Riser Doesn't Stand a Chance

Disclaimer: I do not own the works of the Seven Deadly Sins and Highschool DxD. That's how a fanfiction do. Please support the official release.

Chapter 7: Riser Doesn't Stand a Chance

(Que Seven Deadly Sins Ost "Sky Peace")

It was the seventh day, and Meliodas had to admit that the ORC was doing fine under his peerage's tutelage. Rias and Akeno started to branch out their skills besides using magical attacks, the latter especially picking up the basics on martial arts. Koneko was using more of her heritage to bolster her speed and agility in compliment to her Rook attributes. Kiba took on a try on magic by King's advice.

Something called Reinforcement if Meliodas remembered right. Asia, for not being a fighter, proved to be a critical role in her peerage as a healer with her increasing magical reserves and her new found talent in barrier magic.

And most of all, Issei managed to acquire his next pair of wings, making him officially Ultimate-class. Ah yes, Meliodas was certainly proud of his student, and in the future he could have a good sparring partner on hand. It's like everyone can last long against him when he lets loose, ni-shi-shi.

Though there is a more interesting matter. When it comes to Asia, every so often she used magic she would unconsciously draw upon the dragon element. Not many would notice it unless they were a talented sensor like King and Elaine or someone like Meliodas who's instincts were honed to perfection to notice these things. Despite the faint signal, the traces left baffled them since it was so potent it was beyond even dragon matriarchs. To think that was only a sliver that Asia was capable of touching.

That brings to the now where Issei, King, and Asia were in a clearing with the rest of the ORC training not too far away. Asia was crouched on the ground with her back exposed. King held his hand barely an inch from touching the angel's skin, just close enough to stretch his magic into Asia to search through her own magic. She fidgeted nervously, but most of her worries were suppressed as Issei comfortably stood in front of her and held her hands tenderly.

Asia eyes when she felt a harmless pull from her very core. King pulled his hand back followed by the appearance of giant golden magic circles, the biggest half the radius of the clearing. King was speechless at the highly detailed and numerous etched into glyph, and believed that only Merlin had the capabilities to analyze them. In the very center directly on Asia's back was an orange orb decorated in black and orange stars with what appeared to be dragon teeth locking in a cage-like grip.

"This is unbelievable." King muttered. "I can't even tell what half of these are even doing here."

"Can you figure what it is?" Issei asked.

"I can try if I can sift through it, but there's just so many layers." King replied, his hands making swiping motions and lifting up the magical projected circles into a 3D model. "Give me a moment."

"What is this?"

King and Issei spared a glance to the voice to find Rias in her red tracksuit wet with so much sweat that it was stuck to her figure. Issei had to force his nose to scrunch up to not get a nosebleed at the erotic image. A serious frown marred her sweaty face as she approached the trio, each step making her chest bounce.

'Opp-'

'You stay down, you shitty personality.' Issei mentally berated.

[They say talking to yourself is a sign of insanity.] Ddraig joked.

'How about fuck you!?' Issei hissed.

"I would like to know what you are doing to one of my cute servants." Demanded Rias. She honestly was ready to not let any harm come to Asia, especially once she saw the layers of gigantic magic circles sprouting out of her back.

"This would be of your interest since you are her King." King said, gesturing to stand beside him as he studied the glyphs.

Rias blinked and dropped the hostilities as she moved to examine the glyphs with King. She was just as gob smacked as the Bishop of Meliodas by the sheer detail woven into the magic circles like a master tapestry. Everything about it just screamed unrivaled mastery, power, and knowledge. But why would such complex magic be on Asia of all people?

As though reading her mind, King answered. "I believe I have a theory for the purpose of this seal. Rias, have you ever noticed that whenever Asia uses her magic, there is a faint sliver of the dragon element that goes into it?" As Rias shook her head, King had to hold back a sigh. "Now that might not say much if maybe she's the descendant of a dragon. However, that sliver of dragon element is even more potent than even the dragon kings and queens."

Rias widened her eyes. "Are you serious? But wouldn't that mean Asia's a demi-dragon?"

