The Pawn of Grisaia

by Curse of Whimsy

He wanted to try being normal. He might still be able to get his wish, but he'll have to settle for being a normal Devil with a normal amount of memories from dead people he's never met... Kazami Yuuji has begun to wonder if maybe he isn't very good at this. Now has a TV-Tropes page, covering characters and events up to Chapter 35

6. Courage, Cruelty, Catharsis

I've been looking forward to writing this chapter ever since I decided to write this story. Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing the longest chapter yet.

---

"Kazami Yuuji returning to post, conditions normal. Resuming standby status"

"...I'm home, JB."

Yuuji finished his final call-in, as he'd been expected to report in every night while in the mountains.

The Gremory household (with their two Fallen Angel companions) had just returned from their training camp, and with it being about midday, they had a day and a half before the Rating Game against Riser and his peerage.

Putting away his phone, Yuuji stepped back around to the front of the clubroom, where Asia, Raynare and Kalawarner were waiting for him.

Still carrying their bags, they began the walk home.

Truthfully, they could have just used a magic circle to go from the clubroom to their house in an instant, but there was no hurry so Yuuji felt that it was just being lazy.

The walk home was uneventful, but a buzzing from his cell caught his attention just as they stepped into their shared house.

Telling the girls he had to take the call, he stepped back outside.

"Your prescription just arrived, when can you stop by the clinic?"

The man on the other end of the phone spoke in a clipped, professional tone of voice.

"I'm free. Would half an hour work?"

"That's just fine. Door will be open."

"Thanks."

Stepping back into the house, Yuuji told the girls he had an errand to run, and asked if they needed anything picked up.

He waved away offers to come along, telling them just to relax, as he wouldn't be gone long.

He returned just in time for dinner, which was a significantly quieter affair than it had been for the last couple of days, with only four people present.

Perhaps it was just the tension in the air, with only one day left.

It didn't matter in the end, he supposed.

They were ready.

---

He awoke as daylight filtered through the gaps in the living room curtain.

Yuuji let out a groan, a week of intense training and little sleep finally catching up with him.

The impromptu night with Akeno had been the only one where he slept soundly.

Maybe she'd be on board with doing that more often?

He could almost see her delighted smile and twinkling eyes as he imagined making the request.

It seemed he'd overdone it a little, because his limbs felt like they had weights strapped to them, and his chest was tight, restricted as if something was coiled around it.

Apparently, the world was colluding to make him as much of an invalid as possible, because he'd also rolled off the couch and onto the floor.

He tried to lift his head, only to find his vision obscured by a golden curtain draped across his chest.

Golden blonde.

Asia?

He lifted his arm to gently roll her off of him.

Tried.

His left arm wouldn't move at all, so he turned his head to the left.

Black hair.

Akeno?

No... Raynare?

She was gripping his arm like a pillow, burying it neatly within her cleavage.

His head turned slowly, ponderously to his immobile right arm, trapped even more firmly than the left, not all that surprising if that head of silky blue hair belonged to who he thought it did.

The blonde head moved first though, sleepy emerald eyes blinking up at him.

A yawn. Adorable, really.

He wasn't irritated at all.

"Good morning, Yuuji-san."

The two Fallen Angels stirred at that, the rustling noise revealing that they had their wings out and wrapped around the pile of bodies.

Come to think of it, the floor was just a bit softer than it should be.

Kalawarner was the faster of the two, a sleepy, dazed expression contrasted her formal tone.

"Good morning, Yuuji-sama."

Just then, Raynare stirred with the loudest yawn yet.

Unluckily, as the last one to move, she caught the full force of Yuuji's mounting irritation.

She stiffened as dark eyes glared at her.

"Explain."

"Nightmare."

Raynare ducked her head sheepishly into Yuuji's arm.

The glare shifted to Asia, still lying more or less on top of him.

"Nightmare."

She too, ducked her head sheepishly.

Into Yuuji's chest.

He didn't give Kalawarner a chance to answer.

"Nightmare?"

She shamefacedly imitated the other two girls.

Silence.

Heavy silence.

Oppressive silence.

"So all four of us slept on the floor, after a week of training."

A mild, conversational tone of voice, as the speaker stared up at the ceiling.

... The silence grew awkward, the girls too embarrassed to speak up quite yet.

"Off."

The various obstructions hastened from the room, unwilling to anger the once sleeping beast any further.

Just as they were unwilling to reveal who the nightmare had belonged to.

---

The day of the decisive battle had arrived.

For the last day, Yuuji had been gone for the most part, dealing with 'final preparations' that he hadn't been willing to tell his housemates about.

They were used to it by now, and left it be.

Yuuji would tell them if he thought it was important.

That wasn't to say they were happy about it, because they'd noticed that Yuuji kept a certain distance from everyone.

They could only hope he'd open up to them, given time.

In a way, that too was why Asia had wanted to fight, to have that time. Raynare and Kalawarner, for their parts, were feeling the pressure.

Being allowed to do nothing but wait hurt more than they'd imagined.

Two hours to midnight.

Currently, the two Fallen Angels were sitting on one couch, while Yuuji in his school uniform was sitting on the other in his school uniform, reading a book.

Most of the young Devils would be wearing the uniform, as it was something they were comfortable in.

One notable exception had just come out from the bedroom.

Asia, in her green nun's dress.

She wasn't wearing her habit, and her rosary (for obvious reasons) had been left behind as well.

Yuuji raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything.

"She- Buchou did say to wear what was most comfortable… even if I'm a Devil I still…"

"It suits you, Asia."

Yuuji offered a small, reassuring smile.

"Yeah, just because you're fighting doesn't mean you can't look cute doing it!"

Raynare grinned as Asia blushed and fidgeted.

"Agreed, Asia-san wears it well."

Kalawarner gave an approving nod as she spoke.

The blonde was still standing where she was, looking happy from the praise, but hesitant still.

"Y-Yuuji-san?"

"Hm?"

"Would… would you sit with us?"

Yuuji tilted his head to the side, but Kalawarner and Raynare seemed to understand, as they shuffled closer together, taking up one end of the couch, with just enough room for…

With her hair covering her face, Asia raised one hand to point at the couch they were sitting on.

Yuuji watched her for a moment in silence before answering.

"Sure, if that's what you want."

As Asia sat down beside Raynare, Yuuji sat down on the unoccupied side.

"It's a little cramped."

"I-I'm sorry, but can we stay like this for a little while? It's harder to be scared with all of you close."

Asia's voice was barely more than a whisper, and her eyes were glued to the floor.

The two Fallen Angels shared knowing, fond smiles.

"I don't mind."

"A-and, can we stay together like this? Forever?"

It wasn't just Yuuji she was asking.

"Forever."

Raynare.

"Forever."

Kalawarner.

The slightest pause from the man of the house.

"Forever, then."

He'd have to buy a bigger couch.

---

The peerage had gathered at the clubroom. 20 minutes to midnight.

Elegant as usual, Rias and Akeno were sipping green tea quietly.

Kiba was leaned up against the wall, adjusting the steel bracers and greaves he was wearing over his school uniform.

One couch had Koneko lying across it on her stomach, legs kicking in the air, with the fingerless gloves of a martial artist on her hands as she read her book.

The gloves were black, with pink kitten faces on the backs.

Yuuji and Asia were on one of the other couches, Asia sitting quietly while Yuuji flipped through a book of his own.

His mind wasn't really with it, as his senses were focused on the rest of the room.

Needlessly, he was happy to say.

Any prior nervousness had given way to alertness and anticipation.

To be honest, he was actually more worried about Raynare and Kalawarner.

They were at home, waiting for word of either victory or defeat.

That was never easy, he remembered how tense he used to get when Asako went out on a job.

Though, hopefully the steps he'd taken to deal with that little issue worked out.

Before long, a familiar circle swirled into life, as Grayfia, in her typical maid's dress, appeared in the room.

"10 minutes until the match. Is everyone ready? "

Everyone rose to their feet, as Grayfia began to explain the Rating Game.

"When the time for the battle arrives, you'll be transported onto the battlefield prepared. The battlefield is a separate dimension prepared specifically for such contests, so fight to your hearts content. This particular field is disposable, so there is no need to restrain yourselves."

"Furthermore, I have been asked to inform you that this battle will be observed, both by the heads of the respective households, as well as Maou Lucifer-sama and select other guests."

Rias was too busy reacting to that bit of news to notice the brief glance the head maid shot Yuuji.

Guess things had worked out.

"Onii-sama?... I see, Onii-sama will be observing the battle."

"Your brother is L-Lucifer, Buchou?"

Asia seemed suddenly nervous. Not really surprising, for a former (sort of former?) Christian.

Sensing her distress, Rias gave a soft smile.

"My apologies Asia, I suppose I've been neglecting that aspect of your lessons a bit. Lucifer is actually the title held by one of the Four Great Satans. My brother, along with Leviathan, Asmodeus, and Beelzebub, are the leaders of the Underworld. Sirzechs Gremory has taken on the name Sirzechs Lucifer, as the Satans are no longer able to inherit their family legacy."

"So 'Maou' is like a managerial position?"

Yuuji joined in, curious.

Kiba took over.

