Is that all you got?!" Issei's academy uniform was more ash than fabric by now, and brown hair had been riddled with soot, making it seem black. "My mom cooks with fire hotter than this!"
An enraged snarl was the response as Riser took his first movement of the match, stepping forward to close in on his prey. "Shut your mouth! The Boosted Gear is wasted on you!"
The burning onslaught ceased for a moment, but only a moment as the pyrokinetic inhaled once to refocus his efforts. The exhalation was accompanied with the discharge of a crashing wave of flames, the largest yet, eclipsing the frame of Issei several times over as it rushed madly forwards to devour all in its path.
Which was why Riser was blinded from what happened next.
[Boost!]
Issei broke into a sprint, head first into the oncoming assault. A flask was pulled from the boy's pocket and smashed upon the Boosted Gear, dousing the gauntlet in Holy Water. Disregarding the stray droplets that seared skin as effectively as the flames, the promoted pawn made a slashing motion with his drenched arm, carving himself a path through the fire.
An inordinate amount of steam billowed forth from where arm met inferno, and obscured the brunette further. The blonde devil continued to advance, pouring forth ruination. Onlookers held their silence as they watched Phoenix draw unknowingly closer to Dragon.
With a metre left, the pair's eyes met, and Riser's face contorted into one of abject shock.
[Boost!]
Issei's armoured palm, unclenched for the first time, slammed into the man's abdomen and caused both of them to crash onto the ground in a tangled heap. Riser let out a bellow of pain and hauled the boy off, allowing the audience to see the cause of the phoenix's distress. Tiny as it was, many almost missed it.
A plain crucifix lay embedded into the chest of the fallen man, forced deep into the flesh by the full momentum of the boy's charge. The surrounding tissue had already begun to boil, sending out clouds of smoke. Regenerative flames licked the edges of the wound, trying and failing to mend and heal as the foreign object remained.
Both combatants forced themselves to stand, only to slam into the ground once more as they grappled with each other. Riser won out in strength and straddled Issei, forcing both hands around the boy's neck. Finesse and ability lost out to brute force and rage as the blonde devil strangled his victim.
[Boost!]
"You thought such a small cross would be enough?!" flecks of blood and spittle flew with each word. "This amount of pain is nothing! The phoenix is immortal, unkillable, undying!"
Already the crucifix was burning its way out of the wound, Riser having suppressed the healing flames surrounding it. Soon the holy symbol would separate, leaving the injury free to be recovered.
"Then you won't mind if I help you out!" Issei choked out fiercely, grabbing the arms restraining his neck.
[Transfer!]
Riser's burning wings flared to thrice their height with the influx of power, losing their shape as they blended into a single giant appendage. The smoking wound suffered likewise, wild flames bursting into life and fighting for dominance with clouds of thick smoke. Black, red and orange mixed as flesh regenerated, dissolved, and regenerated again, forcing the cross further into the devil's body.
Riser Phenex's screams lasted until unconsciousness, and left no doubts as to who had the won the match.
Ajuka Beelzebub began to clap.
The action was copied by the majority of the bystanders, interspersed by several cheers. It seemed that despite the outcome, Devils held merit and ability first and foremost.
"He actually did it," grinned Kiba from beside him.
"My, what a vicious method." Himejima had produced an elegant fan from the folds of her kimono, and was using it to cool herself.
"Good job." Toujou had somehow acquired a plate piled high with appetisers,and had begun eagerly devouring her way through them.
"You aren't going to go congratulate him?" he asked.
"Well, I would hardly want to interrupt that," came Kiba's response.
He looked back over to the centre of the hall just in time to catch the sight of Issei being tackled by Rias. The heiress pulled her servant into a tight embrace, producing a few wolf whistles from the younger, rowdier guests.
The same was done to Riser's body by a well-groomed blonde gentleman, and when the unfamiliar devil pulled away, so too did the cross. It was discarded by a fiery hand, indicating the man as a blood relative to the loser of the duel.
"Lord Phenex!" Sirzechs Lucifer called out. "Will medical attention be necessary?"
"Not at all. In fact, my son should make a full recovery within the hour." The clan head turned to Issei, directing the boy a jovial smile. "No doubt due to the shot of power you provided. Issei Hyoudou, was it? That was rather ingenious, using my House's hereditary ability against us. I hope to enjoy what the future has in store for you, young dragon. Perhaps a rematch, once you gain your own peerage?"
The pawn broke free of his master's hug and gave a hurried bow as ingrained habits took over.
"Ah, um, thank you! I'll look forward to it! But-"
He suddenly had a sickening premonition. Surely not? Issei could not be-
"-it wasn't my idea." The boy's sentence paused as his brown eyes scanned the room.
He had already begun to duck behind Kiba, but it was to no avail.
"Lelouch! There you are! Were you watching? Your plan worked great!"
He cursed inwardly even as he plastered a smile on his face. Every line of vision in the hall was now being aimed at him. Whereas before they had been stifling, now they were suffocating. They would no longer believe a total denial.
