Uday Sra: Thank you!
fabio mp19: I am so glad you liked Hikari's inclusion :D I sent a full reply to your review via PM. Hahaha, exactly, Hikari had a bit of a crush on Koneko...Lupa was just way more honest about it. As for the Honda/Gasper Titan, I definitely need that put to art someday ;) I picture just this gargantuan mass of shadows. That and Kiba's army of Xenovias XD As for Rassei, I am so glad you agree! I can't recall him really doing anything in canon besides maybe taking pot shots at enemies despite being in the show longer than some characters lol. It felt like a great growing moment for both he and Asia. Hikari is a good character, she's a permanent fixture to Sairaorg's team in mine ;)
Guest1: An interesting theory, if Serafall felt someone else was better than her, I could see it happening as she'd put the betterment of devilkind ahead of any desire to be a Satan.
Guest2: Quite possible, I do plan for side stories to focus on the other characters beyond Dorian...it's entirely possible those 2 could get some more attention ;)
Hollowreaper 93: Hahaha, well, even in canon they said Kiba could be lewd when he puts his mind to it. In this story he's trying to be a man as much as a weapon...so thinking so fondly of his GF that he manifests her into his Balance Breaker made sense XD
xXWolfsterXx644: Thank you as always :D I hope the wait wasn't too long ;)
Gan315: Thank you very much! As always I sent a full reply via PM but will answer your questions here ;) Lol, no worry, you aren't going overboard. I am so touched you like my story enough for it to get you so amped up for the fights and future chapters :D I am glad you agree with how I try to advance the characters like Asia and Rias. I felt they just seemed to fall so far behind relying on Issei for everything in canon. Nothing wrong with him protecting them, but when it makes them look like they can't fight on their own it goes a bit far. I will definitely take your suggestion into account and add the dragon fight to my future commission ideas :D
ahsoei: Not wholly different, it is still a holy-sword specific army of knights. The big difference is that it doesn't have dragon-slaying capabilities as he didn't take Issei into account when making it. I planned that the Xenovia-knights are sturdier than the dragon ones in canon and their holy-elemental abilities are stronger since they were based on her.
fanficcyberman: I hope so too, Moloch didn't leave his little device unguarded ;) And lol, that would be a sight...Hades just walking up to Dorian asking him to introduce him to his stalker XD. Thank you again for such kind words, canon made it seem like Bennia had a good dad so I knew I just had to include him even as small a cameo as this was for now. Mystery box is for next time ;) I hope you are staying safe and well too my friend.
theLawbringer: Dragon Asia...no one is safe! XD Well, in my defense he isn't evil in a mwahaha sense here. As mentioned in the last chapter he is a neutral god, however due to his arrogance and past events I'll go into later, he feels he knows what's best for the world as a whole. Due to certain reasons, he sees the Khaos Brigade as better for the world rather than the individuals. At least for now, he isn't subservient to them and would annihilate them the moment he's done. Zeus didn't really get off scot free here, the whole Olympian arc was basically due to how bad he was in the past before he started trying to change. And I know what you mean about change...the vast majority of negative input I get is being mad that Issei doesn't have a massive harem lol. Thank you again :D And I hope you enjoy the next chapters...Sairaorg Beast Mode confirmed XD
FateBurn: Thanks!
WinterRuneWolf: Hahaha, sorry about the cliffhangers XD They are not meant to frustrate, I swear lol. I never imagined my story could be one people would want to binge all at once, I am truly honored :) And you are right, plenty of story to go, no slowing down yet :D
OBSERVER01: Thank you so much! I am happy you enjoyed my updated fights and choreography. Just designing them is probably more time consuming than writing it out.
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
A twelve, at last. Rias breathed deep as she knew precisely who would be advancing on Sairaorg's side of the field. Early on they may have held him back, but not anymore, he is coming out without a doubt.
"I got this," Issei leapt up out of his seat. "Cat can back me up and…"
"No Issei," Akeno placed a hand on his shoulder, glancing back to read Rias' face and ensure her interpretation was correct. "We need you for the final fight and I haven't had a chance to stretch my wings. Cat and I will go out to weaken him for you, this is the best strategy."
"But…"
"If you went out with Cat," Rias started talking almost more to herself than the others as the scenarios entered her mind. "We would either win, or if you lost, Akeno and I would stand alone against him, his Queen and that Pawn he has held back with their tear still available." She eyed Regulus with an uncertain gaze, the young, masked man staring back with a chipper but suspicious smile. "With how high our numbers are we'd both have to fight alone. We have too few let to take such a risk. Akeno, Cat…you are right of course."
"We'll force him to use as much strength as possible," Cat stood, clearly reserving herself to the strategy. "That way, you and Rias will have a better chance, whichever should face him at the end. Neither of us can beat him alone, I have no delusions about that."
"But at the same time," Issei perked his head up. "You both use holy element now, right? So, you have a type advantage!" Akeno could not help but chuckle at the innocent reference.
"There is that, perhaps we can cause enough damage between the two of us to knock him down for you, maybe even win." She said the last line with a smile, the futility of her words clear behind her eyes.
"Then go," Rias pointed out, standing to her full height as a high-class devil and king. "Do as much damage and exhaust him all you can. I am sorry for every blow you take in this act."
"No," Akeno shook her head while approaching Rias with a smile like a big sister. "None of that. We are your servants, more than that we are family. You found and saved each one of us, how could we do anything less? Your love got us this far, all of us."
"Knowing you two are still behind us," Cat insisted as she checked her armor and swords before making for the circle. "That is what will let us push forward. Issei, make the rest count."
Those were her last words before the beautiful Knight and Queen vanished from the platform, causing Issei to let out a gasp, barely realizing a single tear had fallen from his cheek. Rias and Issei now stood along in their base uncertain what would happen next…
Rating Game Field…
The newest field was an expansive lake surrounded by boulders and rocks on all sides. As Catherine and Akeno materialized, they saw Sairaorg was already awaiting them. His regal attire had been discarded to reveal a tight black battle suit showing off every contour of his muscles. The two could not help but admit how impressive his build was, the audience from the back agreeing with resounding cheers.
