Chapter 9
"" - Talking
'' - Thinking
{} - Sparda
[] - Ddraig
During Ayato's trip to the sports court Grayfia announced
[Riser Phenex-sama's 3 "Pawns" retire] Ayato smiled, Yuuto seemed to be helping equal things out making it Rias' 5 to Raiser's 9. He felt someone grabbing his arm as he moved his hand down to his Nodachi as he turned to see a smiling Yuuto
"Hey Yuuto can you not scare me like that"
"I'll try Ayato" Yuuto replied, before explaining that he'd been looking at the sports court from behind the storage room which was a blind spot from the court.
"Sorry Yuuto about…" Ayato Started only to interrupted by Yuuto, who spoke
"I heard the announcement so I know it as well. She must be regretting it. I never knew what she was always thinking about, but for this match she showed lots of concern. She also was working hard when we were setting a trap in the forest."
"...Let's win." Ayato spoke with a serious nod which Yuuto copied
"Right Ayato-kun." The two boys of the Gremory hit there knuckles together, Yuuto noticing he still had the Nodachi Device on him as he asked
"I take it you managed to fight well with Your Ryuuzetsu?"
"Yeah…surprised them with my speed while wrapped in Tenryuu Kori Armor" Ayato replied with a smirk as he added
"You managed to lure out the Pawns then…"
"Yeah. But the person in charge of this location is quite calm and hasn't been taken in by my provocation. Well, it seems like she used the "Pawns' ' to watch my attacks. Seems like Riser Phenex likes to battle by sacrificing his servants. It's something only he is able to pull off because of his immortality and the number of servants he has." Yuuto spoke, Ayato noticing that his smile didn't reach his eyes as he continued
"The enemies who are in charge here are 1 "Knight", 1 "Rook", and 1 "Bishop". Total of 3 pieces."
"That's how much they are keeping up guard for this place, of our intrusion here. Since we eliminated the gym, they will put more strength here."
Ayato understood that Rias had destroyed one route so that they would know where their enemy forces would be coming from given that there was only one route between the two bases now.
"Are you nervous?" Yuuto asked him with a smile, Ayato taking a calming breathe as he nodded
"Yeah…I basically have Some battle experience and now I'm here in an actual battle. If I was doing this on my own…I probably would've just destroyed the whole place at the start"
"I'm nervous too, even though I've got experience…but it's my first time participating in the Rating Game. A serious battle between devils. Even if this match is a special case, it doesn't change the fact that it's a serious fight. We get involved in devils fights, whether we like it or not. And this is our first game. We can't show them even a slight opening in our guard. This is a match where we have to give it all we got as Buchou's servant devils. It's something that will be important even in the future. I feel delighted and also scared. I don't want to forget the feeling of my hands' shaking. This feeling of being nervous. The intense atmosphere. I want to feel everything and make it my experience. Let's become strong together, Ayato-kun."
"We will…I probably should stop holding back then when we run into the next group of enemies" Ayato replied with a smirk
"Haah! Don't worry about me either…I'll cover you if you plan to use that " Yuuto replied, Ayato nodded as he understood that the Getsuga Tenshou & Kori Kusanagi could cut through the school if he focused enough reiatsu or blazer magic into the weapon.
"Just don't let yourself get hit by it" Ayato replied before they both stiffened at hearing the loud voice of a brave woman from outside
"I'm the "Knight '' of Riser Phenex-sama, Carlamaine! I've become bored of trying to sniff through each other's strategy! Rias Gremory's "Knight ''! I challenge you to a duel!" She was stood in the middle of the baseball court, wearing knight like armour, Yuuto starting to laugh next to him as he spoke
"Since she introduced herself, I can't hide myself both as a "Knight" and a swordsman." After he said that, he went outside to meet her on the court
"Oh well we'd be found out sooner or later …" Ayato sighed as he followed him outside so he could make sure Yuuto wouldn't be outnumbered both stopping a good distance away from her as Yuuto introduced himself first
"I'm the "Knight" of Rias Gremory, Kiba Yuuto."
"I'm the "Pawn", Ayato Kurozakuro Sparda!" Ayato declared afterwards, Carlamaine making a happy face at seeing them both as she spoke
"I'm happy that there are warriors like you two in Rias Gremory's group. Coming directly from the front. That's something people with normal sanity won't do. But I love idiots like you two. Then, shall we start." She drew her sword out from its sheath, Yuuto also drawing his own as he spoke aggressively
"The match between''Knights ``. I have been waiting for this. Personally I would like to fight in an intense sword fight."
"Well said! Rias Gremory's "Knight''." Carlamaine replied, starting to cut as if she was dancing. Ayato watched with intrigue as the two clashed sparks flying from their blades as they hit. Each clash of their swords made more sparks as they parted before charging at each other again each trying to get the upper hand on the other as Ayato heard
"You seem bored" Ayato turned to see the other Rook, who was a woman wearing a mask over half her face before his eyes moved to the other who was complaining
"Geez. She only thinks about swords, swords and swords. Their match looks like a mud fight. Carlamaine was making a bitter face when the "Pawns" were being sacrificed. Does she hate the battle strategy of her master, the "King"? But when I thought I found a cute boy, he was also a sword freak. Geez, what bad luck." Ayato got a feeling from the way the other girl was dressed like a princess that he probably could ignore her for now as he focused back on the Rook as he heard the Bishop spoke
"Umm, so this boy is the "Pawn,Knight and Queen" Rias and Stella Vermillion and Mio Naruse Gremory adores. Does that person have bad taste in looking at gentlemen?" Ayato rolled his eyes, ignoring the comment as he called his Boosted Gear to his arm as he spoke
"Boosted Gear!"
[Boost!]
"So you already know I'm not going to be your opponent. Isabella. Why don't you be his opponent?" The Bishop girl spoke with a curious look as Isabella nodded and moved forward while the girl moved back to give them space.
"I was planning to in the first place. Let's fight since we are both bored." Isabella spoke
"Is the little princess Bishop not going to fight?" Ayato asked, Isabella making a troubled face as she put a hand on her forehead as she spoke
"Ah, don't worry about her. That girl is special. She will just watch the entire fight."