"That's probably the best way to describe it. In many ways, the Satans are a shield for the Underworld, as without them we're actually far behind the other Factions in terms of power. Buchou's brother is the most powerful of the Satans, who are considered to be as strong or stronger than the original four."

"Figures your older brother would be amazing as well."

Catching his meaning, Rias flushed and smiled, while Akeno gave a soft giggle.

With small cough, Grayfia took control of the conversation.

"I have some last minute preparations to make, so I'll leave you be for now."

As the circle formed, she paused for a moment, and allowed herself a tiny, but warm smile.

"Good luck, all of you."

---

10 minutes until the battle.

Neither women could contain their anxiety, both sets of eyes glued to the clock.

A nervously tapping leg beat a steady rhythm on the floor.

Tense though they were, the Fallen Angels were caught completely off guard as the room was illuminated by a swirl of cold blue light, a magic circle emblazoning itself on the ground.

And the one who stepped out…

"Raynare-sama, Kalawarner-sama, I presume? Pardon my intrusion."

Was one woman known by the title of 'The Strongest Queen'.

Grayfia Lucifuge offered a polite bow towards the two dumbfounded women before her.

---

An unfamiliar crest appeared on the clubroom floor, flooding the room with light and rapidly expanding.

A brief sensation of being pulled…

... The Gremory Devils found themselves standing in the clubroom once more.

"Home field advantage? They're really looking down on us… no matter. They won't be able to say a word once we win."

Rias sat down at the replica of her desk.

"School, huh? Well that gives us a lot to work with. What's the plan, Buchou?"

Yuuji was peering out the window as he spoke.

As far as he could tell, the only noticeable difference was that the sky above was white, almost as if there wasn't anything to the world beyond the school.

Which, come to think of it, there probably wasn't.

Rias held up a hand, signalling to Yuuji to wait for a moment.

[The location where both teams have been transported to is their 'base'. Rias-sama's 'base' is in the clubroom for the Occult Research Club, located in the old school building. Meanwhile, Riser-sama's 'base' is in the new school building, located in the Student Council Office. Pawns, please make you way into the enemy base in order to use Promotion.]

Yuuji let his eyes drift towards the third floor of the new school building.

Going from the inside might be safer than flying, especially since the student council room was on the opposite side from them.

Yuuji would be a sitting duck in the air like that, flying was still a little tricky for him.

The fact that there were 8 Pawns looking to Promote on the other side was another problem problem in and of itself.

Riser could end up with as many as 9 Queen's if they weren't careful.

"Everyone, please put these transceivers in your ears."

Akeno handed out earphone style transceivers to each of the household, before stepping into the side-room.

"We'll use these to communicate in the field."

Rias explained as she put hers in.

[I, Grayfia Lucifuge will be overseeing this battle. Fight to your heart's content, and show the strength of your conviction. The battle will last until dawn. Let the Game begin.]

---

"We'll need to prioritize taking out the Pawns before they Promote. Extra Queens would be troublesome."

Rias was sipping tea that Akeno had just finished preparing. Yuuji watched her carefully, assessing.

...Man, he'd really lucked out as a subordinate, hadn't he?

"Conversely, I'm not sure it's worth the risk to try getting Yuuji Promoted while we're this outnumbered. There's too much enemy territory between us and that goal, and we can't take any unnecessary risks. We're lucky this is a longer style Rating Game, rather than a blitz. We'd be overrun on an open field."

"Yuuto."

At her urging, Kiba spreads a map of the school out on the table.

It was convenient that the contents of their clubroom had been replicated as well.

Likely, all those spare beds had been as well.

Maybe Yuuji could take a nap if things got slow.

Yeah, Rias would take that idea well.

"There's a forest near our base. You could consider that part of our territory, while the new school building belongs to Riser's side. We can expect an ambush once we enter there, and since the school field is visible from there, it's too dangerous to cross at this point."

Once the Rating Game had begun, teleportation via magic circle was prohibited, so they'd have to walk or fly.

Flying was the more dangerous option, give the lack of cover.

"We can expect the school field to be heavily guarded, and in an open space like that, at least one of the Knights and three Pawns will be positioned. The mobility of the Knight will be a huge advantage, so they'll likely be lying in wait in one of the club-rooms surrounding the sports ground. It's also possible to have at least one Bishop hiding in ambush with large area magic at the ready."

Kiba shared his thoughts then.

"Then Buchou, what about the gymnasium itself? That gives a secure route to the school building if we can secure it."

Rias nodded, having a similar opinion.

"I think you're correct. We'll need to secure it quickly, since that's an ideal route for them as well. That's a likely location for one of their Rooks to be guarding, since their defensive power makes them ideal for locking down a smaller location."

"And so I think that first off, we'll have Yuuto and Koneko set traps in the forest… is what I'd like to say. But we have someone who's proficient at making a forest an unwelcoming place, don't we?"

Rias smirked at her Pawn while she spoke.

"Leave it to me, Buchou. Personal experience suggests that Devils are on the lookout for magical, rather than mundane traps."

Yuuji's return smirk caused some sympathetic shudders from his comrades.

They were his 'personal experience' after all.

"Akeno, go with him. Some illusions and mists that only react to the enemy will make the traps harder to spot, and even if they do break through them, putting the enemy on guard for magic will hopefully make them even less prepared for the real threat. After that, you're on overwatch, and I'll trust you to move when the time is right."

"Yes, Buchou. I acknowledge your orders to spend alone time with my boyfriend. If we're delayed, it's because I'm hopefully being devoured by a wild beast who finally caught an innocent maiden all on her own."

Akeno's teasing giggle mixing with Rias' sigh as Yuuji stared blankly at her.

"Yuuto, Koneko, I want you two to take the gym. It should still have enough room for Kiba to move freely, but if necessary I want you to hang back, and act as Koneko's support, understood?"

"Yes, Buchou."

"Roger."

The two stood side by side.

"Asia, relax for now. You and I will be on standby for a bit, but I expect before long we'll be defending this place. I'll take the lead, of course, but I'll be counting on your help alright?"

As Rias spoke, she stood up from her desk, taking the teapot to refill both her and Asia's cups.

"Y-yes, Buchou!"

As Asia replied, the King finished pouring tea and stood proudly to her full height, raising a hand forward.

"Now then, my adorable servants, are you ready? No turning back now, our opponent is the Immortal Bird himself! Time to blow them all away!"

Five voices in unison.

"Yes, Buchou!"

---

Earlier

The silver-haired maid regarded the two battle-ready individuals before her, watching their expressions shift as their minds worked in overdrive, well-honed survival instincts weighing every option.

Obviously…

"Kazami-sama neglected to mention anything, didn't he? My deepest apologies if I startled either of you, I come in peace."

Grayfia offered a polite bow, hands folded in front of her.

The two Fallen Angels relaxed their posture slightly, confusion momentarily replacing fear as the silver-haired woman before them sighed softly.

"Y-Yuuji-kun? What does he have to do with this?"

The black -haired Fallen Angel, Raynare-san, she believed, spoke first.

"Kazami-sama hoped it would put the two of you just a little more at ease if you were able to observe the battle directly. Of course, being in the same room as some of the most powerful members of the Underworld would likely have the opposite effect, but that is easily avoided."

As she explained, Grayfia slowly, carefully reached her hand into a small magic circle that appeared in the air beside her.

The Two Fallen Angels tensed up again, but what Grayfia pulled out was a small device, with a large lens on one end.

Looking around the room, Grayfia gave a slight nod, and set it on the table.

A push of a button, and a magic circle appeared before the lens, before projecting a rectangular image onto the empty wall.

A slight gasp from Raynare, and Kalawarner, as they found themselves staring at an image of the clubroom, where Yuuji, Asia and their companions seemed to be strategizing around a map of sorts.

"This is a live feed of the Rating Game, more or less the same as what is being displayed at the viewing room."

As she spoke, Grayfia reached into the circle from before once again, and pulled out what seemed to be a small remote.

She handed it to Kalawarner, who stood numbly for a moment before accepting.

"I- I don't understand… Grayfia-san was it?"

At the bluenette's words, a quiet exhale slipped from Grayfia's lips.

"Kazami-sama insured me he would inform both of you, I suppose it is my own failing to not have asked when he would do so. What a troublesome child."

Grayfia didn't actually seem to be particularly annoyed, Raynare felt.

She liked to think she'd gotten pretty good at reading people, since Kala wasn't all that expressive either.

"Thank you, Grayfia-san. Forgive us for the rude reception."

Kalawarner, relaxing her posture and bowing slightly as she spoke.

"Thanks a lot, Grayfia-san!"

Raynare gave a sunny smile and a bow, now at ease once more.

"Think nothing of it, and I apologize once more. I would have acted more discreetly if I was aware I was arriving unannounced. I'll leave the two of you to it then, I must return to my duties."

Grayfia gave a bow of her own, which the two Fallen returned before a transportation circle appeared beneath her.

She paused for a brief moment, as if wanting to say something more, but seemed to think better of it and disappeared without another word.

Raynare and Kalawarner looked at each other for a moment.

"It's just like Yuuji-kun to be a total jerk while going out of his way to be nice to us."

"Agreed, Yuuji-sama's unpleasant attitude offers quite the contrast between his thoughtful nature."

The girls stared at each other for another moment before they both began to giggle softly, sitting down on the couch to watch the fight.