"Akeno," Zepar bit his lip as he realized she'd been chosen for the fight. Hecuba patted his shoulder, but it did little to alleviate his worry.
The next match of the tournament begins! The colossal fighter Sairaorg against a pair of holy-wielding devils. Will this advantage bring them victory? For now, let the fight commence!
"So, Rias sent you out first, she has matured indeed," Sairaorg admitted with a proud smile, realizing her plan of attrition. His eyes were full of determination, no hesitation whatsoever. The pressure emanating from his body could be felt all the way in the Gremory base wholly focused upon them. "You can't win, yet face me all the same?"
"Whatever do you mean? It's a win win for us," Akeno smiled serenely at the imposing fighter. "Either we defeat you, or we set you up for the others. No different than what your team is willing to do based on those you sent before." Sairaorg's entire body trembled with excitement at her words as Catherine simultaneously drew both her swords.
The Knight's body erupted in flames, this time with no pain to herself as her Holy-Devil form took shape. The fiery armor licked at the lake evaporating portions instantly, her swords covered in the same as she took in the dichotomous power. Akeno assumed a similar stance, a bolt of blue-gold lightning erupting from the skies and crashing down upon herself. Her body crackled with the power of Heaven acting like a shield, her smile of amusement widening as she felt the sensation course through her.
"Such excellent abilities you both have unveiled; just how far can you push me?! I haven't had to unleash these since I faced that goddess and Einherjar from the North, be proud."
Holding out his arms, strange marks appeared upon them they recognized from his spar with both Thrud and Dorian. With a flex of his muscles, they disappeared leaving his body spotless. The moment the restraints vanished, all the area around him shattered as if a massive weight had been dropped upon it. The pressure of his aura sent waves across the water, pushing even Akeno and Catherine back slightly as a sharp white glow encompassed his body that the others recognized, though it was the announcer who informed the audience first.
How incredible! Similar to the combatant Koneko's powers we saw earlier, so too can Sairaorg use touki. Just look at it, so powerful that it is visible to everyone in the audience! Simply superb use of Sage Arts!
{No} Diehauser corrected. {He cannot use true Sage Arts, that is beyond him. However, he trained to such an extent using just his body that his very essence became too much for his confines to handle. He is not so much casting touki on himself, rather his life force, attributes of Sage Arts, has grown to such an extent that it is naturally billowing out from his body to the same effect}
"That is possible?!" Thrud's eyes grew wide, sparkles shimmering for a moment. "To have power surpassing even your body's limits? I assumed in our first match he studied."
"Don't get too excited," Hecuba warned her. "You are a goddess, remember. It would take considerably more power of your life force to overwhelm your body like that." She felt bad as Thrud almost looked to be pouting at the information.
"I will not hold back for you being women!" Sairaorg roared. "You came into this battle expecting the worst, to not face you with all I am would be an insult of the greatest order. This is the respect to you I give, either I shall fall, or you both shall. There is no other option!"
"I could not have said it better!" Catherine kicked off the ground towards him, blades drawn as heat waves billowed off her body towards her waiting opponent who stood ready to receive her.
Sairaorg was unprepared as a dragon made of holy lightning arched around the approaching Catherine, slamming into him head on. As if it were a real monster, he seized the top and bottom jaw, holding it at bay as the energy continued to assail his body. While his hands were busy, Catherine delivered a powerful cross-slash attack leaving a painful burn, his battle suit falling away to expose his full chest. She swung again and again, leaving similar wounds across his body but none managed to break the skin.
"I HAVE FACED GREATER MONSTERS THAN THIS!" Sairaorg shouted above the crackle of energy, gripping the dragon construct, and twisting it with great effort.
To Catherine's awe, he succeeded in throwing the mass of holy energy right into her, Akeno's attack turned against her own ally. The fallen angel Queen immediately deactivated the ability, freeing her of the electricity. It did not help, as Sairaorg appeared in front of Catherine, delivering a powerful blow directly into her breastplate. Her armor she had recovered after the first round and donned once more shattered utterly, sending her sailing through the air and slamming into the rocks surrounding the lake, leaving a crater, and dousing the woman in torrents of water. The expression on her face was one of absolute pain and shock.
"Your protector is down," Sairaorg threatened as he turned to Akeno who for a moment showed true worry at his gaze locking solely to her.
"You won't get near!" She unleashed a new holy lightning attack, this time the front forming into a trio of dragon-shaped heads. Her spell came just in the nick of time, stopping his advance a moment before he would have struck her, his speed incredible even surpassing Kiba.
Sairaorg's body strained as he pushed back against the power, the fist he had used to incapacitate Catherine charred black from the holy element shielding her. With a titanic wind up, he swung at the bolt, shattering all three heads, and dispersing the attack. The aftershock was so powerful it knocked Akeno from the skies canceling out her electrical barrier, barely righting herself above the lake as Sairaorg was driven beneath the waves, splitting the water as he did.
"He didn't show this when he fought Dorian!" Hecuba exclaimed at the sheer show of force Sairaorg revealed to the audience. "He only used his own body and nothing else."
"Because Dorian did the same," Freyja explained. "His ideals fit well with our people. Dorian used solely his body against him for not having a Sacred Gear in the spar, so in turn he only used his own. Here, those two women are fighting with their powers and abilities, so he responds in kind."
"He showed some of this against me," Thrud remarked, recalling the sheer power of his blows against her. "But the match ended before his aura was shining anything even close to this."
"Even still, being able to fight so well against his people's natural opposing power is incredible. It would be like if I tapped into my family's lightning without any protection over and over again." She glanced to Zepar across the arena, the normally stoic man looking very unnerved at the near hit on his love. He was cheering along with the rest of the arena, his words reaching her ears and giving motivation."
"Catherine, move!" Akeno shouted as she raised her hands high, the still shell-shocked Knight barely rolling out of the water to obey her warning.
The fallen angel Queen delivered one bolt of holy lightning after another upon the lake, the energy conducting through it to cover the entirety of the water and everything within. She did not let up even after losing sight of Sairaorg's silhouette beneath, continuing her barrage as steam started to cover the area. The water was boiling, the level dropping significantly, evaporating with every blow. Even as sweat ran down her face and her hands grew sore, Akeno did not slow down.
