Wrath of the Sun Deity: No insult taken, my RWBY story is the one that got me back into writing so I was rusty when I started it. I had plenty of practice to get back into swing of things before starting DxD so it is definitely more polished.

FateBurn: I totally agree, loved her design and character but she's used so seldom though that is sort of a good thing as she is like the only woman who has yet to fall in love with Issei randomly XD

reality deviant: Oh, I'll keep the camaraderie between Issei and Seekvaira over mecha though considering her personality towards Zephyrdor I doubt she'd be fully accepting of Issei's ways, though she would be happy for him and Rias. That is because Ratatoskr considers himself a "gentleman pervert" as he looks and compliments but never touches. Also, he focuses on particular women he feels are considerably good looking lol while Issei has said in his own words he wants a massive harem and to propose to every cute girl he meets. In Rat's eyes...he's being a glutton.

The Chaos Phoenix: Thank you very much! That particular slap is a few arcs off...but with time to build ;)

Slayer Cross: LOL indeed, she has no idea what she interrupted XD The perfect opportunity for Thrud to go all out against someone...I hope you enjoy it :D

giovvaniaditore: Oh wow...I don't know what to say, I am red from ear to ear lol. That means so much you like so much and have been enjoying it for so long. I most certainly will and hope to never disappoint!

naruto: Thank you, I most certainly will. That is fair, not everyone is fond of her and to be honest I usually am not of her character type. The main reason I think why I like Kuroka is they actually give a real reason she acts so promiscuous (though the reason seems to get lost in later DXD chapters lol), but the premise of her was well done imo.

CaedmonCousland: Indeed, we don't see nearly enough of her. I try not to keep fans waiting LOL, it may seem that way in certain points but in truth I just have events planned for certain times and need to work towards them. The two are the nigh-indomitable strength fighters of their respective groups so them going against one another, even just in an exhibition made sense. That is fair, not everyone may be a fan of it, I just felt they had such good chemistry before Xenovia started ONLY focusing on Issei which leads into the next point you made well. I couldn't agree more on splitting focus between characters as it gives diversity and lets you see the world building/effect of the MC on everyone. Imo a good story should do more than focus on a single character the vast majority like so many anime nowadays or even Issei in canon after a while.

God of War: Lol, knowing their mutual love of battle neither will show mercy XD He takes his time to build up to it...but that time is coming soon ;)

fanficcyberman: Thank you very much! I hope the journey continues for more time to come :D

OBSERVER01: The new Rook (and later her 2nd knight) is probably the trickiest part adjusting canon to fit the new open slots left on Rias' peerage. I am glad you liked my choice for her Rook and will feel the same when her 2nd knight is revealed ;)

GunBlade2019: I agree, not everything can be battles and serious stakes. We need downtime to flesh out characters, see their interactions and have some light-hearted antics XD She's not really testing his conviction, rather his seemingly kind-hearted attitude using the philosophy Sairaorg mentioned earlier. You do not truly know someone until you fight them.

Unown: His wolf is Fenrir, in the DxD universe he is the 10th strongest being in existence so pretty beefy.

PupoiesZiegler: I hope the wait wasn't too long :D

And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!

Time passed slowly at the Gremory Manor in the coming days leading up to the exhibition. As promised, the Crossroads were permitted to stay and treat the house as if it were their own. Despite the accommodations, the team was rarely idle and could often be found in the training yard or seeing the sights of the Underworld they could in such a short time. Rias and her peerage were nowhere to be found, having departed for the mountains just after the reception. The elder Gremorys welcomed their company, especially with how cheerful Millicas was around Bennia as if their enthusiasm fed off one another.

That particular morning was quite hot even for Hell; Venelana Gremory was overjoyed as a particular old friend of hers stopped by on the day before the exhibition match was to occur.

"BEGIN!" Hecuba called as she, along with Xenovia and Irina clashed blades in a three-way match.

Venelana and Freyja watched from the second floor pavilion overlooking the yard as the trio practiced, testing the limits of their respective skill in a whirlwind of grace and ferocity. It was quite a sight to behold, the three complimenting each other's style and had become known as the Sword Sisters or Bladed Trio by the rest of the team and their friends.

"They are improving," Venelana remarked with a smile. "They will be excellent Rating Game contenders when it becomes more open."

"Not too long then I hope," the Norse goddess smiled while adding another cube of sugar to her drink. "Our experts have found your evil piece system VERY fascinating. Thank you again for letting them stay."

"I couldn't say no to a request from an old friend," she replied, recalling how surprised she'd been when the message had arrived unexpectedly asking for them to allow a second team to stay for the gathering. It gave a chance to not only see Freyja again after years apart, but to see the growth of certain children she was quite fond of. "How is Baldur?"

"He is well, that ritual was a complete success, a true weight off my shoulders," she sipped her tea, leaning back contentedly.

"Oh if only I could have done such a thing." As they conversed, Xenovia held off blows from each using her dual-sword style, pirouetting away so they clashed with one another instead.