"That would be the obvious the conclusion." King agreed, sifting to another magic circle. "I even did a blood sample and it didn't register anything close to a dragon. I believe that this magic is a seal. A very powerful and complex seal of the likes that I have never seen for one purpose: to hide Asia's dragon heritage to the very core of her soul.

The fact that there is still a sliver of the dragon element that is pulled out indicates that even this seal can't perfectly contain what's inside.

"The more Asia listened, the more nervous she became and her lips started to quiver. Seeing Asia like this, Issei lightly squeezed her hand to grab her attention and flashed a warm smile.

"Do you hear that Asia?" Issei said. "You could be a demi-dragon, kind of like me. That's cool."

"Really?" Squeaked Asia.

"Really." Issei said.

"Is there any way to break it?" Rias inquired.

"Rias, this one of the most powerful seals I have ever seen in my life." King said dejectedly. "You could put all the minds of the greatest wizards, sorcerers, and mages in history and I still doubt you could crack it. And this was done by no ordinary dragon as it is evident here. If I had to guess, whoever made this had to be powerful enough to be in the Top Ten, and our lead is this symbol here."

Rias stared at the orange orb of black and red stars to make sure to commit to memory. If Asia had connections to one of the Top Ten, then it was enough to warrant Rias full attention. For all she knew Rias had got a boon as much as a Longinus, and as a technical family member Rias felt obligated to find out Asia's past.

"I see that there's nothing that I am needed here." Rias admitted herself. "I have to head back before that - nightmare calls me back."

Rias walked in a hurried pace back to the training grounds with Asuna, and King dispelled the seal back into Asia's body. With a nod from the Fairy King, Issei escorted Asia away to practice on their magic together. Once alone, Meliodas jumped into the scene from his perch from one of the surrounding trees. Unlike his usual cheerful demeanor, the short blonde's lips were set in a serious straight line mirroring King.

"What do you think of this?" King asked.

"It can't be a coincidence." Meliodas said. "First, Ophis is starting her own organization out of nowhere intent on fighting Great Red despite literal eons she's been out of the Dimensional Rift. Then, Great Red starts coming and going from his home without any sort of pattern.

And here we are now with this development."

"That symbol on the seal." King wondered. "That's Shenron's symbol of power, wasn't it?"

Meliodas' only answer was a small nod, making the Bishop go a little pale. There was one question on the Prince of Hell's mind. What does the Eternal Dragon God have to do with Asia?

(Three days; Rating Game)

The time had come for Rias to make her stake on her freedom. Her peerage was as prepared as they could be after the suffering of training they had to go through from the peerage of Meliodas. But she will be the first to admit the pros outweighed the cons. Not only had her magic increased, Rias didn't necessarily rely on it like a crutch anymore. If ever anyone got passed her spells and into close quarters, Rias was confident in her newly honed speed and strength to turn the tables in her favor. Her magic control had increased to the point she could shape her POD into a semi-solid form such as a blade from her hand, or run it through the ground to level the land itself.

Kiba had improved his sword techniques, no longer solely relying on overwhelming speed. His spars with Issei, who kept himself slower than Kiba, showed the Knight that even the fastest could fall to anyone slower. His reaction speed was made sharper and his physical strength improved, in Asuna's words, to the correct standard. He had even delved into a branch of magic, but to her surprise he was keeping it a secret even from her.

Akeno was by far the most changed. Ever since the ninth day on their training trip, Rias felt her Queen Piece change. Not like it became a Mutation piece, but more like the time Melidas changed her Bishop into a Holy piece. She seemed the regular Akeno that was her best friend with that sweet smile, but now there was an obvious air of completion. To put into words, it was as though the Akeno that Rias had known was broken but now was fully complete.

To her shock, her Queen's power was high High-class level and surpassed Rias in her magical reserves. She wanted to pout, but couldn't help to feel happy for her best friend. Instead of wearing the miko outfit or the school uniform for battle Akeno had chosen more what, to Rias' surprise, a Cadre would wear. A black robe with a red accessory around the neck with the sleeves ending just after the elbows. The torso hugged her figure to show her curves and opened below the neck to get a peek of her FF-cup bust. The lower part of the robes had slits running from the bottom to her mid-thigh to accentuate her long legs.

