It was the day of the match and Issei, Ashtart, and Scàthach were standing with the Gremory group as they prepared to enter the match against Sona. Millicus wanted to spend time with Mash, having gotten to know her during their time at the Gremory manor. So, she got stuck watching the match with the Gremory family. Issei had been invited to watch with the V.I.P. 's by Azazel and Sirzechs and decided to have Scàthach and Ashtart accompany him to represent Chaldea. Before he headed there though, Issei wanted to personally wish them luck. The group was showing signs of unease since this was their first major battle without Issei. The three wanted to console the group and make sure they didn't overthink things. Akeno and Koneko walked up to Issei, a bit of determination and hesitation mixed in their expressions. "Ise-kun, you'll watch me, right? I'll use my light of my own will this time. So please watch over me," said Akeno.
"I will, Akeno. Don't worry, you'll do fine." Issei leaned in next to Akeno's ear and whispered to her. "If you win, I'll grant you one request within my capabilities," he said, hoping to motivate her even more.
Akeno's expression was blank for a moment before a lustful one replaced it. "Ufufufu, really? Then I have even more reason not to lose," she said with more determination. Issei ignored the look he was getting from Rias behind her.
Next Koneko spoke to him. "...Me too. If Issei-senpai is watching, then I won't hold back either. Please watch me."
Issei rubbed her head and smiled. "Don't worry. You're gonna do great." He stood up and looked at the entire group. "We'll be watching with the others in the V.I.P. room. Whether you win or lose, don't give up for even a second."
"Whether we win or lose? You make it seem like there's a chance we'll lose," said Rias.
"There's always a chance, but aside from that, after what happened at the Gathering of Young Devils, I wouldn't be surprised if Sona does whatever she has to to prove to the council that she's not to be underestimated," explained Issei.
"Right… Sona also has her own reasons why she can't lose," said Rias, understanding her friend's plight more than others.
"So don't underestimate them. I'm willing to bet they've been training just as hard as you all have." The group all nodded at Issei's words.
Scàthach stepped forward next. "We teachers will be watching as well. The others will be with Master in spirit form to watch the match. Make sure you make us proud." Scàthach had a slightly dangerous smile. "If you lose, we'll make sure to double the training for next time," she promised. The others, especially Rias, shivered at the thought.
Soon a magic circle appeared behind the group. They noticed and began walking to it. "Alright, it's about time. Please wait for our victory everyone," said Rias to Issei and the others. He nodded and they all disappeared into the magic circle.
Once they were gone Azazel walked up to Issei and his Servants. "We should get going too. We have very "special" guests waiting for us," he said in his usual carefree tone.
"Right," responded Issei as he was followed by his two Servants.
They walked until they reached the V.I.P. viewing room. Issei steeled his nerves while Azazel just sighed in exasperation, finding this whole thing a drag. He opened the door, and they walked in, finding Sirzechs, Serafall, and Michael already there, along with several other devil nobles. As soon as they walked in, they were waved over by Sirzechs, which they complied with. "It's good to see you made it, Issei-kun. I'm interested to see the results of your training for my sister's peerage," said Sirzechs with a smile.
Serafall jumped into the conversation with a smile of her own. "Don't get too excited, Sirzechs. My Sona has also been doing some "special" training of her own. Don't think she will just lie down and take it," she said confidently.
Issei couldn't help but chuckle at seeing the two Maou argue about which of their sisters would win. As he watched he saw someone familiar walk up in his usual proud and manly manner. "So, you made it Master," said Iskandar.
"Hey Iskandar. How did your little job go?"
"Well, I think it was effective for two in particular, but it was definitely a struggle in the beginning. I don't exactly do well with the stuffy types. They really need to learn how to loosen up more."
"Ah… I can see how that would have been hard. Still, I figured you would have been perfect for this for that reason."
"Ha ha, as expected of you Master. You know me so well," said Iskandar cheerfully. He patted Issei's back a bit too hard, and he almost fell over.
"It seems you really do get along well with your Servants," said Michael as he came to greet them.
"Hello Lord Michael. How are things with your faction?"