"If I could do it again, I most certainly would," she recalled the blessing placed upon her and Odin's child at his birth, one only possible due to his mixed Aesir and Vanir heritage.

"Like a certain golden-haired young man?"

Freyja did not deny the statement.

"We cannot protect them forever," The Gremory Matriarch sighed. "If I could keep Rias beneath my wings I would, though she would never accept that. She has always been focused on not relying upon her family name…and I couldn't be more proud."

"I suppose," Freyja resisted the urge to pout at the obvious truth. "At least he and Rossweisse are together though I have not seen them today."

"Oh that charming girl has been in our library. I have never seen one so studious to a fault. She has been pouring over our history and that of the other families while studying as much as she can all week."

"So those two have been keeping up with their lessons, that is good."

"Well, I have seen her, not so much your young Dorian except during their all-too brief daily magic lessons." Freyja ceased stirring, her face contorting in confusion.

"He wasn't with her in the library?" She asked while watching, Hecuba succeeding in an expert parry, using her dagger as an off-handed weapon to score a solid blow on Irina and claim victory.

"No, and the poor thing seemed very saddened by it. She has been mostly by herself all week."

Freyja's spoon bent under the increased pressure, no longer paying attention to the three women picking themselves up to go again. She knew how the two felt even if they hadn't officially taken the next steps yet. The fact that Dorian hadn't continued studying with Rossweisse in their spare time as he had back home in Asgard and at Olympus utterly boggled her mind.

"Then what has Dorian been doing all this time?"

Opposite Training Yard…

Rossweisse sighed as she rounded the corner, clutching the thick tome in her hands she had been poring over all morning. The history of the Gremory Clan was fascinating, being one of the few devil families to show kindness and compassion to those serving beneath them. She would have been even more excited were it not for her sense of trepidation looking over their vast library alone.

He was always so fascinated when studying Olympian magic and our daily lessons but now he barely batted an eye at what we can learn of Devils and the Underworld. Who would have thought the Agares family maintains the mines where the substance to forge evil pieces are found? Has Dorian been avoiding me? I should ask…but what if I don't want to know the reason?

Such ideas went back and forth in her mind, so much so that she caught herself just in time from entering a potential danger zone as a blast of energy took out a nearby stone pillar, reducing it to dust.

"Your Musphelheim doesn't do much if you can't hit me!" Thrud called out with a song in her voice and a skip in her step. She glided along the ground as Dorian gave chase, his Balance Breaker in full force giving him strength to spare.

Rossweisse was stunned by their struggle, darting across the field with displays of power that would require her strongest magic seals to emulate. Between Thrud's natural strength and Dorian's augmented abilities through his Balance Breaker they were true spectacles to behold. It reminded her of the fragile nature of her defenses, relying upon long range brute damage when in combat.

With them in the front and me in the back, we could do so much.

"You're lasting longer this time," the Goddess of Thunder teased, clashing Gullbjorn with Twilight Star. "I'll get a chance to go all out with you soon at this rate."

"I think, the more I use it the more my body adapts," Dorian theorized between blade strikes. As he had a moment, magic seals practiced long with Rossweisse materialized around Thrud, forcing her to drop down and avoid a veritable barrage of energy. A time/space rune caught her briefly but was swiftly shattered by her monumental strength. With a high kick she sent Dorian flying though he quickly recovered before planting his feet, not dropping to a knee this time.

The power is incredible; I never thought I could come so close to her, Dorian contemplated. But it meant nothing against that thing at Olympus. My natural body seems to be getting stronger the more I use my Balance Breaker on top of the training every day…but it's not enough at this rate. If I am supposed to lead the Crossroads and protect her…I need to find more.

"You looked like you admired Sairaorg and Zephyrdor's knight was terrified. Is he so strong?"

Thrud's grin was positively sinister for a split second.

"He is out of the league of anyone I've ever seen, you included" she admitted truthfully. "He even had restrictive seals limiting his power and I could still sense it. Just by being near him I felt him challenging me without saying a word. He isn't called the number one strongest young devil for nothing, a title like mine…"

Dorian became apprehensive as he saw Thrud's eyes seem to gloss over as she explained the feeling emanating from Sairaorg. Her hands were twitching as if seeking a weapon, Gullbjorn lying off to the side since she had last cast it towards him before being deflected away. Her breathing grew heavy and sparse, an unnerving smile creeping onto her lips.

"Thrud…THRUD!" Dorian shouted, snapping her back to reality. She didn't even realize he had spent several moments trying to get her attention, only succeeding with his elevated voice and gripping her arm. Even then, her other hand had overlapped his as if to hurtle him to the ground before her eyes focused. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Perfect," she assured him, rubbing her hair as if there was no big deal over what had occurred. She finally calmed down and let her breathing return to normal.

She was always that way with battle, Rossweisse thought, recognizing how her lifelong friend got when faced with a true challenge. I saw those eyes in our battle to determine the strongest upcoming warrior of Asgard, how close they were at the end when I nearly won…

Rossweisse shook her head, casting away the unnerving sight of those excited eyes eager to continue with a hint of disappointment when the battle ended. She had been exhausted, pushed to her limit and beaten, but felt few times before then where she had been just as excited. They had known each other years before then, but not as well until after that day, solidifying their friendship.

