Uday Sra: Thanks!
Gan315: Yeppers :D Long-haired Xenovia is a go lol, she saw his interest in Kyoto and was planning. I am so glad you liked the update to Issei's fight with the Bishop (I'll admit, in canon I had no idea what her plan to win was either...all she did was strip without attacking XD) You are so welcome and hope you enjoy the rest of the tournament!
runelt99: Well...she sees the impact it has on him, if she does it then Issei would be less inclined to be tempted by others lol.
Shadowedsoul2: Oooooh, nefarious plots before Dorian can receive his gift? Let's hope not. ;) I will say that those questions will be answered before the end of this arc. Not long now.
Hollowreaper 93: Thank you for the review and your kind words :D Some scenes with Issei can be tough to write, but with the slowly maturing side to his perverted nature, it is getting better XD I hope the wait to the next chapter wasn't too long.
xXWolfsterXx644: Hope the wait wasn't too bad ;)
fanficcyberman: Thank you! It truly means a lot you've liked my updates over canon. Exactly, not just Dorian but even Sairaorg wants to fight in a way that helps them grow. Good to know Ratatoskr has a friend with him XD And as for Moloch...perhaps... ;) It was rough writing that for Seekvaira but it seemed natural for what happened to her and a bit to flesh out her more personal side :D Not to worry, she won't let it keep her down. I am doing great and thank you for your words. I hope the same for you too!
reality deviant: Hahaha, exactly...how great a threat would she be if she'd known to go bra first? Truly, a terrifying power lol. Thankfully Issei pulled through...but at what cost? XD
OBSERVER01: Yes! Long haired Xenovia :D I knew I had to make that a reality in mine, not just for her looks but also adds a unique flair canon didn't utilize. Yea, good thing Issei had someone to knock him back to his senses, it made me wonder if Coriana hadn't made the bra mistake in canon...would he have been able to overcome it? I can't think of any point in the series he had to resist/fight against his perversion to win.
Guest: You remember correctly ;) Considering how much she loves making movies and watching her anime it seemed to me Serafall took the post because she was the best for the position. I wouldn't say she hates it and she'll do it to the best of her abilities, but I doubt it was her first choice for career.
And with that…ONTO THE SHOW! As I mentioned when she was introduced, the OC of Hikari was created by my good friend fabio m19. I hope you have been enjoying her inclusion as well.
With the next roll of the dice, a three for Sairaorg and two for Rias! Such another low roll, at most we may see another Knight or Rook. Only Team Sairaorg has a low enough score Pawn to send out two! Plan well!
"An individual fight then, Cat can't go again so Kiba, Honda or Koneko are our only options." Akeno reported to the team for a quick assessment.
"Koneko," Rias turned to her. "Sairaorg can send out two fighters here if he chooses his Knight and Pawn. With your Sage Arts, you stand the best chance in a single engagement. Are you up for it?"
Koneko gave a quick salute, her determined expression answering without a word. As her team wished the young nekoshou well, she took her place on the platform materializing on the field.
And the match is decided! The fighters shall be Koneko Toujo for Team Gremory against Hikari Hirano for Team Bael. What could Sairaorg be thinking, sending out his lone pawn with no Knight backup?
"What?" For the first time that fight Rias looked wholly confused. With a roll of five and Hikari's status as a one, he should have been able to send out his second Knight Furcas along with her. Instead choosing to send the young woman alone. "I don't like this; he wouldn't have selected a lone piece unless he believed she could win without support."
"But he had no way of knowing we'd send out Koneko," Issei muttered before the realization hit him at the same time as the others. "Unless he feels she could have defeated any of the three we would be allowed to send."
"Precisely, he is trying to make a point and we have no information on Hikari's abilities. Koneko, be careful."
"Told ya I'd get a chance to eliminate you," Hikari crossed her arms across from her opponent. "This is my lucky day."
"We'll see about that," Koneko glared as she took a stance, donning her gloves covered with metal plates ready to fight.
"KNOCK HER DEAD SIS!" Kuroka screamed from the rafters echoing in the field. Dorian was certain the first-year student was lowering her head to trying to pretend she couldn't hear, but that was impossible. Her older sister leaned forward, showing off more than a little cleavage to the rows in front of her.
"One on one," Seekvaira muttered aloud. "This will be interesting."
"Not one on one," Dorian corrected. "Two on one." Looking down at the field, he spotted a purple-haired woman with wolf ears standing behind Hikari that few could see. "Her Independent Avatar Sacred Gear, Lupa."
"Hey!" Issei pointed out, able to see her as well thanks to his connection with Ddraig. "Isn't that cheating? There are two of them out there!"
"Koneko," Rias warned. "Listen to Issei, he can see her Sacred Gear spirit who is on the field with you. Watch out for anything out of the ordinary. And no Issei," she turned her attention to him. "Sacred Gear spirits, even manifested ones, are as much a part of the person as their very soul. If she were forbidden from using her abilities, you'd be forbidden from utilizing your Boosted Gear or Ddraig." Issei frowned, understanding her point.
NOW LET THE THIRD MATCH…BEGIN!
Koneko shot off towards Hikari, a glowing light bristling around her as a tail and ears emerged for all to see. Having grown more open to her Sage Art powers, she had learned to cover her body in touki, the same ability Kuroka and Thrud used to greatly augment her brute strength. Not only that, a second tail sprouted from beneath her skirt, the aura energizing her powers across the spectrum.
"The second mode to her Nekotama state, I am so proud!" Kuroka jumped up and down, her own pair of tails on full display. "She's grown up so much!"
Hikari was not idle, an power rising from her recognized by the team as an ability Issei had utilized many times unique to Pawns.
"Promotion: ROOK!" Without trying to dodge, she planted her feet, meeting Koneko's fist with her own resulting in a sonic boom as they collided. Infused with the brute ability of a Rook, their strength had become dangerously closer.
"Koneko still holds the advantage," Rias knew this well. It was clear between her natural Rook abilities and the Sage Arts she had mastered so spectacularly in recent months. All the same, Hikari still fought in a brutal exchange breaking the ground around them despite the strength gap.
"She is cute," the purple-haired woman teased as she floated around Koneko. "Her size does make her reach limited, a bit more speed and you can keep just out of reach. Maybe she'd be open to you asking her out to a sushi place after the tournament?"
"The hot woman is giving her advice in more ways than one," Issei explained her words to Koneko through the earpiece. "She's going to use your height against you, I don't think the wolf lady can actually touch you."
"She's an advisor," Kiba realized. "They called her Lupa, the She-Wolf of Rome, so she'll have centuries of experience. She was responsible for the start of the Roman Kingdom and later Empire after all."
"You are stronger, but I'm lighter on my feet," Hikari pointed out as she blocked a punch from Koneko, her muscles going slightly numb from the offensive Sage Art energy. The young Rook got a glimpse of a strange glow through the deep red leotard she wore just above the breasts.
A tattoo of a wolf.
Hikari ducked below her follow-up punch, landing a solid uppercut lifting Koneko off her feet. She righted herself, bringing down a heel-kick to meet only empty air. A flurry of punches struck the nekoshou's side, forcing her to cough painfully at the unexpected attack.
"She's faster, a LOT faster," Catherine warned. "But I do not see her Sacred Gear manifesting."
"That tattoo," Rias analyzed the glowing image on her body. "Issei has a gauntlet, Dorian has Iggy, Kiba his swords…that tattoo IS her Sacred Gear."
Koneko hit the ground, barely rolling away to avoid another attack. She felt almost as if she were sparring with Honda and Kiba at once; Hikari having the strength of a Rook and speed of a Knight. Every time she got a bead on her opponent's position, she was shifting to a new one. With a subtle focus, Koneko started concentrating more Sage Art magic into her fists.
"Whoop, too slow," Hikari grinned while ducking another attempt to hit her and scoring a solid blow onto her back. Her smile faded as she attempted to speed away.
