Chapter 38
"" - Speech
'' - Thought
] - Sacred Gear
] - Ddraig
{} - Sparda
"" - Arata
...
Ayato sighed as he sat in front of the mirror in his room, wondering what he'll be asked during the interview with the others as he nervously smiled to his reflection as he thought
'Maybe I should mention to Rias about the concert Sirzechs-sama wants me and the guys to perform at today… Nah, should leave it as a surprise for now'
Ayato was honestly surprised that Rias had been contacted about an offer to appear on a program by Grayfia last night and that the whole of Rias' peerage would be involved in it but figured it was a sign of what the future would bring for him especially with how popular Rias was to the Underworld.
[Hehe…Imagine the fangirls you'll get after the interview and concert] Ddraig spoke in a lecherous tone as Ayato rolled his eyes as Arata added
"We could do whatever he like with them as well"
{Shut up you two. Ayato is not going to do anything to girls he doesn't even know} Sparda spoke up sternly, Ayato mentally thanking him as he remembered that the girls uniform of Kuoh Academy was becoming surprisingly popular cause of the girls in Rias and Sona's groups wearing them for the Rating Games and there was even going to be a sale in the underworld of them.
Rias Stella smiled as they hugged Ayato from behind, looking at Ayato's reflection as they both asked "What are you doing Ayato?"
"Just a little bit of practice because we'll be appearing on tv…" Ayato replied with a smile, Stella's smile growing as she patted his head and replied
"Ufufu. It's alright. You can answer normally when they ask you a question. The one who would be asked the most questions would most likely be me." Ayato relaxed at feeling Mio playing with his hair for a few moments before she added in a gentle tone
"Hey, Ayato. You know you don't have to burden yourself that much about Asia? Lately, you have been thinking about Diodora more than Asia has. Yes, I was also thinking about it too, but it seemed like you were worried about Asia even more. –Do you think it's your fault that Asia came to this side of the World?"
"…Yes. But Asia said she is enjoying the current ways of her life. I also think that is for the best… But, I…" Ayato started after nodding his head, Rias hugging him tighter as she spoke in his ear
"Ayato I. Let's make that girl happy with everyone in our group. But you and others also have to achieve happiness okay? If not, then I would get sad."
"…Yes dear…" Ayato replied with a cheeky smirk, Rias and Stella's faces reddening as they pinched his cheeks and retort embarrassed
"Don't get smart with us…"
"Sorry…" Ayato replied once he freed his cheeks, rubbing it before barely suppressing a yawn as Rias asked concern
"How are you sleeping…? Ever since Diodora showed up you've been having those nightmares…" Ayato looked down as he tried to avoid recalling them, having explained to Rias about his nightmares induced by Arata as he replied
"I'll be fine, Rias…"
"If you're sure, Ayato" Rias spoke, concern still on her face as she continued hugging him.
…The Gremory group arrived in the Underworld the next day by magic circle, appearing in the basement of the big building and greeted warmly by the staff.
"We are glad you are here. Rias Gremory-sama. Stella Gremory-Phenex-sama. And her servants-sama. Please come this way." The producer spoke as they were lead towards the elevator.
The interior of the building looked the same as most buildings in the human world although there was many devices that was powered by demonic power around. On the wall of the corridor they walked down Ayato noticed two posters of Rias Stella, smiling like an idols before picking up the auras of ten people heading towards them as he realised it was Sairaorg and his peerage.
"Sairaorg. So you were here too." Rias spoke, Sairaorg looking wild with his noble jacket resting on his shoulder as Ayato noticed there was no openings in his stance even now. Standing next to Sairaorg was his [Queen, a beautiful blonde woman, as the former spoke
"Rias. Are you also getting interviewed?"
"Yes. Have you already finished Sairaorg?" Rias replied, Sairaorg shaking his head as he answered
"I will be getting interviewed now. Most likely a different studio from you guys. –I saw your match." Rias rose her eyebrows at hearing that as Sairaorg continued
"No matter how much power you have, you will lose if you get trapped. They will aim for the slight opening with full power. Above all, there are many unknowns in a Sacred Gear. We won't know what will happen, and what it can do. Compatibility is also important in the Game. I have learnt many things from the match between you and Sona Sitri. –However…" Sairaorg patted Ayato's shoulder as he added
"I desire to fight you with only pure power." Ayato smirked at hearing that, feeling Arata grinning maniacally at hearing that as he retort
"Kukuku… Looks like we'll have a fun fight against him" Koneko frowned at Ayato who mentally rolled his eyes as Sairaorg left.