"…And why not?" Ayato asked confused as Isabella explained
"She is... No, that person is Ravel Phenex. Riser-sama's little sister. She became Raiser-sama's servant by using a special method, but she is Riser-sama's actual sister. Well according to Riser-sama…
[Having your sister in your harem has a significant meaning. You know the significant view of having your close relatives? You know how there are people who look up to and also get jealous about it? Well, I'm not a sister-mode type, so I have her in my group as fashion.]
That's what he said." Ayato looked weird at her as he realised, Riser was also a pervert as well as a dumbass.
"Now, here I come! Rias Gremory's "Pawn"!" Isabella spoke before moving swiftly towards Ayato, throwing a sharp punch which he dodged before aiming a low sweep which she jumped back to avoid as she spoke up
"Yes. So you can dodge a punch like this. Sorry. I was looking down on you a bit. I'll put one gear...no, I will increase by two gears then!"
"I was looking down on you as well…" Ayato spoke with a smirk as he held his gauntlet covered hand out before him much to the Isabella's confusion
"Let's go!" Ayato spoke, Kuraokamitsu appearing in his hand as his Boosted Gear called out after its third boost.
[Explosion!]
"What's that?" Isabella asked watching as Ayato gave it a few testing swipes before resting it on his shoulder as he looked confused at her
"Oh… Didn't you know…? I hold two Sacred Gears…Boosted Gear and Kurokamitsu" Ayato spoke with mock surprised, seeing the shock on there faces as he held the sword up in the air with one hand as Ravel spoke up
"The Dark Knight's sword….Isabella stop holding back" Isabella nodded as the cloth covered blade glowed red as he swung downwards as he called
"Getsuga Tensho!" The red, crescent moon shaped, attack carved into the ground as it charged towards Isabella who managed to dodge it only to find Ayato's right palm pointed towards her, ball of crimson energy in it, as he called
"Cero!" The crimson beam blasted out shooting Isabella back as she screamed in pain, Ayato looking to see his first attack having destroyed the tennis courts while Isabella had been launched back into one of the club rooms.
Ayato turned his attention to the Knight fight just to see Yuuto's darkness sword dispersing leaving only the hilt as Carlamaine spoke amused, her sword covered in flames
"Unfortunately, your Sacred Gear won't work on me." Ayato understood why Yuuto wasn't bothered, given that he was holding onto one of his swords as Yuuto smirked as she spoke
"Then I will also tell you this. Unfortunately, this isn't everything of my Sacred Gear."
"What? Nonsense. "Knight" of Gremory. It's unsightly for a knight to..."
"...Freeze." Yuuto said with a small voice, there was something gathering in the bladeless sword, the temperature dropping before his sword started to freeze, breaking as it became a blade of ice.
"In front of this sword, "Flame Delete", all types of fire will disappear." Yuuto spoke, Ayato resting Kurokamitsu against his shoulder as he kept an eye out for Isabella while Ravel landed clear of the large gouge in the ground from Ayato's attack, dismissing her fire wings
"A...absurd! Are you telling me that you have two Sacred Gears!?" Carlamaine spoke as she swung her flame sword to the side with an impatient look. The instant Carlamaine's sword touched Kiba's sword, the flame sword started to freeze and turn into a solid before creaking and then breaking. Carlamaine forced to throw away her sword before drawing a short sword from her hip and shouting
"We are the members of the all mighty house of Phenex, who rule over fire and wind! Taste it! The whirlwind of fire!"
There was a wind of fire around the baseball court with Carlamaine and Yuuto in the middle of it. The hot wind was burning even Ayato's Steel like skin.
"That Carlamaine! Has she forgotten that her allies are here as well!?" Ravel commented, while using her arm to guard her face. Yuuto's ice sword started to melt after receiving the wind of fire although he didn't seem bothered as he spoke
"I see... You are trying to burn us with the whirlwind of fire...But."
Put his bladeless sword in front of him, Yuuto then said with a strong voice,
"...Stop."
At that instance the wind was getting sucked into his sword while making a large noise. The wind soon stopped, and the baseball ground became silent as he spoke
"..."Replenish Calm". It's been a while since I last showed more than two demonic swords for one battle."
The unique looking blade in Yuuto's hand had a mysterious whirlwind in the middle of it. Ayato guessing the winds were sucked inside it as Carlamaine decided to ask
"...Multiple Sacred Gear. Are you a Sacred Gear possessor who takes the weapons of other Sacred Gear users and makes it their own?"
Yuuto shook his head at Carlamaine's question before explaining "I don't have multiple Sacred Gears. I also don't take the Sacred Gears of others and make them my own. I created it."
"Created...it?"
"Yes. "Sword Birth". I can make any demonic swords. That is the name of my Sacred Gear and its true ability."
Multiple swords appeared from the ground when he put his hand downwards, each was a different shape and size, even the blades were different.
"I underestimated you, Gremory "Pawn"." Turning back Ayato saw Isabella start to walk out burns over her body from where it had taken his Cero attack, starting to build up reiatsu into his blade again as he decided to finish it.
Using his Sonido he disappeared from there sights only to quickly reappear falling down towards Isabella before another servant appeared between them, holding a large sword out before her as Ayato called as he swung "Getsuga Tensho!"
His blade hit against the other Knight's sword, the red aura exploding into the ground below him as he landed back a safe distance away so he could look to see if either had survived but given the lack of announcements he suspected not. The light faded to reveal the other Bishop had thrown up some sort of barrier to protect the two, although the Knight had lost some of the front of her clothes, the tops of her breasts exposed and a large crack running down her sword.
[Reset!]
Ayato looked to his gauntlet as he silently sighed; his time had run out because of putting all his power into that last attack, although it looked like Isabella was having trouble standing now.
"Boosted Gear!" Ayato called, the Bishop moving to point her hands towards him before launching a large stream of flames at him
[Boost!]