Koneko's second tail had wrapped around her arm during the split second she was close, causing her to be dragged along and preventing the Pawn's escape. Releasing a powerful battle cry, Koneko delivered a colossal blow straight into Hikari's chest with a follow-up across her face. The force of the second blow caused her tail to lose its grip, allowing the raven-haired woman to go flying across the field, crashing into, and decimating the rock formations behind them.
And a SAVAGE BLOW at point blank range! Combatant Hikari will be feeling that one if she's still feeling anything!
"Whooo!" Kuroka leapt for joy. "That's my little Shirone! Hit her again! Go for the jugular!" She didn't notice much of the crowd around had inched slightly away from her; teammates included.
"D-damn, I got sloppy," Hikari pulled herself up with a shaky step. Taking another one, she stumbled as if off balance. "I kn-knew if you got me with an attack, it'd be Hell to deal with."
"Good work," Rias complimented her Rook. "That blow definitely disrupted her internal energy. With luck that'll cancel out or lessen her speed advantage."
"I won't be beaten that easily," Hikari held up her right arm, a new tattoo lighting up from wrist to elbow. "Lupa may drive me insane on the best days, but she can teach me a thing or two."
"That new tattoo, is that…a hydra?"
"The resistance of the hydra will keep her Sage Arts from disabling your body," the woman with wolf-ears whispered in Hikari's ear. "Keep it up and she'll just be a sexy powerhouse again." Issei repeated her words to Koneko.
"Damn, so Sage Arts can't disable her while she has that protection. This is quite an annoying Sacred Gear."
"It has everything but the kitchen sink," Koneko sighed. "Like Dorian's."
"And that's not all," Hikari flexed her fingers, shaking off the numbness from Koneko's attack before charging her head on. Their fists collided again, this time Koneko being the one to wince in pain. "It gives me quite a nice powerup depending on the amount of damage I've taken, and that last punch of yours was amazing!"
"That hydra ability makes her stronger based on the damage received," Dorian informed Freyja and Seekvaira. "She's nearly as strong as Koneko now even with touki."
"Nearly, but not quite," Seekvaira pointed out as Hikari was slammed against another boulder, shattering it. "Hydra may mitigate Sage Arts, but not wholly. She has lost her speed advantage." Even with her new power, Hikari was losing ground as the bruises added up.
"Do not hold back anything!" The booming voice of Sairaorg called out across the field as Hikari's earpiece had been destroyed in the back and forth. "You are my Pawn and friend, show her all you have. The secrecy of your skills will mean little if you fall."
"Lord Sairaorg," Hikari spit up blood as she staggered back to her feet. "I didn't want to show everything, save some for later but she is good, better than I expected."
Koneko didn't give her any openings, coming down on her with another touki-enhanced swing. The steel of her gauntlet shattered immediately with a painful crunch. Where she had expected to strike Hikari on the crown of the head, instead she met a wall. The girl's black hair had solidified, turning into a mass of bronze almost like a shield. New tattoos emerged on either shoulder blade glowing bright.
"Harpy Dance, Stymphalian Plumes," she chanted, her devil wings emerging only to form into feathered ones almost resembling a hawk's. "You need to read up on your Greek myths." Without taking a step, her hair strands moved as if alive, raining a hail of deadly barbs upon Koneko shredding her clothes and skin as she cried out in pain.
"Her gear takes on attributes of the various creatures she's encountered!" Hecuba realized. "The stymphalian flocks of Olympus have impressively strong feathers and the harpy wings improve her mobility. Her versatility is endless depending on what beasts she meets."
"You and Dorian would get along," Koneko gasped through the pain, realizing just how extensive Hikari's powers were compared to her own. "But I'm not done yet."
"No, I see it in your eyes," Hikari replied respectfully. "You'll fight until you can't move, even when your life may be on the line. I wanted to fight you, but not kill you. Thankfully, everything is ready."
"Ready?"
"Your Pawn used it in his fight with Coriana, though it takes me a bit longer to get to that point, I'm no Heavenly Dragon. Sorry Kitty Koneko, but I need to end this quickly before I get tired. Promotion: QUEEN!"
Koneko's heart plummeted as the wave of power struck her, nearly knocking her off her feet. Promoting to a Queen, the highest piece there was, was an incredibly powerful yet costly ability. They had no idea that a one-piece Pawn could have been capable of such a feat. For that brief time, all of her abilities would be amplified from speed and strength to brute magic and overall might. The girl seemed to even grow a bit taller, fangs starting to protrude from her mouth. Few apart from Issei and Dorian could see how smug Lupa looked at the show of force.
"You think I should be impressed?" Koneko gave a snarky look that made Kuroka proud. "Even if I fall, I'll do everything to help my team!"
With that final announcement, the Sage Arts aura exploded around her, the nekoshou catapulting herself towards Hikari while shattering the ground beneath her. Her own feline features became more pronounced, touki flaring to new heights as she poured everything into one last attack. The pair disappeared in a magnificent explosion as her fist collided with Hikari's much as they had in the first exchange of the match. All was obscured between the light and resulting fog of pulverized dirt and debris.
"It is over," Odin sighed leaning back. "She put up a good fight, alas it was not to be."
The meaning behind his words was revealed as the smoke finally cleared revealing a bruised and battered Hikari standing over Koneko. The nekoshou Rook was clearly unconscious resting on the ground, her body glowing bright as she was retired to behind the scenes for medical attention. Issei's heart plummeted into his gut seeing Koneko, someone normally so strong, utterly defeated. His temper started to bubble, but he held it down somehow.
The first victory of the day for Team Bael! Hikari stands victorious after that amazing explosion! It may have only taken a single Pawn piece to reincarnate her, but that one packs a serious punch! Team Gremory better watch out where she's involved.
"Thank you Koneko," Rias breathed a sigh. "You lost, but you got her to show all her tricks. We won't be caught off guard again. And without a designated healer among their group, her wounds will be slow to heal without using their tear." That silver lining did not escape her as Hikari limped back to her side of the field barely still standing. "I should have known Sairaorg's last Pawn piece was a mutation one. She was far stronger than a single piece could accomplish."
"I think we have this covered for now," Dorian called into his earpiece to the others on the team. "Kuroka, you can take five…or ten."
There was no reply, but he could see her from his vantage point, the experienced Bishop leaping over railings and sprinting down steps. No one had to ask, fully aware she was making for the medical facilities setup where those defeated were sent. He understood.
The match waits for no one! Naud continued. Kings, to your dice, who will be heading in next!? Oh my, a five for Sairaorg and six for Rias! Eleven, our highest roll of the day!
"Whew, at least Sairaorg can't come out. I can go again though!" Issei stood up quickly.
"Not yet," Rias waved insisting he sits back down. "As you said, Sairaorg can't come out and we'll need your power for him. With a knight and Bishop down, he is limited in who can come out. A balanced team will be ideal for now…"
In the Stands…
"Have you tried these?" Bennia asked while she and Dorian crossed paths patrolling the stands. In each hand she had a slowly dripping chocolate ice cream bars shaped like unfurled devil wings. With some reservation, she parted with one to share with him. "Things are pretty calm."
"Relatively speaking," Dorian pointed out a group of shirtless fans painted head to toe in Sairaorg's colors roaring at the recent win. "I almost forget they're all devils, they really are so human."
"Don't let them hear you say that," she elbowed him playfully. "They're liable to throw you over the railing. Not that it would do much to you at this point."
"Indeed, you have become so sturdy in recent months not accounting for your recent feebleness."
The two looked up, only then realizing they had reached the Olympian VIP section set out of the way by special request. Looming from an oversized seat was none other than Hades, eyes burning blue towards Dorian with a terrifying intensity.
"Such power from you as well," he glanced to Bennia. "I never granted such, yet you are greater than when you departed. Too many growing too fast," he muttered under his breath they barely heard.
"I'm a growing girl," she planted her hands on her hips with only a hint of nervousness. "With room to keep going!"
"Your father will be so proud," his words came across more mocking than anything else. "Rating Games have become far tamer in recent years, not a single death so far. Oh, if only you'd seen it in the older years. They'd be lucky for half a peerage to survive. An efficient manner to weed out those necessary." It was hard to tell, but Dorian was certain the powerful god sneered at his obvious disgust.