The group continued onto the dressing room after that, leaving their bags there as they were lead into a studio. Azazel hadn't came because he would be appearing on a different program, although he had smirked knowingly at Ayato before they went, while Irina, Georgia, Kotume and Kotake had stayed back at home because they weren't part of Rias' peerage.
'Looks like they are still preparing' Ayato thought as he looked around, noticing the lady who would be interviewing them approach as she greeted Rias
"Hello, it is my first time meeting you. I am the announcer of Underworld broadcast studio 1."
"Same goes to you. Hello." Rias replied with a smile, shaking the lady's hand who replied
"I'm sorry all of a sudden, but for the interview…" With that Rias, the staff and the interviewer started to discuss about the interview, Ayato noticing the many seats in the studio which would seat the audience for the program.
{Don't worry too much… You'll be fine} Sparda spoke reassuringly, Ayato taking a calming breathe as Gasper spoke as he trembled
"….I…I…I…I…I-I…I want to go hooooome…!"
"There will also be questions asked for the other group members, but please don't be too nervous about it." The staff spoke the the others as they looked over the others and asked
"Ummm, is Kiba Yuuto-san and Himejima Akeno-san here?"
"Ah, that would be me. I'm Kiba Yuuto."
"And I am Himejima Akeno." Kiba and Akeno replied raising their hands as one of the staff spoke
"I think there would be quite a number of questions asked for you two for the interview. Both of you are increasing in popularity."
"Really?" Ayato spoke surprised, the staff nodding as they replied
"Yes. Kiba-san is getting more female fans, while Akeno-san is getting more male fans." Ayato nodded in understanding, Akeno smiling to him as she spoke
"You don't have to worry. I only have my eyes for Ayato-kun. So I won't go to another person." Akeno held Ayato's hands gently, making him blush slightly before feeling a sharp gaze pointed at them and realising it was coming from Rias.
"And who is the other person, Kurozakuro Ayato-san?"
"Ah, that's me" Ayato spoke, raising one of his hands as the staff nodded and replied
"…Good… Kurozakuro-san will also have a…interview… in a different studio. You are famous as being the "Seishinkoriryuutei" who sings and plays guitar"
"You have become very popular amongst children and female fans. It seems like you are called "Spirit Cryo Dragon" amongst children for your Spirit powers. The Sitri Game was broadcasted during snack time in the Underworld. And it became very popular among the children who saw that." The staff continued eagerly, Ayato smiling sheepishly as Ddraig roared happily
[Soon you will have all the fangirls you could want! I, who am called one of the Two-Heavenly Dragons deserve fansgirls!]
{Shut up Ddraig…} Sparda spoke sternly, Ayato sweatdropping as the loud thud that occurred in his mind
"Then Kurozakuro-san, please follow me to the different studio. I will guide you." With that the staff led Ayato away, doing his best to hide his grin as the staff spoke softly to him when they were out of hearing range of the others
"You're bandmates have already arrived a few minutes before you have so its all ready for the sound check"
"Thank you" Ayato spoke with a smile and nod as they walked out.
…
"Man that was easier then I thought" Ayato spoke as he sighed, glad that the soundcheck and the interview with the others had went well. The others relaxing around the room and after the collection of questions that had consisted of 'How was the match against Sitri?', 'What will you do from now?', 'Is there any youth devil you have your attention on?' had been directed at Rias who smiled and answered them normally with elegance.
The questions had then moved onto Kiba after that with cries from his female fans and after which Akeno had her turn with male fans shouting 'Akeno-sama!' at her. When the questions had turned onto Ayato, the kids were yelling 'Spirit Cryo Dragon' and 'Seishinkoriryuutei' while some of his female fans cried out. It had been a real eye opener to see how many people were fans of him.
"By the way Ayato. What were you asked to be filmed at the other studio?" Rias asked curiously while eating a snack, Ayato smiling as he replied
"It's a secret. The staff also asked me not to tell people who are close to me as well."
"I understand. I will be looking forward to it." Rias replied interested, the door opening as they waited as someone else entered.