"You are being far too modest. My only contribution was to suggest using the holy objects. Your draconic companion was the one who provided the method."
The comically confused look on Issei's face made for stark contrast to the tattered clothing and fresh burns. "But-"
"In any case, you should return home to recover. Those wounds seem rather severe."
"Huh?" The pawn looked down. "Oh, wow. That… I hurt a lot."
Issei's knees weakened, but the boy was caught again and steadied by Rias. "S-sorry about that Buchou."
"Oh don't be silly; that's my line. Come on, let's get you to Asia. As much I want you to myself right now, you look like you're going to pass out."
"A-as much as… wha-!"
"I hate to intrude on such a tender moment, but a question, if I may?" Ajuka stepped forward towards the two. "How did you handle the cross? It should still harm you through the Gear, even if it is one of the thirteen Longinus."
That was the second time he'd heard that term. He remembered it for future investigation.
Issei's answer was to raise his left arm into the air, displaying it in full view. At first, it seemed as if no change had happened, but with a closer look, the difference became apparent. Scarlet scales in place of scarlet plates. Obsidian talons in place of armoured claws. No viridian gem upon the back of the hand.
"Oh, Issei…" Rias exclaimed softly.
"I see. So you gave your arm to the dragon. Hmm…I wonder how the nerves connect? Tell me, how does this affect your usage of the Boosted Gear? And the sensation, how- "
"Enough, Ajuka," Sirzechs sighed. "The boy looks as if he's going to collapse. Save it for another time."
"…Indeed. My apologies. I anticipate I'll be making you a visit soon anyway, Miss Gremory. Do expect me. Well then, good evening."
The green-haired devil's eyes flicked to him once, unobtrusively, and Ajuka vanished.
"No snap," he observed.
"Pardon?" asked Kiba
"It is unimportant."
"If you say so. I'm still holding you to that explanation you know. What happened while we were gone?"
"Not here," he glanced around again. No doubt the party-goers would begin to harry him soon, after Issei made his exit. He doubted his previous feint would be enough. Perhaps, with this event, the party would end?
"Well, as the evening is yet still young," Sirzechs grandly declared, "I say we continue the celebration! It is unfortunate that we have lost the reason for this gathering, but whoever needed a reason for merrymaking?"
Damn.
Cheers sounded all-round, and the music restarted as the orchestra conductor lifted instruments into the air with a grandiose wave. An upbeat waltz resonated from the self-playing instruments, and the crowd dispersed into individual cliques.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" yelled Issei over the chatter and music. "Guys! Asia said hi!"
"Just go!" waved an amused Kiba. Himejima was chuckling lightly, and even Toujou had a slight smile, between her mouthfuls of food.
Sirzech Lucifer stepped up to his sister and her pawn, placing a hand on each of their shoulders, and the three were gone.
How he wished he could leave with them. Already he could make out curious devils approaching him from the corner of his eye. Leaving now would only exacerbate any suspicion.
Turning to the three beside him – one of which was male, and the other, far too short – he took the lesser of two evils.
"Miss Himejima, would you care to accompany me for a dance?"
The regret only grew with the increased widening of her sultry smile.
"My my, Lelouch. There's no need to be so formal. Please, call me Akeno."
The dark-robed man lay sprawled on the marble floor, eyes upturned at the ceiling. Blood pooled beneath him, his own. The cause lay in the quartet of radiant blades that were pinned through his abdomen and into the ground. He grimaced. Stealth had never been his forte. If that insane brat Freed hadn't dropped off the radar, he wouldn't be in this position right now.
"Who sent you?"
His darkening eyes couldn't make out which of his four assailants had spoken, but it didn't matter.
"Fuck you," he wheezed.
"Tsk. Contact the other sects. This may not have been the only attempt at theft. If they have not been targeted yet, warn them."
Swift steps echoed as one of the four hastened to obey the orders. He didn't care. It was already too late for them.
"…I recognise you," said one of the remaining three. "You were excommunicated with that sword-crazy archbishop. I knew we should have executed your kind instead."
"My kind?" he coughed out. "We're all human here."
A blade was pulled from his stomach, causing a groan of pain as it slid out.
"Yes, your kind. Astray from the path of righteousness, rejecting of His love."
A foot slammed down where the withdrawn sword had been, making him buckle and scream. He vomited, and could taste blood mixed with the acrid juices.
"Was it Valper that sent you? Why does he want the Excaliburs?"
The release of pressure told him the foot had been raised. He could no longer make use of his vision. Even so, he laughed. The tremors wracked his body with pain, amplifying the tang of ichor in his mouth.
"Righteousness?" he gasped between bouts of mirth. "Love? What use are they?"
"It is through them that God's will is done. But I would not expect you to understand."
His laughter escalated into hysterics, reverberating off the surrounding walls.
"God? God?! Haven't you heard?! God is de- "
The words were rammed back down his throat by a luminescent blade.