He channelled his reiatsu into Kurokamitsu again swinging up to meet the attack as he shouted
"Getsuga Tensho!" His attack met the Bishop's, an explosion roaring out as Ayato decided to take his chance to attack as he used his Sonido to move around it attempting to smack the Bishop into the ground only to find the great sword wielding Knight intercept his attack, shockwaves coming out from her sword as they clashed.
'Damn it' Ayato mentally growled, being forced back by the shockwave as Seiris smirked as she jumped at him, Ayato moving to deflect her charge as they continued to clash blades. The Pawn's eyes picking up the remaining two of Riser's Pawns showing up near to where Ravel watched on surprised.
.
Ayato jumped back from Seiris who spoke "So you are skilled with using it more than that destructive move"
Ayato smirked slightly back as he held Kurokamitsu in front of him as he spoke "Of course…It wouldn't be much good for a descendant to not know how to use it…anyway…Let's Go Boosted Gear"
[Explosion!]
It may have been only three boosts but he had to figure out a way to balance the odds as he thought to Ddraig 'Can't you do anything else aside from boost my power?'
[Like what…?] Ddraig asked curious
'I don't know…wait could I transfer it into something else or someone else' Ayato thought as he remembered Yuuto's Sword Birth's ability, switching Kurokamitsu into his right hand as Ddraig responded
[Probably although you'd have to evolve Boosted Gear again]
'Respond to my will….' Ayato thought, trying to focus his emotions on his Boosted Gear as he noticed them all moving towards him, Isabella staggering slightly.
A shock-wave shook the whole field, Ayato looking up to see Rias and Riser fighting in the air. They were clashing against each other by using their magic up in the air, a red magic energy and fire energy. Riser didn't even have a scratch. Even his clothes weren't ripped and Rias on the other hand had some parts of her uniform burnt. He thought she was breathing heavily as well.
'I have to end this quickly' Ayato thought focusing on his Sacred Gear as he shouted
"Give me strength! Boosted Gear!"
[Dragon Booster!]
The Sacred Gear made a red light, Ayato trying to force it to become stronger as he continued
"More! That time it was Asia! Now it's Buchou! Answer my feelings! Ddraig!"
[Dragon Booster second Liberation!]
The gauntlet made a sound that Ayato had heard before when he was younger, and there were changes to his left arm. The red aura covered it, shaped into something before the gauntlet started to change its shape. When the aura disappeared, the Boosted Gear...
"...Changed?" The gauntlet, which was said to be a crystallization of insane power, changed into a new form. The jewel that was on the hand part of the gauntlet also appeared in his arm, therefore it changed the overlook of it. Ayato smirked as he heard Ddraig
[It's done…now go Sekiryuutei]
Ayato quickly used his Sonido to appear to near Yuuto before speaking
"Yuuto release your Sacred Gear!"
Yuuto seemed confused at the request but put his sword on the ground as he called "Sword Birth!"
The ground glowed and lots of demonic swords appeared, Ayato quickly thrust his fist on the glowing ground before shouting "Boosted Gear! The second ability!"
With the power increased with his Sacred Gear, Ayato sent the power to the ground and into Sword Birth.
[A parcel from the Sekiryuutei (Red-dragon emperor), "Boosted Gear Gift"."]
[Transfer]
The ping preceded metal rumbling violently through the area before turning into a sea of swords, all different types and sizes all which were pointing to the sky.
"...Impossible."
"Are you telling me this is also the power of the dragon?" Riser's servants blurted out their anguish which couldn't be helped. Their bodies were penetrated by the swords that were sticking out from the ground. Then their bodies started to glow and disappeared from the battlefield. They retired!
[Riser Phenex-sama's 2 "Pawns' ', 2 "Knights' ', 1 "Bishop' ', and 1 "Rook" retires.]
Ayato panted as he crouched to one knee, Yuuto looking at him impressed as Ayato smiled
"That's good…"
"Ayato-kun. I'm surprised. This power..."
Yuuto looked around at the various demonic swords with an awestruck look. He seemed surprised because his ability had more effects than he thought.
"Yeah, Yuuto, I used the gauntlet to strengthen your..."
[Rias Gremory-sama's "Queen" retires.] Grayfia's declaration, shocked both of them as they looked at each other as Yukio spoke
"What!?" The Pawn never got his answer as another explosion roared out Yukio's eyes wide at seeing that where Yuuto had been standing before was now covered in smoke which soon dispersed to show him lying on the ground with smoke coming off his body, blood around him. Ayato was not even able to reach him before Yuuto's body was covered with light and disappeared.
[Rias Gremory-sama's "Knight" retires."] Ayato looked around in disbelief as the sea of swords fell apart, including the one he held, before a familiar voice drew his eyes to the shadow in the sky. Raiser's "Queen" didn't seem to have received any wounds. Ayato expected Akeno would've damaged her heavily in there fight even if she didn't win
"The 'Knight', eliminated and now the lowly Pawn is helpless on his own" Riser's "Queen" made derisive laughter while saying that cold word. Ayato's anger building as he listened to her as she continued
"Even with that Legendary demonic sword you can't defeat our master…you couldn't even protect your friends from me" That instant something in Ayato snapped as his reiatsu turned a jet black as his eyes were hidden by his hair.
{No Ayato!} Sparda shouted, trying to bring his host back to his senses.
"First Koneko-san… then Akeno-san….now Yuuto-san… I will avenge them for such a cowardly way of defeating them" Ayato spoke in a dark voice, the black aura seeming to rip the sealing cloth from around Kuraokamitsu to reveal a black blade and a silver edge, as a bony white mask started to piece itself together over his face. His Boosted Gear disappeared from his left arm only to be replaced by a thin white armour gauntlet over both his hands while unleashing a large amount of Ice that froze Everything.
Lifting his head, Ayato's white mask could be seen. His eyes now had black pupils with sickly yellow irises and black sclera. The mask stopped before his mouth, long pointed teeth reaching down over his mouth stopping at his chin, two long thick bloody red lines running down to his eyes before continuing to the teeth.
Yubelluna and Ravel seemed shocked at the monstrous mask on his face as he disappeared from sight only to reappear in front of Ravel who cowered before screaming in pain as Kuraokamitsu was cleaved into her shoulder down to her chest.