"Is Ayato-sama here?" Ravel Phenex asked as she entered, her eyes meeting with Ayato's as he asked curiously
"Ravel Phenex. What brings you here?" Ravel's face brightened at seeing him before a slight nervousness settled on her face as she moved to hand the basket she was holding to him as she spoke
"T-This! It is a cake! My second eldest brother has a television program in this studio so I came to give you this since I had time!"
"Thanks…" Ayato started as he accepted it, checking inside and looking at the delicious chocolate cake inside before turning Ravel's shy face as he asked
"Did you make this?"
"Y-Yes! Of course! I have confidence if it is cake! A-And I promised you that I would make you a cake!" Ravel replied quickly, blushing embarrassed as Ayato replied
"Thank you. But you could have made it for me when we have tea like we promised."
"I won't do anything to disturb you. You have a match with the House of Astaroth coming up soon correct? So I won't waste your time. But I thought maybe I can just give you a cake. You should be grateful!" Ravel replied with a conflicted look on her face before she added
"T-Then I will be leaving here….." Ravel turned to leave, Ayato calling out to her quickly
"Wait a sec! Kiba!" Ravel froze as Kiba made a small cake knife, handing it to Ayato who cut off a bit of the cake and tasted it as he hummed happily.
"It's delicious, Ravel. Thank you, I will eat this at home. I wasn't sure when I would see you again so I figured commenting on it now would be best. I'll have to make sure to arrange having tea with you at some point as well, well if you would like to have a drink with me though" Ayato spoke, Ravel's face reddening as she got a teary eyes look as she replied
"…Ayato-sama, for the next match, I will be cheering for you!" With that Ravel ran off after saying her goodbyes to everyone, Ayato chuckling slightly as he looked back to see Rias with her eyes closed and eyebrows raised, a scary atmosphere coming from the other girls as well as he sweatdropped in surprise
"Kurozakuro-san, I've been asked to fetch you" A young man spoke as he opened the door to the room, Ayato nodding as he noticed the curious and interested looks as he replied
"I'll see you in a bit then… enjoy yourselves"
Rias frowned slightly as she looked at the doorway Ayato had just left through, glancing to Akeno as she asked "What do you think Ayato had to do?"
"I don't know Buchou…"
A few minutes passed before the door opened as Sirzechs entered with a smile, Georgia, Irina, Kotume, Kotake, Kiyome and a blushing Ravel behind him as he spoke "Ah Rias! Come on, I've got a surprise for you and the others"
Rias frowned in confusion as she and the others followed after her brother down the corridor, looking to him as she asked "Do you know what Ayato was asked to do, Onii-sama?"
Sirzech gave her a knowing smile before he led them into a large studio with a stage on the left side and numerous seats on the right. Rias quickly noticed that Sona and Seekvaira was there along with their peerages while the rest of the room was packed with other young adults who were all curiously whispering about something as the ORC took their seats.
"Sona, you know what this is about?" Rias asked curiously, Sona shaking her head as she replied
"I'm afraid not, Onee-sama told me that it was something special but that's about it" Everyone turned to the stage as cheers came from the rest of the audience, Rias' eyes widening at surprise seeing Ayato step out wearing a black shirt, jeans and a loosely tied crimson tie and guitar hung behind him by a strap while being followed by Saji, Daisuke and Shinji.
…
"It's about time." Rias spoke as she stood up, everyone was gathered in the Occult Research Clubroom late at night as it was the day of the match. Everyone was dressed ready for the match, Asia being in her nun clothes, Xenovia in her exorcist battle wear and Ayato with his crimson coat over his school uniform while the others wore their school uniforms.
"Good luck" Keiko spoke with a smile, Georgia and Orihime offering their own well wishes as the others gathered around the magic circle, waiting to be transported. Georgia, Orihime and Keiko there to see them off for the match with Diodora Astaroth who was little brother to the current Beelzebub. Ayato wasn't sure what power Diodora used but was sure he could handle whatever he used to protect Asia from him.
Asia took hold of Ayato's hands nervously as she looked at him, Ayato smiling as he gave her hands a reassuring squeeze moments before the magic circle shone and teleported them.
…
"…Did we arrive?" Ayato asked as he opened his eyes and looked around the spacious place which looked like a large Greek Temple with thick pillars around. His eyes narrowed as he didn't hear any announcement as Rias spoke
"…This is weird."