Michael let a sigh escape him and a tired look came across his face. "Well, things have been quite busy since the meeting. After you chewed us out and seeing that there were members of the church working with the terrorists, we have been doing some heavy reorganization of staff and projects. We unfortunately discovered more issues that would have gone unnoticed if we didn't check, so our work has piled high in the past month."
"I'd say I feel sorry for you, but this is your own fault for your negligence."
"You're brutally honest, like always, but I'm happy for that. We're so used to people simply going along with our choices, only speaking up if the situation is serious or for their own self-interest, as had been made apparent at the meeting. We could use some more honest people like you in our faction."
Issei could tell where he was going with this, but he wasn't touching this problem himself. It felt like too much of a hassle, but he knew someone who would gladly take that job. "Sorry, I don't think I would be a proper fit. I'm unfortunately too worldly to make any good decisions in a religious organization. But I know a few people who would be more than happy to help."
"Oh? And who would they be?"
"Georgios, Jeanne, and Martha. I'm sure having three saints would be more than enough to help get things back on the right path."
Michael made a surprised but happy expression. "W-would you really be willing to lend them to us?"
"I'm sure they won't mind. We'll have to talk specifics about what the schedule for them will look like since they all have other tasks to do as well, but it shouldn't be a problem."
"That would be wonderful! Having the saints walk among the worshipers again will no doubt bolster faith in the church again!" said Michael excitedly.
"Sure, if you can explain how the dead saints have returned to the living," said Issei sarcastically.
"Well, only the faithful who are aware of the supernatural will be able to know the truth, but still, they would be a huge help."
"Alright, that's enough talk about work you two. We're here for the match, not to discuss future business opportunities," said Azazel with a smirk.
"Ah, right. Sorry Issei-kun. Seems I got caught up in my own troubles and ended up dragging you into them. Let's get ready to view the match."
"Right. Let's do that," said Issei while rubbing his head.
Before they could go view the screen though someone caught their attention. "Well, well, what do we have here?"
The group turned to see an old man with a long beard and a cane and an eyepatch. Even though he seemed like a normal old man, Issei could tell this old man was not to be underestimated. Scàthach seemed interested in the new arrival, sensing something familiar about him. "Odin," said Azazel, seemingly annoyed.
Odin?! So this is the king of the Norse Gods? Wonder how this will go down… thought Issei.
"It's been a while, Fallen Angel brat. It seems you've become intimate with the people you fought with for so long, but... Are you still thinking of something crafty?" said Odin.
"Hah! Unlike countryside gods that honor old-fashioned bonds according to conventional practices or whatever else, we young people have flexible thoughts. Rather than sticking to troublesome hostile ways of thinking, we place more value on growth and progress," said Azazel mockingly.
"That's a loser's mindset appropriate for the weak. After all, you're a gathering of brats that have lost their founding God and Maou," shot back Odin.
"What's wrong with being flexible? If it improves the lives of others then change shouldn't be a problem," said Issei, a bit offended at Odin's statement.
Odin eyed Issei, who joined in the conversation. After a moment he finally addressed him. "So, you're the new Sekiryuutei brat. You seem to have a better head on your shoulders than your predecessors at least, but I might be speaking too soon. As for your question youngster, the youth are always quick to abandon tradition or tried and true methods in the name of "progress". In the end though it's always just an attempt to outdo the previous generation who got it right the first time."
Azazel rolled his eyes at Odin's lecture. Issei, however, didn't seem fazed. "Correction. Got it right for the time they did it." Odin gave Issei an incredulous look while Azazel smiled, waiting to see what Issei would say this time. "While I won't say you're completely wrong about the reasons the younger generation try to change, you clearly miss the biggest point." Odin gave Issei a curious look and inclined his head for him to go on. "There's an unfortunate reality to life whether you're human, beast, or even a God. Things change. They always change. You can't simply stick to a single way of living and expect it to carry you and everyone else through to the end of time. I agree that people are too quick to throw away or ignore things from the past, but at the same time your way of thinking is just as dangerous. You would doom all your people to suffering or death because you're too stubborn to change when your way of living is no longer beneficial for the long-term survival of your faction. Change is a necessary part of survival. Those who don't adapt die. That is the law of nature."