I should let them finish, she snuck back the way she came completely unnoticed. She resolved to seek out Dorian again once the match was over; surely he'd be more open to speaking with her then.

"I-in any case," Thrud switched subjects quickly. "Did you and the others get everything?"

"I think so," Dorian whispered, glancing around the field, the guilt over not knowing before and having to keep the secret all week still gnawing at him. "With the August 7th match tomorrow it's hard knowing where we can all meet up but the others are ready at a moment's notice. I don't think I could keep this up another day."

"Excellent," Thrud rubbed her hands together mischievously with a wink. "Don't worry, the pain is almost over, she'll be so happy she won't know what hit her and you can make up for lost time."

Gremory Mountains…

"God Damn i…!" Issei screamed as a blast of fire from the dragon above landed at his feet, setting off an explosion he dodged by the smallest of margins to send him flying through the air.

"You've been in these mountains only a week!" Tannin shouted before releasing another attack. "You can't die just yet; we've barely started the month! It could take the entire time to find your Balance Breaker if you do so at all!"

"Easier said than done!" He didn't finish before scrambling for another boulder to use for cover. The fighting wasn't the only part of the training as survival itself was not a guarantee. The young Red Dragon Emperor had been living off the land as the rest were, the most extreme camping trip of his life. "But I won't give up, I need to get stronger, show I am worth having on the team to the President...and finally beat that goldie bastard!"

"That is a better spirit than before," Tannin complimented, sighing in relief that he had someone to strive against. The rivalry between the White and Red Dragon Emperors were well known, though Issei's animosity towards the Einherjar had more immediate boosts to his motivation. "If you obtain your Balance Breaker you can do all of that and..."

"And finally be able to work my way towards a harem!"

The dragon mentor facepalmed.

"He made me use my Dress Break on a guy...the ultimate travesty for the move I worked so hard on." He vented to Tannin, the dragon surprised Issei seemed to be moving faster and dodging his attacks more aptly while focused on him. "He's the only man on a team of beautiful women yet hasn't tried to look at them even once! How is that even possible?"

"I am sure he thinks the same of your harem dream."

"And that pisses me off more," Issei leapt over a fireball, impressing Tannin with a smirk. "People put down my dream for years, joining the President and becoming a devil is the first time in my life that dream seems obtainable."

Though right now it's just Asia, and I did say I'd protect the President...as if she could look at me that way though. Somethings she looks like she might...

PLEASE! As if any woman could care for a pathetic sack of shit like yourself!

Issei froze at the familiar condescending, cruel voice in his head. It was all that it took for him to catch one of the dragon-devil's assaults in the chest sending him crashing into the cliff side.

"We can call it here for the day," Tannin relented, noticing the Red Dragon Emperor's hesitation. "Survival is still yours to ensure, but you shall not have any further interference from me until the morrow. With that he took off over the hills leaving Issei sulking, shaking his head to erase the memory of that voice. With a heavier heart he steeled himself, reaching for the bucket of water he had been carrying to his camp when Tannin had jumped him.

"She's right," he sighed. "How could anyone look at me that way? Goldie has that Rossweisse and the other one without doing a thing...he has no idea how lucky he has it."

Far off in the mountains...

"Say what else you will," Akeno giggled, able to hear the battle even from the vast distance to hers and Koneko's training grounds. "He is a hard worker."

"I suppose," Koneko stared flatly, enjoying the events transpiring in the distance more than she should have. "How much the perv has improved is…inspiring."

"So of course we can't fall behind," the half-fallen angel rose into the air on her mismatched wings seeing no need to disguise them when alone with her. "If he grows in power as fast as that Dorian, he'll become quite the impressive red dragon."

Koneko matched the upperclassman, unfolding her own devil wings to join her in the sky. Even after their days of training with Thrud, she was hesitant to go further.

"But…what if using it makes me more like HER," her brow furled and hands shook as she worried about that possibility. "If the power is part of why she acts the way she does."

"You want to be as strong as them don't you?" Akeno smiled, reaching out a hand to clasp her underclassman's own. "I thought my thunder alone was enough, but they showed me differently. Not only Issei's kind words and Thrud's lessons...but also Dorian. Just how many powers does he have access to now? Have they changed him from that man who showed up at our manor seeking a lost sword? I don't think so, not that I have noticed anyway. This power is my own and will change with me, not cause the changes themselves…"

The clouds above darkened as thunder rolled in, rumbling directly overhead as the queen raised a hand to the skies.

"The Lightning of Heaven!" She called out, a white bolt emerging as her own previously basic yellow erupted from her hands, the two intertwining before striking the ground. The attack shattered the very mountains themselves, leaving a smoldering crater beneath the floating devils.