Ayato was surprised at seeing the magic circle that appeared on the other side of the shrine, wondering if they were going to fight in a short distance as everyone made their stances, Amonusen appearing on Ayato's back. The first magic circle was soon follow by many others around them, Kiba speaking while making a stance with his holy-demonic sword
"…It isn't the symbol of Astaroth!"
"…None of the magic-circles are similar. Except…" Akeno spoke while her hands was covered in electricity.
"They are all devils. But if my memory is correct…" Rias spoke with serious eyes while being covered in a red aura.
"Looks like we've got a party here" Isa spoke with a grin, Ayato frowning as he gripped Amonusen tighter as he looked around at all the Devils around them
"Judging from their magic-circles, they are affiliated with the Old-Maou faction of Khaos Brigade." Rias added, everyone tensing at hearing that and getting ready for a fight.
"The blood relative of the annoying fake Maou, Gremory. I will have you perish here." One of the devils surrounding them spoke in a provoking way.
"Kyaa!" Asia screamed, everyone turning to see she had gone before she called from above them
"Ayato-san!" Ayato gritted his teeth as he saw Diodora carrying Asia, smiling as he spoke
"Hey Rias Gremory. And Sekiryuutei. I will take Asia Argento with me."
"Let go of Asia, you shit! Coward! And what is the meaning of this! Aren't we supposed to play the game!?" Ayato shouted at Diodora, the latter smiling evilily as he replied
"Are you dumb? This isn't a game. All of you will die here by them…..The agents of Khaos Brigade. No matter how powerful all of you are, you won't be able to take on this many number of High-class devils and Mid-class devils right? Hahahaha, so die. Perish right away."
"Are you telling me you are connected to the Khaos Brigade? A scum. And you even defiled the game, so death would be fitting for you! More than that, you try to take away my adorable Asia away from me…!" Rias spoke as she glared pissed at Diodora, Ayato's eyes already switching to his Hollow side as he heard Diodora counter with a laugh
"If I were to stay with them, then it seemed like I can do anything I want to whenever I want. Well, struggle as much as you want. I will become one with Asia while you are busy with them then. You know what I mean? Sekiryuutei, I will make Asia mine. If you are able to follow me, then come to the depth of the shrine. You would be able to see something magnificent."
"Ayato, the Ascalon!" Xenovia shouted, Ayato summoning his [Boosted Gear] and tossing the holy sword to her before drawing Amonusen from his back as Xenovia spoke with rage burning in her eyes
"Asia is my friend! I won't let you do as you want!" Xenovia tried to slash at Diodora, who used his demonic power to crumble Xenovia's stance but the holy aura was launched at him. Diodora dodged the attack, Ayato appearing behind him and swinging his cleaver sword down only to be forced to stop as Diodora used Asia as a shield, forcing Ayato to stop his attack even as Diodora's evil smile grew
"Yukio-san! Xenovia-san! Ayato~…" Asia pleaded, the space distorting around her and Diodora before they disappeared as Yukio called, releasing a blast of his Reiatsu in anger
"Asiaaaaaaaaaaa!" Ayato Sonido'd back to the ground, Kiba moving to rest a hand on his shoulder as he spoke
"Ayato-kun! Stay calm! We need to take care of the enemies that are right in front of us first! Let's go and save Asia-san after that!"
"Right… Let's deal with these little shits first then" Ayato spoke as he turned towards the devils surrounding them who were readying their attacks.
"Kyaa!" Akeno cried out, Ayato turning to see Odin lifting up Akeno's skirt and looking at her panties as he spoke
"Hmmm, nice butt. More than that, the curviness only the young ones have is irresistible." Ayato quickly pulled Akeno away, pointing Amonusen at him as he shouted angrily
"You shitty-geezer! Where did you pop out from! –Wait, you are…!"
"Odin-sama! Why are you here?" Rias asked surprised, Odin stroking his beard while ignoring Ayato's sword as he replied
"Hmm. It will be long if I explain it, but to put it simply, this game has been taken over by the Khaos Brigade. The game committee and those from different factions are cooperating to take them on. Well, we know up to the fact that Diodora Astaroth was allied with the Old-Maou faction behind the shadows. He must have received the "snake" from Ophis which resulted in his sudden power increase. Then it will be dangerous for you guys right? So you needed some help. But this game field is covered by a strong barrier. So it would be hard for normal people to break or go through the barrier. Especially destroying it would be really hard. We can't do anything unless we stop the one who turned the barrier on from the inside."