Koneko was the least changed among the group, but Rias could tell that her Rook had improved drastically. Not only in her skills but also in her mentality now that Rias found that Koneko was much more comfortable and accepting of revealing her Nekoshou traits, but still was adamant on not learning senjutsu. Her only change of wear was the addition of black combat boots reach up to her her knees with steel plates running up the legs. Her gloves resembled the same ones as Diane wore with the knuckles only black.

The only people left for the Rating Game were Issei and Asia, yet the time was coming real close. Rias could pace around the room trying to make a trench, worrying over her important servants. What if something happened to them? Did Riser sabotage the game somehow? Were they not going to make it? The patient, yet stone stare from Grayfia wasn't helping her.

Rias' train of thoughts were cut off by the appearance of the Gremory magic circle on the ground. Floating out like a phantom were her missing servants, Issei and Asia. Issei was wearing his casual wear of his black blazer over a red shirt, but there was now the addition of steel pauldrons on his shoulders and combat boots for ease of movement. Of course at his waist was his gladius. Asia's outfit wore her white veil of her nun outfit but the rest of it was now white instead of black and she wore a metal cuirass for protection, courtesy of Issei and Raynare for her protection. Her wings were revealed, almost giving the angel the look of a valkyrie if it weren't for her innocent eyes. Held in her left hand was a great round shield painted crimson with a green orb in the middle and decorated in runes of magic to enhance its durability and defense.

Rias had to keep herself locked in place with all her willpower to not jump to the pair and crush them in a hug. She cleared her throat to regain her composure to greet her servants.

"It's nice to see my cute servants here in time." Rias said. "Why does Asia have a shield?"

"My idea." Issei said. "I wasn't comfortable leaving Asia unarmed.

Since she isn't one to harm people, the shield was perfect for her. It's my design actually and as long as the person holding wishes no harm none shall come to her. I can't think of anyone else worthy enough to use it."

"Thank you, Issei." Asia praised.

"If that is all, then the Rating Game shall commence." Grayfia announced. "Good luck, Rias-sama."

Just like that, the ORC disappeared in a flash to a copy of the school grounds that would serve as the Rating Game. After an announcement from Grayfia who would act as overseer of the game, the ORC made their plan. While Akeno and Kiba circled the grounds, Issei and Koneko will lead the charge to the gym that would be a strategic position. Once there Akeno will unleash a lightning bolt to level the building completely and then push on. Rias and Asia will stay at home base until otherwise.

"It's a sound plan, especially due to our numbers." Issei complimented.

"Thank you, Ise-kun." Rias perked up.

As they headed out to their designations, Issei paused to glance back at Asia.

"Be careful, Asia-chan." Issei muttered.

Asia nodded. "I will."

(Gymnasium)

Koneko and Issei arrived in the fake gym. They didn't bother with stealth as Riser had his peerage to apply detecting charms. Issei was sure that Riser had done nothing to prepare his servants for the battle. The phoenix was far too arrogant in numbers for his own good.

The lights of the gym came to life revealing each side to each other.

Issei was not surprised by what he met. Only a Rook by the name of Xulean and three Pawns, one of which was a very pissed off Mira.

"I'll make you pay for what you did to me." Snarled Mira.

"And what makes you think I'll be as merciful as last time?" Issei retorted coldly, summoning the armored arms of the Boosted Gear and sending a chill through the air. "Koneko, you deal with the Rook. These Pawns are finished."

Koneko nodded and jumped into battle to clash fists with Riser's Rook. Issei quirked an eyebrow at the display of martial arts from Xulean. Perhaps not all of Riser's peerage were just his playthings, but those were thoughts for later.

He didn't have to wait long when Mira charged with murder in her eyes. Issei sighed that the girl didn't even learn a thing from their last engagement, so he used the same exact counter. He gripped the staff to give a hard yank to pull Mira forward. The Pawn was not prepared for the sudden force and lost her footing, giving Issei the perfect opening to close the distance and dig a devastating a knee blow to her gut. Mira spat out a mouthful of blood and saliva before she was rocketed away from the blow. Issei rushed down faster than Mira's velocity to get behind, his left hand held in his right for an elbow blow. At the point of impact, crimson fire roared off his right shoulder of the Boosted Gear to give even more power at the same time Issei went for the jab. The result was a loud snap when his elbow dug into Mira's back with such force she bent back at the point of breaking in two. Mira's mouth opened in a silent scream of pure agony before the Rating Game deemed her out of the game and she disappeared in blue particles to get medical attention for a ripped spine.