They would have to thank him later.

... Under no circumstances would they waste time worried about whether or not that 'later' would exist.

---

"We've reached the gym, Buchou."

["Be ready, you two. There will be no avoiding a fight once you enter."]

That was the hope.

No more watching in silence as their King wrestled with her fear of the future.

No more clenched fists and grit teeth as she assured them she was okay, and would handle it.

Anything that could render the smile of their master so brittle was something just begging to be crushed... and now, they had their chance.

As they slipped in the back door of the gym, creeping quietly up the stairs towards the stage.

Koneko seemed the straighten slightly, and tapped Kiba on the shoulder before pointing forward and holding up four fingers.

Kiba nodded, unable to see with the stage blocking vision, but having no doubt in Koneko's senses.

"We know you're there, Servants of Gremory! No use hiding!"

The Rook and Knight looked to each other and shrugged.

Striding boldly up onto the stage, with the curtains out of the way they had a clear view of the gymnasium, and their four opponents.

Standing at the front was a woman with narrowed blue-green eyes with a daringly cut cheongsam, with side slits all the way up her hips and a low neckline, as well as the tradition slippers worn by many martial artists.

Her shoulder length black hair was partially up in two buns, and a white, over-center sash and black leather armguards completed her attire.

Beside her, was the girl Yuuji had terrified into submission back in the clubroom.

She seemed a bit relieved, likely because she wasn't seeing Yuuji.

... Not that that fact would do her any good.

The Pawn, Mira, was a brown-eyed young girl with her blue hair in twintails, stood in her white haori underneath a red happi coat.

Her arms and legs were wrapped in cloth bandages, and she had wooden sandals (geta).

She had her wooden staff leaning up against her right side.

The last two individuals were small twins about Koneko's height, wearing what looked to be white and black school PE uniforms, both with bright turquoise hair and blue eyes.

Their weapons…

"Koneko-chan."

"Yes, Yuuto-senpai?"

"The girl in front is probably a Rook, and the other three are Pawns. I imagine you want to handle the leader."

"Mhm."

"So then…"

"Yes Yuuto-senpai. You have to fight the chainsaw twins."

"Thought as much."

Laughing ruefully, Kiba hopped off the stage, Koneko mirroring the move.

"You're Toujou Koneko, are you not? I, Riser-sama's Rook Xuelan, will be your opponent. Mira, Ile, Nel, deal with the Knight. The three of you should be able to do it."

The twins revved their chainsaws with far more cheer than Kiba was happy with.

"Disassembling time~!"

"Sword Birth."

Kiba held his hand out to the side, and offered a salute with the longsword that had just appeared in his hand.

"I, Kiba Yuuto, Knight of Rias Gremory will be your opponent."

Faster than they could close the distance, he was upon them, sword lashing out towards the blue-haired Pawn.

With a gasp of surprise, she deflected it with her staff, but Kiba merely spun with it and kicked her away.

Whirring saw blades crossed the spot where he'd been standing, but Kiba hurled himself airborne, whirling almost parallel to the ground to avoid the strikes.

They brought their weapons around for a second strike as Kiba hit the ground, but he collapsed into a low crouch, and they were forced to hurl themselves backwards as blades erupted beneath their feet.

Kiba surged upwards once more to meet the overhead swing of Mira, exchanging blows in a brief flurry.

As he engaged, Koneko battled Xuelan, the enemy Rook getting the first strike with her long leg in a sidelong kick.

Koneko dipped under the blow and closed in, but with a yell, the taller Rook brought her outstretched leg above her head and swept it down in a vicious axe-kick.

Koneko slipped to the side, twisting as she did so to slam a fist into her opponents gut.

Xuelan gagged, but shook it off almost immediately, hopping back a step to release a storm of sharp kicks.

Koneko weaved and slipped through the barrage, subtly weaving closer.

Finally, a kick got through, slamming into Koneko and pushing her back.

With both hands gripping the outstretched foot.

Xuelan shrieked as the trapped limb was used to hurl her across the room, bouncing off the elevated stage.

Koneko let out a small smile and charged off in pursuit.

A giggling girl sent wood splinters flying as her intended target twirled away, her chainsaw carving into the gym floor.

Kiba continued his spin, slamming his sword into the side of the second twins chainsaw to divert the attack, before halting Mira's charge with a long blade that sprung from the floor directly into her charge line.

Turning back to the twins with a determined expression, Kiba did a complete spin, grasping his sword with both hands as the blade extended, sweeping towards them both.

A surprised yelp followed as one twin ducked, but the other tried to raise her chainsaw to block, too slowly to defend.

A thin, bloody line drew itself just above her collar bone.

Her twin gave a panicked yell and ran over to her.

The wound wasn't particularly deep, but Kiba wasn't really trying to kill anyone.

Mira was launched off her feet, her staff splintering but just barely holding as rather than try to halt the momentum of his now heavier weapon, Kiba simply let it slip from his grasp, hurtling towards the blue-haired Pawn.

Before she could rise, the breath was smashed out of her lungs with as yet another improvised missile slammed into her… her own teammate, Xuelan.

As they fell in a jumbled pile, Kiba heard a message through the transceiver.

A quick glance Koneko's way, they both dashed for a side door, ignoring the yells of their opponents.

They hit the outside and skidded to a halt a fair distance away, side by side.

Without looking at each other, they knocked their fists together, and lightning from above gutted the gymnasium in a blinding flash.

[Riser Phoenix; 1 Rook and 3 Pawns retired.]

Akeno's merry laughter intermingled with the calm announcement.

---

This was a waste of time.

Mists and false pathways did little to conceal the hastily made traps the Gremory servants had placed.

Simple runes that would explode when touched, seals that would turn the ground into mud…

Likely, one of the Gremory servants was hiding in the forest, but even if it was their Knight, Shuriya was confident that she could handle him with Marion and Burent's help.

The three of them might only be Pawns, but unlike the fledgling Gremory's, they were winners of actual Rating Games, not this pretend play.

Those thoughts kept Shuriya occupied as she absentmindedly disabled yet another rune, this one keyed to send a bolt of lightning forward once touched.

Unconcerned and more than a little bored, she stepped across the now empty patch of ground.

As it gave way slightly beneath her with a dull click-

The ground erupted before she even had time to scream.

[Riser's Pawn retired.]

The resulting explosion hurled Marion and Burent off their feet as fire and shrapnel consumed their comrade.

Wild-eyed, Marion stumbled to her feet, gaping at the empty spot where Shuriya had been.

"Burent, are you alright?"

She turned to her fellow Pawn, ignoring the dust that marred her black and white maid outfit and white tights.

"Burent? Burent where are you!?"

She cast about the clearing frantically.

Where was she?

Where was Burent?

She didn't want to be in the forest alone.

She didn't want to she didn't want to-

A startled gasp at the rustle of branches.

Casting her eyes about, Marion summoned demonic power to her hand, spell at the ready.

Another rustle, and she pinpointed the noise.

...Directly above her.

A pair of legs covered in white tights, just like her own.

Burent was thrashing above her, clawing desperately at something coiled around her neck.

"B-Burent! Hang- hang on, I'll get you down! Stay with me!"

"Sorry, but I don't think you will."

A dry voice right beside her ear.

[Riser Phoenix, two Pawns retired.]

---

["Good work you two, head towards the sports field. Stay low for now until Yuuji meets up with you, then proceed towards Phase Two. Akeno, pull back towards us and let your magic recover, and then we'll head towards the school building with Asia."]

BOOOOM!

Whatever confirmation he intended to give was drowned out as Kiba found himself suddenly half-blind and airborne as a massive explosion hurled him away.

He hit the ground hard, bouncing and skidding.

Dazed, Kiba stared at the spot he'd been standing a moment before, and the tiny, limp form on the ground.

"Koneko-chan!"

Staggering to his feet, Kiba rushed over to her.

Koneko was covered in burns, her clothing in tatters.

She had taken a direct hit, while he'd merely been hurtled through the air by the backlash.

"Take."

A cruel voice, as a shadow drifted above the pair.

A woman drifted on black wings, one eye covered by wavy, long purple hair.

A navy dress with open sides and a plunging neckline to show off her enormous bust, a white cape, and a golden choker.

The staff in her hands still wreathed in wisps of flame.

"Fufu the best time to launch a surprise attack is right after your prey accomplishes something. We can easily sacrifice a piece of three simply to take one of yours. After all, we-"

She was forced to dodge as a bolt of lightning cracked through the sky.

"As if I care. Become the next sacrifice, Bomb Queen."

Akeno-san was furious.

Kiba really didn't envy the enemy Queen right now.

"Yuuto-kun, get Koneko-chan to Asia. I have business with this one."

Akeno's voice was cold, harsh. The air about her snapped and crackled as golden sparks danced about her arms.

"S-Sorry, Yuuto-senpai… Akeno-senpai…"

The little white-haired girl in his arms was barely holding on, her eyelids fighting to stay open.

"I… wanted to help… more… I wanted to be of use…. m-more…"

"You did just fine, Koneko-chan. Let your senpai take it from here, alright?"

He smiled softly at the girl held gently in his arms, who gave a shudder and went limp before falling through his hands in a shower of soft blue light.

[Rias Gremory, one Rook retired.]