"Yes," Koneko answered aloud, gripping her hand all the tighter. She had no qualms about releasing her energy, not anymore. A soft white light surrounded her body, an adorable pair of cat ears emerging from her hair with a matching white tail appearing beneath her skirt.

"It's funny," Koneko remarked as her power spiked, warping to try and stabilize the natural energy within them, the catalyst for Sage Arts. "Issei does so much for Rias and Asia, they sleep in the same bed every night…you'd think a supreme pervert like him would have tried drawing closer to them."

"Well," Akeno's smile faded somewhat at the topic. "Considering how he became a devil, I am sure he needs time. Little Issei may act like the energetic young man when around us but deep down I am sure he needs as much help as we did."

Tournament Arena, the next day…

"We got good seats!" Bennia remarked with a smile while settling into her seat with arms full of popcorn.

"It's only to be expected," Hecuba agreed, snatching one of the tubs and casting a few kernels into her mouth. "The Agares heiress' team got the same treatment," she pointed across the way to the gathered peerage being led by a young man dressed as a butler, Seekvaira's Queen named Alivian. Irina, Hecuba and Bennia had selected to view Dorian's match while Rossweisse, with much consideration and indecisiveness was at Thrud's so they had members at each.

"I never thought I'd sit in such a place," Irina muttered, noticing the many glances by the audience made up entirely of devils and scattered fallen angel elements thanks to their recent alliance.

"Nor did I, the world seems to be quite an unpredictable place these days."

"Mr. Zepar?" Bennia exclaimed with a mouthful of popcorn. The dark-haired fallen angel having seemingly materialized out of nowhere for how muffled his steps were.

"A long time no see to you all," he bowed politely. "My Lord Baraqiel was able to acquire adequate seating for myself," he motioned up to the high rafters where Baraqiel could be seen sitting beside Odin, Freyja and even Ajuka Beelzebub. "I pray you all have been well."

"We have," Hecuba greeted the man with a nod realizing they had scarcely spoken since he first arrived with intelligence of the holy swords in Kuoh. "How have your dealings between the fallen angels and Gremory family been?" She recalled his position as an interim between the two groups through Akeno.

"It has been…agreeable," he coughed somewhat, the Spartan smiling as she was certain a flush of red crossed his face. "This is sure to be quite the event."

"You wouldn't think so by this crowd," she glanced about, unable to miss how sparse the collected devils were with plenty of open seats.

"That is because you cannot see the other arena across the way. A match between the number one young devil AND the daughter of Thor, their arena is packed solid."

Maybe not mention that to Dorian…

The two matches were slated to be done at the same time in differing sections of the Rating Game field. Dorian and Seekvaira in one with Thrud and Sairaorg in the other so that neither would be aware of the other's battle. It was common knowledge that the arena field itself was actually a pocket of the Dimensional Gap, normally a place hostile to mortal life however these segments had been utilized into a nigh-infinite stage where they could battle in any way chosen. The selected game-type could be any number with rules and restrictions to follow, none of the combatants had been aware of what could be chosen for theirs. Hecuba fingered the hilt of her dagger, a growing unease as the start time grew nearer.

"You seem to have the inside track on these things," Bennia was the first to speak as the others listened. "Any scoop on how they'll be fighting?"

The fallen angel attendant seemed almost giddy at her question, pushing up his glasses smugly before speaking.

"But of course, what kind of aide would I be if I couldn't do at least this much?"

On the field…

You shall compete upon a collapsing stadium, the booming voice of the announcer explained to the pair within. The first to touch the deadly flames below or be unable to continue battle shall be retired in defeat. In the spirit of competition, any injury that would be result in long-term damage shall be deemed sufficient to enable immediate retirement. Are there any questions?

Dorian shook his head within; arrayed in his Asgardian armor he had been awarded for his service prior to departure to Kuoh. Seekvaira remained clothed in her noblewoman attire though this one was clearly more rustic, a ripped slit to reveal her legs and allow greater freedom of movement. She stood as tall and prepared as she had been at the reception, taking both situations just as seriously. They stood upon a wide circle field made of a beige stone that was far too brittle for Dorian's taste, clearly not meant to last long and turn their battlefield into an inferno.

This place feels…familiar, Dorian thought as he took in the area. Azazel had spoken of the Dimensional Gap yet it was the first time being within it, even a pocket. Almost like your mother's roads.

They are oddly similar, yet the gap is more chaotic, a failed infrastructure of the universe? Oh I would love to explore it with you and find out; every aspect of this place has a feel to it from the air to the very magical laws put in place for the Rating Game's rules. I can sense it all

I would like that Iggy; I hear the place is nearly infinite so there would be time to look.

"Do not take this lightly," Seekvaira warned. "This may be an exhibition, but I will fight as if it were the real thing."

Dorian snapped back to the present, bowing politely towards his opponent. "As will I, I would be very rude to do otherwise. If is an honor to face you Lady Agares."

"Of course!" She snapped. "The Agares family has moderated talks between the Four Satans and Noble Houses for generations! To look down on an opponent of any strength would be a shameful display."

