Chapter 12: Growth

Glancing myself in the mirror, I wore the usual Kuoh Academy's male uniform over the fireproofed bodysuit, except for the shoes. They're more reminiscent to the ones I used to wear during my initial martial art practice. Simple durable shoes with padded yet light soles, providing traction for optimum performance. I'll need to buy the rest of the combat wear after getting my next paycheck.

"Hanwei-sama."

Right at the door of my room, Miho's face showed some concern. Guess she's still a bit bummed out from not joining me, "Are you ready?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it. I'll be back once we beat the fire chicken. My weights are off and I'll use Double Burst, nothing's holding me back against him." I smiled softly.

"I have full confidence you will emerge victorious. Your breakfast is ready."

Nodding my head, we head over to the kitchen and had some toast with bacon and eggs. I even got an apple, "Thanks for making food. It's really nice to have some homemade cooking instead of take out."

Miho shook her head, "It was no trouble at all, I am glad to be of use to you." Her face grew more concerned though, "This Rating Game allows lethal force, does it not?"

Ah, so that's what's bothering her, "Yeah, but I'll be teleported to medical help if I loose consciousness. Don't worry, I'll be careful."

"As a spirit, strength is necessary to obtain resources and territory. I have fought a few times for those reasons but none as severe as the one you will enter. Are you not nervous?"

My eyes soften. She'll be going into worse life threatening battles in the future and yet she's more anxious about me. I can just not summon her, but that'll only make her worry about me more and probably blame herself for not helping. "Of course I'm nervous." I said casually.

Miho was stunned at my answer, eyes widen in disbelief, "You are? But you look so calm, Hanwei-sama?"

"Probably because you can't see me bouncing my leg underneath this table." She paused and checked, confirming that I really am bouncing my leg restlessly. Chuckling, "As a former human who has exams to decide your future, this is relatively better in my opinion." She tilted her head in confusion. "But from what I've learned in life, getting nervous is normal and I can't let it bother me for long. Besides, I have friends to count on as well as knowledge to back me up. Staying calm is essential in almost everything after all."

"I am still worried about you. Your provocation towards your opponent will surely make him turn his attention towards you."

I chuckled sheepishly this time. Miho was definitely shocked when she heard about my insults about fire chicken, asking for all the details. She was worried, but also admired me for bravely retaliating him for threatening us. Kinda hoped she forgot about that, "Yeah, there's definitely some changes due to my influence, but so far, nothing major. As long as it stays that way, then we'll win."

She nodded solemnly and we finished breakfast. After putting the dishes into the sink, I put on my shoes, strapped on Dream Sword and got ready to leave.

"Hanwei-sama, I await the good news." She gave me a smile to show her confidence in me.

"Thanks, I'll be back with a video copy of the game so we can watch it later."

Entering the club room, I saw that everyone else was already here, doing their own business as usual. It may seem like that at first glance, but there's definitely tension in the atmosphere. Rias was sitting and drinking tea with Akeno by her side, Kiba's at the window inspecting his sword even though it's already in mint condition, Koneko's eating her snacks but much less than usual, and Asia's staying closer to Issei who was trying to tough it out.

"Hey guys." I waved.

"Hello Daisuke." Rias warmly greeted, "Now that everyone is here, we just need to wait for dawn."

I took the free seat which was next to Koneko, nodding my head in acknowledgement as she did the same. No more words were spoken, all of us doing our own business. The clock ticked loudly through the silent room, each tick makes the tension feel more and more palpable, until a certain magic circle came in.

"Grayfia." Rias stood up in.

"Everyone." The Queen bowed, "The Rating Game between Rias Gremory-sama and Riser Phenex-sama will commence shortly. This will be broadcasted to the public as for all devils to witness. To ensure no impartial views, I will act as the arbiter and fairly judge the game."

"Very well." Rias easily accepts it.

"And please remember the great Maou, Sirzechs Lucifer-sama will observe as well." Rias had an near imperceptible grimace at that one. Grayfia created another magic circle, "Please enter the transfer circle, you will be transferred to the battlefield. Once inside, you are not allowed to leave until one side emerged victorious."