Ravel's eyes hardened as she tried to blast flames at him only to find herself missing before screaming as the monster of a Pawn shoved Kuraokamitsu through Ravel from her back, Hollow Ayato twisting the large blade as he seemed to savour her screams of pain.
Black energy which was lined with green blasted out of her body as Hollow Ayato swung Kuraokamitsu upwards, flames exploding from Ravel's body as she tried to recover from the injury.
Hollow Ayato pointed his open palm to Ravel's back, Yubelluna staring in fear as the mask covered Pawn hand built up a black ball of energy.
The black with green energy blasted from his hand engulfing Ravel who screamed even more as the attack roared across the battlefield destroying anything that got in the way including the forest and the old school building. Ravel's screaming dying as the attack ended as she disappeared in light as Grayfia declared in shock
[Riser Phenex-sama's "Bishop" retires.]
Hollow Ayato turned his gaze to Yubelluna as he curled its head curiously before starting to move towards Yubelluna, who blasted magic at him only to find that he used Kuraokamitsu to deflect or block them as he quickly closed the gap. The Queen erecting a large magical barrier before trying to run to her master, turning only to see Hollow Ayato standing on thin air as he looked at her annoyed
Hollow Ayato stabbed Kuraokamitsu straight into her chest, causing her to scream, before pumping his spiritual pressure into it as he swung the blade up to her right shoulder, the reiatsu attack froze her in black ice before she disappeared in white light and Grayfia declared
[…Riser Phenex-sama's "Queen" retires.]
Hollow Ayato disappeared with his Sonido soon appearing on the rooftop of the new school building as he stood between Rias, Asia and Riser before narrowing its eyes as he stared at Riser's angry face which soon turned to shock as Kuraokamitsu was thrown at him finding himself pierced through the chest by the giant cleaver sword. Hollow Ayato appeared before him gripping Kuraokamitsu despite the flames Raiser was emitting as the mask-wearing Pawn twisted the blade before swinging upwards to cut the Phenex in two from the stomach up.
Raiser shot flames at Hollow Ayato as he jumped back unaffected by the attack as he waited for Raiser to heal himself before swinging the cleaver sword swiftly as black reiatsu was drawn into the cleaver sword.
The black energy slash roared towards Raiser who still didn't dodge, getting cut at the waist by the attack which exploded to take most of his chest and upper legs before flames started to reform into his missing body parts and connected Raiser together again.
The black energy slash roared towards Riser who still didn't dodge, getting cut at the waist by the attack which exploded to take most of his chest and upper legs before flames started to reform into his missing body parts and connected Riser together again.
"Ayato…" Rias spoke shocked at the change in her Pawn as Asia was shaking in fear as she called
"Ayato-san!"
"I will kill you monster right here" Raiser roared, erupting flames as he shot flames at Hollow Ayato who used Kuraokamitsu to deflect the flames skyward Raiser's face blanching as Ayato started to walk forward slowly.
"Ayato… Please come back to us!" Rias shouted, a few tears falling from her eyes as Hollow Ayato's eyes widened as he caught her from out of the corner of his sight. The sealing clothe starting to shift of its own accord as Hollow Ayato's free hand reached up to its mask starting to pull as Ayato's voice came out from his mouth
"Get Out!"
Hollow Ayato screamed as Raiser's next attack of flames engulfed him, the sealing clothe reforming over the blade tightly before the whole weapon disappeared from sight as his white gauntlet started to fall apart as the bony white mask was pulled from his face as Ayato's eyes returned to normal as the flames stopped, smoke rising from his body as Ayato panted.
"So you survived that…" Raiser spoke a hint of being impressed in his voice as Ayato allowed the bony mask to drop from his hands, clattering onto the roof as Ayato's hands moved tiredly so he was facing both palms towards Raiser as Rias spoke worried and surprised
"Ayato…?"
"Ce-Ce…" Ayato started only to be cut off as he coughed up blood, his body at its limit as he fell forward onto his knees before landing on his front. Asia rushed forward to heal him, gasping in shock as Ayato tried to force himself back onto his feet, blood still dripping from his mouth as Rias moved to try and stop him, pulling him into a hug from behind as she spoke
"...Ayato… you did very well. It's alright now. Good job." She whispered to him gently but Ayato continued to try and get to his feet.
"It's alright, Ayato…" Rias spoke as he released himself from her hold before starting to walk emotionlessly to Raiser, who already knew what was happening as he walked towards Ayato.
"Ayato! Stop! Can't you hear...?" Rias froze at that moment as she caught a glimpse of his eyes, hollow and despondent while his mouth opened with dots of blood from when he'd coughed it up.
"...You...Even though you are in this state..." There were tears on Rias' cheeks as she cupped Ayato's as she turned his face to her
"...You dummy. Good job, Ayato." Ayato seemed to lose what little strength he had falling towards Rias who caught him before helping him down to the floor. Rias looked at him sadly as he'd continued moving even after he'd fought off that Hollow power from Kuraokamitsu as she spoke
"Thank you Akeno, Yuuto, Koneko, Asia and...Ayato. Thank you for fighting for someone worthless like myself." She patted Ayato's forehead gently as she turned to Raiser
"It's my loss. I resign."
…
Asia shivered as she left Ayato's room to fetch a clean towel; she hated to look at the mask that brought back the memories of what Ayato had appeared as against Raiser. She and the other club members had watched the footage from after Yuuto had been taken out and what had occurred scared them.
Ayato's changing into the monster that had easily taken apart both Raiser's sister and his Queen unsettled them as she entered the kitchen to see Haruka sitting at the table with a cup of tea in her hand. A sad look on her face as Asia headed to the sink to wet the towel in her hands, jumping slightly at Haruka's voice "I'm sorry for lying to you Asia… but I've known you were a devil from the moment Ayato showed up that morning with you"
Asia looked shocked at her as Haruka turned to look at her as she continued "My family has very strong spiritual awareness which allows me to notice it…"
"But Ayato-san didn't say anything about it…" Asia spoke as she moved to sit down opposite the blonde young woman.