Are the combatants ready!?

The two dropped down into their stances, Dorian's fingers flexed in anticipation as his eyes narrowed analyzing every aspect of Seekvaira's style. If what Rias had told him were true, her strategizing prowess was second only to Sona. That did not give him much comfort as he had yet to best her at a single game of chess during all their time at Kuoh.

Maybe I can think up a strategy or two to use, I can't look bad in front of so many.

BEGIN!

The final syllable scarcely left his lips before the two pushed off the ground towards one another. Dorian's magic seals leading the way as a cascading mass of devil energy bubbled from Seekvaira's fingers. She would never admit it, but she was looking forward to testing Sairaorg's statement of learning about someone through combat and perhaps determine if the leader of the Crossroads had merit in their society after all.

I can't make any mistakes, Dorian thought as they neared one another. I'm sure Thrud will be thinking the same in her own fight…

Opposite Battlefield…

"HAAAAA!" Thrud roared as she leaned forward, cracking Sairaorg across the face with Gullbjorn, the enchanted axe sending him flying though not as far as she expected before righting himself. With a confident smirk he took up a solid stance having barely been affected by the titanic blow.

"Truly the tales of your strength have not lied," the muscular devil flexed, planting his feet as Thrud approached once more. With a simple shifting of his body, he avoided her swing, burying a punch right into her gut.

I…felt that, Thrud gasped as saliva burst from her mouth accompanied by a sonic shockwave from the force of his attack. He wasn't even going all out yet. It had been so long since she had felt such raw power; even Dorian had to push his limits to get to this point.

Thrud grabbed her opponent's arm, lifting him high into the air and face planting him into the rubble to the raucous cheers of the crowd. Rossweisse looked a bit concerned from her vantage point in the stands, not far from the Astaroth heir clearly enjoying the display surrounded by his emotionally lifeless peerage.

Be careful, she thought though not for Thrud's well-being. With the retirement system set as it was they would be teleported out from any serious injury, yet she knew how easy it was for Thrud to lose herself to the rush and pleasure of a good fight.

Sairaorg brought up a leg, catching Thrud in the side though she was nearly unaffected, gripping his ankle she uprooted him from the ground, hurtling him across the field though he managed to right himself and slide to a stop not far off.

"I don't like being taken lightly," she warned while cracking her knuckles. "I can sense the restriction seals…break them or this won't end well for you."

The Bael devil dusted off his arms while cracking every joint he could, a smile of confidence spreading across his face.

"My apologies, I meant no offense. I am so used to fighting opponents who would be annihilated by my strength I sometimes forget I use them anymore."

Sairaorg's feet sank into the ground as he raised his arms, bright bands of light materializing upon them. In a flash, the limiters weighing him down vanished, a sudden explosion of power smashing the stone beneath him alerting Thrud that it had been done as promised. Nevertheless, she had to be certain. With a mighty heave, she cast Gullbjorn towards him, the weapon of godly might fully charged with the energy of her family. To her absolute joy, Sairaorg raised an arm, backhanding the flat edge of the axe with the greatest of ease causing it to spin away before embedding itself in the rock nearby. Thrud didn't even try to retrieve it.

What a rush, he could have taken Kokabiel, Forcas, who else is he stronger than? An image of Dorian flashed in her mind yet in the heat of the moment her eyes were locked solely on Sairaorg's. Her palms were sweaty with anticipation, eyes flaring red in a way quite familiar to Rossweisse. As blood rushed through her, the daughter of Thor's face warped into a twisted smile of absolute delight. She almost didn't realize how excited she was until she and Sairaorg were clashing once more, the connecting punch flattening the arena beneath them promising the audience the match they had come to see. To the two battle-maniacs, there was nothing else beyond their struggle in the entirety of the universe. If there had been any other rules to their rating game for victory past incapacitating the other…they did not heed them in the slightest.

And all the while, the restrained sneer of Diodora grew wider obscured by the shadows cast within his isolated seats high above the rest…

With Dorian…

The Einherjar touched the ground for half a second, leaping away as the block crumbled beneath him into the bubbling lava below. It hadn't been long after starting their battle that the special conditions of the Rating Game became apparent. As the seconds ticked by, the beige stone beneath started to fall away even without aid from them, revealing the literal pool of lava settled beneath. Judging by the heat emanating from its surface, it was the real thing and certain death were it not for the retirement system in place. Seekvaira had spread her black devil wings while Dorian's own seals of flight on his boots were working overtime.

"Your physical attributes may be impressive," Seekvaira asserted as waves of black and crimson energy emitted from her body. "But if you cannot get close they are utterly worthless!"

Dorian had led a head-on attack, quickly realizing it was futile as the Agares devil's overwhelming power had wreathed her body, damaging anything that came too close. He restricted use of Twilight Star, not feeling right wielding a weapon against an opponent who had none in a competitive environment instead opting to utilize the magical seals and runes honed from months training with Rossweisse. Her aura was enough to keep Seekvaira on the offensive, driving Dorian to the edge of the map. As he leapt to flank around her, he felt something tug at his body as if wading through thick molasses. He recognized the sensation.