We all nodded and did so. After a flash of crimson, I opened my eyes to find ourselves in the exact same position.

"We are in the Game Field, right?" Issei asked hesitantly.

Walking towards the window, "Not if you think the sky is always like that."

Issei didn't understand what I meant until he followed my lead and instantly gawk at the multi-color aurora flowing in the sky, looks kinda beautiful if you ask me. The club room, the buildings, the sports fields, everything has been perfectly replicated. It's quite impressive to see something so precise can be executed on such a large scale.

"The sky is..." Asia stared in wonder, placing a hand in front of her open mouth.

"We are in an alternate dimension. This allows us to destroy as much as we wish without worry." Kiba explained.

Just as we can see the first ray of sunlight, Grayfia's voice was heard, [Ladies and gentlemen, I, Grayfia of the Gremory Household will act as the judge for the Rating Game between Rias Gremaory-sama and Riser Phenex-sama. Today's battlefield will be the replica of Kuoh Academy. Based on each Kings' opinions, the territory of Rias-sama is the old school building, whereas the territory of Riser-sama is the Student Council Room. Pawns are required to enter enemy stronghold in order to promote. The game will end exactly at noon, should there be no winner by then, a different method will be used to decide the victor. Without further ado, let the game commence.]

"Being watched by lots a people makes you nervous, don't you think?" Issei's body posture became slightly awkward.

"Just focus on the game. Once this really gets started, we'll forget about the audience." I told him.

Akeno came with earpieces, "Put these communicators into your ears. We will be using these to communicate during the game."

"We have some time before Riser makes any moves. Yuuto, Koneko, go set traps around the forest. Akeno construct an illusionary barrier around the perimeter as well as the sky."

"Yes, Buchou." They went off carrying all sorts of stuff with a skull and cross bone symbol, not sure if I want to know what's in them.

"Issei." Rias turned to the Pawn, "It is time to unlock some of your power." She came to him with her hands holding the sides of his head. The hell? What happened to the lap pillow?

Issei stared at her breasts for only a few seconds before regaining focus, at least he's showing some improvement, "My power?"

Her hands glowed crimson, "Yes. Due to your initially weak body, I had to seal most of your Evil Pieces to prevent your body from overloading. After our training, you are now strong enough to withstand more power."

"Congratulations, Issei-san."

The glowing stopped and Issei flexed his body a little to test out his upgrade, "Whoa, I feel lighter and stronger like I can take on that yakitori by myself. Thank you very much Buchou."

I went to grab the map of the academy in one of the drawers and placed it on the table. We put the map knowing the battlefield beforehand, hoping that it'll still be there for us to use. Well, they hoped, I knew it would work.

Kiba and Koneko returned just in time to discuss strategies. I stayed silent with a blank face, not wanting to influence Rias' decision in any way. The plan is the same as in canon except for one thing, I'm taking Koneko's place to secure the gym. I already anticipated this. It was either this or joining Kiba to protect this place. Considering they outnumber us 2 to 1, I doubt Rias will put me on standby waiting for further orders. Either way, I already have a plan.

Kiba equipped his vambraces, Koneko wore her cat-themed gloves, and I tighten Dream Sword onto my waist, making sure it won't hinder my movements. We got ready to move.

"Good luck Kiba, Koneko."

"The same to you Daisuke-kun, Issei-kun. Let's meet up later."

"Everyone, can you hear me." Rias' voice was loud and clear through the communicator, "Our opponent has the power of a phoenix, but we will not falter. We will win!"

Smirking, Issei and I made our way to the back entrance of the gym, carefully watching our surroundings for any enemies. But instead of that, I found something else, "Issei, you okay? You're shaking."

"What? Who? Me? Nah, I'm just... just stretching!" He made some elaborate motions with his arms while walking, coupling with that nervous look of his made him look slightly ridiculous, "Never know when you'll pull a muscle, hehehe."

Looks like it's affecting him more than I thought. Can't blame him, we were just normal humans not too long ago before getting pulled into this supernatural mess. I stopped and Issei followed suit, confusion all over his face, "Daisuke?"