"One of Riser's Pawns has retired." Announced the voice of Grayfia.

'We don't even need Akeno leveling the gym.' Thought Issei.

"Who's next?" Issei inquired, his eyes glowing green and his pupils turning into slits as Ddraig gave out his first [BOOST] .

The last two remaining Pawns took his victory over Mira as an opening to catch by surprise and were upon them with their chainsaws raised to shred into his back. Issei had already known of their approach for a while, and at the last second he whipped out his gladius, turned around, and blocked both chainsaws with the arms of the Boosted Gear and his blade. He easily parried their weapons away and went on the attack, first grabbing the one named Nel by her head and slamming her down on his knee, thus breaking her nose. While she was dazed, Issei switched targets to her twin, Ile, and threw a strong and straight kick to her stomach that carried enough force to send her crashing to the wall.

With a spin Issei sheathed his gladius away and summoned Herrit in his right hand aimed at Nel. A purple bolt zipped through the air in less than a second and struck true in the Pawn's lung. Nel didn't get a chance to scream as teleported via blue particles. The roar of a chainsaw brought Issei's attention back to Nel charging at him for revenge of her sister's defeat. Issei just stared blankly before firing a barrage of arrows from Herrit, effectively pinning Ile back to the wall like a dart board.

"Two of Riser's Pawns have retired."

Issei glanced to Koneko who already had Xulean down in a hold without even a scratch on her. Diane's training in the Rook's speed definitely paid off for the Nekoshou, especially when fighting other Rooks. He was tempted to shoot an arrow to retire the Rook, but figured it would be a waste of energy since Akeno was going to level the gym anyway.

Has expected, Issei got a call from Rias stating that Akeno was in position. With an exchange of nods between Issei and Koneko, the two servants of the Gremory fled the gym. In less than a minute, they made a fair distance from the gym just in time to see a massive yellow magic circle appear in the air.

Up in the air was Akeno in her new outfit with a massive blush on her face for the utter destruction she was about to unleash. The audience held in gasps at her new appearance not because of her clothes resembling the attire of the Grigori. No, it was the fact that instead of devil wings Akeno had an array of three pairs of black wings as black as a raven's, and in her hands was not normal lightning but the legendary Holy Lightning wielded by Baraqiel. There was not a shred of demonic energy within her because now she held the Fallen Queen Piece.

How Akeno reverted to a pure fallen angel was thanks to the wise and cheery blonde starting with one sentence.

(Flashback)

"Did you know you're dying?" Meliodas said with an edge of seriousness, his smile almost a flat line.

It was the fifth day on their training trip, the day where Asuna was drilling them through hand-to-hand combat and magic pratice. Rias tried to talk her way out that she didn't need it until Yui, showing her dragon heritage with her little horns and tail that made her cuter, crushed her hopes by breathing lightning and fire in a rainbow of colors that left the same destruction as one of Rias' strongest attacks. By Meliodas' permission, Akeno was pulled aside for a private talk. She thought she was going to have her well-deserved punishment on the short blonde until she saw the serious expression in contrast to his normal cheery mood.

Once she heard that sentence, Akeno's heart skipped a few beats. Tears were building up in her widened eyes and her face paled in terror. She wasn't immortal anymore. Did she have a disease of some kind? How was this possible?

"D-Dying?" Akeno whimpered. "How?"

"Because you're a fallen angel." Meliodas revealed bluntly. "Don't get me wrong, the Evil Piece system is a work of genius, but it can never reincarnate a naturally-born holy being. Maybe a human who wields holy magic, but certainly not angels. The only beings that are both demonic and holy are Nephalems, and you can only get them when a devil and an angel get freaky in bed. However, the Evil Piece within you is artificially trying to make you into a devil, and naturally your angel blood is fighting it back like an infection. Neither will win, and in the end your body will break down like a cancer. As of now, you only have a hundred years to live."

"Is there a way to fix this?" Akeno pleaded.