"He wouldn't… his spiritual power is beyond anything his parents had seen even when he was a baby…so they sealed it inside him cause the last member who was like that turned into a killing machine that's known as a Hollow"
"Hollow…?" Asia asked confused
"They wear white skull shaped masks like the one I saw in Ayato's room…" Ayato answered, Asia gasping at the thought Haruka would have continued on like that as Haruka slammed her hand on the table as she spoke angry at herself
"I should've looked harder for some way to strengthen the seal on him after he'd been revived as a devil…He wouldn't have gone out of control like that if I'd found a way"
"But he came back…I mean he broke out of that thing" Asia spoke, resting her hands on top of him.
...
Ayato fuzzy view gave him the sight that he was floating in darkness, his eyes adjusting and widening as he heard Ddraig
[Nice to see you're up]
"Where am I…?" Ayato asked groggily
[Inside your mind…You gave everyone quite the scare when you turned Hollow on us… The "White Guy" will laugh at you if you can't control that kind of power]
"White guy who's that" Ayato asked confused
[He will appear before us sooner or later. Yeah. He and I are destined to fight…I will teach you how to use my real power] Ddraig replied, Ayato feeling more and more confused as he wondered where Sparda was.
[He's dealing with repairing Kuraokamitsu after you ripped half the seal from off it]
…
Yukio groaned as he woke up, finding himself looking at the ceiling of his room as his groaned to pull himself into a sitting up position, turning as he heard
"Seems like you are awake." Grayfia spoke from where she sat next to him as she continued
"Raiser-sama won the match. Rias-ojousama resigned."
"Damn it…I blacked out after I managed to break out of that thing" Ayato spoke, rubbing his head.
"Right now there is an engagement party for Ojou-sama and Raiser-sama taking place. It's at the assembly hall that was prepared by the house of Gremory."
"...Yuuto-san and the others are with her?"
"Yes…They went to escort the two. The only ones who aren't at the hall who are related to them are Yukio-sama and Asia-sama because of Rias-sama's wish, Asia-sama stayed here with me, taking care of Yukio-sama. She went downstairs to get a new towel."
"...Do you not agree with it?" Grayfia asked Ayato who sighed annoyed as he answered
"Yes. Even if the battle is over I can't accept it if Rias-sama doesn't want to do it"
"Rias-ojousama obeyed the family's decision."
"I know that but still I know inside she hates the idea of being with Raiser" Ayato replied
"Fufufu." Grayfia started to laugh quietly, a small smile on her face as she continued
"You are a very interesting person. For a long time I have seen many devils but it is refreshing seeing someone like you who moves to protect those around them. My master, Sirzechs-sama, was watching your effort in the battle from another place and said that you were "interesting"."
Grayfia took out a single paper. There was a magic circle written on it.
"This magic circle can transport you to the hall of the engagement party of the houses of Gremory and Phenex. I also have a message from Sirzechs-sama for you."
She paused for a second and spoke with a serious face "[If you want to save my sister, barge into the hall.]. That's what he said. There is also another magic circle on the back of the paper. Please use it when you take back Ojou-sama. It will definitely be useful to you. "
"Please tell Lucifer-sama, thank you….and Thank you for looking after me with Asia"
Grayfia nodded as she stood up and tried to leave the room after leaving the magic circle paper in my hand. "When Ayato-sama was sleeping, I felt a very enormous power within you. The Dragon is the only being that didn't form an alliance with either God, the devils or the fallen-angels. If it's that hatred power, then..."
Grayfia stopped there and left Ayato 's room, leaving the teen there to think as he pulled himself out of the bed before getting dressed in the school uniform on his desk. He turned upon hearing the door open to show a shocked Asia who rushed in, after dropping the towel and bucket of water, and jumped into Yukio's arms as she called
"Ayato -san…Thank god. I'm so happy. You slept for two days even when your wounds healed... I thought you were never going to open your eyes again... Ayato-san..."
Asia started to cry in Ayato 's arms, the silver haired teen looked down at her sadly as he patted her head as he spoke "Asia, listen to me. I'm going to Buchou's side now."
Asia was very shocked at what he'd just said, knowing what he was about to do
"...It's not...to celebrate...right?"
"Yeah. I'm going to take back Buchou. It's not a problem. I got my hands on a route to go to the hall."
"I'm going too!" Asia said without a second thought. She had a serious face, Yukio sighing as he shook his head
"No. You stay here Asia."
"I don't want to! I can fight along with Yukio-san! I learned how to use magic! I don't want to just be protected!" Asia grabbed Yukio's hand, the boy realising she didn't want him to leave her as he spoke
"No. You will stay Asia. I will get Buchou back. You know, my power is a professional thing for something like this. Don't worry. I will beat up Raiser easily and..."
"I cannot be unworried!" Asia raised her voice which was mixed with tears and she had a very sad face.
"...You might get bloody...and crumbled...and mushy again...You m-might even turn into that Hollow again… Are you going to go through all that pain again...? I don't want to see Ayato-san in that state again..."
Ayato grabbed Asia's hand gently before speaking with a smile "I absolutely won't die. I promise. Remember how I was alive when I saved you? That's why I will be okay. I will not die. I will live and stay with you forever like I promised."
Asia nodded while wiping her tears, Haruka speaking up from the doorway
"Asia-chan, believe in him…He looks prepared enough in my opinion although I have to make sure you don't go Hollow on us again before you leave"
"...Then please promise me one more thing." Asia spoke up as she held onto him
"I promise to come back with Buchou…and to not go Hollow" Ayato spoke, Asia smiling as she looked at him before Ayato asked
"Asia, I need your help with something..."
Yukio then told Asia the circumstances, she agreed and went to her room and got a particular thing. With the former nun gone, Ayato turned his thoughts towards Keiko as she spoke
"I'm going to put something on you that'll seal your spiritual powers so you can't go Hollow for now…until I can figure out a way to seal the Hollow"
"That monster I turned into?" Ayato asked, Keiko nodding as she directed her brother as she started to cast what she called Kido spells on him. Ayato turning his thoughts inward to the next part of his plan as he mentally called out 'Ddraig…'
[Yeah, Ayato…?] Ddraig asked, having been waiting on the call
'Do your thing…' Ayato mentally spoke, feeling Ddraig smile as he got to work while Haruka worked on suppressing his power for the moment.