"Time manipulation?"

"Indeed, I am impressed you realized what I was doing," she smirked at him. "My family has had an affinity for controlling time in a confined space. I apologize, but you will not be esca…"

Dorian redoubled his efforts, soaring high above the area unaffected by her family magic much to her shock. In that moment, as she stood still while focusing her powers, Seekvaira found herself surrounded by a dozen seals quickly raining down a minor bombardment upon her. She leapt back, her radiating aura protecting her noticeably dimmed from before.

"I hate to break it to you, but time magic doesn't seem to affect me," he was reminded of his struggle during the Peace Summit. "The Barbatos family has similar powers."

The look of surprise was not as shattering as he had hoped, her face quickly calming as new strategies formed in the young woman's mind. She was powerful, but not hopelessly so, Dorian was relieved to be fighting an opponent where the world was not at stake nor a monster compared to him.

I can fight her as myself.

He even had enough time to refresh his seals of augmentation to strength, speed and durability before she advanced again. She seemed to be going for an all-out offensive strike, great orbs of black energy fashioned in each hand. With one blow after another she rained down attacks upon him, Dorian shifting his warding seals in each hand to block the attacks, deflecting them harmlessly before spinning to catch her in the chest with a kick she bent backwards to avoid.

"This is quite enjoyable," Dorian admitted as he blocked another attack, scoring a blow to her torso, driving her back a distance. "Thank you for offering this match with me."

"You may not be thanking me soon," Seekvaira warned him though appreciated his words all the same. "I have the high ground now."

"Wha…?"

Dorian's question never finished as without warning he started plummeting to the ground below. With no chance to determine the problem, he summoned Laerad Ragnarok, unleashing tendrils of Jotunheim to seize the closest remaining platform and swinging up onto it. With a worried glance he checked the flight runes etched upon his boots. To his shock, they were worn away to almost nothing, utterly worthless. He attempted to reinstate new ones only for them to instantly waste away once more. He could sense a barrier of Seekvaira's family magic wrapped around his feet but with no obvious way to remove it.

She couldn't affect me personally with her time magic…so she targeted my boots to age my seals into nothing?

He didn't have time to think, having to scramble as the ground beneath him started to collapse. With their mutual flight, he had barely taken the arena into account though his opponent had been plotting how to gain the advantage from the start. The Agares heir started a series of calculated bombardments across the field to trap him in the section currently collapsing. He could break his way out, but would the damage incurred as a result be enough to retire him?

"This was quite enjoyable, but power isn't everything," she remarked as a smaller piece of her attack broke off, shattering the square Dorian had hopped back onto. Like a good game of chess, she had cornered him. The young Einherjar lost ground and started plummeting towards the lava below.

"DORIAN!" Hecuba called out as the others were similarly cheering for a miracle, popcorn practically billowing out of Bennia's mouth as she screamed.

"A pity," Ajuka Beelzebub sighed from his private box with the other leaders present. "I was truly hoping for a longer match for the first involving an outside mythology. Perhaps the other contest will continue longer, those two have no signs of slowing down."

"This is why I say your people need to grow up more," Odin grinned confidently with closed eyes, Freyja smiling serenely as well. "Giving up before the last card has been drawn. The lad may lose, he may win, but regardless…you never count your bras before they snap, isn't that right my dear?"

"Never my love," the Norse Goddess of Fertility half-ignored his words, gazing towards the still-falling Dorian. "You never know until…"

In the Arena…

A rush of wind blew Seekvaira back, a minor thing yet unexpected, her assurance of victory fell as she saw her opponent rise upon black leathery wings. Her glasses slipped somewhat as she analyzed Dorian. Laerad Ragnarok flashed brightly mid-fall, the gem now radiating jet black with deep crimson pulses within, a color of Hell. In addition to this new gem, a pair of dark bat wings had erupted from his back, carrying the confused Einherjar high into the air and saving him from certain defeat.

The chaotic energies of Hell are fascinating, dark yet not evil nor consuming like Nidavellir. Another realm linked with my being and…

"Iggy I could kiss you!" Dorian shouted not realizing he was talking aloud.

Well….if you…

"However did you manage that?" Seekvaira asked, looking him up and down. "That aura…if I didn't know better I'd think you were a high-class devil too."

"Well, for the moment at least," Dorian remarked, looking over his darkened gem. He had to maintain this power as the last of the arena crumbled beneath him, the first to lose flight would be defeated.

Maybe a trick out of her book, if you can't beat someone's strategy…use it. Now, if I have their flight and senses maybe I also have…

With a spark of power, devil-energy flowed into his fingers, erupting forth in a stream before he reigned in control. He was correct, possessing devil magic in addition to his new wings though it was more chaotic than what he was used to. With no chance to practice with it he could barely keep it contained though that would not be a concern much longer. Building his converted energy to its apex, he created a shifting cloud of black magic, finally releasing it directly into her path.

This much?