"Then how did you enter here geezer?" Ayato asked as he calmed down slightly, Odin tapping the side of his head near his left eye as he explained
"When I gave one of my eyes to the Mímisbrunnr, I became familiar with these types of demonic-powers, magics, and other spells. The same applies for barriers too."
Ayato's eyes flickered over to the symbol on the artificial eye, feeling Ddraig and Sparda's nervousness in his body as one of the Old-Maou devils shouted
"The enemy is the Chief God of the North! Our name will rise if we take his neck!"
The enemy devils started to fire out blocks of demonic power at them, the ORC getting ready to deal with the shots only for Odin to hit his rod onto the ground once, reflecting the attacks away and destroying them as the old man laughed while stroking his beard.
"Normally, I can break the barrier with my power but I could only enter here… Hmm, so what kind of enemy did this? Though I was told by that brat, Azazel, to give this to you. To be making an old man work this much, what should I do with that brat afterwards… Oh those Shinigami said they'd show up soon enough" Odin spoke as he handed over communication devices to the group before adding
"Go, leave this place to this Geezer and run towards the shrine. I'm saying this Geezer will be standing in the battlefield to cover you guys. This is a big privilege you know?" Odin pointed his rod at the ORC, enveloping them in a shallow aura as he commented
"That will protect all of you until the shrine. Now, go go."
"Will you be okay just by yourself, Odin-sama?" Ayato asked, feeling somewhat calmer at the idea of reinforcements coming soon as Odin smiled energetically as he mused
"For a baby who only lived for a decade or so to worry about me…" A spear appeared in Odin's left hand as he called
"Gungnir." Enormous amounts of aura erupted from the spear with an explosive sound, leaving a large gouge in the earth as it perished dozens of Devils easily as Odin spoke
"You know, Geezers need to work out sometimes too. Now then, terrorist devils. Come at me with all your might. This Geezer here is stronger than you can imagine."
The Old-Maou Devils became more nervous at seeing what Odin had done, Rias nodding as she spoke "I apologise! I will leave this place to you!"
Rias then turned to everyone else as she spoke "We will run towards the shrine!"
With that the ground started to run towards the shrine.
…
[Are you guys alright? This is Azazel. Looks like you received this from that geezer Odin.] Azazel asked as they ran towards the shrine, the Fallen Angel continuing regardless
[I know that there are things you want to say, but hear me out. This Rating Game has received an assault from the Old-Maou faction of the Khaos Brigade. The field you guys are at, and the special field where the VIP room is, are flooded with devils from the Old-Maou faction and Hollows, somehow. But this is something we anticipated before hand. Currently, all the factions are working together to defeat the Old-Maou faction.]
Ayato mentally cursed as he realised that they were being swarmed by the enemy as he did his best to keep track of Asia's aura amongst the literal hundreds of Hollows.
[Lately, those who are related to the current Maou started to die mysteriously. The ones who were behind it are the Old-Maou faction of the Khaos-Brigade. It was told that the heir of the Glasya-Labolas died in an accident, but in reality the Old-Maou factions killed him.] Azazel spoke on, Ayato frowning as he wondered why the Old Maou wanted to get rid of one of the heirs as Azazel continued
[And the mastermind behind it are the descendants of Old-Beelzebub and Old-Asmodeus. Just like Cattleya Leviathan that Ayato defeated, the hatred the Old-Maou faction has towards the current devils government is great. By terrorising this game, they tried to shake the World as a start by killing and showing the dead bodies of those related to the current Maou. There isn't a better occasion to attack than this. Bad anticipation's could be seen, ever since the match between Astaroth and Agares.]
"Then the reason why Diodora's demonic-power increased more than before is like Ayato said?" Rias asked curiously, sharing a look with Ayato as Azazel answered
[Yep. He must have borrowed Ophis's power. They also must not have thought that Diodora would have used that power during the game. That's why by adding that with the incident with Glasya-Labolas, we anticipated that something would happen in this match. But they didn't change their plan at all.]