…
Yukio opened his eyes to take in the unfamiliar place he'd been transported to by the magic circle which Grayfia had given him. Looking around he found himself in a spacious corridor which had a row of candles on the wall along with a huge portrait of a man with crimson hair, who he assumed was someone from Rias' family.
He started to jog down the corridor in the direction where he could hear noises, speeding up as the gigantic doors opened to see lots of dressed up devils enjoying themselves.
'This hall is massive…'Ayato thought as he walked inside, looking around for familiar faces before he clocked the giant chandelier attached to the high ceiling. Looking around at the large crowd he saw a flash of crimson following it to see a woman who had her crimson hair up, she wore a red dress and some part of Ayatojust knew it was Rias from the first glance, a smirk grew on his face as he decided to make his presence known to the hall as he started to shout
"Ladies and Gentlemen…!"
The devils around looked at Ayato, Rias's eyes widening as she looked at him, shedding a single tear as her lips moved to say "Ayato". Raiser, who was standing next Rias seemed to look annoyed
"I am Kurozakuro Ayato and I have come for Rias Gremory-sama!" He continued, the hall becoming noisy as Ayato continued towards Raiser
"Hey you! Do you know where this…." The guard started only to stop as a trio jumped in to stop him and the other guards.
"…You are late" Koneko spoke, wearing a dress, as she moved to stop some of the guards before him
"Ayato-kun! Leave this to us!" Yuuto spoke, dressed in a white tuxedo
"Ara-ara, you finally came." Akeno spoke up, who was wearing an expensive looking kimono, as the trio stopped the other approaching guards.
"Thank you…" Ayato spoke with a smile as he stopped confidently in front of Raiser
"I challenge you Raiser Phenex to a duel for Rias-sama's freedom!" Raiser made a confused and shocked face as other guests started to speak up
"What's going on, Raiser?"
"Hey, Rias-dono. What's the meaning of this?"
Then a man with crimson hair walked towards the trio as he spoke "It's an event that I organised."
Ayato recognised him as the one from the portrait in the hall, surprised as Rias spoke up "Onii-sama"
"I wanted to see the power of the dragon, so I asked Grayfia."
"Si...Sirzechs-sama!? You can't do something irresponsible like this!" A middle-aged man panic
"Who cares, the "Rating Game" from last time was very entertaining. But it was one-sided because my sister who has no experience at the game had to face the genius Raiser-kun."
"...So Sirzechs-sama, you are saying that the last game isn't fair?"
"No, no. I don't think so. If a Maou such as myself says that, then I would be making the old nobles look bad. The connection between the high-class devils is important."
The Maou said with a smile, Ayato could tell he was helping Rias which explained why Grayfia had helped him get here in the first place
"Then, Sirzechs. What do you want to do?" A middle-aged man with crimson hair asked him.
"Father, I want to make my cute little sister's engagement party into a flashy one. Dragon versus Phoenix…. Don't you think it's the ultimate event? To stir up the party by having a battle between legendary creatures. Nothing can beat this entertainment." Everyone in the hall became silent with Sirzechs' words before the Maou turned to Ayato as he spoke
"Dragon user-kun. You have my permission but I forbid your Spiritual powers for this fight…Don't want you to turn Hollow again"
The atmosphere in the hall changed as Ayato nodded understandingly as Sirzechs turned to Raiser "Raiser, can you show your power once more right in front of me and Rias?"
Raiser previously shocked expression turned to a smirk after hearing the Maou limitation on his opponent before speaking "Alright then. I cannot decline if Sirzechs-sama asks me. This Raiser will show his last performance before settling down!"
Rias was still in shock at the fact her brother knew what Ayato had turned into during the fight but it made sense, the bony white mask, the savage brutality he'd shown against Ravel, Yubelluna and Raiser. The Maou then turned to asked Ayato, who was mentally preparing himself,
"Dragon user-kun. What prize do you want when you win the match?"
"Sirzechs-sama!?"
"What are you saying!?" The relatives started criticizing after Sirzechs' offer.
"He's a devil, so we need to give him something great for asking him to do something. Now dragon user-kun. I will give you anything. A peerage? Or the most beautiful woman?" The Maou asked Yukio while ignoring the voices of others around him, noticing that he wasn't affected by the other things he'd offered as prizes.
"I ask that you to call off Rias Gremory-sama's and Raiser's engagement" Sirzechs made a very happy face when Yukio answered him without any pause.
"Okay then. If you win, then it will be called off"
"Thank you very much, Lucifer-sama" Yukio spoke bowing to Rias' older brother who went back to the end of the hall.
…
The centre of the hall was cleared in a hurry so the fight could take place there. The devils in the hall were looking at the space with interested eyes as the club members were sitting in the same place as Rias, Sirzechs was sitting next to his sister. At the Phenex side, the relatives, their servants and Raiser's sister were sitting. Yukio and Raiser were confronting each other. Yukio already had his Boosted Gear appear on his left arm. Raiser had a confident face.
"Please start!" The person in charge of the battle gave a call for the start of the match Raiser let his fire wings out and pointed at Ayato's gauntlet.
"Your ability is already cracked. A Sacred Gear that keeps on doubling the power of the user, "Boosted Gear". Also it seems like you gained a new ability that can transfer the multiplied power into an object and your allies… Kuraokamitsu is just a giant club with destructive capabilities…I would say you should turn into your Hollow form to defeat me but Lucifer-sama forbid it and any of your spiritual powers"
"That was merely me losing control on my power in the game…anyway I only need Boosted Gear to kick your ass around this room"Ayato retorted with a smirk before calling back to Rias.
"Buchou! Allow me to use "Promotion" here!" She nodded at Ayato's request, the Pawn hearing a noise inside of him as he spoke up
"Promotion, Queen!" His power increased as he held his gauntlet above him as he shouted
"Shine On! Over Boost!"