Seekvaira was shocked by the power, generating as much as she could in defense. She had an infinitely greater knowledge of devil magic than he, fully aware that if she could match his power and echo that it would be canceled out and dispersed harmlessly. Like a wave, the burst of power struck her own, his chaotic, formless mass crashing against her refined and tempered wall. The black mass spilled around and lashed at her, barely held back by her defense threatening to break through. For a moment it appeared that it would succeed, however as the initial shock of his attack died down, Seekvaira realized she could not just match the raw power thrown at her…she could surpass it.

"Our kind thrived on the strong overcoming the weak," Seekvaira explained as she pressed back for the first time. "Though I do not adhere to this doctrine, our power does and your own…is lacking."

True to her word, Dorian's power was enveloped by hers, pulsating larger into a massive sphere encompassing both fully under her control. Without another word she repelled it, blasting the mass at twice the speed back toward its creator. In a heartbeat it connected, resulting in a colossal explosion barely giving the Einherjar time to gasp in surprise.

That will be sufficient injury; he'll be retired and…

"This was truly a lot of fun Ms. Seekvaira, thank you for this. If it weren't for Iggy that would have beaten me for sure."

Seekvaira spun to face Dorian so close she could see the light within his eyes. He was adorned in a grey/green and black armor covering him from head to toe with imposing horns atop a winged helm. Gems radiated different colors across his body though the one within his chest was the crimson void of Hell, his devil wings now wreathed in roots of Yggdrasil fanned outward to give a more imposing appearance.

"Now it's over," Freyja smiled while straightening out her dress.

Dorian reached out, merely pressing his hands on both her wings generating an intricate seal of gravitational magic empowered by his Balance Breaker's might. Completely overwhelmed by the weight, the devil heiress was dragged downward towards the lava below.

DORIAN! SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE FIELD, CATCH HER…QUICK!

Wha…?

He questioned Iggy's words yet acted all the same at her desperate plea, with his newly grown wings he dived, a gem on his gauntlet rotating to green. With the lava around, there was nowhere to summon the plant life of Jotunheim, instead emerging from within the gauntlet itself. The branches wrapped about the falling devil's waist, pulling her up to the airborne Einherjar just as a strand of her long hair touched the flames, disintegrating on contact. He was a moment too slow, however, before one of her black wings weighed down by his seals fell into the deadly fluidic rock.

Seekvaira cried in pain as Dorian pulled her up, cradling her in his arms while flying above the crumbled arena. To their horror, the lava creeped up her wing reducing all it touched to ash steadily approaching her body. Thinking fast, Dorian wrapped his hand in devil-magic while uttering a single word.

"I'm sorry."

With a quick slice, he severed her wing just ahead of the collapse, leaving the Agares heir panting as the stabbing sensation spiked. Of the wing, barely half remained as the disintegrating husk fell into the bubbling depths below.

"I thought we were supposed to be retired on contact with the flames!" Dorian remarked, gripping Seekvaira all the tighter as she did the same, using him to ride out the waves of pain obvious on her face from the contorted features and beads of sweat. "Can I do anything?"

"Just…don't move," she commanded sternly despite holding in the agony, eyes not able to look at his as her fingers dug tighter. "This is unacceptable! I w-would prefer if you not mention this…"

The cameras focus more on the larger fight than details, her mind raced. With any luck they won't see this…shameful display.

"Don't worry, this didn't happen," he muttered silently in understanding before eyes shot wide. "If there is something wrong with the system, Thrud might be…!"

"We can alert someone," Seekvaira's composure returned as the throbbing in her wing started to abate. "It can take a few minutes to have the barrier down."

"I can't wait," he asserted as a gem on his right hand flipped to a celestial-azure color. "It's right next door right? I know a faster way in."

In the opposite field…

This isn't right, Rossweisse mused as the brutal back and forth continued before her. Her stomach twisted into knots and she flinched at every bone-shattering blow the two delivered back and forth. Why haven't either been retired yet?

Both were covered in bruises, one of Sairaorg's arms was clearly broken and a few drops of blood dripped from Thrud's mouth as she gripped her side to hold the bones in place. Sairaorg it appeared was also a practitioner of Sage Arts, activating touki at the same time as Thrud. It all pointed to the two of them being pushed too their limits too blinded by their love of a good fight to see…they were killing each other and Thrud was enjoying it.

Her eyes were glazed over, that sinister grin etched squarely on her face as she took blow after blow and returned them in kind. Her childhood friend had never seen Thrud so consumed by her battle-frenzy, that side of her that relished in and took euphoric joy from battle. Sairaorg seemed to be the same, unwilling to give up even as the bruises piled on, a powerful right hook splashing red across the stonework. For a moment he actually staggered.

"This is the greatest of bouts!" He cried, bringing up a powerful knee into Thrud's gut before grabbing her by the throat. With his free hand he wound up the mightiest punch he could muster, planting it squarely in her face.