"Is that what you came here for really?" Dorian asked, sensing more to the god's words than he was letting on. "To watch Rias and Sairaorg kill each other?"
"It would be better for all, there is more to the balance of this world than you can see with your short-sighted eyes. Crows, bats, doves, they just clutter everything up, I learned that years ago. My reapers and I are all that are needed. Too much garbage will avail the world little. You are no different."
"Pretty different," Bennia butted in. "You had a perfect record with Elysium before boss man here, mad that you lost your perfect streak?" Not even her courage could hold at his glare, taking a slight step back behind Dorian.
"I WILL have you again Mr. Held," the god leaned back as the shroud surrounding the two bases started to lift. "Whether it is a day or a lifetime, it does not matter. In due course, all shall be in the Underworld but those with true worth.
"And how are they so worthless?" Dorian asked with growing frustration. "What are these impossible qualifications?"
"Vision," he opened his hand, producing a sphere of light that forced Dorian to cover his eyes. "To you, this light is bright, strong and blinding. Yet, move out even a few miles and it's barely a spec. But add to it, the brighter it gets, the further away it can be seen. Think on that Dorian Held, think on that and you may one day be worth something. I hold no expectations. When you tire of this life come to me and I'll be sure to find a nice home for you. See them off," he motioned to a hooded reaper with an uncaring wave.
QUITE A MATCHUP! Naud boomed as Dorian and Bennia were motioned off by the reaper following to ensure they left. For Team Gremory they have selected Kiba Yuuto, Gasper Vladi and the Dullahan Honda facing against the mounted knight Beluga Furcas and the immovable boulder, Gandoma Balam!
"Okay okay, geez," Bennia brushed off the reaper following them. "You don't have to be an ass about it!"
"Now did I ever raise you for such language, what would your mother say?" He muttered beneath the cloak once they were out of sight of Hades, his face still unseen. Bennia peered into the black void for several moments, eyes suddenly going wide.
"PAPA!" She flew into his arms with a hug, the reaper reciprocating though adjusting his hood to ensure it did not come down. She turned to Dorian proudly motioning between them. "Dorian, this is dad, dad, Dorian."
"Mister…Orcus?" He tried to recall the name that graced her file upon joining the Crossroads, reaching out to shake the Ultimate-Class Reaper's hand. He somehow resisted the shiver down his spine upon realizing the hand was a skeletal one. "I do not believe we've ever met."
"We have not, difficult considering your relationship with the Master," he hugged Bennia closer with his free arm, the young woman looking positively glowing. "My daughter has spoken highly of you, not something I often heard of her previous coworkers."
"Dorian and the others are actually fun," Bennia shot him a thumbs up. "Your job buddies could learn a thing or two. I'm doing fine dad, promise."
"That is a relief if nothing else today."
Not what I expected of a Grim Reaper, he'd have to be standout to raise Bennia. She isn't fond of most her own kind due to their servitude to Hades, but not him. I can't recall the last time she looked so sunny…and she looks sunny 24/7!
"I must return, but I wanted to thank you Mr. Held for being there for my daughter. And my little shadow, your mother gives her best. I do not believe my master's designs will change any but know that at least in one house in the land of the dead you will be welcome."
"And tell mom I said hi!" She waved as he glided back between the stands towards Hades' seats. "He's a cool dad," she bragged to Dorian. "He may be loyal to that weirdo, but he's still nice. No idea how he pulls that off."
"I am glad I could meet him, maybe we can invite him to the tower sometime. He can tell us stories about your childhood."
"Don't you dare!" Bennia started punching him over and over in the sides though with no real malice or strength. "Do you have any idea how awkward it got sometimes with a Reaper dad and human mom?" Dorian let her rant as they continued, barely able to stifle a chuckle only making her face redder and redder.
At Hades' Seats…
The god of the dead leaned back, noticing Orcus was returning to his position guarding the ruler. He grumbled, the frustration at the Einherjar walking free scratching at the back of his mind despite the multitude of immeasurably more important matters. One of which he spotted that darkened his mood further.
"You are supposed to be down below out of sight. What are you doing here?"
"Hades," a devil passed by who to normal spectators looked like another fan, however the lord of the dead could see through his disguise as if it were crystal clear. "What a coincidence you are here, you haven't been dabbling in anything unsuitable now would you?"
The guards tensed, moving between them, however Hades waved them down to allow him to pass.
"Moloch, are you even more worthless than I surmised? You had a chance to get the information you needed yet you come up here to see a pitiful fight?"
"Hmmm, so you don't know then. How odd. No, Lord of terror your darkness sir," he mockingly tipped his hat. "I did not come here to partake of the merriment, rather I was following something. Oh, don't stare at me so monstrously like that, the device is tucked away with a bodyguard courtesy of our friends with the monster army. It picked up something even more interesting up here," the elder devil checked his watch tied to the machinery below. "It WAS here but seems to now be moving away…after that young lad you just lectured."
True to his readings, a fan in a generic t-shirt and cap was subtly following Dorian from such a distance he had no hope of spotting them. It looked to be a young woman with black hair and golden eyes utterly focused on his steps. He considered following her further, but it was evident if he did she'd notice his presence. Just knowing she existed was a grand victory in the devil's eyes.
"There are thousands in this stadium, I hardly see how one can be the cause to risk so much."
"It is if it's one of the Older Beings," that phrase being the only thing to draw Hades' attention. "Oh, did I finally pique your vaunted curiosity?"
"That's not possible, for such a being to be in this place without detection. We would have sensed their return to these realms."
"It's quite easily done apparently, at least for one" he kicked his feet up rudely with a grin. "That kid, he's the one you don't like, right? The head of that little clubhouse they think so highly of? Huh, maybe there's more to him after all. I might have to keep tabs on him too. He is practically swimming in its energy, based on this it must be following him 24/7..."
"Put your feet down or I will remove them."
"Aw, don't be like that," Moloch remarked nonchalantly, though still chose to lower his feet. "You've done so much up to now, that little spider in Olympus, the insider info, it would be a shame if we let our relationship sour over a few pointless proprieties."
"Our agreement only extends as far as I deem," his eyes glowed blue and imposing, removing all retorts. "That being said," he glanced to the girl and back to the readings to verify. "If Mr. Held does indeed have the attention of one of their kind, there is much to do…much to do indeed. It seems our growing Beacons have attracted outside attention far sooner than I ever conceived."
In the Arena…
As announced, the five combatants stepped forward, the first team battle of the game. The field they found themselves upon was a massive shrine eerily like the one selected in Diodora's match. Enormous pillars, statues and other formations dotted the area creating environmental hazards Kiba was not fond of. Rias noted the lack of their remaining piece who could have been sent in with the dice roll.
"Misteeta their Bishop, they must be saving him for something," she muttered with a single nervous bite of a nail.
"I salute our worthy foes," Furcas lifted his lance high from his horseback with a bow of his head. "I am of the noble house of Furcas, tamers of the mightiest steeds in the Underworld!"
"And a noble steed you have found," Kiba complimented the imposing armored mount he sat upon. "A Pale Horse? Those reside only in the deepest pits of Cocytus and seldom allow humans near without killing them."
"Altobrau and I have been through much together since Lord Sairaorg allowed me to delve such peril to find him. That was the most harrowing journey of my life, perhaps this one shall be greater still? He can surpass even your god-like speed Knight of Gremory."
Beside them, Gasper and Honda stared down his companion who was much more simply dressed. Towering above the Dullahan and worried vampire at over 9-feet tall, the devil looked more like a monster of stories with thick arms and protrusions from his body likening to rock rather than flesh and bone. He never said a word, but they knew the reputation of the former House Balam for their superhuman strength surpassing many Rooks even without a piece.
"So many extinct houses," Catherine muttered from her seat. "Sairaorg sees the promise of everyone regardless of origins. The complete opposite of Cao Cao."