[Welsh Dragon Over Booster!] The jewel in the gauntlet released a red light. The red light shone throughout the entire hall. A deep crimson coloured aura covered Ayato as Ddraig reminded him of things.
[Only 10 seconds you've got for destructive power, Ayato... It's all I can do…until you trigger it for real]
'It's long enough to beat the crap out of him'A thought as he stepped forward while the red aura covered his body, starting to form into red plate dragon like armour which the gauntlet that was normally equip to his right arm was now also on his left. The green jewel was now also on his shoulders, knees and the middle of his torso while on his back was something akin to some sort of rocket booster propulsion.
"Armour!? You made the power of Sekiryutei into a real form!?" Raiser had a shocked expression as Ayato spoke
"This is the power of the emperor of dragons! Balance Breaker, "Boosted Gear Scale-mail"! If you want to stop me, ask Maou-sama! Apparently it's the "Hated Forbidden Technique"!"
[X] The count started and Ayato shot forward, magic blasting out of his boosters as he aimed a left punch straight to Raiser's face. Raiser dodging it as Ayato fired flames from both his gauntlets to stop himself from smashing into the wall, instead landing feet first into the wall which cratered around him.
[IX] Ayato jumped back towards Raiser, his boosters firing up to launch him towards Raiser, who made a stance as his magical aura rocketed up as he spoke
"Shit Sekiryuutei brat! Sorry but I won't hold back! I don't want to admit it, but right now you are a monster! Die right in front of your masters, Rias and Stella and Mio!"
A pair of fire wings appeared on Raiser's back after he howled, a whirlwind of fire surrounding him as he threw a punch at Ayato. The Pawn didn't manage to avoid the main impact of Raiser's punch, as he was hit in the helmet, feeling the flames as if it would scorch his skin off under his armour. His own punch had hit Raiser's face much to Ayato's delight as Raiser coughed up blood much to everyone's surprise.
[The fire of the immortal bird Phoenix can leave a scratch on the scale of dragons. It's not a good idea to keep on taking it.] Ddraig commented as Yukio managed to hit Raiser with another punch to throw him away
[VII] Raiser picked himself up, angry as he spoke
"Why aren't you scared of my flames….monster boy…and how did you use Holy energy against me?"
Ayato opened his hand to showed it to Raiser who looked shocked at him "A cross!? You have a cross!?"
Devils in the hall started to scream at the fact; Yukio had brought in an item which they were weak against. Ayato thanked Asia for letting him bring it with him for this fight.
[VI]
"I increased the effect of the cross with my Sacred Gear and punched you. A holy attack that has increased drastically can even be used against high-class devils. Even if it's the immortal bird Phoenix, you won't be able to heal this attack, right?"
"Absurd! Crosses bring intense suffering to devils! Even if you wear dragon armour, touching it is absolutely….." Then Raiser realised the change in Ayato's Rightt arm for the first time, having not given Ayato's appearance much of a look as he asked
" You're Part fallen Angel and Did you give your...right arm to the dragon residing in the gauntlet? So that's the two reasons for your insane powers...!"
"Yeah, that's right. I gave my right arm and being part fallen angel so I can use this power for a long period. My arm is the arm of actual dragons. That's why a cross doesn't work on me." Ayato declared, glad that Ddraig had mentioned it as the way to gain absolute power.
"If you do that then your right arm won't return to normal! Do you know that!?"
"So…?"
[V]
"I will do anything I have to, to protect those that I care about... anyway it's a pretty cheap deal, don't you think?" Raiser's eyes changed after hearing what Yukio had just said.
"You are crazy... That's why you can hit punches without any hesitation... You are scary. I have become scared of you for real, for the first time. That's why!"
Both of Raiser's wings turned into a bigger flame. "I'm going to beat you with everything I have!"
Raiser rushed towards Yukio while the surroundings were engulfed by fire, the latter steeling himself for his next attack on the blonde devil.
[IV]
"Heaaaa!" Ayato shouted as he pulled his power into the cross he was holding onto before throwing his left fist towards Raiser's face a large flash of light from the two incredible powers colliding. When the light faded Yukio had lost most of his armour from the attack as well as the cross being knocked out of his grasp.
[I'll start reforming the armour…] Ddraig spoke as Ayato quickly replied
"Leave it…just give me the gauntlets, boots and chest armour"
[Seriously…? You want to fight in such an unprotected state] Ddraig asked surprised as Ayato started to run to pick up the cross from the ground, managing to dodge the attack from Raiser with a quick blast of flames from his gauntlets.
Ayatograbbed the cross just in time to throw a punch at Raiser who was trying to attack him from behind, the blonde devil spewing up blood as Ayato reached into his one of his pockets for a bottle.
[III]
"Time for phase two!" Ayato called as he opened the top before throwing the holy water inside over Raiser's face, throwing his left at him as he called
"Boosted Gear Gift!"
[Transfer!]
"Cra..." Raiser spoke as he noticed Ayato's attack; the power transferred to the holy water multiplied its effects on Raiser's body causing it to boil against Raiser's skin. Raiser's fire wings started to shrink because he couldn't maintain its form. The holy water burnt Raiser's body insanely to the point that there was smoke coming out of his whole body.
[II]
Ayato took the second bottle of holy water from out of his pocket, sprinkling it onto his gauntlet as he looked at Raiser, the smoke that was coming out from Raiser's body weakened, leaving him looking worn out in both body and clothes.
"W-wait! Do you even know!? That this engagement is important and necessary for the future of devils! It's not something a devil brat like you can butt into!" Raiser spoke scared as Ayato walked towards him
"I don't care about that… I only care about what Rias-sama and Stella-sama wants and that is you out of her life" Ayato spoke as he focused his power on the cross and holy water in his gauntlet
[Transfer!] He heard before punching Raiser deeply into the gut, Raiser spewing blood into the air before falling backwards unconscious.