Thor's daughter was lifted off her feet, sailing through the air, plowing through the dirt and uprooting everything around her before coming to a stop and punching back to the surface. Her left eye was swollen shut, her legs quivering as she stood with a cough of blood. Wiping it away, she cracked her neck several times, announcing her desire to continue. The roaring cheers of the crowd demanded a conclusion, none seeming to remember the supposed friendly nature of the battle.

Everything…give him everything… Ran through Thrud's mind as she did the unthinkable, channeling her family's lightning through her hands.

"STOP IT!" Rossweisse shouted, her cry drowned out by the arena of cheers. Thrud's body never handled magic outside of Sage Arts well, especially that of Thor's; she was so into the match that she had forgotten or no longer cared.

It was too late, with the crackling energy covering her slowly-blackening arms, Thrud charged at full sprint. Sairaorg responded in kind prepared to meet her head on. The landscape had been decimated down to powder around them; there was no defense, strategy or complex thought remaining to either of them…only the outcome of the next blow to decide the winner. The power unleashed from such a clash may very well have threatened the barrier around the arena to say nothing of the well-being of the combatants.

Before such a cataclysmic meeting, a blinding blue light shimmered between them completely unnoticed, Dorian leaping from the roads in his full Balance Breaker armor with the golden strength of Asgard shining bright. Clinging to his back was his furry friend having tagged along after his frantic arrival in the Roads Between Realms he entered from the opposing arena. The Einherjar had no chance to do anything more than lunge forward, his armored fist colliding with Sairaorg's.

"Dorian!" Rossweisse leapt down from her spot in the stands making for the barrier.

"STOP!" The thundering fist of the strongest devil smashed into his own in tandem with Dorian's roar, the energy exploding in all directions. As he focused solely on his first opponent, it left Ratatoskr to stare at Thrud blinded by the adrenaline pumping through her aiming her own blow straight for the back of Dorian's head.

"GIRLWHOSEABOUTTOKILLHERCRUSHSAYSWHAT!?" He shouted, putting his hands in front of himself in a feeble defense to protect Dorian, unwilling to jump out of the way to safety.

The daughter of thunder's fist stopped a fraction of a centimeter in front of Ratatoskr's face much to the disappointment of the crowd, the blast of air slamming the rodent back into Dorian's armor plastering him against it.

"Wh…what?" She stuttered with growing clarity. "What are you doing here?" Like a passing storm, the haze lifted from her eyes though it was not due to the frustrating squirrel's words but rather the horrific cracking sound coming from Dorian's arm.

Even with his Balance Breaker augmented by the strength of Asgard, Dorian had lost the exchange. Sairaorg's full power swing strengthened by touki followed through, shattering his armor up to the shoulder along with every bone along the way. He fell backwards, arm little more than a limp pouch of annihilated bone fragments by the time the Bael heir realized what was happening and pulled back. Seekvaira emerged from the Roads after Dorian, her dismembered wing bandaged with aid from Yggdrasil while on the other side. She arrived just in time to see Dorian collapse into Thrud's arms, the Valkyrie-Goddess falling with him as the pain of her battle started to settle in.

"Dorian!" She raised her hand with a familiar glow of Sage Arts shimmering to life. She reached to undo her hauberk until Dorian gripped her wrist with his remaining usable hand, drawing her attention.

"I…I'm fine," he bit through the blinding pain running through his useless limb. "I-it's just my arm, h-heal…yourself first…"

"Interference has occurred!" A booming, clearly feminine voice echoed in their minds.

A blinding flash emerged overhead as the barrier became opaque and all cameras were shut down. Above their heads, an enormous Welsh Dragon materialized over the field staring them down. It glowed with celestial-blue light, a look of stern disapproval akin to a parent catching their children in the middle of disobeying them.

"This is unacceptable, leaving your own match for another. How did you breach the barrier to…"

"Tiamat!" Ajuka Beelzebub, having rushed down at the first sign of trouble, burst through the barrier with Rossweisse behind him. "Hold, there was interference before the young man stepped into this field." At his powerful commanding words worthy of a Satan, the newcomer dragon stood down, condensing mighty wings down to her side.

"Of what do you mean Lord Ajuka?"

"The retirement system was adjusted to only allow moderate injuries at most," he motioned to the bloodied and battered Sairaorg standing in awe of one of the Dragon Kings. She quickly also saw Thrud's condition and Seekvaira's wing, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"That is impossible; I sensed no disturbances until he broke into their game. This bodes ill indeed."

"We must investigate, as far as the audience knows it was Dorian who caused your arrival. But first, I believe the young man would rather not be conscious through the pain."

Dorian heard no more as Ajuka made a series of hand sign, casting a spell of sleep over the wounded young man. The last thing he recalled before falling into darkness was Thrud's voice and a silver-clad Valkyrie kneeling in front of him face full of concern.

"Medic…SOMEBODY GET A MEDIC!"

Dorian passes out, having lost the contest of strength against the strongest devil. Nevertheless, he prevented potential catastrophe amid seemingly impossible sabotage. Recuperation, rest and the investigation into the crime begin next time. Until then I hope everyone Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D