"Technically the houses still exist," Rias explained to the team who were unaware. "However, due to our waning numbers they intermingled with humans, forbidden at the time and lost their pure devil blood. Brother says the current Satans are even considering reinstating some who went into hiding for those reasons in the human world."
"Good on him," Issei pumped his fist. "Kicking someone out of their homes for such a stupid reason pisses me off." Everyone was in agreement with him on that front.
With such introductions and pleasantries out of the way. Combatants, the next match begins…NOW!
"You won't get a chance!" Gasper shouted as he took his stance, kilt hem blowing dramatically in the wind created from their clashing auras. "If I freeze you, it's over in an instant!"
As promised, his eyes instantly activated without hesitation, all fear of his own abilities gone after such time with his friends. The wave of pink spread out in all directions encompassing his field of vision and both of their opponents. For a moment, they almost thought that would be the end of it. Unfortunately, after several seconds, the Balam Rook started to slowly move despite the effects on his body.
"He's resisting Gasper!?" Asia gasped in surprise. "His magical resistance must be incredible!"
"Not…so…easy," he grunted while picking up Furcas and with a mighty heave cast him, horse and all, far into the distance. His plan became evident the moment the Knight left Gasper's field of vision, freed from the power of Balor.
"They're trying to split up!" Kiba called out. "Gasper, focus on Furcas, Balam is too strong against your power. Honda, SWORD BIRTH!"
On command, as had been done during the Sitri Rating Game tournament, a mass of blades erupted from the Dullahan's body providing a new layer of defense preventing any from getting too close. In addition, the suit of armor grabbed a pair of greatswords alternating between elemental powers, wielding each one-handed. Without needing to be told, it leapt forward clashing against the stone-like giant.
"You will not slow me again!" Furcas swore as he rounded on his horse. "How many can you hope to stop?"
Gasper had to shake his head thinking at first he must be seeing things. Where at first there was one Knight, now there was a dozen, two dozen, four? He quickly reinstated his hold on as many as he could. It wasn't enough.
The Vampire cried in pain as a lance soared through the air, slashing him in the leg that he barely moved in time to prevent full impalement. Another Furcas that remained outside his field of vision had thrown it like a javelin. Gasper quickly covered the wound, but the damage was done. He could no longer stand easily.
"They are using superior numbers from that cloning ability," Rias explained. "You can't stop all of them, and the ones that remain outside your sight are focusing on Gasper to take him out first. You have to eliminate the original as quickly as possible."
"But which is the real one?" Issei asked as he scanned the field, every mounted Knight indistinguishable from the other. "They're going to stampede them!"
True to his word, Kiba, Honda and Gasper quickly found themselves surrounded, backed up against a wall by the mounted army of copies. To their dismay, each one was just as solid as the original. It was apparent how Sairaorg's forces had become so feared, having a personal army at their disposal when in need.
"Kiba, use it!"
"With pleasure!" The Knight dematerialized his demonic blade, bringing forth a new one they immediately recognized as a lesser holy sword. Taking a stance, he muttered under his breath that the entire audience heard thanks to the microphones. "Balance Break: Blade Knight Mass!"
A holy aura radiated from Kiba spreading out like a pool beneath him. From the light itself stepped forth a formation of armor-clad beings each the size of a normal human. Rows upon rows took shape, several slashing at the mounted foes and forcing them back to a safe distance. The suits were each stocky full plate, helms styled with devil-like wings and a faceplate carved with a woman's features. It was evident that they were also feminine in shape, a body-type eerily similar to those who knew the muse inspiring them. They surrounded the three of Rias' peerage, protecting them from assault.
"Xenovia, I think your boyfriend just made a tribute to you," Hecuba pointed out, the fledgling Einherjar looking on wide eyed. "He truly looks like a commander and his troops in battle."
"He really is incredible," Xenovia muttered with a growing smile, her cheers for his victory rising above the rest. It was true beyond any doubt, Kiba's entire army surrounding him had been created in her likeness, intriguing her on the accuracy of the measurements in more.
So he WAS paying attention.
"It would seem our intel was faulty," Balam remarked in a gravelly voice.
"Your Balance Breaker was Sword of the Betrayer!" Furcas shouted, each word uttered in individual succession by the various Knights keeping up the ruse to hide which was real. "How can you hold a second? Wait, don't tell me you created one for Blade Blacksmith in addition to Sword Birth?" Kiba nodded in confirmation.
"A subspecies Balance Breaker, thanks to the sacrifice of my friends I could use holy and devil swords. The Sword of the Betrayer merges these together, but I retain the ability to wield them individually. I recently saw a member of the Hero Faction who could materialize her blades into a giant dragon. This adjustment felt more natural to me. But they are more than weaponless suits of armor!"
With a raise of his hand, the Sword Birth previously utilized on Honda exploded outward. Kiba was incapable of using demonic swords while using the army of holy knights, however having used it beforehand, the plethora of weapons remained. Far more erupted from the Dullahan than seemed capable of being held inside until the battlefield was covered from one end to the other in swords. One by one, Kiba's army retrieved them until all were armed with a mixture of holy and devil blades with powers ranging across the spectrum. They were still outnumbered by Furcas' replicas, but their own forces clearly held the superior armaments.
"Thank you Issei," Kiba sighed realizing his technique prevented their immediate defeat. "If I hadn't faced your Ascalon so often teaching you the way of the sword I may not have been used to holy energy enough to get this far." He saw his fellow classmate give him an energetic thumbs up from the base, so happy he could help his friend tap into this new power. "Gasper, keep delaying his army as best you can while Honda faces Balam. They may have the horses, but every one of my troops are just as fast as I am. ATTACK!"
[An incredible display] Azazel boomed as the field exploded with activity before them, too much to follow completely. [Forget team match, this is an army match! Just how many of his voluptuous knights and Furcas' sturdy replicas are being wiped out every moment? The single ladies of the audience are going wild for the blonde brigade of Team Gremory!]
"Blonde Brigade?" Dorian and Issei both thought simultaneously.
"Honda, protect Gasper!" Kiba called out. Their original plan had been for the Knight to don the armor and augment his abilities, but with Gasper hamstrung, he'd be defenseless on his own. He guessed that Furcas's lance must have been blessed as the Bishop couldn't deconstruct himself into his bats to escape or heal.
"W-wait!" Gasper tried to protest, not wanting to be seen as a burden. Before he could say a word, the Dullahan had lifted him up, practically dropping him inside as they'd done battling the Old Satan Faction. The magical seals closed tight, once on it was not easy to remove the armor. He was in for the duration.
Once more, Balam charged forward like a rhino, slamming into Honda and sending Gasper's ears ringing. As the titans struggled, Gasper immobilized entire swaths of the army with his eyes to give Kiba an advantage. Despite his best efforts, Furcas seemed to have no end to his replicating ability. Kiba's knights could face each of them with ease, taking two or three before falling but were slowly being overwhelmed. Kiba fought with an entourage of metallic Xenovias ensuring he was protected in his pursuit of the real Furcas who remained elusive.
With a roar of intensity, Balam slammed a double-fist blow on Honda's breastplate, sending it backwards. With the naturally sturdy nature of his kind mixed with the powers of a Rook, the Dullahan recovered fast, slashing with one of the devil-greatswords Kiba had created for them. Balam blocked it, chipping of segments of his rock-skin painfully. With a stare of confidence, Gasper turned his eyes on him, slowing his movements if only a little and allowing Honda to connect with a devastating series of flourishes leaving the Rook bloody and staggering.
A resounding wail broke Gasper's hope for a swift victory as Honda shifted to the left, a touch of cold steel pressing against the vampire's waist. To his horror, a lance had pierced the armor from behind straight on through missing Gasper only thanks to a last-moment shift from the Rook to protect its comrade. Another lance came, and another filling the suit of armor with holes, it could not get out of the way without allowing them to impale Gasper too. Tears of concern started to well up in his eyes at the wailing sound emanating from within the armor, Honda being so in pain it found a way to express it.
I should have stayed focused on Furcas, I got careless!