We're almost to the gym anyway, won't hurt to use some time for a little pep talk, "Issei, do you remember the time when we went to save Asia?"

"Yeah. She was kidnapped and I had to save her."

"Good. Now I want you to remember that feeling, remember when you stood up to Rias, remember that anger of losing someone close to you." His face started to lose tension and gain more fierceness, "Because now is the same as back then, we fight because our master's, our friend's freedom and happiness are on the line. It's not about if you can or cannot do it, it's about if you will or will not do it. Now tell me, what will you do?"

He locked gaze with me, eyes rekindled with the same fire as before and pumped his fist into the air with a shout, "I will fight for Buchou!"

A little loud considering the enemies might hear us, but I'll take it, "Good, never give up. Even when it's over, never give up to find a way. Besides, if we win, Rias might reward you with something like, I don't know, letting you..." Leaning in close for dramatic effect which made him mimic me, "... touch her oppai." I finished with a whisper.

The fire grew perverted yet to epic proportions, "YOOOOOSH, let's win this!"

"Pfft." Almost lost control, I really want to laugh but now's not the time, "Are you done with your stretching yet?"

He snapped back to reality with a sheepish smile, "Yeah."

"Good, let's go."

We resumed our way and entered, noticing the lights are on, and saw five enemies from the podium. So there's one more than before.

"We know you are there, servants of Gremory. Why not come out from hiding and face us." The girl wearing blue qipao called us out.

"Damn it." Issei cursed.

Not surprised there. With how much ruckus we caused, it wouldn't be hard to notice our presence, "Might as well greet them."

Showing ourselves and landing from the podium, we can immediately see their scowled faces aimed at me. A girl wielding a huge zweihander pointed it at me, "You. You were the one who insulted Riser-sama."

Oh, so that's their deal. I smirked almost arrogantly, "I remember that. So, did you have time to fuck him? Or was he too busy indulging himself with his sister to notice you?"

Now that made her blood boil. Taking a deep breath to calm down, "My name is Siris, Knight of Riser-sama. I will have no reservations in cutting you to pieces."

The girl with qipao stepped forward, "I am Xuelan, Riser-sama's Rook."

"I am Mira."

"I'm Ile."

"And I'm Nel. We are Pawns."

My friend's gauntlet appeared in a flash of green, "I'm Hyoudou Issei, Buchou's Pawn."

Flexing my neck, "You can call me Daisuke, Buchou's Rook."

The enemy Rook looked surprised, "A Rook? But you have a sword."

"I like to mix things up a little. Issei, think you can handle the Pawns by yourself?"

"Heh, no problem." He went to confront the three enemies, leaving me alone with the other two. Looks like they won't interfere each other's matches. Either they have confidence in their teammates or severely underestimating us. I'm betting on the later.

Xuelan smirked, "We lucked out. All of us wanted to beat you for the insult towards Riser-sama. Hope you're ready to lose."

Tenkugan flared and Dream Sword unsheathed, "Bring it on."

Siris charged with a big swing, making me leaned left but I can still feel the shock wave from her sword. So she's a Knight who's got some power. "You're open." Xuelan came in with fire coated fists but I blocked with my sword, making her twist with an upward fire kick. Leaning back, Siris was already behind me in mid-swing. I jumped and somersaulted, landing behind her.

Now I remember, Xuelan can cover her fists and feet with fire while Siris is more balanced between strength and speed. I'm not worried about the flames though, got the bodysuit to protect me and Miho's are way hotter. They came at me from both sides. Blocking the zweihander with Dream Sword and catching a fist in my Buso-enhanced hand, I gauged their strengths, "Not bad, but not as good as Kiba and Koneko. They made me work more than this."

I kicked the Rook in her stomach and spun, striking the Knight's sword with a low-powered Getsuga, making her grit her teeth as she was pushed back. They recovered from my greeting with more displeasure than before.

"Are you implying we are inferior to the Knight and Rook of Gremory?"

"I'm not implying. I'm saying you are inferior."

Siris bristled in anger, "Perhaps you have some bite to your bark, but no matter. We shall show you our true power."