Above, the two Queens circled higher clashing with a violent howl of magic.

Alone, Kiba's soft smile contorted into something vicious.

Shaking hands twitched, and what sprung to life was a 'sword' that hissed in his grasp as if alive.

Deep breaths, Yuuto.

The sword vanished as Kiba rose to his feet.

He would trust Akeno to deal with this, but he wouldn't allow himself to give in to rage.

Even if that's what he wanted.

---

"Stiff competition, looks like."

Yuuji stepped out of the brush, to the wall Kiba was leaned up against as he watched the sports field.

Kiba turned to him with the same easy, relaxing smile as always.

"A Knight, a Rook and a Bishop. They sure aren't going easy on us. But well, I think a hard fight sounds nice right about now. We can't face Koneko-chan as men if we embarrass ourselves here. Let's answer her regrets, Yuuji-kun."

"Yeah, let's do this, Kiba."

As he spoke, Yuuji put a calming hand on Kiba's shoulder.

Kiba looked at him in surprise, before relaxing with a long sigh.

"A battle between Devils is a serious affair, isn't it? I can't tell if it's excitement, fear or anger that's making me shake this much."

"It doesn't really matter in the end. You can puzzle out your feelings after we win."

Kiba blinked and laughed, a genuine, easy chuckle out of place on the battlefield.

"I'll do just that. Ready, then, Yuuji-kun?"

Kiba held out his fist, and Yuuji bumped his own against it, meeting the Knight's smile with a smirk of his own.

The two men stepped out onto the field.

---

BOOM

A flap of her wings brought her safely above the attack, and Akeno retaliated with a narrow bolt of lightning that blew off one of Yubelluna's shoulder pads.

Yubelluna hissed and thrust her staff forward, but Akeno was already firing again, and the staff went spinning out of her hands.

The next bolt hit her leg.

Then the arm.

Then the wing, and Yubelluna cried out as suddenly she was flightless, hurtling to the ground below.

Akeno rose higher into the sky, watching the dust cloud resulting from the impact with glittering, eager violet eyes, cheeks flushed from all the excitement.

Elegantly clad in her 'Priestess of Thunder' garb, a shrine maiden's outfit consisting of a white haori with red accents, red hakama, and a pair of bamboo zori with white tabi on her feet.

Currently, one of her sleeves was missing, burned away, but the skin underneath was only a little red.

But so what?

To only take one hit from a more experienced Queen, and to suffer such little damage?

Her training was paying off, such a shame Yuuji wasn't watching.

Yubelluna was losing because she had the same failing Akeno had worked hard to overcome.

Yubelluna wasn't a Queen, she was a fancy Bishop with extra stress and extra responsibilities.

Akeno was understandably surprised when the dust cleared and the enemy Queen rose into the air once more, wearing a smug, malicious smirk.

Not a single hair out of place.

As if to respond to her shock, Yubelluna teasingly dangled a small, empty red stopper in one hand.

"Ravel-sama was right, I did need the Phoenix Tears after all. You're stronger than expected, Priestess of Lightning. But I doubt you're strong enough for another round."

"Phoenix Tears… ara, I should have expected the Bomb Queen to have such a trick up her sleeve."

"I dislike that name… but no matter. You won't be saying anything at all in a moment."

Akeno hurled herself away as a tiny mote of flame hurtled towards her.

The resulting explosion was far larger than the earlier one, and she screamed in pain as she caught the edge of it, searing heat exposing most of the fabric from one leg, cracked, blackened flesh contrasting with the exposed white of her skin.

"My, how troublesome."

Akeno gave a pained smile as Yubelluna's smirk turned predatory.

---

"As the Knight of Riser Phoenix, I challenge Rias Gremory's Knight to a duel!"

At the declaration, Yuuji raised an eyebrow and looked at Kiba.

Kiba's apologetic smile told him all he needed to know.

"Good grief. I won't forgive you if you lose, but I don't mind entertaining the other two while you have your 'Knight moment'."

"It sounds silly when you say it that way, Yuuji-kun."

"Good."

"But thank you, you're a good guy after all."

"I don't want to hear it."

Kiba couldn't help but notice how unbothered his comrade seemed, despite his words.

The men of the Gremory peerage stepped onto the field, and the enemy Knight laughed happily.

"Haha I take it you accept then? Only a fool would do something like that, but I'm happy that such fools exist among the Gremory's. I am Karlamine, Knight of Riser Phoenix!"

The woman drew her sword and saluted as she spoke.

She was a young woman of above average height, with sandy brown hair and green eyes, with a white headband, and metal armor consisting of European style chestplate, gauntlets and greaves, while the plating protecting her shoulders and hips had a distinctly Japanese style.

Belted on her waist was a shortsword to match the broadsword she had drawn.

Kiba had a fearless, eager grin as he stepped onto the basketball field and offered a bow.

"I, Kiba Yuuto, Knight of Rias Gremory will be your opponent."

He casually dropped into his stance, with his favored longsword at the ready.

No more words were spoken, sparks flying as the gap between them vanished.

"Now, while they're having their fun, I don't exactly trust you two to sit pretty. So I guess I'll keep you occupied while those two bang away at each other."

Yuuji blankly stood between the fighting Knights and the enemy Rook and Bishop.

"As if one such as I would interfere in an honorable duel!"

The Bishop, a young blonde with drills in her blonde hair and an inappropriately classy pink dress, levelled a haughty glare at the black-haired boy.

It only seemed to incense her further when Yuuji unsuccessfully stifled a yawn.

"Geez, those two are nothing but 'swords, swords, swords', while I have to listen to a foul mouthed Pawn! Karmaline better win this, she was angry about the Pawns being sacrificed so I expect her to work hard for her Master!"

Yuuji didn't even make a half-hearted effort to suppress his yawn this time.

Meanwhile, the tall woman at Ravel's side simply chuckled and stepped forward, shaking her head.

"This is good for me though, Ravel-sama. I was hoping to get a crack at Rias Gremory's Pawn after his stunt in the clubroom. He's the Gremory who interests me the most."

The woman speaking had brown hair with red highlights, and a white mask covering the right side of her face.

A leather jacket reminiscent of a biker, albeit one that exposed her well-endowed chest, and was cut off to expose most of her midriff.

Her tight blue jeans had a section of the thigh cut off on one end, and she was wearing heavy riding boots and thick leather gloves.

"Isabela, Rook. Mind keeping me company?"

"Kazami Yuuji, Pawn. I don't mind fighting both of you."

"Haha, no, Riser would be angry if I let his precious sister fight. Ravel-sama is just observing."

"That's surprising, he didn't come across as the compassionate type."

"You're not wrong, but Riser is quite different in private. Being a servant is much simpler, but you should have seen him falling over himself to make it up to Mira after he called her 'useless'."

As she spoke, Isabella had closed the distance, flicking sharp jabs at Yuuji's head.

"You're awfully talkative… not sure what this 'Mira' has to do with anything."

Yuuji ducked and weaved, nonchalant.

Isabella blinked in surprise, pausing her assault before narrowing her eyes searchingly.

"You… don't remember her at all, do you? No surprise there, that poor girls a bit too timid to go toe-to-toe with a beast like you. Enough chatting, let's see what's hiding underneath that mask of yours."

Isabela resumed her attack, tearing through the air with a flurry of sharp kicks.

"A bit ironic coming from you, don't you think?"

Meanwhile, Kiba was trading blows with the enemy Knight at a speed the average Devil couldn't even follow, racing around the field.

Flames screamed through the air as Karlamine's sword burst into flames, the suddenly red-hot blade shearing through Kiba's plain longsword.

"A pity there's more to my Sacred gear than simple metal."

Kiba shrugged.

"What nonsense. Knight of Rias Gremory, speaking in riddles is ill-fitting of a Knight."

"Freeze and shatter, this is my Flame Delete!"

Kiba flicked out his hand and the temperature in the field plummeted.

The sword in his hand was bladeless, but icy mist billowed off of it.

In seconds, a blade of ice had formed.

"Fire is meaningless before this sword. I'll be burying that flame of yours."

"A-another sword!? Don't tell me you have two-"

She was cut off as Kiba lashed out, once twice, each time he struck the flames of the woman's sword froze solid.

One more hit, and the flames shattered, along with the blade beneath.

Undeterred, Karlamine flung the useless hilt to the side and pulled out her shortsword.

Immediately, hot winds raged across the field, staggering everyone as Kiba's ice began to melt and lose its shape.

"Dammit Karlamine, forgetting your surroundings already!?"

Isabela covered her face with one arm.

"No, I think the one forgetting is you."

Face inches from hers, cold black eyes bored into hers as Yuuji struck for the first time, burying his palm into the Rook's gut, angling upwards to give the nauseating feeling of her stomach trying to force its way past her diaphragm.

Gagging from the blow, Isabela was helpless as Yuuji dropped low and kicked sharply upwards, slamming his heel into her chin with a sharp crack.

Launched airborne, Isabela hit the ground almost headfirst.

Not enough to incapacitate the powerful Rook, but enough to leave her defenseless for what came next.

"...Hang on, I've got to take this."

A baffled Phoenix watched the Pawn of Rias Gremory take a step back and place a finger to his ear, staring off into the sky, towards his own base.