Balam took advantage of his foe's wounded state, savagely pounding him into the ground again, shattering it around them. The Dullahan was down and could not get back up.
"Honda, please stand up, Honda!" Gasper pleaded as the replicas he could not stop and Balam advanced. There was no response. "No, I did this, I will protect you. I am a man of Team Gremory, protecting my comrades is my duty!"
"Gasper?" Issei asked as he leaned over the divider to the base. "You got this man! Show them not to underestimate you!"
"He's changed a lot since you gave him that kilt," Bennia teased to Dorian. "Who knew clothes could make such a difference?"
Not just the clothes, this is all him, Dorian knew full well. But I like to think it was a good starting point.
Scrambling for the satchel carried by the armor, Gasper revealed a series of vials each with a name on them; Issei, Dorian, Kiba, Koneko and Akeno. Thinking fast, he quickly uncorked the one labeled Dorian.
"Dorian, what is that?" Bennia asked, her eyes sharp enough to spot them. The rest seen thanks to the close-up on the jumbotron above.
"Well," he answered sheepishly. "You saw how powerful Gasper was at the Peace Summit when we rescued him from those mages. "I might have…kinda…sort of…donated some blood for future use."
"He comes prepared," she eyed the other vials. "For vampires, their abilities change depending upon the traits of each blood. Issei's powered up his current abilities, yours gave him the scary shadow look, I wonder what the others do."
"This is for Honda! We can fight together!" Gasper declared as he downed the contents of the vial in a single gulp.
The Furcas clones closest were instantly consumed within a wave of shadows that exploded from the young man's frame the instant he finished the last drop. The mass of darkness wrapped back upon itself consuming both Gasper's form as well as Honda's. To Balam's dismay, the Dullahan started to rise again. Cloaked in black, a head now emerged from the opening but was no longer the undersized one belonging to Gasper. Instead, a red-eyed demonic visage that only barely resembled the young man loomed over them. The others could not help but notice that the shadowy cloak billowing at his feet resembled a grand kilt to command the respect of everyone around him.
Oh, my word! Our younger audience members may wish to look away. The Gremory Bishop has transformed and merged with his fellow Rook into a dark titan, what will happen next?!
The new Gasper-Honda construct leapt into the air, crashing down upon the unprepared Balam. The move crushed him beneath them, his strength amounting to nothing, when the mass of darkness stood once more, only sparkles of where he had been remained.
And Sairaorg's Rook is retired in an instant! They are utterly outclassed by the young vampire. He is tearing through them like tissue paper!
The announcer's words were not an exaggeration as dozens of Furcas' clones broke off from assailing Kiba only to be almost utterly swept away by Gasper-Honda as they tore through them. No matter how many lances pierced his dark flesh, they were all brought low.
"Gasper, is that you?" Asia asked as the shadow continued shredding the number arrayed against him with utter ease.
"Of course, it is," Rias smiled despite his terrifying image knowing the gentle soul within. "He isn't afraid of himself anymore, so why should we? They were all incredible, I think it is just about over."
"You…were…superb," the real Furcas gasped as he and Kiba faced each other at last, both exhausted from battling their respective armies whittled to almost nothing. "Come Altobrau! Let us charge one last time!"
"I will end it as is deserving your courage," Kiba rushed in, all his armored constructs phasing out of existence as he summoned the Sword of the Betrayer into his hands for the final assault. One man on foot against a charging steed, it was truly a chivalric sight among all others. The men met; blade and lance crossing as they shot past one another, it was over.
Furcas tumbled from his horse, disappearing from the field before he even hit the ground. His steed laying down upon the spot he vanished, awaiting its time before following its master. All was not well, however, as Kiba collapsed as well. Having taken a slash to his leg previously, his speed was a fraction slower than he was capable of, that was all it took. He had been pierced through the side as well by the lance before it shattered, blood sliding down the metal still lodged within him.
"Damn, I thought I could avoid that. Rias, Issei, everyone…I'm sor…" He didn't finish before being retired from his injuries, removed from the field along with his foe. Xenovia looked on proudly, he'd been true to his word making them work for the victory and seemed truly content before vanishing.
"Kiba!" Issei shouted out in worry. "What about…?!"
The shadow monster ceased its assault as the last Furcas clone shimmered away with the defeat of the original. With no opponents remaining, Gasper powered down, the shadow receding back upon itself until both were standing upon the field alone. The Dullahan had clearly nothing left, without Gasper's power it collapsed as before, retired from the many holes in its body. That was expected, but the audience was silent at Gasper's appearance. With the removal of the shadowy veil surrounding him, they could see that the lances and attacks striking him had not been without consequence. The poor young man was covered in wounds from head to toe, one eye so bloodied he couldn't open it. The injuries had compounded to such a degree that they were surprised he had any strength left. Before the announcer could say another word, the vampire pumped his fist in the air with confidence.
"THIS WIN…BELONGS TO RIAS GREMORY!" He screamed at the top of his lungs before all strength left his body. Gasper toppled forward into the hard Earth, the retirement system only then admitting his defeat and spiriting him from the field before his injuries could become fatal.
"Gasper…" Rias shed a single tear at the valiant display. With the end of the fight, not one remained upon the field. It was over. "You did superb, Kiba and Honda as well. Thank you all."
In all my years, Naud started while trying to hold back tears. I have NEVER seen such a display of valiance and determination outside of the highest professionals to ever compete! Combatant Gasper is the last standing on the field, but with his injuries is retired. The victory goes to Team Gremory, but alas all combatants were defeated. A nigh unheard-of mutual defeat!
"Kiba, Honda and Gasper at once," that will be a heavy blow." Dorian sighed. "They don't have many left. I'll swing back to Ms. Seekvaira if you take the last sections here." Bennia waved him off assuring she was fine.
They need Issei for Sairaorg, they can't use him so openly. And Ratings Games don't allow for breaks.
Kings, roll your dice for the next match…an ELEVEN again! All but Sairaorg can be used, even the Oppai Dragon could be seen!
"I'll head out," Issei jumped up. "Flatten them quick and…"
"No Issei," Rias held a hand to his chest to keep him from heading to the field. "With so few left, they won't hold back this time. I surmise they'll throw as many as they can at us. You will be our trump card, keep up your strength for when it's needed. We need you at the very end for Sairaorg."
"Then I suppose it's my move," Akeno stepped up only to be confused by Rias' head shake.
"You'd be alone against three, one of whom has already beaten Koneko and another we know acts as support. I have sent you all to fight my battles enough, a good King knows when to take the field. I'll go."
"President!" Issei called out, the others equally shocked by her decision. "If you get eliminated it's all over! It's too risky!"
"Have some faith in me," she flipped her hair to hide the uncertainty in her chest. "I won't be alone. Cat and I…"
"No, I want to go," Asia stood to her feet, putting a foot down. "You said you wanted to use me in this game with what I'd learned. I'll go, it makes the most sense. If anything happens, I can heal you and Rassei will keep me safe."
The small sprite dragon on her shoulder chirped as menacingly as he could, earning a scratch beneath the chin from the young Bishop.
"Asia…are you sure? No, I shouldn't have to ask that. You wouldn't have offered if you weren't. In that case, let us both head out."
"B-both of you?" The worry in Issei's voice was palpable. "It's way too dangerous!"
If you get hurt, I can't go out on the field, I'll have to just sit and watch. Not you two, especially not you both.
"Everyone has been fearing Sairaorg coming out," Rias stepped up to the platform alongside Asia, spinning to face the team with a final statement before disappearing. "Time to show them that the heiress to the House of Gremory should have been their true concern."
Among the new field, a wasteland covered with jagged rocks as far as the eye could see, Hikari stood beside a tall lanky man and a young boy carrying a staff who could have competed with Gasper for being mistaken for a woman. The same group cheering Gasper now seemed to be eyeing him closely, worrying Dorian if they may be thinking who pulled it off better. The fighters were all looking more determined than ever seeing their enemy King taking the field.