The little amount of armour he had split apart as his time ran out, Ddraig sighing in relief as he spoke up
[You scared me then…not wanting the full set of armour back] Ayato slipped the cross into his pocket as he turned to walked over to Rias, Ravel stood before him, her stern eyes wavering slightly as Ayato bowed his head to her as he spoke
"I'm sorry for what happened during the Rating Game…I wasn't myself when I fought you or your brother's queen…I promise to try and find a way to make it up to your clan" Ravel seemed surprised by what he said as the silver haired teen continued forward till he stopped before Rias
"Let's go home, Buchou…" Ayato spoke with a smile before turning to Lord Gremory next to her as he continued
"I'm very sorry for my actions. But I will be taking Rias-sama with me." Rias' father didn't say anything and closed his eyes. Ayato doing a quick look around for Sirzechs who was supposed to be sitting next to him wasn't there and was gone; hoping to thank him in person rather then through what he'd ask Grayfia to pass on.
Ayato gently took Rias' hand while taking out the magic circle that Grayfia had gave him. Turning it over there was a shine before a large four legged beast appeared from it.
"Griffon..." Someone in the hall said making Ayato believe that was what the creature was. Griffon made a roar and then started to move towards the hole he'd made earlier, Ayato turning to Yuuto and the others before he left
"I'll be waiting at the club room!" Everyone smiled at him and waved their hands, the Griffon flew up to the sky of the underworld while carrying Ayato and Rias.
…
Ayato looked at the sky of the underworld, surprised that it was purple as he heard Sparda spoke up
{So what did I miss…?}
[I'll explain things to him…just enjoy your time with Rias and Stella] Ddraig spoke up as Ayato mentally sighed before feeling Rias and Stella touch his cheek as she spoke
"You dummy." Ayato looked at her to see the bitter smile on her face, although she seemed to be relieved to be free from Raiser. Her eyes turned to Ayato's Right arm, gasping as she touched it with a sorrowful face. Ayato's Right arm was covered in red scales and had sharp claws.
"Your arm... You gave your arm as a price to borrow that power...?"
"Yes. It was a good deal. With Kuraokamitsu being out of action and Lucifer-sama forbidding my spiritual powers it was my only option to defeat Raiser and save you" Ayato spoke with a smile, Rias only looking sadder as she asked
"You know that this arm won't turn back to normal anymore, don't you?"
"Yeah…Ddraig explained it all to me before hand… I'll just have to start wearing long gloves or bandages over it" Ayato replied with a slight shrug as Rias added
"Asia will definitely cry if she finds this out.
"She already knows…explained things to her before I left" Ayato replied, rubbing his right cheek which Rias now noticed was slightly bruised.
"...You may have broken this engagement. But a new engagement might be brought in, you know? If you keep on doing this..."
Ayato answered with a smile on his face to Rias who had a sad expression.
"Next time I'll be at full power with Kuraokamitsu…anyway I will definitely come and save you. That's until your happy with who they pick…or you find someone your…"
Ayato was surprised to find his lips blocked as Rias had her hands around his neck, kissing him softly for about a minute while his brain froze in shock.
She laughed at the shocked look on his bright red face as she spoke "My first kiss. It's something that Japanese girls treasure right?"
"Eh...? Yeah…I guess…" Ayato replied despondently, surprised that she would give such an important thing to him as he decided to ask
"Are you sure? That it was with me?"
"You did something that's worth a kiss. It's a reward."
She said it while smiling at Ayato whose blush darkened despite himself as they enjoyed the rest of the ride through the underworld.
….
"So, like how I just explained, I, Rias Gremory with My Cousin Stella and My Niece Mio, will be living in this house. Please take care of me Onee-sama"
At Ayato's house, in the living room, his three crimson hair bishoujo masters was next to him and just finished explaining things to Haruka. Ayato finding it confusing to why she wanted to move in with him although he found her reason slightly suspicious
"I want to strengthen the relationship with my servant." Was what she had said to him although he suspected that she just wanted to be closer to him, after all he did take out Raiser and break the engagement.
"Alright…Rias-san" Haruka spoke with a smile, after he'd returned with Rias, Haruka had explained a lot to him and the rest of the club to do with Ayato's powers and how he was currently still sealed from his spiritual powers until she found a way to prevent him turning Hollow again. Ayato gaze trailed down to his left arm which now looked human, thanks to the research from Rias and Akeno did on Dragons. Apparently, by decreasing the magical power of the dragon, you can stop it from turning into a dragon's which he had to do every few days, a blush hinted at his cheeks as the method of reducing it was a bit erotic.
[You know you like being pampered by them] Ddraig spoke up, amused as Ayato's blush darkening a shade as Sparda spoke up
{Shush Ddraig and help me with this…}
Ddraig had started to avoid the topic of whoever "the white guy" was he'd spoken about at the time which was helped by whatever measures he was helping Sparda with but at least Yukio knew something was coming for him.
"Now, Yukio. We have your sister's permission. With this I am a member of this family. Can you take my luggage to my room right away?"
"Alright…" Yukio spoke as he pulled himself to his feet before going to fetch them as Asia jumped up after him
"Yukio-san, I will help as well."
"...Auuuuu. Looks like there's only hope for polygamy... But... But... It will be against the teachings of God... But at this rate...auuuuu..." Asia started to mumble something as Yukio turned back to her with a confused and embarrassed look
"Huh? What about polygamy?"
"It's nothing." She answered as she looked in the other direction, seemingly in a bad mood ever since Rias had came here, Ayato wondering if she saw Rias as competition for his attention
"Ayato, that goes here." Rias started to order him as soon as he'd put the luggage in her room.
"Ok"
"Ayato I want to take a bath after this... Yes. I will wash your back."
"Erm…S-Seriously?" Ayato looked at her confused as he blushed, wondering where her sudden ideas had came from.
"Geez! If you are having a bath together, then so will I! Ayato-san and Buchou-san! Please don't leave me out of this!" Asia started to complain with teary eyes, Ayato starting to agree with his earlier theory that she didn't want to lose him to there crimson haired master.
"Asia. I'm sorry but this is how it is. Is it alright if this is a proclamation of war?"
"Uuuu, I don't want to lose but it seems like I will lose!"
Ddraig was laughing inside Ayato's head as the silver haired teen sighed silently, giving up with trying to figure out how girls thought as he watched the sparks fly between the two of them.