[To them, as long as they can finish us off, anything is fine I suppose. Even for us, this is a chance we can't normally hope for. It's a good time to crush the Old-Maou faction who seems like they will give negative influence to the World. Odin, Greek Gods, Gods from Sakra's side and the Shinigami are also planning to annihilate the terrorists. We told the bosses of each faction in secret about the possibility of a terrorist attack occurring, and we asked them whether they would participate for this plan. All of them decided to cooperate. All the factions are thinking about winning. Right now, everyone is rampaging against the Old-Maou faction devils.]
Yukio smirked at hearing that, glad that the factions were working together to take out the terrorists as Azazel continued
[I'm sorry Rias. I said War wouldn't happen that often, but it turned out like this. We made you guys fall in such danger. We wanted to have them move before the start of the game. We thought they would appear then, and like we thought it did. But it's certain that we sent you to a dangerous zone. I thought of this plan by persuading Sirzechs. I wanted to bring out the Old-Maou faction no matter what.]
"What would have you done if we died in the process?" Ayato asked, Azazel answering in a serious tone
[I was planning to take proper responsibility for it. If my life is needed to make up for it, then I would have done that.]
"Sensei, Asia was taken away by Diodora!" Ayato commented, noting Azazel's pause before he responded
[~! I see. Either way I can't have you guys stay there any longer. Leave Asia to us. It will turn into a battlefield over there. The Old-Maou faction devils are continuously being teleported there by the magic-circle. There is a hidden basement in that shrine. It's made to be very sturdy. Hide there until things settle down. We will eliminate the rest of the terrorists. This field is made by the Longinus possessor who belongs to the Khaos Brigade. You can somehow enter inside, but it's near impossible to leave from there. –Longinus [Dimension Lost]. It exceeds among the Sacred Gear which is related to barriers and space, so even that geezer, Odin, who specialises in techniques can't destroy it.]
"Are you also here in the battlefield Sensei?" Rias asked curiously, looking concerned as Ayato clenched his hands as Azazel replied
[Yeah, I'm inside the field. It is a really big field, so I'm far from you guys though.]
"We will go and save Asia… And if you think of trying to stop me, I will carve off your bits and feed them to you and that's not saying what Mikasa-nee will do to you when she finds out about this" Ayato growled back, the others looking surprised at him before Rias nodding as she added
"Azazel-sensei. I'm sorry, but we will continue to go forward inside the shrine to save Asia. The game is cancelled, but I won't agree to it if we don't settle this with Diodora. I need to teach him how foolish it is to take my servant away from me!"
"Azazel-sensei. We have the right to use our power against those who do suspicious actions within the Three-Great-Power alliances correct? You know Diodora showed rebellious actions towards the current devil society?" Akeno continued, Ayato's smile growing as Azazel sighed as he replied
[…Geez. You guys are stubborn brats… Well, okay then. This time there aren't any restrictions. That is why there isn't anything which will hold your powers back. –Go and rampage to your hearts content! Especially Ayato! Show the power of Sekiryuutei to that traitorous brat, Diodora! Lastly, listen to this. It is important. They started this while knowing that we started to get the gist about their plan. In other words their plan is something which won't be affected even with us knowing about it.]
"Does it mean they started the terrorist attack because they have something up their sleeve?" Rias asked, Ayato arching an eyebrow in curiosity as Azazel replied
[Yeah. We don't know what it is, but it is certain that this field is dangerous. The game has stopped, so there isn't any retiring. Even if you guys get in a dangerous situation, there is no way to help you so keep that in mind. –Be careful.]
"I'm afraid yoy can't go on any further…" Kariya spoke as he suddenly appeared in front of the group, Ayato frowning as he growled
"Kariya..."
"So we run into each other so soon, Shinigami-kun" Kariya spoke amused as he looked over the Gremory Team before focusing on Ayato, who moved to the front of the group as other figures appeared behind him as he asked
"What the hell are you doing here?"
"Oh, the young Astaroth made a deal to help us destroy Soul Society if we helped him here" Kariya replied with a smirk, the Gremory Team taking fighting stances as Ayato spoke
"Buchou… You need to go on and save Asia-san… I can handle these" Rias looked at him concerned about to refuse before a familiar voice called out
"Not on your own you won't"
"Mikasa-nee!" Ayato spoke surprised, turning to see Mikasa, Daisuke, Shinji, Rukia and Rangiku leading four other people from the large black portal that had appeared off to the side. The first of the other two was a young child with spiked back white hair and turquoise eyes and was dressed in a sleeveless white haori with a green sash around his shoulder which held his Zanpakuto's sheath on his back, over the black Shinigami uniform.