In a startling decision, Rias Gremory herself has taken the field with her Bishop Asia Argento! They will be outnumbered by the Ms. Hikari's return with their own Bishop Misteeta Sabnock and Rook Ladora Buné! More descendants of extinct houses. Governor Azazel, can you elaborate on such a diverse selection of servants?
[It is part of what makes Sairaorg so popular and unpopular at the same time Naud.] Azazel took over, his enthusiastic voice drawing the attention of the masses. [If they have potential, he will take in those of any background. That is the way he thinks, it doesn't matter if they are members of extinct houses, lowborn devils or even former enemies. The new Government since the current Satans took power protect these groups, but everyone knows they are still despised by many. This means nothing to the young man, truly admirable!]
He and Sona will need to talk after all this if they haven't already, Dorian smiled at how well they'd work together along with how awkward the announcer was looking at Azazel's blunt statement. Despite the words, Diehauser Belial seemed to be laughing, clearly amused by how the events were going.
"He speaks the truth," Ladora spoke up. The Rook was so slim compared to the others he almost looked like he hadn't eaten in days, his green hair and red eyes causing him to stand out even among their team. "Our houses only survived by mixing with humans which cost us our status. Were it not for Lord Sairaorg, we would have perished in this world. The 'protection' of the new government does not extend far enough. For his kindness, his dream has become ours." Misteeta nodded lazily along his companion.
"Or we would have never known what wonders there are," Hikari spoke up next. "He's the greatest devil out there, bar none. We'll gladly defeat a hundred peerages to prove that and show his ideals to the world! If we defeat you now, he won't even have to take the field."
Let the fifth match…BEGIN!
Dark wings erupted from Rias' back, the Gremory heiress taking to the skies as masses of black energy emerged from her hands. The members of Sairaorg's team barely had time to scatter before the power of Destruction reduced the area they'd been standing on to nothing. Misteeta generated a barrier that proved useless against her attack, returning fire with bombardment magic of his own. His aim was true, only for the projectiles to bend away from Rias and fly off harmless.
"Ladora, take out the Bishop, she's using defensive magic! We'll take on their King."
"Roger that!" The thinner man rushed along the ground towards Asia in the back who was generating as many spells she had learned from Akeno and Rossweisse as she could.
Before he could reach, a screeching bellow sounded from above as a body, barely the size of a small dog slammed into Ladora's gut. Rassei flew back once his foe was stunned, releasing a burst of lightning from his maw. The blasts were small but potent, knocking the man back and nearly off his feet. The following attacks were less effective, crossing his arms into a wall that prevented any further from getting through. The tiny sprite dragon landed on a boulder intent on protecting his beloved master.
"Such a loyal familiar," he grumbled while sliding off what few clothes he had. "This is almost fitting!"
The audience cheered as Asia looked on in horror while the previously thin and lanky appearance of the Rook suddenly ballooned outward. Muscles upon muscles grew, warping his human-shape into an abnormal one. A tail sprung from his back, wings from his shoulders, his mouth grew outward and filled with fangs. Asia was fully aware of what he was becoming, being quite familiar with the species through Issei. It was no more than a few seconds before the transformation was complete.
And combatant Ladora has shown the power unique to a small fraction of his family. While most could control dragons, he can become one in its entirety! Ms. Argento's familiar seems to be outmatched in size and firepower!
The hulking shape of an immense black dragon towering over the field cast a shadow on Asia before releasing a bellowing roar. Even many of the audience members were forced to cover their ears.
"Since when can he do that?" Issei shouted, none in the team having been aware of the power.
"He was holding it in reserve, did he actually train him to unlock it but to hold off for this moment?" Catherine theorized aloud. "Asia has never been much of a fighter, if Rias can't cover her, I do not see how she can last. Rassei's courage can only go so far."
"Asia! Take cover!" Rias turned, unleashing a new wave of Destruction energy. Being such a large target, Ladora could not dodge, slamming his own wing into the ground to snuff out the black energy attempting to engulf him.
"Enough of that!" Misteeta held up his staff, holding it towards the Gremory heir with an ominous glow. "That power of your family is very aggravating!"
The light struck Rias as she was turned towards the dragon. Screaming in pain, strange markings wrapped around her like chains. As the last one clung to her body, the power of destruction she had been firing suddenly grew smaller until finally snuffing out entirely. The young woman tried to bring it back with a wave of her hand to no avail. It was only then that Hikari, previously taking shelter behind a rock, emerged with a confident smirk on her face.
"You could eliminate all of us with that ability, the one Lord Sairaorg had to do without, but how is that looking now? Misteeta here is a genius, you'd never guess it."
"I am…also part human," the Bishop gasped, suddenly looking so exhausted he could not stand without leaning on his staff. "My Sacred Gear, Trick Vanish, I just learned how to use it just for this battle. Couldn't have you learning it from watching our old matches, now could I?"
So they were holding back in past matches only using as much as was needed to win each time? Dorian considered the strategy and if it may be an effective one in the future. Never play an ace if a two will do I suppose.
[An absolutely fascinating Scared Gear!] Azazel explained to the audience. [Able to utterly seal a specific person's power at the cost of huge amounts of stamina. Very similar to your own 'worthless' ability Emperor.]
{Albeit far inferior} Diehauser Belial explained. {It appears he can only seal Ms. Gremory's Power of Destruction. The rest of her devil powers are still available to her.}
[True, though a senior wielder would be able to seal more with additional stamina. Give that boy a few years, who knows, maybe one day he can render your 'worthless' ability worthless] The fallen angel received a light chuckle from the others in the booth at his play on words.
"He took her Destruction Power?" Dorian leaned closer to confirm. It was true, while Rias could still fly and was currently generating defensive devil seals as she and Akeno had done against Kokabiel, her family's signature ability was nowhere in sight. "That is why they made sure Misteeta had backup, he can barely stand while using that ability."
"Now to end this quickly before you can try anything funny," Hikari's aura spiked, her hair hardening as it had against Koneko and all her tattoos lighting up at once. Unlike her previous battle, she was not playing around and still had the power generated from facing Koneko. "Promotion: QUEEN!"
Hikari's power expanded, shaking the ground with the very force that had KO'd Koneko in a single hit. Without giving her a chance, she leapt forward swinging with Rias barely able to keep ahead. Without the Power of Destruction, she was restricted to her base demonic powers as well as what magics she had learned over the years.
"Rias contracted with a traveling mage some years ago," Akeno explained. "But she hasn't practiced overly with it as much as she could have. Oh my, this is quite bad."
Forced into her less-refined abilities, Rias kept distance from Hikari who gave chase. Bronze-metal quills fired from her hair barely evaded or deflected when needed. The Gremory heiress responded in kind, unleashing torrents of demonic energy superior for her age. With a grunt of frustration, each attack was blocked by the Pawn's reinforced hair and Queen energy. With her Hydra resilience working again, small attacks did little more than give her more power, gaining strength with each injury. Issei looked on, not seeing the magic seals of the Gremory family often, showing his master's prowess with the standard energy of her people.
The entire team winced as a quill caught her across the abdomen, drawing blood and a cry of pain. Issei scrambled to activate his earpiece.
"Little stuff isn't doing it Pres! You need to hit her with something big! Asia, can you cure her or something?"
"I-If I had a moment!" Asia called out as she dropped down off a ledge before it crumbled. "I've been practicing with Twilight Healing, mending physical wounds is not all I am capable of now!"
The Dragon Rook of Sairaorg's peerage was in hot pursuit stomping every spot she had been standing. His size had considerably slowed him down, giving Asia a chance, but without considerable magic power herself, she had no sure way to harm the thick hide. All the while, Rassei strafed the behemoth firing burst after burst of lightning with little effect.
"Asia, I think it's time to use it," Akeno insisted. "I am sure Rassei is up to the task."
"Would it be enough?" She looked up in awe at the gargantuan form marching towards her. "He's so small."
"His size won't matter," Rias called out while mending her wounded leg. She was bruised across the face, clearly having received more blows from Hikari. "A familiar is bonded to their master. His power is yours and the other way around. I would never have dared risking you in a fight otherwise."