---

Hard to imagine that a moment ago she'd been proud of her accomplishments against the enemy Queen, as Akeno's shield cracked from yet another explosion.

Gasping raggedly, Akeno folded her wings in the air as the next attack broke her shield, feeling the burning heat on her back but just barely plummeting to safety.

... She was running on fumes.

Honestly, if she hadn't wounded the Bomb Queen's pride a little in their first bout, Akeno would likely already be eliminated.

Considering her tendencies, it was a little ironic that she was only still in the fight because she was being toyed with.

As she was hurtled through the air by another near miss from her laughing attacker, Himejima Akeno heard a cool, dispassionate voice in her ear.

["Akeno."]

"Yuuji-kun!?"

["Don't get too banged up before our first date."]

Her world ground to a halt as a single word seemed to echo through the air.

Mistaking the pause for surrender, Yubelluna struck with a massive detonation.

Missing the flash of golden light that greeted it, it was her turn to peer through the cloud of smoke.

For a few seconds, nothing emerged but giddy laughter.

And then, something sliced through the smoke and slammed into her, sending Yubelluna tumbling through the air.

A soft body pressed into her back, as long legs wrapped around her waist….

-And soft arms coiled themselves around her neck.

A breathy whisper, flush with excitement in her ear, as her hands scrabbled at the sudden hold.

"Ufufu sorry, Yubelluna-san~. But when her man talks like that, a girl can't help but get serious~."

A playful nibble on her ear made Riser's Queen jerk in surprise, loosening her grip.

Slender arms tightened with all the power of a Rook.

[Riser's Queen retired.]

---

Karlamine's shock at Yubelluna's defeat was swiftly replaced by anger at her opponent's hearty laughter that cut through the howling winds of her blade.

"Laughing at the defeat of other's is unbecoming of a Knight. I will answer this insult with the winds and fury of the Phoenix!"

Unable to help himself, Kiba rolled his eyes, the smile never quite having left his face.

Bringing her weapon down, the brunette directed a scorching whirlwind at the enemy Knight, intent on sweeping him from the field.

The winds vanished with nary a whisper.

In Kiba's hand was a bizarre looking sword of which the 'blade' was two metal tines angled away from each other, between which floated a rotating dark orb.

"'Replenish Calm'. It's been a long time since I've needed two demonic swords in a single fight."

"How many swords do you have!?"

"As many as I need. My Sacred Gear is limited only by my imagination."

Kiba broke into a grin.

"Yuuji-kun!"

The man in question was fighting once more, the Rook he was fighting having recovered from his earlier attacks.

"Yeah, Kiba?"

"You know we're on an open channel, right?"

"I do."

"And you know our transmissions are being broadcasted, right?"

"Sure do."

Kiba's cheerful laughter echoed above the sounds of battle.

---

"He'll be in real trouble if he doesn't follow through."

A crimson haired man slipped into the announcer's room, chuckling softly.

Grayfia raised an eyebrow in response.

"His efforts seemed to work though, Akeno-san's power had a remarkable spike corresponding with his words."

The man nodded.

"So is that him?"

"Yes, Sirzechs-sama. That is Rias-sama's new Pawn, Kazami Yuuji."

"That's not what I meant, Fia."

She stiffened at the nickname.

"I meant, is that the boy who caught your interest?"

Sirzechs mild inquiry was met with a frigid glare.

"I'm not sure I understand what you're implying."

The man wasn't deterred at all.

"And I'm not sure you're aware there are screens without him on it."

Sirzechs smile turned teasing as the silver-haired maid colored slightly.

Before she could reply, Sirzechs was back at the door, but this time his tone was serious.

"When was the last time a man caught your eye? If you're even a little interested, Fia, don't wait. You owe yourself that much."

The door swung shut, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

---

"I can't believe Yubelluna lost, even with the Phoenix Tears! What kind of monster do you have for a Queen, Gremory!? Isabela stop messing around and finish him!"

"Easier said than done, Ravel-sama!"

As she spoke, the tall Rook jerked away from an open palm that lashed upwards, aiming for the underside of her nose.

"Shit, I was wrong to think you're a fist-fighter like me."

"Oh?"

The impassive reply as her opponent slipped away from her return punch.

"You're not a brawler, someone just taught you to kill barehanded. Man, are all the Gremory's like this?"

Isabela stepped into his guard with a pair of flicking jabs, one of which grazed his cheek.

He took the hit without complaint, sinking a fist into her side.

The tough Rook took the hit, spinning to lash out with her knee from the side.

Yuuji hopped out of reach. He'd kept it under wraps so far, but his hands were getting numb.

No girl would want to hear that, but punching the enemy Rook was only a little better than using his bare hands on concrete.

Meanwhile, with her trump cards countered by her opponents Sacred Gear, Karlamine was back to conventional steel.

Kiba had changed to match, but there was nothing 'conventional' about his sword play style at all.

"Sorry Karlamine-san. I've taken long enough for my selfishness, so it's time to wrap things up."

"Don't get cocky- gah!?"

As she ducked under the blade swinging for her neck, Karlamine failed to notice the significance of his heavy forward step.

Where Kiba stamped on the ground, a blade sprung up before his shoe, spearing Karlamine through the shoulder.

She staggered back, bleeding freely, as Kiba pressed her with a flurry of slashes, giving ground steadily as she parried the attacks.

Suddenly, her retreat came to an abrupt halt as she bumped into cold metal at her back.

A moment of hesitation, as she turned her head to see the massive blade obstructing her.

A moment too long.

Kiba flicked the blood off his blade and raised it in salute.

"It was an honor, Karlamine-san."

His opponent could only gurgle and clutch at her throat.

[Riser's Knight retired.]

"Sorry, but if Kiba's done indulging I have other things to take care of."

"Tough talk, you really think it'll be that easy?"

Isabela was bluffing.

She had no idea a Pawn could hit that hard without Promoting.

Each strike carried a sharp, clinical cruelty with it, as if he wasn't so much trying to strike her, so much as dissect her with nothing but his bare hands.

Victory wasn't quite out of reach, though, not yet.

Even an immortal like Riser acknowledged her toughness.

She could take a few more hits.

So she was caught off-guard when the Pawn's reply came with a raised voice, and the Gremory Knight gave a sympathetic flinch.

"You're right Isabela. I've been wasting time. Sorry."

His words were accompanied by a sharp blossom of pain, as the arm she had just jabbed with dropped limp.

The bloody knife in his hands answered her desperate follow-up with dreadful speed, and suddenly she was deprived the use of both arms.

She collapsed, helpless, as flickering iron coldly dismantled her limb by limb.

Before he could finish her off, a gout of flame howled through the air where he'd been standing a moment ago.

"Get away from her you animal!"

"Ravel-sama no! Get away from him, he's not someone you can fight!"

Biting her lip in frustration, Ravel took to the air on wings of fire, as the remainder of the Phoenix peerage entered the field.

"What are you all doing here!?"

A pale Japanese woman with long black hair and a silked blue kimono called out.

"Riser-sama is challenging Rias-sama directly! He's decided to cut things off before any more of us get hurt."

"Stupid Onii-sama! There's no need for him to come out! Get them off Isabela so I can-"

A sharp crack cut off her words.

Blatantly ignoring the newcomers, the Pawn of Rias Gremory stood with a smoking gun in his hands.

[Riser's Rook retired.]

"Grr... you! Ni! Li! You and I are taking that Pawn down! Siris, Mihae! Deal with the Knight!"

"As if I'd let you."

The two remaining Pawns, Nekomata twins in sailor outfits, matching cat ears and tails, were driven back yelping as blades erupted from the ground in a pair of vicious spiked walls. Standing in the gap between them like a grim sentinel, the Gremory Knight stood alone.

"Yuuji-kun, get to Buchou. She's going to need help with Riser-san, and Akeno-san is probably still worn out from her earlier fight."

"Sure you can hold?"

Kiba raised one hand in a thumbs up, mouth set in a grim line.

"I'm going to need you to do 'that' though, I think."

"... Can we not?"

"You just don't want to say the words."

"... That just makes me normal."

"Don't make Buchou sad now, Yuuji-kun."

Yuuji just clicked his tongue, and began hurling metal cylinders in every direction.

As the smoke grenades exploded and engulfed everything in smoke, Kiba stood at its center alone, listening with a wry smile as Yuuji's exasperated voice rang out over the surprised shrieks of the women, reciting the (grudgingly) rehearsed line.

"Vanish and be lost forever, enemies of the Gremory... Knight Of The Mist."

Straining his senses to the limit, Kiba danced through the smoke, confident Yuuji was already on his way to where he was needed the most.

---

Asia just managed to catch Akeno as she collapsed backwards, eyes rolling back in her skull, sweating and panting heavily.

She'd used the last of her power to block the twin arcs of flame that had roared from Riser Phoenix's wings.

He'd lived up to his namesake, quickly turning the rooftop of the old school building into a sweltering hellscape of flame and smoke.

Asia had healed Akeno's injuries, but she could do nothing to replenish lost stamina.

And after fighting the enemy Queen not once but twice, Akeno had nothing left.

Rias met her Queen's eyes with a gentle smile.

"You've done enough, Akeno, thank you for your hard work."

Akeno's protest was cut off by an outstretched hand.

[Rias's Queen, forcefully retired.]