"Isn't it obvious?" Meliodas said.

Her terror-filled eyes gained a glint of wrath. "No! I'd rather be dead than be one of that bastard's kind!"

"Even if it hurts Rias in the long run." Meliodas said, making Akeno widen her eyes and leave her speechless.

"Unlike you, she will have an eternity to live, but an eternity that's going to be a lot more miserable with the loss of her Queen and best friend. You may not care for your life because of your vendetta, but you know that Rias cares for you, and let me tell you that it will break her that you died even when you had a chance to cure yourself while she lives without you. In the end Akeno, you'll be hurting her more than what's 'good' for yourself. "

"So what's more important to you Akeno Himejima, daughter of Baraqiel?" Meliodas demanded coldly, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Your pointless hate of your father, who was in no fault, or your friendship with Rias? Because I'll tell you this. If you let yourself die, you're basically betraying that trust to Rias and stabbing her in the back. Take this from someone who had to choose between his love and the life of his brother."

Meliodas paused to see the effect of his words on Akeno. Her eyes were aimless, her head hinged to the ground, and tears were spilling down her face. The Sin of Wrath didn't want to do this, but it was necessary for the girl to let go of this hatred that would literally kill her. He took off a pouch from his shoulder that he had on hand, filled to the brim with letters. He held them out to Akeno, getting her attention.

"These are from your father." Meliodas revealed, dropping the bag to her feet. "He was always writing something for you, hoping that you could at least read his words. He just had too much guilt in his heart to send them to you. You're lucky, Akeno. At least you have a father that still loves, no matter how much you scorn him."

"What would you know about that?" Akeno said, a bit of steel coming to her words.

The air around Meliodas became cold as ice, a bit of rage seeping into his eyes. "Oh, you have it better, trust me. My father was Satan himself after all."

With those final words, Meliodas left the clearing and Akeno was alone. Her legs buckled and she fell to her knees. She didn't know how long she just stayed there, staring blankly at the pouch of letters, not even registering the heat of the sun on her back nor the growl of her stomach. Whatever time had passed, Akeno eventually decided to reach for a letter.

Akeno only made it half a page before she turned into a sobbing mess. Rain started to fall, but Akeno pulled the pouch closer to keep the letters dry. She didn't care for the rain making her skin cold as she forced herself to read more of her father's words, all the while cursing her very stupidity for breaking a kind man's heart.

(Flashback End)

'I'm sorry, Father, for being such a shrewd bitch.' Thought Akeno. 'I'll make it up to you and be the best daughter I can be. I promise.'

Akeno used her emotions to fuel the spell and a flash of bright lightning crashed to the gym into complete annihilation. There was not a single brick or piece of wood left of the building and in its place was a molten crater.

"Riser's Rook has retired."

"And to think she can do that in an instant." Issei complimented.

"Akeno is going to go far, I just know it."

Konkeo only nodded in agreement. Rias contacted them again to continue the plan and proceed in caution. The two continued on to the athletics building where Kiba would be waiting for them. As they ran, the pair received an announcement of three of Riser's Pawns retiring, leaving only two Pawns, two Knights, two Rooks, and Riser himself.

The Rook was leading away with Issei behind. Everything seemed alright until Issei sensed a surge of explosive magic aimed down at Koneko. His eyes widened as adrenaline rushed into overdrive, practically making the world slower. He could see the purple magic circle forming at Koneko's feet and the ball of fire coming from the sky. Issei pushed his legs to the limit to get there in time.

"GET DOWN!" Shouted Issei, pushing Koneko out of the way.

However, that left Issei as the target instead. He had only less than a second to think of a way out of this. His right hand was able to snap at the hilt of his gladius in time just when his vision was blinded by the ball of flame. Faster than the wind, he unsheathed it and swung it in an arc. Meanwhile, Koneko watched where Issei pushed her away from and her eyes widened at the ball of fire that was coming closer, cursing herself for letting her guard down and blaming herself for Issei taking the hit. She was about to shout his name until all sound was drowned out for a second by the clink of steel.

"FULL COUNTER!"