They came at me with a more noticeable increase in speed. Using speed burst, I ducked from an overhead slash, ignoring the buffeting wind and jumped back from a flurry of kicks. Xuelan got in closer with punches aimed at my ribs. Noticing how I'm smoothly dodging her left right punches, she spun around and extended her leg. She's using the sudden increase of attack range with her longer leg to surprise me, but I've seen through it.

Grabbing her ankle, I briefly activated power burst, lifting her up and slammed her onto the wooden ground, making a small hole in the ground and sending splinters around. She coughed in surprise but I wasn't done yet. I lifted her up again and threw her towards Siris, letting her catch her teammate in her arms. Not bad, one exploits any openings I showed whenever I try to block or dodge from the other.

"Is this really your true power. Please, you're barely making me use my Sacred Gear." I taunted with some boredom but internally, I'm confused. I really am barely using Double Burst and have only used one of my newest spells, and that's two against one. Did 14 days of training really make that much of a difference?

"Siris." Xuelan said to her with a look in her eye.

"It seems we have no choice." She had the same look.

My eyes widen as the Rook sped at me and grazed my cheek. I quickly moved back and saw some shock waves heading towards me, only this time they're bigger and faster. Dodging the first two and slicing through the third, a presence made it behind me with a downward kick to my head. There were more shock waves coming at me and I don't have time to dodge.

I blocked the kick with my forearm and used the flat side of my blade to stop the shock waves. The waves were over but Xuelan just keeps repeatedly kicking me before tornado kicking me away. Both force and heat intensity were greater than before, looks like they're finally getting serious. The sleeve was slightly singed, leaving smoke and a black mark.

"It is unfortunate for us to go all out against a newly reincarnated devil." Siris exclaimed.

"But you have proven to be quite the adversary." Xuelan finished.

If I still have any doubts about their strength, then it's all gone, "Thank you for the compliment. For two experienced fighters to acknowledge me as a threat makes me flattered."

"That will be your only compliment. Once we retire you, Riser-sama will surely reward us nicely."

"In that case, I'll just have to use more power as well." I was sizing them up to be honest, and wanted to conserve for later fights. But I guess that's a tall order considering I'm fighting two of them at the same time. Aw well, I've been wanting to let loose Double Burst after two whole weeks anyway.

Using both boosts, I rushed in front of Xuelan, earning a gasp of surprise and gave her two slashes to her left arm and right leg. Siris charged to my left with a wide swing, using both the force of her blade and shock wave to hit me. But I used my hand to catch the blade, containing the attack in my hand. She gaped in surprise before getting blasted away from a Shinkuha fired from my foot.

The enemy Rook came with more fire punches, but I easily got into her guard and elbowed her abdomen towards the opposite direction of the Knight. She coughed out saliva with a bit of blood this time, tumbling back. I Shunpo behind her before she could recover and used Getsuga to send her towards Siris, crashing them onto a wall with a large crack.

I wasn't even using that much power, at least I'm enjoying myself. They ungracefully fell onto the podium with a thud. Sounds of chainsaws were audible to my ears, haven't checked on Issei but maybe now's a good time.

"Come on come on. Why are you running away?"

"We just want to chop your balls off."

"Don't say that with such a cute voice you crazy little shits!"

Meh, he'll be fine. Though I wonder why that third Pawn, Mira was it, was looking at me in awe and... is that fear!?

"Guh." I turned back to my opponents and saw them cradling their wounds. Standing up with full of anger in their eyes directed towards me, albeit in shuddering pain.

They must be on their last legs as they charge straight towards me. Slapping a fist away and parrying a sword upwards, I slashed across Siris' abdomen and launched Shinkuha to Xuelan's face. I really don't want to keep this up due to their bleeding, no matter how much time passes, I don't want to hurt anybody more than necessary.

I grabbed the Rook by the neck and slammed while smacking the Knight with the flat side of my blade, crashing them onto the floor. With a foot to the former's neck and my sword tip at the latter's, "Surrender, I win."

They were battered and beaten while I got one small bruise, this was easier than I thought. Defiance was evident on their faces but knew they were at my mercy.