This wasn't looking good.

She'd accounted for the possibility of pushing Riser far enough that he'd intervene directly, but actually dealing with it was another thing.

He'd freely congratulated her ingenuity when her Power of Destruction clung, burning, to him, but he'd still overpowered it with the Flames of a Phoenix, and the damage healed the instant he was free.

To add insult to injury, the magic of the Phoenix's regeneration even extended to his appearance, so even though she'd burned off half his skull at one point, Riser had not a hair out of place, and could have walked into any high class gathering without even a second to prepare.

Meanwhile, Rias was covered in soot and practically naked, Asia struggling just to keep up with her rapidly growing injuries.

Even with the resistances of a Devil, their vision was starting to waver as the flames grew higher and the sweltering heat rose.

"Give it up, Rias. Your poor little Bishop is struggling to breath, and she's the only reason you're still standing. Resign, and we can end this. You did better than anyone could have guessed, but this is as far as you go."

Rias bit her lip, silencing her reply as she glanced to the side.

Asia's expression was set with conviction, but her eyes were unfocused and she couldn't seem to center her gaze.

"I'm fine, Buchou… I won't… give up."

"Asia..."

Sadly, Rias ignored her protests and raised a hand once more.

She had no intention of giving up, but she couldn't bear to let her precious family suffer any more.

A cool voice sliced through the roaring flames.

["Before you do that, get off the roof and make the biggest shield you can."]

"Y-Yuuji!? Where are you!?"

"Let's do it, Buchou!"

For a moment, Asia's eyes were clear and bright as she clenched her fists in front of her.

Pouring her power forward, a circle of Gremory drew itself in the air in her warm green light.

Scooping Asia up under one arm and extending her wings, Rias flapped once before overlaying a crimson shield of her own, a mighty wall standing between them and the Phoenix.

Something shrieked from the side, dull metal trailing smoke.

As if to challenge the fires of the Phoenix, the rooftop beneath Riser's feet was ripped asunder in a roar of flame.

---

From his position on the ground, he let the now empty weapon fall from his shoulder with a heavy thud.

Reaching into his pocket, he drew a pair of slender needles forth and slammed them into the side of his neck with a hiss.

The needles were tossed carelessly aside into the bushes.

Running at full speed while the substance took effect, listening to the soft inquiry reverberating through his skull.

'Say, Yuuji?'

'...Which hand do you use to kill a man?'

---

That was unexpected. He laid on the warm wooden floor, looking upwards to where the sky should be.

There was nothing but fire and smoke.

As he waited for his legs to finish rebuilding themselves, Riser idly wondered what trick Rias had pulled.

He wasn't really concerned, but this whole business had still put a sour taste in his mouth.

The Gremory's had fought well, considering it had never been meant to be a fight.

Once his initial anger had faded, Riser had been disgusted to know that the powers that be intended to make a fledgling King like Rias go through something like this.

Even if he agreed with the importance the marriage had for the Underworld, was such cruelty necessary?

Ah, his legs had finished growing.

Riser rose to his feet, brushing off his still pristine suit out of habit.

It was still hard to see with all the smoke, but from his estimation he was probably on the first floor of the old school building.

That had been quite a hit.

Upwards, or simply blast his way out the side?

Choices, choices.

He…

Wasn't alone.

Something stalked him through the flames.

Something horrid prowled just out of sight, just out of reach.

It didn't matter... no one could handle the exposure for long, whereas Riser wasn't feeling the heat at all.

Time was on his side, but he'd do them the courtesy of taking things seriously.

Riser didn't even realize that he was just trying to forced down fear... with arrogance.

A clatter off to the left drew his eyes as something collapsed, and in that second something burst from the smoke on the opposite side.

Whatever struck him across the face was a poor weapon, shattering after one strike.

Filling his eyes with shards of glass, as the broken, dull grey wine bottle was tossed aside.

The glass in his eyes promptly began to bubble and melt from the heat of the Phoenix's flames.

He howled in agony, clutching at his eyes.

The heat rose, flames surging wildly in response to his anguish.

Helpless, his legs were kicked out from behind, forcing him to his knees.

Fingers dug cruelly into his weeping eye socket, jerking his head back as he screamed and thrashed.

The crackling of flame seemed to dull, as a relaxed, almost conversational voice cut through his pained cries like winds of ice.

"I'm told the Phoenix is immortal."

The second bottle was open.

The contents, poured hissing and bubbling down Riser's open throat.

"Sucks to be you."

---

Rias had just staggered to her feet, biting her lip in worry as the announcement brought the heavy news that Yuuto, along with Riser's final Knight and his last two Pawns, had been retired.

Her darling Knight must have been so brave.

Now, Riser had only his two Bishops, and Rias had only-

[Checkmate.]

Rias froze in disbelief.

[Riser Phoenix has been retired from the Rating Game. Victory goes to Rias Gremory.]

He'd done it.

He'd done it.

He-

Hadn't come out of the building.

"Yuuji! Yuuji where are you!? Answer me, please!"

Her voice frantic, Rias rushed forward, ignoring the protests of her screaming legs.

Wreathed in ash and smoke a dark figure staggered out the front of the building as Rias halted in her tracks.

Shambling towards her and shedding dark flecks of ash like some half-burnt ghoul, the figure turned its head slowly, peering forward.

Reaching up one heavily scorched limb, it clumsily rubbed the appendage across its face, and a large, dark mass cracked and fell away, exposing a weeping, black eye open wide and framed with raw, red flesh.

Rias covered her mouth with her hands in growing horror.

"B...Buchou?... That...you? Can't... see... very..."

The figure fell on its face with a horrific, crackling crunch.

Rias screamed.

---

An endless sea of white.

Blink

A single drop of black.

Blink

A woman.

Blink

With hair as black as a raven's wing.

Blink.

"A...keno?"

Sudden, frantic motion.

"Yuuji!? Yuuji you're awake!? Rias he's awake!"

A sudden splash of red across the white.

Pain.

Unbelievable pain.

His skin was knives.

The breath in his lungs, broken glass.

A long, uncharacteristically high-pitch whine snapped the room into focus.

The girls who had just hugged him leapt back as if struck, stammering apologies.

Rias and Akeno, looking incredibly guilty.

Seems the noise had come from his throat.

Roused by the noise, a blonde head and sleepy green eyes rose from the bed, fluttering away the sleep.

The room exploded into brightness as she smiled.

"Yuuji-san! You're awake! Thank God- eep!"

The spike of pain was smaller this time, but shared by everyone in the room.

Old habits died hard.

"So… noisy…."

Yuuji rasped out.

"Oh? Yuuji-kun's feeling a little tender, is he?"

The sickly sweetness held a dangerous edge for the briefest instant, before Akeno's head ducked away in guilt.

"I'm sorry for hugging you, Yuuji-kun. I was just a little excited."

That was fine, there were more important things to worry about, weren't there?

Weren't there?

Why the hell was he in a hospital bed?

He hated hospitals.

Why was he even-

Oh, right.

"Did we win?"

The three girls flinched in surprise.

Rias, the only person in the room currently standing, paled and bit her lip, but her shaky smile and glistening eyes told him all he needed to know.

... So he didn't quite understand why he held his breath, all the better to hear her words.

"Yes Yuuji, we won. Thank you… thank you so much."

Silvery trails traced their way down her face, but with the smile on her face, even that was beautiful.

Of course... Yuuji had no idea she was repeating herself.

---

The boy on the bed thrashed wildly, howling in agony.

Blackened and burned, nothing but cracked skin and weeping red flesh where the ash had fallen away.

Struggling figures in white trying to restrain the wounded beast with gloved hands and wildly flaring crests of magic.

They hadn't been able to afford to tying him down, or there might have been permanent damage.

The boy was one big burn scar.

This was far beyond what they'd prepared for an unofficial Rating Game.

The struggles and the howling continued, until a flash of silver swept into the room, accompanied by a bolt of crimson.

For a brief instant the struggles ceased, and in that instant, a flash of pale blue light snared him in place.

"Rias-sama, this is your chance. The words of his master are the only thing he'll hear."

The crimson passed the silver. A cool hand was placed gently on a scorched, broken cheek.

"That's enough Yuuji. You did it… we won. Rest for now."

A spark of recognition, before the figure on the bed slumped, like a puppet with its strings cut.

The crimson figure let out a ragged breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.

---

Yuuji stared up at the ceiling.

"I see. That's good."

No one said anything for a moment.

The silence was foreboding.

"How bad is it? I seem to only have one eye open."

"You'll be fine, Yuuji. Just incredibly tender for a while. Asia healed you as much as she could, and then they used Phoenix Tears, which can fix just about anything that's not already dead. The pain you're feeling is because they had to cut your uniform off of you before they could administer the Tears, which also meant they had to cut off most of your skin. You're probably just a little sore from having a large portion of your nerves rebuilt."

"And my eye?"

"You accidentally scratched it when you came out of the building. It's uninjured, but it's going to be sensitive to light for a little while."

"Guess I was pretty lucky then."

"Yes, you were."

There were three sets of eyes narrowed at him, as he suddenly realized how frigid Rias' voice sounded. Even as it trembled slightly.

What did he say?