What a savage flurry of attacks! Any other devil would surely have been annihilated by now, but we have had no sign of a retirement or death from combatant Sairaorg. How much more can he endure?!
"Those two are incredible, they just might be able to do it!"
Issei's final words were the last glimpse of hope they had. Even as the storm continued to rain over the field, a mighty pair of arms emerged from the waters seizing Akeno by her ankles despite how high she flew to try and keep a safe distance. Sairaorg's body was smoking, charred, and covered in more burns than could be counted. All the same, the determined gaze in his eyes was unaffected, pulling down on the horrified Akeno.
"Your magic is powerful, but once close enough you have no hardiness!"
Sairaorg punched Akeno across the face, every single defensive seal she had set up ahead of time shattering in an instant. Her preparations had been all that prevented the attack from breaking every bone in her body, blood erupting from her mouth followed by a cry of pain. Before he could pursue her falling body, he grunted harshly as a pair of swords struck his back. Catherine had recovered and attacked from behind, but it was all for naught. Even with the element of surprise and her swords bristling with holy power, she had failed to break his skin once more.
"Superb, but you need more power over speed and skill. I trained my back to be quite strong for such sneak attacks." Sairaorg spun with a kick, catching and shattering one of her twin swords with the utmost ease. "Your flames protect you as the lightning did her, but without that you are too soft!"
"He broke her sword with his leg?!" Irina's eyes went wide, imagining he could even have broken her incomplete Excalibur with how easily he had done the same to Catherine's.
The Knight pulled back, realizing a single attack like that would end her, knowing she still had broken ribs from the first punch. Sairaorg went after her, his speed keeping up with her best efforts. Catherine could not get away and there were few who could even follow their movements. Their back and forth continued as Akeno barely stirred at the edge of the lake, shaking off the ringing assailing her ears.
"They trained so hard," Rias thought as she watched the match unable to assist as the pair did all in their power to exhaust their foe or find a critical hit. "Survived all we have and trained even further since Kyoto and Lilith…but they just can't match him as they are. Had we faced him before the school trip, we would have been hopelessly outmatched."
Catherine slashed once more, adding a new burn to his body but at great cost. The powerful Bael heir seized the weapon with his bare hand and reeled her in despite the clear pain to him. Before she could move again, he wrapped his burly arms around her and squeezed.
The shriek of pain echoed through the stadium, with her armor gone there was nothing left to protect her, the agonizing sound of crushing bones filling the air.
"You are an amazing Knight, both your skill and loyalty make me jealous," Sairaorg remarked with complete honesty. "You are capable of so much more. You have lost this time, but your potential is amazing, all of you. Get stronger and face me another day, I will look forward to it with great interest!"
"Cat…Akeno…" Issei's fists were clenched so tight they were bleeding. He wanted nothing more than to rush the field and punch Sairaorg in the face but knew doing that would go against the sacrifices they were making. He could only stand and watch and await his turn.
"Such power for one so young," Odin had to admit. "If I just saw him now with those eyes and glowing like that, I'd assume he was a god of war on a rampage. They fought well, but what else can they do?"
"AKENO!" Catherine screamed with the last bit she could must as her remaining ribs threatened to cave in. "DO IT! PLEASE!"
With her final sword, Catherine tilted the tip upward despite her trapped arms and stabbed upward, managing at last to pierce his skin beneath the arm where it was thinnest regardless of training. As Sairaorg released his hold to reposition himself, it was the Knight this time who seized him with her free arm and held on, her face so close they could feel one another's breath.
"THIS is my loyalty to Lady Gremory who took me in," she grunted. "We go out together."
On cue, the largest bolt of holy lightning they'd ever seen crashed down on the pair, Sairaorg unable to move for the half a second Catherine was able to keep him still. Demonic seals of magic had been woven into the bolt by Akeno, now barely standing on the edge of the lake with her hands high, her fallen and devil wings unveiled for all to see. The additional powers etched in amplified the attack and caused a catastrophic explosion. A moment before the impact, the Bael heir sunk his hands within his pockets and squeezed.
And with that blast, we have confirmed that Rias Gremory's Knight has been retired! What a truly touching sacrifice, allowing herself to be defeated all to give one more chance to drop combatant Sairaorg but we have no word on him, it appears…
Sairaorg moved faster than the announcer's words, emerging from the smoke kicked up by the explosion and clearing the distance towards the defenseless Queen. Despite taking flight once more, she was too exhausted from the previous barrage and effort of her renewed attack. An enormous palm seized Akeno by her face, all defensive seals gone as she pulled at it in a vain attempt at freedom. In the distance, Zepar had to be held back by Hecuba and Bennia as he desperately tried to storm the field in an uncharacteristically passionate outburst. It was only then that the audience realized all Sairaorg's burns, cuts and other wounds the women had worked so hard to accumulate were gone, the man utterly healed and pristine from head to toe.
"An incredible sacrificial tactic, were it not for the Phenex Tear I may have succumbed to that final blow. We shall not know, however. I thank you for such an enjoyable fight pushing me to the edge of my power."
With an attack that caused all in the audience to flinch and many to look away, he drove a harsh blow into her stomach just below the ribs. Akeno's eyes dimmed from all the air being driven from her lungs at once, the young woman's body shimmering away as a smile rose to her lips in the final moment.
"We did it, he used it. Thank goodness. My cherished master and underclassman will beat you next. Issei, Rias…he's all yours."
And Rias Gremory's Queen Retires! Combatant Sairaorg is the winner! So few remain, only a Pawn and King with each and Team Bael holding the advantage with a Queen as well. Team Gremory may be on the ropes unless the Oppai Dragon can turn things around!
[If they want to win, they just need to bring in the Ms. Akeno's father.] Azazel half joked knowing his friend was back at the Grigori Headquarters. [Sairaorg may need to watch his back after he sees that bout if he hasn't already.]
"How was she still alive?" Bennia grimaced, perched on Zepar's back using her hands to cover his eyes as Akeno disappeared into the light. "That same punch broke all her barriers before!" Finally, she let Zepar go, the fallen angel taking flight in the stands despite safety regulations. They didn't need to ask where he was heading as he departed the stadium in the same direction Kuroka had gone.