"Dress Break." I heard a snap, shredding of clothes with noticeable 'rip' sounds and three shrieks of terror and embarrassment.

"Ha! What do you think? This is my new killer move that allows me to strip any clothes and any fabric off of women right down to their purest forms." Issei declared proudly with his eyes on his prize.

"You are the worst."

"Disgusting lecher."

My downed opponents somehow went from pain and anger to disgust and incredulity, eyes full of judgement as if they found a new type of slime. I looked away from the nudity. Hey, they may be enemies but that doesn't mean I can't show them enough respect as women.

"Stripping clothes away as a distraction and strike when they are most vulnerable. A spell unique and applicable to the future Harem King, I approve." Giving him a thumbs up, Issei looked at me like I'm his salvation, "But try not to use it too much, clothes cost money after all." And he went back to his sheepish smile.

"You approve of this debauchery!?" All the girls yelled at me.

I shrugged, "If it works, it works." Tapping my communicator, "Buchou, we've secured the gym."

"Good, Akeno is on her way. Leave now."

The Pawn and I exchanged glace, time to book it.

"You are running away!? This place is an important capture point between our bases!"

"Don't worry, you'll find out soon. Oh, and Xuelan." I stopped to look at her, "I know you look hot in that qipao, but you really should put on some underwear unless you want people to think you're a slut."

She blushed madly, stammering about something I can't understand. I resumed my escape after giving her a wink. Once we made a safe distance from the gym, "Akeno, fry them."

A thunderous boom echoed across the area, dirt and debris flew everywhere. We dropped down on the ground, arms covering our head for protection and waited for the blinding light to abate.

[Combatant Riser Phenex-sama's 3 Pawns, 1 Knight, 1 Rook retire]

Coughing, the smoke finally cleared and I could see the results. A giant crater appeared right where the gym was supposed to be. Part of the smoldered earth sizzled from the remaining heat of her lightning. Holy shit, I don't think I'll survive that without serious injuries.

"Now that's what I call firepower right Issei?"

"I should have known!"

"Yeah, I know right? Makes you wish the Priestess of Thunder isn't our enemy."

"I finally know your fetish!"

...

I slowly turned my head towards the possibly snapped friend, face stiff as a board. Seeing that he's got a winning smile while pointing at me, I could only question, "What?"

"It all makes sense, why didn't I think of this sooner. You're chinese, so you're attracted to erotic chinese stuff. That's why you think that Rook was hot."

My right eye twitched, "Issei, we just got out from a fight, felt the heat of an explosion and the first thought on your mind was my taste for women! Why do you even want to know about that!?"

"You're barely phased by Buchou's and Akeno-san's looks, I just thought you were gay and out to get me or something."

So Daisuke really does like women. Issei was started to get wary of him, he did approve of his Dress Break. Well, he probably already knows about it since he's seen the future, but still. He noticed that Daisuke didn't even react from the multiple naked bodies of women. What convinced him was the tone his friend used on the girl wearing chinese clothes. There was playfulness in his voice and even gave her a wink. Oh man, Issei bets Buchou and the other girls will react quite interestingly to this.

Daisuke on the other hand is looking at Issei exasperatedly, "Seriously, first Rias and now you!? Why does everyone think I'm gay!? I'm fucking straight damn it!"

Issei snickered, it wasn't everyday he gets to see his usually calm friend lose his cool like this, "Probably because you don't even bat an eye at them. Wait, Buchou also thinks you're gay?" Now that's awkward, how will she snatch Daisuke if she also thinks he's gay?

"It's called having control over your libido. Everyone can do it, I can just do it better." Daisuke said exhausted.

"Daisuke, Issei, how are you two?" Issei heard Buchou's voice. Right! They were suppose to report back after Akeno-san blew up the gym.

"Issei and I are fine. We got minor injuries from the fight and the nothing from the explosion."

"Are you sure? You sound tired."

"It's..." Daisuke looked at Issei with the same exhausted look from before. Maybe Issei should have said it after the game, it would be bad to dispirit one of their powerhouses after all. "... it's nothing serious, don't worry. I'll be fine."