"What are you planning?" Ladora boomed, turning for a moment at Rias. "Hikari, stop having fun and defeat her, we will win without our Lord even needing to take the field."
"I'm working on it ya scaly bastard," she fired back, despite her words, the comradery between the two was obvious. "She is quick, take out her healer and we can corner her."
"Rassei's strength is…mine." Asia repeated as she hesitantly reached into her vest, pulling out a spiraled wristband, a gift from Rias weeks earlier. "Then I will be strong enough!" Ladora saw the hope she placed in the object, opening his maw wide.
"Whatever it is, you will not be able to use it!" He breathed a massive torrent of fire upon the stationary Bishop. "Wh-what?!"
Asia remained unharmed, a series of powerful magical seals surrounding her body. Most of them were demonic symbols bearing the Gremory symbol, however a small handful were clearly of foreign design, only a few in the audience recognizing them."
"Asia asked me for some lessons," Rossweisse smiled with pride in the stands. "She is still learning, but to block an attack like that, she has improved so quickly."
You really are incredible, Dorian smiled as always thinking how the silver Valkyrie he loved seemed to somehow grow more beautiful when she was teaching others.
"Quickly now," Asia knelt within the protective barrier, clasping the band to her arm and chanting. "By our pact you lent me strength, by that same bond, take mine into yourself. You are mine, but I too am yours."
"Your barriers will not hold," Ladora insisted, a seal shattering under a renewed barrage. "I commend your bravery, but you are no match for…"
The Dragon did not finish his sentence, a blue bold of lightning striking him from parts unknown. Unlike the small belches of Rassei, this one was a true attack, the electricity felt even through his black scales. The transformed Rook crashed into a hill, turning to seek his new foe.
"The Gremory heiress? No," he saw she was still quarreling with Hikari who was slowly gaining the upper hand. "Then who could…!"
Where the small sprite dragon had once been, now a bubble of swirling gold and blue light sat, the attack having originated from within. All were uncertain what was occurring, but what was obvious eluded Ladora until it was too late.
Despite Rassei's tiny size, the bubble was larger than even Ladora
From within, a massive foreleg emerged, cracking the ground with its weight. Another leg appeared then a great maw of teeth and long neck connecting to a massive muscular body with wings spanning nearly half the length of the arena. Deep azure scales shimmered in the light, piercing gold-red eyes bore into the black dragon who was noticeably smaller. Asia gasped with joy; the device had worked.
A new dragon has entered the field? How can this be, summoning beings from outside the field are not allowed in any Rating Game even with our laxed rules!
[Oh, she didn't summon!] Azazel corrected the announcer. [That little piece of jewelry on her arm is known as a Soul Band, a very rare device. I suppose our Lady Gremory was able to acquire one for her Bishop.]
That is a kingly gift! Doesn't it swap the power of two bonded individuals? I've heard it being used to grant power to allies in need.
[It does far more than that. With two individuals it can simply send power from one to the other…but for those with a true bond, like between a familiar and master, it can replace the essence of their very being temporarily.]. He sighed, seeing the announcer was utterly confused along with most of the audience. [Simply put, it replaced the little Rassei's power with that of our Ms. Argento.]
Absolutely stunning! But where did this power come from? She has always been such a gentle soul.
[A gentle soul who can heal any injury even from Satan-Class attacks. Anyone who underestimates our little Asia is in for a world of hurt. I worked with her for weeks mastering Twilight Healing, her power could surpass Ultimate-Class fighters…it's just not in offensive terms. Imagine all that healing power condensed and converted into raw strength. It's no wonder that sprite dragon went through a growth spurt. Though how long it lasts is another question.]
Ladora opened his mouth, producing a massive fireball at the incoming threat, launching it directly into the direct of the now-gargantuan Rassei. A renewed bolt of lightning crashed out of his mouth, shattering the flames with utter ease, striking him in the chest causing cracks in his scales to form as he was once more blasted into the ground.
"DORA!" Hikari called out in concern as her partner slammed into the field. She ducked, barely avoiding a follow-up attack from Rias, her frustration growing. She was stronger than the Gremory heiress with her powers sealed, but she knew that and kept her distance. Being more for a frontal attack, the delaying tactics were making her blood boil. "Enough of this!"
Planting her feet, dozens of metal quills that had once been her hair spiked up all at once. Rias barely had time to realize what she was doing as a tremendous hail of projectiles erupted from her. The redhead started to bob and weave at incredible speed while using seals of protection to deflect what she couldn't dodge, but the volley wasn't stopping.
"Pres!" Issei shouted in concern, seeing some were getting through covering the woman he loved in compounding wounds. Every dash of blood only served to cause his anger to rise, starting to worry Catherine.
"Rias!" Asia held out her hand, transferring the remaining defenses she had for herself over to her friend to reinforce her own. The additional defense allowed Rias to to hold, however the gesture did not go unnoticed.
Ladora pulled himself up with a roar. Leaping forward, he lunged toward Asia leaving all preludes aside clearly hoping to land a crushing blow upon her to prevent any further assistance. Asia's protector would not allow it, Rassei slamming into his side and driving him to the ground once more. The sprite dragon refused to allow another attempt, talons ripping at the scales, muscles pounding away at his foe. Ladora found himself utterly outmatched against the real thing, attempting one final breath of fire only for Rassei to seize his jaw, holding it shut. With nowhere for the power to go, a resounding explosion detonated within the Bael Rook.
"Ladora!" Misteeta coughed up some blood. He had been supporting Hikari with defensive magic, but it was clear the effort to keep Rias' Destruction Magic sealed was taking its toll on him. There was nothing he could do as the Rook toppled over smoking from the mouth. It did not take long for him to begin shimmering away from his injuries.
And combatant Ladora is eliminated in a titanic display of raw power! The guardian of Team Gremory's Bishop was too much for him! How will those left deal with such an opponent still in play!
"Well done, Asia!" Akeno could not contain herself, shouting words of praise from their base. Her expression looked concerned, however as she saw the look of sheer exhaustion on the young Bishop's face.
How long can she keep this up?
"Not…yet," Asia gasped as she held out her hands. Within them, a green bar of energy took hold reminding them of Twilight Healing's color, but they had never seen such a technique. The bar took the shape of a longbow, a single arrow of matching energy took shape within already nocked.
"Do I have to do everything?!" Hikari groaned as she turned, unleashing a similar barrage that had kept Rias pinned down upon the Bishop.
Asia released the single arrow from her grip, allowing it to sail through the air straight towards Hikari. Her energy spent, she collapsed to the ground exhausted. Seeing the incoming projectiles, Rassei rose up as a shield, prepared to take the entire barrage for his master. A moment before impact, the worst happened. The giant dragon's form suddenly poofed out of existence like smoke, leaving only the tiny sprite dragon behind. They had reached their limit.
Akeno and Catherine looked away as the rain of spikes crashed down on the now-defenseless Asia. Issei could not look away, his eyes burned at the sight of the former nun screaming in pain, impaled by many attacks of Sairaorg's gifted Pawn. He didn't need the announcer to tell him the next part.
And Team Gremory's Bishop has been retired from her injuries! In addition, as being considered part of her, the sprite dragon Rassei has also been retired! King Rias stands alone!
"Was this your last effort?" Hikari looked at the arrow still sailing towards her. With a single lazy effort, she stepped to the left, allowing it to fly past harmless. "Now, as for y…!?"
Turning back to her opponent, Sairaorg's Pawn looked on mouth agape. Asia's attack had missed her and flown onward straight into Rias Gremory's breasts. Rather than impaling her cleavage as was expected, the arrow melted into her body to release a warm emerald light that filled the arena. In the blink of an eye, all her injuries had melted away, utterly healed. To Hikari's growing horror, the tattoos marking Misteeta's seal were also evaporating into mist consumed by Twilight Healing's energy. They were too late.