"He held back," Thrud muttered under her breath. "He could have taken her head off with that blow, but he didn't. He fought them at full power at first, but knew they had nothing left at the end."
He could have turned that match into a massacre if he wanted to. It almost makes me want to fight him again! Our fight barely got to start.
Thrud's musings had to wait as she glanced down to the Gremory base, heart catching in her throat for a moment. Where Rias was looking solemn at the defeat but determined in her perseverance, there was a very unexpected look resting deep within the Red Dragon Emperor's eyes. The look of utter rage with an unmistakable aura she had felt from others she had fought in her many years training under her father. Beyond the shadow of any doubt, he wanted to kill someone.
Sector 42, before the match started…
"This place is like a maze," Dorian remarked as they wandered the hallways beneath Agares Isle. After passing through a 'restricted' sign, their surroundings had become far less vibrant, instead feeling colder and more practical as was expected of the tunnels not meant to be seen by outsiders. "Everything looks the same."
"There are differences you can spot given time," Seekvaira explained. "I've been exploring these halls since I was a little girl looking for ancient machines left behind by a forgotten race." She half chuckled dryly, adjusting her glasses as if to play up how ridiculous her childhood interests were. "Even before father ever showed me my first mecha anime. Did…you ever enjoy those?"
"A few," he admitted without noticing she was glancing sidelong at him hoping for a particular answer. "They started broadcasting a few in the states before I moved. Ms. Lily got a transformable figure for the class." The nostalgia on his face was palpable remembering figuring out how it worked. "Is this the place?"
"It is," she swung open the hatch leading inside, only shadows greeting them. "Odd, the lights aren't working, they didn't report this when security came through."
"I'm guessing they aren't simple bulbs?" She shook her head while still scanning the room glancing between their surroundings and her pad. The two held up their hands, generating light from their palms utilizing devil and Norse seals respectively. The shadows cast from their illumination made the area almost seem more ominous shifting as they moved.
"Whatever is causing the reading is definitely in here without a doubt. The fluctuation is not causing any true disturbance to the core, more like it is moving along a similar wavelength making a blind spot. Maybe the…Dorian, what is that?"
On the ground towards the back end of the room the pair spotted a strange device almost resembling an intricate television remote. Green and blue lights flashed in an increasingly rapid fashion that almost made Dorian fear a self-destruct of some kind. That turned out to not be the case as the beeps ended in a resounding chime almost as if it had completed its task. With a curious expression, the Einherjar advanced on the object.
"Is this one of yours? Maybe your parents or staff dropped something?" He bent down, picking up the device and looking it over. "It's registering something, I don't know what this is, but…" He squinted his eyes, confused by the visual screen at the bottom. It seemed to be showing the silhouette of a person shifting between shapes. One looked like a young girl, another a grown woman, at one point it turned into an unidentifiable mass, the closest comparison he could think being a cloud that looked eerily familiar. "I think that's…"
"DORIAN! DUCK!" He complied instantly; a fist akin to a sledgehammer passing over his head from the dark corner so closely he felt the wind pressure on his hair. The attack forced him to drop the device and left a hole in the nearby wall, revealing a mesmerizing glow from within being so close to the core the minerals shined brightly.
The creature was a hulking dark mass, gangly arms stretched far longer than looked natural. It did not take Dorian long to recognize the appearance, face furrowing in anger.
"It's an anti-monster!" He called out as Seekvaira took an offensive stance. "One of the ones created by the Hero Faction! We fought them in Kyoto!"
"I read the reports," she swooped in unleashing black bolts of demonic energy. "I thought they said they were weak, and what is it doing here?" Despite her natural abilities over devil magic, her attacks were not even scratching its skin.
Dorian countered in turn, unleashing a pointblank elemental seal into its face. The monster did not flinch, punching clean through barely stopped by the collapsible shield from his bracers. He quickly drew Twilight Star from the Roads, slashing at its limbs. His bones shook from the impact, unable to pierce its impressive hide. Noticing the second opponent, the creature turned, its arm extending unnaturally and catching Seekvaira in mid jump, knocking her from the sky.
"Seekvaira!" Dorian called out as she slammed into a wall and did not quickly get back up. He sighed in relief when he saw she was still conscious. "It's not the same thing, this one is drastically stronger than the ones we fought, a hundred of those weren't this tough."
How strong is this thing? In Kyoto they were middle tier, high at best, but this one is Ultimate-Class without a doubt, that mage can make them this strong!? My seals and her devil powers weren't even denting it. They did say they were collecting energies to adapt his army, but I never imagined they could be to this degree so quickly!
"Communications aren't working!" The Agares heir called out as she ducked another attack, Dorian parrying the other arm. "We have to keep it here or it could get out and attack civilians!"
"If we make a big enough ruckus, maybe we'll draw security here!" Dorian raised Twilight Star high, wincing as he failed to generate enough energy to ignite the Bifrost energy, having skipped Sage Art ministrations before coming to the event. All the while, it almost slipped beneath his understanding that his hope of drawing in aid with a big enough show was eerily similar to the demonstration Hades had only recently provided…
Gremory Base…
I don't feel sad, Rias muttered to herself internally, eyes locked on Sairaorg who was returning to his base in victory. They did wonderfully, we pushed Sairaorg so far and they were so proud. They may have lost, but they never surrendered. We all grew stronger together, me included. Sairaorg cannot go out again, so that means either Regulus or Kuisha and he seems to be withholding the Pawn for some reason. Issei will go next and…
Rias inhaled deep as she turned to her own Pawn, the man she wanted to love more than anything and almost did not recognize him. Like her, he too was focused on Sairaorg, however a clear killing intent was visible in his eyes, a rage she had not seen it's like since his time in the Juggernaut Drive. Without realizing it, she did the unthinkable and took a step backwards. As he appeared, she was not entirely sure how he would act next. She almost didn't hear the command for each side to roll again. The initial rolls were too low to send anyone, requiring them to reroll twice more until finally a value stuck.