"Good. Proceed to the next phase and meet up with Yuuto and Koneko."

"Roger. Issei, we- ISSEI MOVE!"

Issei was violently shoved away, rolling and tumbling away painfully from Daisuke. What was the big-

*BOOM*

Rolling even further away from a sudden explosion, Issei quickly snapped his eyes open and saw another huge crater right where they were a moment ago, fire flared with thick smoke fuming. Wait a second! He doesn't see Daisuke anywhere!

"Daisuke! Daisuke! Answer me!"

Nothing.

No, it couldn't! He pushed Issei to safety but couldn't safe himself!

"Tch, so I only blew up one of them."

Issei inclined his head upwards and saw a women up in the air. That's the Queen that yakitori made out with in front of Buchou! His blood boiled, Boosted Gear already manifested and ready to double his power, "You bitch! Was it you who did that!"

"Embarrassingly enough, yes. It seems Gremory's some of servants have more awareness than I thought." She said with disappointment in herself more than anything else.

A large magical energy surged and lightning crackled loudly. Akeno-san glared at the bitch with a scowl Issei has never seen before, "You have made a big mistake Yubelluna-san. Or should I call you Bomb Queen?" One of the Onee-samas is really pissed!

The bitch just scowled back in response, "I have always hated that name."

"Daisuke! Issei! What happened? I heard an explosion." Buchou's voice was full of worry. What is Issei gonna tell her?

"Buchou, I'm fine. But Daisuke's..." Issei gritted his teeth, not wanting to admit the worst that has happened. They didn't hear any announcement. If Daisuke didn't retire or respond to his friend's plea, then that could only mean...

"Issei. What happened to Daisuke?" Buchou's voice was slow and almost despaired.

"He's..." Tears forming at the corners of his eyes.

A large gust of blue wind came out of nowhere. Wait, blue wind!? Issei glanced back at the once burning crater and saw that Daisuke's alive! His hands were outstretched to his sides, visible burn marks on his back and panting, but alive!

"Daisuke-kun!" Akeno-san cried out in relief and happiness, her eyes soften back and smile returned.

"Impossible! My flames are strong enough to kill most mid-class devils!"

Issei couldn't stop his smile either and quickly wiped his face, "Daisuke's fine Buchou." Letting out a breath he didn't know he had, Issei gave him the best mock glare he could make, "You asshole, you nearly scared us to death!"

He was half expecting a joke, but Daisuke's face was emotionless and stared right at the assailant. In the next instant, he was gone! A scream reached his ears and he saw that the bitch was blown back, crashing loudly into the tennis courts. Daisuke was right next to where she was, his sword and gloves were out. Holy shit, Issei couldn't even see him move!

"Issei! Akeno!" Daisuke called out to them with his hard stare still pinned on the downed enemy Queen, "Change of plans, I'm taking on Bomb Queen. Akeno, you go with Issei!"

"Daisuke-kun what are you saying? We need to stick to Buchou's plan, and you're wounded." Akeno-san's voice was a bit shaky.

"Listen, I know what I'm doing. I'll make her suffer enough for all of us and join you later. Just go." Daisuke formed scissor cutting motions with his index and middle fingers. Issei and Akeno hesitated, that's the secret sign he uses whenever he knows something important about the future. Does that mean the enemy has a secret technique or something?

"Daisuke-kun..." Akeno-san was still worried about him, Issei couldn't blame him. Any girl would react like that after seeing the guy she likes getting hurt.

"Akeno-san!" She turned to Issei, "Let's believe in Daisuke. He hasn't let us down yet."

Her face was conflicted as she looked back to Daisuke, to Issei, and then back to him, "Daisuke-kun, be careful."

Daisuke looked back at her with a gentle smile, "Got it." And he looked to the Pawn, "Issei! I'm counting on you to protect the rest! Make sure you all win!"

"The same goes for you! Kick her ass!"

Akeno descended and went ahead with Issei, good. She's the strongest after Rias, with her helping the rest, our chances of victory will sharply increase.