"What the hell were you thinking Yuuji!? Military-grade painkillers!? Where did you even get those!? You should have been retired from the Game! Your entire body was a third degree burn you could have died!"

The yelling hurt, in more ways than one.

If he got past the noise, what really hurt was the fear and worry in her voice.

The concern etched across her face, and across Akeno's, and across Asia's.

When was the last time anyone had looked at him that way?

After all, that's why he'd done it.

His sole reason for fighting was for the faces that could look at Kazami Yuuji like that.

Nothing more, because-

"No one's ever asked me that."

The quiet admittance erased the tension from the room in an instant, memories drifting slowly back to the forefront.

"No one has ever asked to be saved by someone like me."

"I made a promise."

"Let me help you."

"I mean, that's what you asked me to do… isn't it?"

"As many times as you need."

As the girls went silent, Yuuji slowly regarded the ceiling, not quite ready for eye contact just yet.

"I really am sorry."

Silence was the only thing to greet his voice.

---

"That killed my concerns rather completely."

"..."

"Dangerous, cruel in the extreme when he thinks it necessary. That isn't something that should be normal for his age, it almost reminds me of..."

"..."

"... No, in the end I think the only thing that matters, is that he did it all because someone asked him for help. While his reasons are perhaps a bit tragic, at the same time it's reassuring to have someone like that at my sister's side."

"..."

"And I can think I can see why you're so interested in him, Fia."

… No reaction, even from the nickname?

She always scolded him when he used that nickname in public... his Queen was in a world all her own.

Well, it wasn't hard to guess what she was thinking of.

Or at least, who she was thinking of.

"Oh? What is it you wish to speak of, Kazami-sama? Speak quickly, please."

"Yuuji is fine, Grayfia-san. I'd like to know who my King is being forced to marry."

Grayfia blinked in surprise.

While she understood well enough what Rias had been attempting to do with this boy, she didn't expect that Rias had actually shared the details behind her circumstances.

"What has she told you so far?"

"Nothing, but the number of commitments a young high-class lady can avoid by giving up her virginity are few and far between."

... Sharp boy.

"You would have found out soon enough I suppose, so there is little harm in confirming. Rias-sama is set to be wed with Riser Phoenix, third son of the House of Phoenix."

"Actually, I asked the wrong question. Do her parents not love her as much as you do?"

"Excuse me?"

The air turned dangerous as a pair of red eyes narrowed into slits.

"It's not hard to see how much you care. When I was ready to fight you, it wasn't your own safety you were worried for."

Kazami Yuuji seemed unconcerned, face a blank slate.

"You're well aware that wasn't what I was asking."

"Then I'll rephrase. Do Buchou's parents not love her, or have they just never talked to her about the marriage, even once?"

Deep breaths Grayfia.

Rias cherishes all her servants, even the insufferably rude ones.

"The love Lord and Lady Gremory hold for Rias-sama is beyond question."

"So why is the marriage happening?"

"The mother and father of Rias-sama must consider not only her future, but the future of the House of Gremory and the future of the Underworld itself."

"Cut the bullshit, Grayfia. Our masters aren't here."

He curled his lips in contempt.

"There is a limit to how rude one can be, Kazami-sama. Even if 'our masters aren't here'."

"You really don't get it, do you?"

"I'll borrow your words once more; Cut the bullshit, Yuuji-san."

" I don't know what kind of guy this Riser is, but if they marry and he tries to push even a little, you'll find Rias dangling from the chandelier within the day."

This time, the sudden drop of temperature had nothing to do with her.

He'd spoken so casually, as if it was almost too redundant to even mention it at all.

Those black eyes weren't sympathetic in the least.

"That's- there's no chance… It can't be that bad, can it?"

Grayfia trailed off, hating how weak and fragile her voice sounded.

"Rias is terrified, Grayfia. She's also a hormonal, desperate teenager from a species whose culture glorifies wanton desire and a lack of impulse control. Go ahead, push her and see what happens."

No, there was no chance it had gone so... Rias had her misgivings but it wasn't that bad... was it?

No, it couldn't be.

As if he had been patiently waiting for her to deny his words, the next words out of Yuuji's mouth severed those thin threads of hope in an instant.

"Of course, it's not like she's the joint governor for an entire city as a teenager because she wants to prove that she's an adult. The idea that proving her independence will solve her problems is exactly the sort of idea a desperate teenager would latch onto."

A wave of nausea hit her like a hammer, and with a grimace, Grayfia forced herself to consider a reality that should never have existed.

Originally, Rias was meant to have an older servant of the family overseeing her tenure.

Despite her duties as Head Maid, Grayfia was at the top of the list for potential advisers... a task she would have not only welcomed, but she had been certain Rias would have leapt at as well, if only for the reason that it allowed them to spend more time together.

She'd been taken completely aback (and perhaps a bit hurt) by Rias' adamant refusal... and thus, it seemed, she'd completely failed to pinpoint the reason why.

Grayfia Lucifuge had never failed so spectacularly.

"But that's not really important."

Not important?

Not important!?

"What I really want to know, is if there's any way out. Anything at all."

Grayfia's surprised silence told him all he needed to know.

"We've been speaking frankly so far, seems silly to stop now."

His voice was calm once more.

It scraped along her senses like a sharpened blade.

"A Rating Game."

A dull, muted response.

She was hardly even listening.

It couldn't be that bad... there was no way it was that bad.

How could she have not noticed?

How could she have let Rias down in such a monumental fashion?

"You mean those duels between Households?"

Grayfia gave a curt nod, her response mechanical, reciting a pre-recorded line like a machine.

"In the event that one party wishes to annul the arrangement and it can not be agreed upon, they may challenge the other party to a Rating Game. However, the other party is in no way required to participate."

The professional demeanor she sought refuge behind was shattered in an instant.

For whatever response she expected, Kazami Yuuji shaking one of her hands with both of his and offering her a relieved, grateful smile was not one of them.

"Really? It's that easy? Thanks Grayfia, you're the best."

"I- wha- d-did you not listen? He has no reason to accept! L-let me go!"

Her composure was being ruthlessly tread upon with each shake of his hand.

Yuuji released her almost absent-mindedly, waving his hands as if to brush away unnecessary details.

He regarded her with a raised eyebrow.

"Grayfia, you basically just told me that my first step should be to antagonize someone."

The woman stared at him for a moment, dumbstruck.

The brief silence slowly gave way to something unbelievable.

Grayfia Lucifuge had begun to giggle.

Grayfia Lucifuge had begun to…

The laughter abruptly died, smothered behind a cold stare that promised pain.

"Grayfia, are you alright? Your face seems kind of red."

"You will speak of this to no one."

Red eyes pierced into dull black.

Kazami Yuuji slowly raised his eyebrow once more.

Suddenly, his gaze seemed hard to meet.

"Sorry, sorry, I guess I've teased you enough."

Kazami Yuuji said, without a shred of shame.

"Now… how to proceed… oh, Grayfia? You wouldn't happen to have a picture of the fiancee handy, would you? I'd like to see who I'm working with."

Grayfia blinked at the request, but nonetheless stuck her hand into a small magic crest that appeared into the air and drew forth a photo, handing it to the dark-haired boy without a word.

She was in no way grateful for the change in topic.

...She was glad Sirzechs wasn't here.

With a nod of thanks, Yuuji took the picture…

….Nauseating, suffocating hatred.

Sharp exhales through clenched teeth beat a maddening rhythm.

HIM.

It's him it's him it's him it's him its-

"Grayfia."

The tension in the room vanished without warning, as if mocking the ice down her spine.

"Y-Yuuji-san?"

"You don't have to worry about Rias anymore."

"What are you- how do you know Riser?"

What has he done to you?

What could he have possibly done to encourage-

"I don't. He just reminds me of someone I used to know."

Kazami Yuuji offered a reassuring smile, as if to put her at ease.

The smile meant less than nothing.

Those once dull black orbs were alight with eager, dreadful malice.

"Grayfia, Rias isn't marrying Riser Phoenix."

"Even if I have to kill him first."

She had been in correspondence with Kazami Yuuji over the ten day period leading up to the game, offering what information she could reasonably share.

Mostly, she'd provided reading material and instructions on the rules of the Rating Games.

For the time being, she had brushed aside her deep-seated unease at how interested he was in the rules of engagement.

True, her intention had been not to interfere with the young lady unless asked, but her loyal servants making requests on her behalf was an admittedly welcome loophole to her self-made promise.

Grayfia Lucifuge wanted Rias Gremory to be happy, after all.

If it wouldn't have caused an irreparable amount of trouble for someone in her position to intervene, or trampled all over the young lady's resolve, she would have cheerfully fought Riser and his entire peerage as a proxy on her own.

... In the long run, that perhaps would have been kinder on her heart.

Of course, Sirzechs had full knowledge of, and had given his blessings, to the secret talks.

She wasn't the only one struggling not to personally intervene.

Speaking of which, where had he run off to?

They were supposed to be congratulating-

A set of fingers snapped in front of her nose.

"While I'm dying to know what has you so wrapped up in your own little world, shouldn't we be offering congratulations right about now? Seems Kazami-kun finally woken up."

Grayfia blinked and coughed, and Sirzechs knowing grin was met by piercing red eyes.

They stepped into the room without another word.

---

The man who stepped into the room had familiar crimson hair and familiar blue eyes.