A combined nine! Anyone but Sairaorg can be sent out. The endgame of this tournament draws near, I hope everyone is ready in their seats, no time to refill your snacks!
Issei stepped up even without consulting Rias, turning only at the very end to look at her, the intensity still in his eyes. That look of pure anger that even could make even her uneasy. She wanted to consult with him, just talk to him, but at the look in his eyes she couldn't find the words.
"President, I'm going, wait for me."
The Pawn disappeared, reappearing upon the field, Sairaorg's choice not far behind within the chosen arena, a grand coliseum akin to those used in ancient Rome.
Issei Hyoudou, the Oppai Dragon will be facing Kuisha Abbadon related to our very own 3rd ranked fighter of the entire Rating Game Circuit! Will her family's ability and her talents be enough to overcome the Red Dragon?
Issei had read up on her clan, being closer to the old ways and living in a secluded part of the Underworld. He'd seen the Queen's fight with Glasya-Labolas where she had taken out a good number of his team singlehandedly. He'd even seen her ability known as "hole" which absorbed all attacks leveled at her. Issei no longer cared, even as he stood staring at the beautiful blonde woman, her ponytail fluttering in the breeze, he had lost the perverted admiration for her he'd felt at first glance. She looked quite surprised as her outfit left generous cleavage visible as well as her bare shoulders, however he showed no interest.
"You are so calm," she remarked. "I thought you would have been happier to face another woman."
"I am happy," he replied, a forced smile stretching on his face. "But after seeing my friends hurt, beaten and crushed I feel different…"
Almost like what happened to them in Kyoto, I couldn't do anything, and they fell one by one. This is a Rating Game match, but it's too damn similar!
"He's gonna pop!" Bennia shouted, half-hiding behind the others at the out of character look on Issei's face. "Are we sure that's even him anymore?"
"Like when Asia was sent to the Dimensional Gap," Hecuba agreed. "Seeing everyone beaten one by one like that…I don't like this. I think he's having difficulty discerning a true foe from his opponents in this Rating Game."
Let the match…BEGIN!
"I don't have to hold it in any longer," Issei muttered to himself, making the audience and even Kuisha uncomfortable. "Kiba, Akeno, Honda, Koneko, Gasper, Cat, Asia, I can't hold back, I don't want to anymore."
"I will wait," Kuisha resolved without moving. "Lord Sairaorg wanted you at full power, don your armor so I can make his wish come true."
"If she is only a servant of his," Freyja remarked coyly from behind. "Then I wonder why her master looks so concerned, even more than at any point throughout this tournament." Thrud turned her head, seeing what she meant. The burly king stood watching with stoic eyes, all the same there was a slight sensation coming from him, one of more concern than would be from a King to their Queen. She smiled back at Freyja in agreement. The change was subtle to most, but for one such as the Queen of Asgard, he might as well have been proclaiming his feelings for all to see.
"It's not too different than how Rias looks at Issei."
"Nor too different from how you look to Dorian," she remarked without even looking at Thrud, acting like she didn't see her head snap in her direction.
It did not take long, his countdown even shorter than against Coriana before Issei was adorned in his full Balance Breaker armor wielding the strength of a Rook. The power gap between them was obvious, her special hole ability being her only chance of withstanding him in the slightest. Before either could advance, Issei uttered a line that sent a chill through all who knew the young student.
"I can't hold back, if you don't want to die then put all your power into defense. If you do that, you might be able to survive."
"…Issei?"
"What is he doing?" Even Freyja leaned forward in her seat as the power from the young Pawn just kept climbing and climbing. The difference between the two wasn't even a contest any longer, but it kept rising. Rias had the same look of uncertainty as the rest.
"You talk big, but I will use all my power to try and defeat you for Lord Sairaorg," the devil energy around her peaked but was inconsequential before Issei's, even with multiple holes summoned around her awaiting any Dragon Shot. "With that, I will show him I…"
"I warned you." There was no emotion in his voice. The Red Dragon Emperor's body was instantly consumed by red light, his power exploding outward.
"ISSEI!" Irina screamed from the stands at the same time as Rias, horrified by what she saw in her oldest friend. "DON'T DO IT! THAT WILL KILL HER FOR CERTAIN!"
WELSH SONIC BOOST KNIGHT!
Issei blasted forward with godlike speed even Kiba could never match without sacrificing his armor, a feat thought to be impossible. He appeared in front of Kuisha in a flash, denying her any chance of a counterattack.
WELSH DRAGONIC ROOK, CHARGE SOLID IMPACT!
His armor thickened concentrated at his fist hurtling towards Kuisha's face. His aura never stopped growing, pouring more and more into his fist with every second without any hesitation or delay. An attack, as promised, that would obliterate her even before she had a chance to defend…or retire. Issei's monumental blow passed clean through Kuisha, the woman's body turning to light before he could connect. The Queen vanished from sight as his punch connected with the wall behind her. In a deafening explosion, the coliseum arena was obliterated leaving only rubble and debris showing the field.
Combatant Sairaorg's Queen is retired so suddenly! The Oppai Dragon's attack defeating her instantly!
[No] Azazel corrected. [Issei's attack didn't do it, if it had I doubt there'd be anything left of Ms. Abaddon to even identify. He poured every ounce of power into that blow. No, she was…]
"I retired her myself," Sairaorg announced from his base, standing high with a booming voice heard by all. "Had I not, she would have been killed by the Red Dragon Emperor, isn't that right?" The look on his face was twisted in a way they had not seen yet. Against Akeno and Catherine he had been wracked with pain, pushed to his limit but had held a determined expression throughout. Now, however, he looked mortified, for the first time in the tournament, he was truly angry.
"After what was done to my team," Issei explained, removing his helmet to speak. "I couldn't hold back any longer. If you need any explanation, I was fighting on behalf of my juniors."
"Is that…really Issei?" Rias shuddered at the cold words coming from his mouth. Sairaorg did not seem satisfied with his justification.
"There is a great difference between fighting on behalf of one's comrades and becoming a wild dog," Sairaorg's words bit deep, but he continued. "I held no hatred towards you, this was a Rating Game, yet you openly tried to take the life of my…my Queen without a second thought. What does that make you now?"