The fireball somehow stayed in place for an instant before reverting back into the sky twice as big. Yullebeluna, who was watching from above, dropped her smirk into a look of horror as her own attack came right back to her at double the speed. The explosion went off in the sky, temporarily covering the sky in bright yellow light like a second son. The light soon dimmed down followed by a trail of smoke that crashed into the ground revealing the charred Queen of Riser.

(Elsewhere)

In a room sat a group of powerful devils watching the Rating Game from a screen. Three of them were the Maou themselves sitting together at a table. In the center was man who could be described as the male version of Rias with long crimson red hair, blue eyes, and a handsome face and standing as tall as 6'5. (By the way, can someone actually tell me how tall this guy is, or rather how tall Meliodas is when he is possessed by the Demon King.) He is Sizerchs Lucifer, formerly Sizerchs Gremory, elder brother of the Rias Gremory, leader of the Devil Faction, and the most powerful devil in the Underworld.

At his right was a handsome man with green hair standing as tall as Sizerchs. His name is Ajuka Beezlebub, formerly Ajuka Astaroth, inventor of the Evil Piece system, and official equal to Sizerchs Lucifer. Unofficially being Meliodas Satan as well.

At Sizerchs' left was what could be described as a 14-year-old at 5'1 with DDD-cup breasts. She had dark hair tied into two ponytails and brilliant blue eyes. She was very child-like in appearance, and it didn't help that she wore a pink Magical Girl outfit complete with a star wand. Surprisingly, this is Serafall Leviathan, formerly Serafall Sitir, star in the shows of the Magical Girl, and the strongest female devil in the Underworld.

Behind the three Maou were the heads of the Phoenix and Gremory clans. Currently, all three of the Maou were standing upright from their seats, shock evident on their faces, the moment they saw Issei use Full Counter. These three especially could never forget of the signature technique of one of their closest friends.

"Is there something wrong?" Lord Gremory wondered.

"Did that boy cheat or something?" Lord Phoenix barked, clearly making it known of his want for his son to marry Rias.

Both of the lords were promptly ignored. The three Maou were lost in their own shock, trying to wrap their minds around this phenomena.

"Ajuka-kun," Sizerchs finally spoke, "that technique. Could it be…"

"There's no doubt about it." Ajuka said. "That was definitely Meliodas' technique."

"Meli-kun…" Muttered Serafall, absently holding her hand over her racing heart.

For centuries, these three along with the rest of the new Maou have been using whatever spare time they could looking for the first son of Satan. Most devils think it was because to make Meliodas the fifth Maou of the Underworld, but it had nothing to do with their personal reasons. Not many knew this, but Sizerchs, Serafall, Ajuka, Falbium, and Meliodas were very old friends ever since they were young.

They were everything they had being the odd ones even to devil society due to their unusually high magical potential. Through the Great War and the Devil Civil War, these friends stuck close through every trial, enduring every hardship, and coming to the other's suffering. But when Meliodas left, it left a sort of void these odd friends needed to fill, and their only hope being a vague message of his promised return.

With the coming of the Red Dragon Emperor and his surprising knowledge of a technique of the son of Satan, could this be a part of his promise?

Epic cliffhanger because I am not going to keep on typing this up when I have three other stories I want to do as well. The Rating Game has come along, and we can all agree Riser is very fucked. I made Akeno a pure fallen angel mostly because I like her better this way really.

For my internal debate of making Vali either male or female, I have decided to make a poll for that. So please go check it out and vote because I cannot decide for myself and there is nothing better but democracy. ^_^.

The crossovers so far.

Major (Characters/Worlds)

-Seven Deadly Sins.

-Highschool DxD

-SAO

-Naruto (Tailed Beasts)

-Hellsing (Abridged)

-Fairy Tail (Dragons)

-Overlord

-RWBY

-That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Female Rinmaru)

-Fate/stay Night (Illya is best loli)

-Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Greek Pantheon)

Minor (Powers/Abilities)

-Dragon Ball Z/Super

-Fate/Stay Night (Unlimited Blade Works)

-Godzilla (Kiryu Sacred Gear)

Up next is Chapter 8: The New Goat Sin of Lust.

Stay in touch. Please, please leave a review and make sure you vote in that poll.

Edit 7/23/2019: Fixed poll. It's on my profile now.