Rias answered Yuuji's question before he could even ask.

"O-Onii-sama?"

A disarming, easy smile.

"Ah, hello Rias, the doctor informed me that your Pawn was awake? I wanted to take the chance to congratulate the man who defeated Riser Phoenix."

Noticing Akeno giving a slight bow (Asia following suit a moment later), Yuuji spoke up.

"Sirzechs Lucifer, correct? Excuse me for not lowering my head, but I can't actually move it that much."

The dry comment was met by a smooth chuckle as every woman in the room frowned at the patient.

"No, no, that's quite alright. I think you've earned a little leeway for saving my Ria-tan from her fate."

Slowly, painstakingly, Yuuji rotated his head to the crimson-haired, crimson-faced girl at his side.

"Ria-tan? I'm sorry for addressing you incorrectly all this time, Buchou. Please forgive your lowly servant."

A puff of steam escaped his masters ears as she stuttered.

Rias Gremory did not stamp her foot with a pout.

Rias Gremory was a proper lady.

"Don't you dare Yuuji- Onii-sama you're- Akeno stop laughing at me!"

"Fufu yes, Buchou~."

"Hahaha, well that's all I wanted to say for now, I'll be taking my leave. I look forward to meeting you when I can actually shake your hand."

Chuckling still, the Satan turned to the door, Grayfia giving a polite bow (and meeting Yuuji's eyes briefly) before leaving as well.

Sirzechs pause at the door.

"Rias."

The girl jerked at being addressed.

"His hand isn't going to get better without help. The magic from his Sacred Gear is going to need to be removed periodically, or he'll lose the use of his hand."

"Yuuji-kun?"

That sly, crimson haired bastard was planning something.

Not even Asia's smile was that innocent.

"Don't suppose you know any pretty girls, well-versed in the mystic arts by chance?"

He left before Yuuji could respond.

Turning back to the girls left in the room…

Why was everyone blushing?

Why did Akeno look so excited?

Wait, what was that about his hand?

---

Kiba and Koneko returned shortly after, having gone to grab food for those watching over Yuuji.

"You gave us quite the scare, Yuuji-kun."

"You had us worried, Yuuji-senpai."

"Sorry for worrying everyone. Speaking of which, Rias, when can I leave?"

"You're not going anywhere until morning, mister."

Rias gave him a stern glare.

"Fine."

"Don't you pout at me young man."

"Ara, don't worry Yuuji-kun. I'll stay with you aaaall night so you don't get lonely."

"... I need an adult."

"Ufufu~."

"There's enough beds for everyone here, so we'll be sleeping over. Come on everyone, let's get our things. Akeno, you too."

Everyone began to slowly file out.

"Yes, Buchou."

As she spoke, Akeno put her hands on the bed and leaned down towards Yuuji to murmur softly in his ear.

"I'll be looking forward to our date, Yuuji-kun… Thank you so much for helping Rias."

She kissed him gently on the cheek, unheeding of the bandages, before straightening up and looking past him with an indulgent smile.

A second pair of soft lips pressed to his other cheek.

"Thank you again, Yuuji. Thank you so much."

Came the whisper, a slight catch in the voice.

Yuuji turned to meet the fondly smiling face of his master.

"Any time, Rias."

She followed Kiba and Koneko out of the room just as her face started to burn uncontrollably, leaving behind a small blonde who was busy squirming and fidgeting, shooting glances Yuuji's way.

Akeno caught her attention, and jerked her head slightly towards Yuuji with a welcoming smile.

Reddening further, Asia leaned quickly towards Yuuji…

And kissed him on the cheek as well, before rushing out of the room.

Yuuji's questioning gaze towards Akeno was met with a wink as she left the room with a spring in her step, laughing all the while.

Leaving Yuuji alone in the hospital room.

---

They had watched the recording.

As one of the involved Kings, Rias had full access to any footage of the Rating Game, regardless of whether or not it went public.

So she'd sat with Kiba and Akeno, and they'd watched.

They'd waited until Asia and Koneko were both asleep, unwilling to expose the two.

Yuuji was still unconscious at this point, but Asia was sleeping in a chair beside his bed, so at least he wasn't alone.

Honestly, Rias had wanted to watch it alone, but she was deeply, deeply grateful that the other two weren't willing to let her.

Hydrofluoric acid.

That was the name of the substance, the 'weapon' that Yuuji had poured down Riser's throat.

Stripping flesh from bone, if it didn't simply melt away layer after layer of skin, it would simply pass on through the soft tissue, consuming the bone beneath.

Agonizing death for human or Devil, the later species sturdier body likely only to prolong the torment.

An immortal like Riser, who could regenerate even the most gruesome of wounds?

Devoured from the inside out, over and over and over as his power sealed the acid within, his own gifts turned into a weapon against him.

Horrific enough on it's own, but even more heart-rending to watch what Yuuji had gone through to make it happen.

Whether from Riser's power, or from the fact that Yuuji had destroyed half of it with some sort of missile launcher (they'd ask when he was awake), the old school building had already been a sea of supernatural flame.

Even as he'd stalked Riser through the burning building, he'd burned.

Even as he'd chosen his moments and pounced, he'd burned.

The implications that his chosen weapon was a wine bottle of all things shelved for the time being as Yuuji drove the now blind and writhing Phoenix to his knees.

The flames raged higher in response to Riser's agony, and he'd burned.

Face an impassive, cruel mask, Yuuji had materialized a second, dull grey bottle bottle, filled with something that hissed and spit like a living, hungry thing.

Forcing it down Riser's throat, unheeding of the desperate thrashing.

And then, it was the Phoenix that burned.

Even if they could no longer properly see his face, the viewers understood that Yuuji was, in all likelihood, mostly unconscious at this point.

Because as Riser retired from his grasp, Yuuji had just stood there, unmoving.

The two girls covering their mouths with their hands as they watched his skin blacken and crack.

He'd given a sudden jerk and stumbled off, and they'd realized that this was the point that somehow, he'd heard Rias calling frantically for him.

It was finally too much for the trio to realize that if he hadn't heard Rias, Yuuji probably wouldn't have moved at all.

... In hindsight, they were a little grateful that Yuuji didn't wake up until the following evening.

They weren't sure they could face him any earlier.

---

... Slowly, her heart had tried to tear itself in two.

One side, fluttering madly at the thought of one who'd leapt to her rescue, someone who cared less than nothing about her value to the Underworld.

The other side, dragging itself deeper and deeper into a mire of guilt.

She was supposed to be protecting him.

She was the one who gave him a new life, and had promised to make it all he could ever hope to be.

She had been the weak one, the one needing saving.

The so-called King, who despite her best efforts, truly had proven to be the princess in the tower.

It was her that needed him.

And now, she knew exactly how far Kazami Yuuji was willing to go.

He'd said it.

Not in so many words, but no one could miss the meaning behind it, even if they tried.

Kazami Yuuji's dearest wish was to be needed.

So when they gathered together in the hospital foyer after leaving him alone, for the first time since the Rating Game, the first place they'd gone had been his home.

The two Fallen Angels weren't entirely out of the loop, but it was important that they be there for this. They had the right.

Rias had said the words once before, but now they all shared that promise.

If that's what he wanted, they weren't going anywhere.

For as long as he needed them, they'd never let Kazami Yuuji be alone again.

They'd get stronger.

Strong enough that nothing could make him ever even consider it necessary to go that far on their behalf again.

---

The morning after.

It was good to be home, even wrapped in bandages like he was.

Though a novel experience to be surrounded in it by people that cared, Kazami Yuuji still hated hospitals.

No amount of fond memories could quite erase the deep-seated unease those white-washed walls and chemical odors would bring.

The living room was quiet for a solid half second.

A dark shape screaming his name desperately hit him hard, bowling him off his feet.

Slowly, Yuuji lifted an arm and stroked the dark-haired head rubbing itself and sobbing against his chest, and met the gaze of the blue-haired woman standing some distance away, no less relieved, but just barely holding onto her restraint.

As if realizing what she was doing, Raynare leapt off of him in a flash, stammering apologies and waving her hands about.

Not realizing that that last movement was the straw that broke the camel's back.

For the second time in as many days, Kazami Yuuji's first response was an uncharacteristically high-pitched whine.

Attempts to help him to his feet were waved away as he took a deep breath.

They almost didn't hear him for how softly he had spoken, still lying on the floor.

"I kept my promise… I'm home."

And for a moment, that was all that mattered.

---

And done.

Yuuji bears his fangs without restraint, and now Rias doesn't have to worry about marrying Riser, even if he's not nearly as bad as she think he is.

...Yeah, Yuuji was kind of the villain there. An endless cycle of organ-melting is probably more traumatizing than getting your ass kicked by a fledgling dragon.

There wasn't a good place to insert it, but the 'medics' actually just partially blew up Riser to clear out the acid from his guts.

Another thing that Yuuji had no place to explain, the missile launcher he used to blow up the clubroom was the FIM-92 Stinger, which is also the first weapon he refers to in the story.

The scene with Akeno being promised a date was inspired by the scene where Issei encourages her during the fight with Diodora, it was used earlier because her relationship with Yuuji is progressing a lot faster.

Also, because it was one of my favorite scenes in canon, and I am not a patient man.