Those eyes, his killing intent matches Issei's now!
Deaths were not illegal in Rating Games, everyone knew that. In the older days, it had even been encouraged but not since the new Satan leaders took power. Rias could not help but recall Riser threatening to kill Issei in their first match, the act that had garnered her surrender. Each of them had been willing to fight potentially to the death, but the power gap between Issei and Kuisha had been clear, victory an inevitability with even half the power. Issei still stood resolute, his eyes uncaring until they drifted out to the audience and found a familiar face.
Lirenkus was still watching, but his youthful enthusiasm had been stifled. He still clutched the Oppai Dragon merchandise tightly in his hands, however his expression looked uncertain, hesitant having seen Issei's latest outburst. Many of the children around him looked the same. Though a few looked fearful, the general consensus was that of concern for their hero.
They look afraid of me, what have I done?
"I ask the committee!" Sairaorg looked straight into the cameras. "We have fought so hard and have few left, is this enough now to make an exception? It is foolish to let this one continue fighting under the rules as you have seen. I call for the next match to be a final team battle with everything each of us have left!"
"Can they do that?"
"In rare situations," Odin looked on utterly focused. "If they feel the current rules have undue risk or the matches risk growing boring which may be the case here. With the current rulings, we know Regulus would fight Rias next and if she emerged victorious then Issei would go one on one against Sairaorg. Predictability is not a trait the masses want in their Rating Games." His words were being proven true, many cheering in agreement with the Bael heir.
Such a sudden suggestion from combatant Sairaorg! What say you Governor-General?
[Sounds like a plan to me, we know what the next two matches would be which sucks the fun out of it. It's up to the committee, but I say to allow it. A team battle leads to plenty more possibilities and keep the tension going]
{I would not mind either if that is what they want} Diehauser announced, his word carrying a lot of weight.
"It's almost guaranteed now," Odin said with absolute certainty. "I doubt many in the committee would want to go against the preference of the Number One contender. "The young man of culture does not look so good, however."
Thrud agreed, Issei having remained frozen the whole time. His determination was still there, but the realization of what he'd nearly done was clearly settling in. He'd always let his emotions run hot when fighting, that was his style and the young goddess understood. However, now he'd openly tried to kill someone as the first option without attempting any other strategy, the very thing Dorian had feared of becoming. Issei's power was overwhelming compared to Kuisha's, not needing even close to what he used would have guaranteed victory without risking death. He'd ignored that out of anger for his defeated friends and it nearly drove him to killing in front of an entire crowd, many of whom were his underage fans.
We have the committee's decision, Naud came back after several minutes. They have agreed to the terms along with both Kings. The next matchup will decide the fate of the tournament, an all-out battle between the Kings and their remaining Pawns! With such an extreme change, we will allow a brief recess. Consider your plans well and good luck to both sides!
The stadium exploded with approval of the decision; young men slammed their glasses at the monumental battle sure to follow as the women swooned for those remaining fighters. The children still chanted for the win of the Oppai Dragon, though their voices seemed more distant than before.
"Excellent, Issei Hyoudou!" Sairaorg pointed at the Red Dragon Emperor with a fearless expression and burning anger behind it. "You have shown your desire for this match! I shall give no quarter and may go too far but for that you have only yourself to blame. That is what you wish, is it not?"
"I-I'll do the same!" Issei replied, the determination to fulfill his dreams and Rias' allowing him to stand up to the imposing devil despite the new conflict in his heart. The burning desire to see Sairaorg dead as he had Diodora raged within. I WILL defeat you so I can face my comrades without regret later!"
"Issei," Rias muttered as she moved to join him on the field.
He feels this much rage from seeing the others fall? I understand to a degree but, to try to kill so readily, what is happening to you? You almost sound like the Red Dragon Emperor legends...
Sector 42…
Dorian slammed into the wall once again following another failed assault on his foe and the pain was adding up. No matter how many times he struck at the creature, it seemed to be like punching a brick wall. There was no longer any doubt that this was a supremely improved variant model of the anti-monsters created by the Hero Faction. The idea being beaten by a larger version of creatures he'd previously been cleaving through with ease was aggravating to no end. Seekvaira was starting to show signs of frustration and fatigue as well, her hair slick with sweat and panting as her devil magic continued to be ineffective. More than that, he noticed as she attacked her hands seemed to be trembling. She was clearly playing it safe, holding back.
Is she still on edge when it comes to fighting? He did not have time to wonder, ideas swirling through his head on the next strategy to attempt.
"This thing is resistant to Norse AND devil magic," he called out while ducking to avoid another blow. "We need something different, if I have a few minutes, I can…"
The creature swung, missing him just barely again. Brandishing Twilight Star, he unleashed a cascade of lightning upon its head. The attack seemed to stagger it and leave parts of it burnt; however, it was clear it incorporated hardiness to Olympian magic as well.
And this is just one of these things. If they have an army like this then Mr. Azazel wasn't kidding when he said a true user could threaten the gods themselves.
His seals of defense were thankfully holding, repelling another successful strike. Planting Twilight Star into the ground, he extended the weapon into its spear form. Using the ground for leverage, he succeeded in skewering the monster and pinning it to the back wall. Too slowly for his liking, he started tapping into the power of the Nine Realms praying it hadn't adapted to that as well.
His efforts were too slow, the creature ignoring the pain to advance through his spear impaling it and seizing his head, delivering a colossal headbutt. Grimacing through the pain, the more savage and raw aspect of his Einherjar side kicked in. In challenge, Dorian seized it by the head, returning the blow with a headbutt of his own that sent even the monster reeling into the back wall. He fell backwards, forced to abandon his weapon as his foe freed itself once more sliding off the end.
"Seekvaira, if you pull back, you can…"
He did not finish as a dazzling array of lights shot past him from multiple angles striking the anti-monster. To his relief, the energy was clearly cutting into the monster, burning it and causing excruciating pain. With steadier hands and a look of sheer determination, the Agares heiress had detached the weapon platforms that made up her new mechanical wings, the devices flying around like bugs firing at regular intervals. Despite the output being far less than their magic, it was doing something. To help protect Dorian, she had pushed past the uncertainty and painful memories of combat.