The second was a tall man with long black hair that was held in an intricate white kenseikan and slate grey eyes. He also wore the standard captain uniform for Shinigami with a white scarf and fingerless white tekko on his hands.
The third was a petite woman with gray eyes and black short hair with two long braids bound in cloth and ending in a large golden ring. She wore a traditional Shinigami captain uniform with a sleeveless haori, a yellow obi and long blac arm bands.
The last woman was a slender, dark-skinned woman with golden coloured eyes and long purple hair that was kept in a ponytail. She wore a black, backless and sleeveless undershirt with and orange overshirt with two white straps on each shoulder and a beige sash around her waist, black stretch pants and lightweight brown shoes.
"You should go Rias… Asia needs your help still" Mikasa spoke as she came to a stop next to Ayato, already wearing her battle outfit as she cast her gaze over the Bount. Rias took a moment to look over the group before nodding, turning to Koneko as she asked
"Koneko, can you find Asia?" Koneko looked around before pointing to the shrine while her cat features appeared as she answered
"…I can sense Asia-senpai and Diodora Astaroth from there."
"Ayato catch up with us once you're done" Rias spoke looking serious at the silver haired young man who nodded as he replied, drawing Amonusen
"Will do"
With that the rest of the Gremory Team continued to run, Kariya releasing a blast of wind at them only for Ayato to use his Sonido to appear and block the attack with Kuroakamitsu.
"You seem so confident that you can defeat us" Kariya chuckled, Ayato scowling as he noticed Mikasa focus on Sawatari while activating her Devil Arm, Gilgamesh. Byakuya drew his own sword as he focused on Ugaki while Rukia and Rangiku did the same as they focused on Hō and Ban. Shinji focusing his bow on Yoshi while Toshiro drew his sword and focused on Koga after sparing a concerned glance to Ayato.
"I'm not going to get surprised by your little wind trick either this time" Ayato shot back, noticing that Sui-Feng and Yoruichi was slowly glancing around at the Hollows that were gather.
"Hmm… I'd like to see you try" Kariya smirked back, wind bellowing around him as he added
"Messer!" The silver crossguard formed over his right hand, wind gathering to form the blade as Ayato put his right hand on his left forearm while aiming Amonusen at Kariya as he shouted back
"Bankai!" Toshiro, Byakuya, Sui-Feng and Yoruichi looked on with various levels of surprise at the explosion of reiatsu that covered Ayatp from view for a few moments before his katana dispersed the energy to reveal his black garbed figure as he spoke
"Tensa Kurokamitsu." Ayato disappeared in a burst of Sonido, appearing clashing his sword with Kariya's and forcing his opponent back before he shouted
"Getsuga Tensho!" The blast of Reiatsu forced Kariya to dodge, smirking as he shot off dozens of wind blades at Ayato, forcing him to dodge them. Kariya clashed swords again, a few cuts opening up along Ayato's arms from the extra wind added to it as the silver haired young man scowled and tried to overpower Kariya with several sword clashes.
"Heh…" Kariya smirked, using his wind powers to increase his own speed as he released a razor sharp burst of wind at Ayato, who dodged out of the way as he thrust his right hand out as he called
"Cero!" The beam of crimson energy surprised Kariya as he dove out of the way, his arm getting singed in the beam which continued on explode a safe distance away from them. Kariya shrugged off his coat, reveal the burnt skin starting to heal at an alarming rate as Ayato looking surprised.
{It seems like he's absorbing spirit energy to increase his own healing rate} Sparda spoke seriously,Ayato frowning as Ddraig added
[Just gonna make it harder to end this ass]
"You should hurry up if you want to save Asia" Arata added with a smirk, Ayato reluctantly agreeing as he called out
"[Boosted Gear!]"
[Boost] The gauntlet called as it formed, Ayato thrusting the gauntlet into the air as he called
"Balance Break!"
[Balance Break] Ddriag called out before an eruption of black lined crimson energy exploding around Ayato and concealed him from view. Everyone, aside from Mikasa, looking shocked and surprised as the silver haired young man call and wondering what would come from the fusion of a Bankai with a Sacred Gear's Balance Breaker.
'This was not mentioned by Diodora' Kariya thought with a slight nervousness as he watched the pillar of energy.
...
To Be Continued