I don't believe it! The final strike of combatant Argento seems to have been one of friendly fire! All the injuries incurred in this fight are gone along with the curse placed by the Bishop Sabnock!
"She did it!" Akeno praised. "She manifested Twilight Healing's power into a physical construct and fired it at Rias. No wonder she tired so quickly; she instilled enough energy into it to heal her injuries along with the counter-curse to the Sacred Gear!"
"She sacrificed herself to ensure Rias' victory," Issei wiped a tear from his cheek. "I told you over and over that you were never worthless," he muttered though Asia could no longer hear him.
"Shit," Hikari cracked her neck as she jumped back. Already, a miasmic black cloud of energy was surrounding Rias once more. She could not hope to get near again. "We were so close!"
"Then I'll seal her again!" Misteeta held his staff up.
"Don't you dare! You know Lord Sairaorg's orders!" Hikari snapped. "You can't do it again, it'll kill you!"
"To fight for Lord Sairaorg's dream, this is one order I will disobey!" He shouted, his staff glowing bright.
"Stop it you moron!" Hikari grabbed the haft in a powerful grip and slapping him upside the head, interrupting the spell. "Maybe we can…"
It was too late, the energy had been building within Rias even while cursed, the desire to defend her teammates billowing to the surface. With the seal broken, it was all unleashed like a giant wave. The pair of remaining Bael combatants had nowhere to go, barely able to sigh in mutual realization of what was coming.
"Lord Sairaorg," Hikari smiled as she glanced back to their base before they were consumed. "I hope it was enough."
And a double knockout as both Team Bael's Pawn and Bishop are retired beneath a sea of destruction! The winning team goes to Rias Gremory. We are coming down to our apex matches! Both down to just a few fighters left, if you haven't placed your bets yet folks, it's now or never!
Rias walked back to her base in silence, head low in contemplation muttering to herself the others could only hear as she returned.
"Koneko, Kiba, Honda, Gasper and now Asia. You all fought so hard, we will not let this go to waste. We WILL win, no doubt of that."
"We will Pres," Issei laid a hand on her shoulder that seemed to help her disposition while his own darkened. "We'll show the world that you are the strongest King and not to underestimate us!"
You the strongest King, me the strongest Pawn…and we'll be sure to repay them for our defeated friends, I'll see to that myself! Issei swore even as the dice for the next match started to roll across the table, voice catching in his throat as the value finally landed…
High up in the stands…
"Everything still okay?" Dorian rounded the corner where he and Seekvaira were to meet up, eyes narrowing as he saw her looking at her pad again. It was almost comical how quickly she ducked it behind her back the moment she spotted his presence. "Is it that interesting you can't put it down?"
"No, it's just…" she sighed, pushing up her glasses before continuing. "That strange fluctuation is still showing up. Security says they checked and it was clear but, well, it's annoying me to no end. I've seen the resonating signals from the core on computer screens and pads since I was a little girl, even a minor one stands out like…like…"
"Like an itch on the back of your neck?"
"YES!" She let her calmer demeanor slip just a moment before recovering. Without her Queen Alivian around to contain her, her more eccentric traits tended to pop up. "Needless to say, it is quite distracting."
And she doesn't have much interest in the match as she said. Something like that would annoy the Hel out of me too. Maybe she can use some air.
"If you don't mind missing the next fight, we can take a look," he acquiesced. "Where is this sector?" She turned the pad around, already having it queued up and showed him. "Hmmm, that is almost right below us. Maybe the Dimensional Gap segment being used for the fight is affecting the wavelength somehow?"
"I've never seen it, but then again a Holy Devil has never been seen nor has the Red Dragon Emperor fought within it. It is possible, if so, a quick scan should confirm, five minutes tops once we get there."
"We miss one fight, that won't be too bad, and we can make it back for the finals. I'll go with you, it's this way, right?"
Seekvaira nodded, leading the way she showed Dorian how to reach the lower levels explaining all the way how they were a middle portion between the public areas and the off-limits inner core. Guards and technicians were usually the only ones permitted, however as the family heiress she had full access to everywhere save the inner cores reserved for Ajuka and her parents. Dorian listened intently, still considering in the back of his mind just what could allow something so vast to fly so gracefully among the clouds.
Not Far…
"Rossweisse dear," Freyja called over as the young Valkyrie put down a pair of spectators who had nearly come to blows. The prospect of being thrown out in front of their friends by a beautiful woman having calmed their tempers somewhat. "Have you seen Dorian by chance? I thought he would have been back with you."
"I believe he was checking on a potential security risk with Seekvaira," she recalled the mention over the radio. "He is hoping to be back for the finals."
"We keep missing him or getting interrupted, perhaps it is the universe's way of telling us it is meant for another to present. You two have truly drawn so close," she eyed Rossweisse up and down as if noticing something new about her, talking low to ensure her husband did not overhear. "I pray he was a gentleman that night or even I won't forgive him."
"L-Lady Freyja!" She stuttered under her gaze knowing exactly to what she referred, utterly unable to deny it. The fringes of a smile remembering their time beneath the stars of Kyoto giving away anything her intuition could not see. "He was truly gentle."
"Then perhaps it is better for you to give this to him," reaching over receiving a nod from Odin, she retrieved the small box they had kept hidden. "It is traditional for one as…close as you two are now to present such things, though parents would be a close second."
"This is…!" She recognized the carving and ornaments upon the box immediately. "You are going to give this to Dorian?"
"That is our intent," she confirmed proudly. "If you present it to him, we can go into greater detail on the specifics in a more formal setting after the tournament. "Just in case he does not make it back in time for the finals, could you be a dear and deliver that to him?"
It was clear Rossweisse understood not only what the gesture meant, but also the honor that the Queen of Asgard was giving allowing her to present it. Standing tall, she gripped the box tightly with a nod. Stepping forward, she embraced Freyja warmly, the old goddess wrapping her arms around the Valkyrie comfortingly.
"Be good to him too, you've both come far since that day you accompanied me to wake him up. If this works, he'll be right as rain and can move forward…along with those closest to him."
Sitri Hospital…
"That's fifty you now owe me," the old doctor stomped his cane in victory at Rias Gremory's latest victory. "You can pay me now or after you lose more."
The nurse, Sela, grumbled, slapping a wad of bills into his outstretched hand. "I've been watching Sairaorg's team fight in all their matches, who knew the Gremorys could actually stand up."
"All their matches?" He asked while carefully drawing a bright purple fluid into a syringe. "I didn't know you followed the Ratings Games."
"I don't,' she admitted. "But I thought maybe hearing her son may help so I…may have made sure they were always playing on the TV. Why did you want to try it now?"
She glanced back at the sleeping Misla Bael just as pristine and unchanging as she'd been before. With the upcoming test of their remedy for the disease, they had turned on the impressive television in her room. The collected physicians and nurses had been watching the Rating Game match since it started while waiting, it was a small hope, but in the back of her mind the young Sela hoped that a psychological component could help when they finally took the plunge.
"It's convenient," he answered bluntly while approaching the bed. "If it works, the first thing she'll see is her son, albeit from afar. If it fails, with him preoccupied and all eyes on this fight, it won't be as big of news when nothing happens. We've given that young man enough glorified false hope over the years. I intend to only give him the real thing going forward."
"How poetic doctor," she smirked just a little bit knowing his outwardly cynical nature was more a mask than anything else.
That heart of yours, though it doesn't match your brain, that is what is so endearing about you.
"Welp, no time like the present," he took Misla's arm with the utmost care, hesitating at the last moment. "Please work if you would."
The last line was uttered with the sincerest of inflections, almost like a prayer as the extended needle slipped silently into the IV even as the voices of the Rating Game on the television blared behind them.
Six for both sides, for the first time this match a twelve has been rolled! Will we see the indomitable Sairaorg join the fray? Only time will tell!
The finals to the titanic battles draw nearer, Gremory and Bael teams fighting with all they have to show their right to be called the strongest young peerage. As the two clash above, Dorian enters the depths of Agares Isle unaware of what awaits him and the young heiress. Until then, I hope everyone stays safe, Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D