"I am not going anywhere! Don't you know me better by now?"
"The energy in your wings! They haven't trained it against that, keep going!" He called out, her returning a professional nod as she refocused her efforts. He could tap into the power using Midgardsormr as the base like he had against Rossweisse's father, but it still took time. "Midgardsormr, I'll need to…"
The anti-monster let out a bellowing scream of rage that shook the air. A mouth that wasn't there at first opened to unleash a burst of light neither had seen before. Despite being new, Dorian and Iggy could sense in their bones what it was, a blast made up of powers spanning the world. The Hero Faction, the Khaos Brigade, were creating an army to challenge any group…and they were making progress. Dorian raised his shield prepared to tank the attack only for it to stop several feet before him, repelled by a familiar defensive rune.
"Rose!" He spun, seeing the young Valkyrie standing at the doorway having followed him. Flanking her were devil security forces drawn by the spike in energies throughout the area. His heart soared as their eyes locked, her aqua-colored eyes a sight to raise his spirits. Her face was warped in concern, plainly seeing the toll the fight was having on him. She made the decision without hesitation.
"Dorian, take this!" She dropped a box that had been in her free hand, flinging a spherical object directly in his direction. His reflexes still as good as ever, he caught it one-handed, eyeing the item with a raised eyebrow.
"An apple?" He asked confused. It was true, now resting in his hands was a golden apple. While he had to admit that it looked delicious, it felt like an odd time to be handed such a thing. "What is it for?"
"Take a bite!" She commanded, grunting as her seals along with Seekvaira's fire kept the monster contained. "And pray. Please, hurry!"
At the look on her face, he dared not hesitate. Licking his lips, Dorian took a solid bite out of the apple. It was surprisingly easy to chew, warm juices more appetizing than anything he'd eaten before running down his lips. He went for a second bite before a tightness gripped his chest.
"It…it hurts," he gasped, collapsing to all fours, dropping the apple unable to move his fingers. He gasped, failing to catch a breath as if all the air in his body had suddenly left him. Every muscle tensed painfully unable to relax causing unnatural, painful spasms.
"Dorian!" Rossweisse cried as the Einherjar convulsed on the floor, fearful she had made a mistake. "I am sorry but fight through it! If anything can help, it is this! It is from Lady Freyja and Lord Odin themselves!"
Dorian's eyes were clenched tight, tears streaming down as the sensation started in his chest, spreading to all parts of his body, muscles groaning with stress, bones shifting by the second. He could not tell at the time, but Kuroka's illusion of youth was shattered by the overwhelming magical essence of the ancient fruit, revealing him as an old man, hair grey and wrinkles marring his skin.
Oh god! It hurts, it didn't hurt this much when Despoina shot me in the back, when Forcas ran me through, or any fight I've ever had! I can't even move my limbs; everything feels like fire.
Dorian! Focus, the apple is releasing its magic within you, Despoina could be heard in his mind. In the back, he could hear Iggy screaming, feeling every sensation of pain he did. At great effort, he buried her down deep within his subconscious, so far to protect her from the agony where she would not feel it. Despoina at least was separated within his mind already. Focus, tune out the pain! Your recent victory in Kyoto, watching your friends succeed, memories of a tender night under the stars, the confession of a goddess…Rossweisse and Thrud are lucky ladies.
Under…the stars? Dorian could still feel everything, there was no getting rid of it, and yet the unbearable sensations subsided, barely in the background as he thought back to that blessed night. He recalled Rossweisse atop him, then under him, the pair whispering sweet nothings swearing each to the other. Gritting his teeth, he put a foot up, rising to a knee in front of Rossweisse who looked surprised he could perform even so simple a gesture. I'm an Einherjar of Asgard, head of the Crossroads, I…can…endure this…
As Dorian fought against the magics of the strange apple, the anti-monster did not wait. With a surge of strength, it cracked the separated seals of Rossweisse and Seekvaira. The two women glanced sideways to each other, uncertain who had leapt to his defense first yet formed a silent agreement.
Nothing gets through, it will not lay one finger on Dorian.
Barreling like a juggernaut, it made for Dorian once more who had earned its ire through combat. Before he could run the helpless man through, a renewed barrier stronger than all before blocked its path. Magic seals of the Agares family and Rossweisse's ingenious calculations merged to create an impenetrable wall as volleys of weapon's fire from the surrounding troops rained down upon it. For the moment, it was stopped.
"Please Dorian," Rossweisse bent down to wipe sweat from his brow before it trickled into his eyes. "Let this work."
"What did you do?" Seekvaira groaned beneath the pressure maintaining the shield as her men strove to help. "He's burning up!"
"That was no ordinary apple," she explained quickly. "It is a cherished one of Idunn's garden normally reserved for the gods themselves and their family members. Nordic deities are not naturally immortal, being powerful mortals when they first started out. It was only through consuming these apples that they gained their longevity. Lady Freyja asserted this one was meant for him."
"And you thought NOW was a good time to give it?"
"It was the only time, you both were losing, I did what I thought best. If this works, Dorian will be…" The pair were interrupted, even the anti-monster pausing as a blood curdling scream erupted from behind them. It was the unmistakable release of pure agony at first but slowly warped into what could only be described as a savage war cry. The Einherjar had started to rise.
At last, the magic took full hold, Dorian seizing up where he stood, a golden light traveling over his body like a wave. Starting from his head and working down, the changes were evident in an instant. The grey rippled and grew vibrant, returning to a bright golden blonde everyone had known before. His skin flattened and smoothed, removing the wrinkles plaguing him for so long, even his body seemed to expand out to make up for the loss of muscle since the battle in Kyoto. It was as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders, the second-year student looking more alive than he had in many days. Dorian raised his head high as the last of the energy dissipated, seeing the two women standing over him protectively, the greatest sight he could have wished for only marred by their grimaces of pain holding back the anti-monster.