[Combatant Riser Phenex-sama's 3 Pawns retire]

Kiba and Koneko are doing fine too it seems. That was a big error on my part, I didn't think Bomb Queen would try to take both me and Issei out, another big change. Barely had time to construct a half ass Buso to defend myself, the smoke entering my lungs didn't help either. Buso can protect me against attacks and some heat, but not gas like smoke. Took me a while to gather my breath and blow them away.

My back really hurts, not as bad as light attacks though. Hope I'm still good enough to retire Bomb Queen, had I been paired up with Kiba, I would have went on ahead and intercepted with a Getsuga before she could sneak attack the others. Simple, but sometimes simplicity is the best answer.

"Daisuke! Daisuke! Answer me, Daisuke!"

Oh yeah, Rias has been shouting for me to respond for a while now.

"What is it Buchou?"

"Finally you responded. What happened? Issei told me you were fine a minute ago?" Her voice was full of worry, I'll need to apologize to her later.

"I told Akeno to join Issei and go ahead. I'm taking on Bomb Queen."

"WHAT!"

Wincing from the pain in my eardrums, "Ouch, Buchou you're gonna make me deaf."

"Daisuke, what on earth possessed you to fight Riser's Queen alone!?"

"Well what on earth is about to possess you to fight fire chicken himself alone?" She remained silent. Bomb Queen's recovering and ready to fly over, "She's coming back, I'll talk to you later."

"Daisuke wait! Let Akeno handle this. You're not ready, you just got hurt. What about your promise?" Her voice's really desperate. Does she think I'm that weak? My hands tighten in preparation for battle and a bit of anger.

"Unlike last time, I know what I'm dealing with. I'm keeping my promise. Why do you think I've been sparring against Akeno for?"

"You... You knew! You knew this would happen!"

Bomb Queen's closing in, "Sorry Buchou, gotta go."

"Hanwei please, I don't want to see you get hurt! Please-"

I shut off the transceiver. Rias almost never calls me that, this must be hurting her more than I thought. I'm gonna get my ass chewed out later for this, but I can't afford to let Bomb Queen leave here. She took out most of Rias' peerage in canon and I'm not letting that happen this time.

"Where is the Priestess of Thunder? I will clash with her after torturing you, boy." She's scowling with a wound on her abdomen. It's bigger than I thought.

"Sorry, but all you got is me." My voice devoid of any emotion, cold stare pinning on her. Time to see what I can really do against a Queen.

"You insolent little peon." A purple magic circle revealed itself in front of her wand, blasting another huge explosion at me. Flying underneath, I tried to close in with an upward slash at her injured abdomen, but she just sent out more explosions, blocking my path. I circled around her to find any openings but all I saw were more explosions. They were concentrated at precise, unlike normal wild ones.

I took some distance and fired a few occasional Shinkuhas to find anything I can exploit. Wind met bombs, causing explosions and smoke to obstruct my view, maybe I should have worked on that x-ray vision sooner. Creating three clones, each with one whirling wind drill, they charged in three different sides: above, left, and right. Bomb Queen made a wide explosion with her wand on one side, and another one with her hand on the other.

Two of them dispelled, one backed away at the last second. This isn't getting me anywhere, gauging her while conserving energy will tire me out faster. Powering through it is. Red and blue lights gushed, I charged straight at her through the explosion. She was shocked to say the least and used her wand to block Dream Sword.

"What are you!? How can you be this strong for a mere Rook!?" She shouted out in anger, hands trembling from the force of my sword.

That's confusing, was I this strong? I didn't bother to answer and channeled magic instead, "Getsuga..." Her eyes widen in fear from my glowing sword. "... Tensho!" A point blank shot blasted her away, making her spread out her wings to lessen the damage. Clone Shunpo behind her and drilled her wand apart, puffing out a moment later due to magic depletion. A bleeding wound from her right shoulder down to the left side of her waist. I closed in and searched her body, patting for a specific vial but couldn't find anything.

'Where is it!?'