"Rose…Ms. Seekvaira. I feel…"
The creature fired a new blast, cracking the barrier just enough to reach them. Targeting Seekvaira first, it brought the enormous fist down as hard as its oversized muscles would allow. The resounding echo of impact sent soundwaves in all directions yet did not connect with the young heiress. None were harmed as Dorian had extended his left hand, catching the blow head on. To the absolute shock of the others, he did not flinch nor buckle in the slightest. Even the monster tilted its head in utter confusion.
Was this thing always so weak? Just a moment ago I thought it would crush us yet now…it feels so light.
Pulling back his right arm, Laerad Ragnarok materialized in an instant glowing gold. He didn't even consider powering up as all the strength he needed was at his fingertips. Layering a triple seal of power, impact, and inverted gravity he delivered a punch so powerful it crushed in the anti-monster's chest inward. A hissing sound released from his arm, even the sturdiness from the mechanical prosthetic straining to withstand the recoil of his blow. The creature blasted backwards, demolishing the wall behind it, and giving Dorian a moment to stand, breathing in the air with a confident smile. If the creature had any bones to speak of, they would all have been shattered.
"Wow…" Seekvaira muttered unable to control herself or hide her surprise, mouth agape at the show of strength. "How did you do that?"
"I don't know," he flexed his fingers now back to as they had been prior to Kyoto without Kuroka's illusion magics. "I feel better, MUCH better. Stand back," he saw the creature somehow stand back up despite its injuries. "I want to see what I can do."
He's back to full strength! Rossweisse realized as she and Seekvaira ushered the men to a safe distance. No, he's stronger than he ever was before. The apple was supposed to stabilize his life force and get him back to normal, but did it do more? Dorian had been training to keep up with his debilitated state, did all that improvement to keep up get compounded by the magic?
Holding out his hand, Twilight Star wrenched itself from the wall and returned to him, the Einherjar bringing it to bear leveled at the recovering anti-monster. In a flash, gauntlets appeared upon each hand with armor following all the way up to his arm stopping just at the shoulder. It all came so naturally to him, no longer requiring the agonizingly slow focus he'd been forced to utilize before. He no longer had any fear, the monster before him seeming so small.
Iggy, are you there?
Always Dorian. Thank you, I have never felt pain like that but now you shine so brightly. You need not slowly gather energy, all we have and are connected to are now at your disposal. I have already utilized Midgardsormr as our base, I have missed seeing you like this.
You did that so quickly? You really are a genius when I'm not slowing you down. Iggy blushed internally at the compliment.
"Let's see if you adapted to this you sack of…" he muttered confidently only to be interrupted by his soulmate.
Language Dorian.
A rainbow prism exploded from within his hands forming a spiral up his cherished weapon. Encircling it, the power of all nine realms covered the blade utterly, energy radiating so brightly that the others were forced to shield their eyes. Despite the pain, Rossweisse refused to look away, Seekvaira as well desiring to see what transpired as the monster charged.
"BIFROST BLADE!" Dorian cried as he performed a simple but monstrously powerful downward two-handed slash the instant his charging opponent came within range.
The blast erupted outward, consuming the anti-monster which disappeared within its depths. Unable to withstand its power, it was launched backwards, slamming into the wall it had just freed itself from followed by the cascade of power. The explosion lasted for several seconds before finally diminishing, naught left of the creature save for a burnt silhouette upon what remained of the surface. With a steady exhalation, Dorian returned the sword to the Roads more shocked than anything that such an attack had not even winded him.
"Is everyone alright?" Seekvaira called out to her men, all nodding along with Rossweisse and Dorian. "Good, then I want a full detailed sweep of every sector again fanning out from here to determine how that thing got in here or if there are any more, get to it!" The men scattered in organized groups except for two who remained to search the room. "If one of those things got in, could the Hero Faction be here?"
"None of their members directly," Rossweisse interjected. "Team Vali have not detected any of their numbers approaching and are well aware of their energy outputs. It is possible the creature was sent in alone or perhaps another agent we are not familiar with."
"In any case, it must have to do with that remote thing we saw. If we can…hey, where did it go?" Seekvaira and Dorian glanced in the direction of the strange device the anti-monster had been guarding. To their utter confusion, it was no longer there. "Did you retrieve it?" Seekvaira shook her head. "Where is it? It was right there."
The trio started searching, the source of the fluctuating energies gone and the reading on Seekvaira's pad returned to normal. In the confusion, none spotted a guard march off with the rest with an item tucked under his coat whistling an eerie tune none recognized. After giving up the search for the object, Dorian located the golden apple having rolled from where he'd dropped it in his throes of pain. It looked so ordinary yet was responsible for so much.
"You gave this to me," he held it tenderly as if he might accidentally damage it. "What does this mean?"
"It wasn't from me," she admitted once more, cupping it from the other side so their fingers touched. "But from Lady Freyja and Lord Odin. They will have much to discuss later, after the finals."
"Ahem," Seekvaira cleared her throat, stepping closer than usual and pushing up her glasses. "Perhaps we should return to the arena, we don't know if more of these things may be running around. Standard security can handle things here."
"Of course," Dorian suddenly became self-conscious beneath her scrutinizing stare. "Come on, we can warn the others to keep an eye out."
We can take the long way; I haven't felt this good in…ever! I feel like I could run a marathon twice over, this is wonderful!
Taking a step forward too fast, Dorian tripped underestimating the newfound power for a moment. In a flash, he found himself held onto from both sides by both Rossweisse and Seekvaira who caught him before he could stumble into a wall.
"One step at a time," Seekvaira counseled as she led him, along with Rossweisse, out of the room. "You just had a huge leap in power, it'll take a bit to get used to. Come on, we can return to the arena and warn the others just in case they try anything else. That and I am sure we are all curious how Rias and the others are doing."
He could not argue, feeling like he was back at the dance. Dorian did not require their assistance to walk but found could not force himself to tell them that. Rossweisse linked arms as well, eyeing the Agares heir who seemed to be holding onto his arm a little tighter than before with the slightest content smile spreading across her lips.
At last, Dorian's body is whole again stronger than he'd ever known, limits to be discovered and broken later. As security forces secure the area seeking Moloch in vain, our heroes return to the arena...the finale to the Gremory/Bael Tournament fast approaching. Until then, I hope everyone stays safe, Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D