An explosion got my chest, making me back off and grunting in pain. Bomb Queen sent another wave of fire as I weave through her attacks. A purple magic circle came out of nowhere and exploded to my left, burning through Buso and the suit. Where the fuck did that come from!? I flew back but almost got another explosion to my back, radiating heat seared my wound. Hold on, are those...

"Wondering what has happened?" She taunted me with injuries all over her, breathing hard but smirking, "I have set hidden mines all over the air when you swung your sword. I do not know how you can defend against my fire so well, but it is only a matter of time before you retire."

Humph, not bad. Guess she's not the strongest piece if she couldn't do at least this much. But not good enough. I flew around her circles and closed in but she still has that smirk. It wasn't until I changed directions with Shunpo, launching me up away from the last invisible circle in front of her and axe kicked her back down to the tennis court.

She smashed into the ground, coughing out blood and bleeding badly, "How!?"

"I have good eyes." I answered smugly.

Bomb Queen was absolutely livid, she immediately pulled out something from... This whole time, the tears were in her cleavage! Okay, I'll admit, I didn't think to look for it there.

While I was gaping like an idiot, she got ready to drink it, "In the name of Riser-sama, I will end your existence."

'No!'

She popped open to drink it, but widen her eyes instead, "What? It's empty!? How-" The vial shattered into millions of tiny pieces, contents spilling all over due to my impulsive use of Shinkuha. Fuck, I wanted to have it. But due to my hasty panicked decision, I stupidly broke it. At least she's can't use it either.

Cradling her hand from my wind, she glared back at me with much more intensity than before, a deep scowl marring her beautiful features, "You bastard, what did you do!?"

I was berating myself on the inside, but on the outside, "You'd be surprised what my illusions can do, especially when I was rummaging your clothes." I smirked in victory. A hollow victory, but still a victory nonetheless.

"You! YOU!" She was so angry, she didn't know what to say. Magic poured out of her and she charged blindly towards to me, bombarding with tremendous amount of fire. Couldn't dodge in time, her speed caught me off guard. I bulked up a full body Buso and withstood the heat and all sides, getting knocked back from the sheer force alone.

A particularly huge explosion blasted me from my left, sending me away, "If I cannot defeat you, then I will bring you down with me!" She charged up her magic, "For Riser-sama!" and strafed me with everything she had. After about five seconds of super bombs, she stopped and breathed deeply, "This is my power, my love, my everything for Riser-sama."

"Well I'm only using half." I appeared behind her and used Getsuga on her back before she could even react, sending her crashing back down. My left side was a bit burnt but the worst was the communicator. It was charred, ringing my ear a little and made me throw it away. Great, just great.

Landing in front of her, I powered another Getsuga aimed at her front as she used her hands to block it somewhat. If that truly was everything she got, then I guess my worry about holding back was unwarranted. Another 2 Getsugas made her way but she still stood her ground, most likely her endurance trait of a Queen. I need to end this now!

Sheathing my sword, I pointed my right elbow forwards as the focal point for the circulating wind as I rushed at her, turning my whole body into a giant wind drill.

"Futon: Supairarudoro!"

The ground beneath me cracked as I moved, leaving a destroyed trail in my wake. I hit her arms which were immediately drilled through and reached her chest. She screamed in high pitched as I can see blood and muscles tearing out of her body. I was getting sick. This lasted for another second before a voice sounded.

[Combatant Riser Phenex-sama's Queen retire]

Letting the wind die down, I fell on my knees sweating and wheezing, would have wasted more magic with an overpowered Getsuga. Blood splotches were all over the court, my stomach churned, closing my mouth with my hands to stop the vomit. That was much crueler than I meant, the pain in her voice sounded so agonizing.

After swallowing back the acidic taste and calming down for a few minutes, I got up and moved. I can't break down now, I still need to help my friends.

Fire chicken, you're next.

Guest: That does sound like Akeno, you'll just have to wait and see.

Guest-Questioner: I see, good to know you're still here. I got 6 of your reviews if you're wondering (including double post)

A.N.: Don't worry, I'm not making my OC overpowered, you'll see in the future arcs. I'm having finals so don't expect any updates for at least 6 weeks. Hope you all like it. Please leave a review and tell me what you think.

Ja Ne