Odin was quiet for a moment before he smiled while stroking his beard. "Heh, you got a good head on your shoulders brat. And strong nerves to stand up to me. I don't hate that. Not to mention you got good taste in women," he said as he looked at Issei's two Servants next to him with a lecherous gaze.
Issei thought he was signing his own death warrant, but before anyone could do anything Odin was scolded by a woman who looked like a Valkyrie behind him. "Odin-sama, you mustn't do such indecent things! The reputation of Valhalla will cry!"
"Geez, you're so stuffy. That's why you can't get any heroes as a boyfriend," said Odin.
The Valkyrie immediately broke into tears at Odin's words. "A-at any rate, I'm just an aged female warrior with a history of no boyfriends! I too want to have a boyfriend! Auuu!"
"Oi, geezer! Isn't that going too far?" said Issei, clearly annoyed by the old man's callous behavior of his subordinate. "And who in their right mind wouldn't want to go out with a beauty like her?"
Issei's words seemed to silence the group, the Valkyrie included, who was surprised but then started blushing furiously. Odin just seemed amused at the scene, like he found an answer he was looking for. "Ho? Are you saying you would take this troublesome Valkyrie? Even if you've already got the Maou's little sister?"
Issei wondered how he knew about that and gave Sirzechs a glance. His expression didn't change so he couldn't tell if he told him or if it was figured out independently. Issei refocused on the old man in front of him. "I doubt you haven't done your research on me. My goal is to have a harem. The best harem. And Rias is fully supportive of my goal, so it's not a problem of "if it's ok or not". As for you Miss…?"
"R-Rossweisse," answered the Valkyrie embarrassed.
"Rossweisse-san, you should have some more confidence in yourself." Issei showed a warm smile. "There's nothing wrong with having a serious personality. Just make sure to leave room to enjoy yourself too."
Rossweisse's face became even redder as she started stumbling over her words. "B-but someone like me who has no experience in romance. Who would ever want a stiff girl like me?"
"If you don't have any experience then you learn. It's really as simple as that. I would be more than happy to help you learn," said Issei while extending his hand to her.
The others who were watching couldn't help but smile seeing Issei basically picking up another girl. The one most amused by this was Odin. "Hear that? Looks like there's hope for you yet, and with the Sekiryuutei brat," he said playfully.
"Odin-sama! Please don't tease me! And you—" Rossweisse was erratic with embarrassment. She scolded Odin before pointing at Issei trying to say something but pausing because she didn't know his name.
"Issei," he responded, figuring that's why she was hesitating.
"Issei-san, you shouldn't be messing with other women when you have a significant other already! It's too shameless!" she began lecturing him.
Issei didn't seem bothered, having been lectured like this before by a few of his Servants when he started pursuing his dream. Surprisingly, one of his Servants decided to run interference. "And what's wrong with having multiple lovers? It's natural for women to flock to the strong. It's been that way since the old days," said Scàthach.
Rossweisse was caught off guard by Scàthach suddenly addressing her. "T-that may be true, but…"
Scàthach showed an amused smile. "You should take Master up on his offer. Even if you don't become lovers, you should still experience what "romance" is like once, so that you know what to look for."
"W-w-w-w-w-what does he intend to do with me?! I-I-I won't be played with!" said Rossweisse defensively, getting an exasperated sigh from Odin.
"Seriously, this girl. By the way, Sekiryuutei brat, what's your favorite part of my assistant here?" Odin asked playfully.
"Her breasts, obviously," he answered without hesitation, causing the Valkyrie to blush even harder.
"Hmmm… So that would make you the Chichiryuutei then," said Odin with an amused smile.
[No! I won't accept that title!] shouted Ddraig, surprising everyone.
"Woah! Easy partner. No need to shout," said Issei trying to calm him down.
[Look partner, I put up with a lot after all we've been through, but this is one thing I won't accept! You should understand the importance of titles as well since you've been working on your reputation as well. What he's doing won't just stick to you, but to me as well!] he complained.
"Come now, there's no reason to get bent out of shape," teased Odin.
[I will burn you alive! God or not!]
"You don't have a body to do that, Ddraig," said Issei.
"Hehehe, what an interestin' find, seeing what can even shake the famous Welsh Dragon," said Odin mischievously.
Ddraig growled from the Boosted Gear and Azazel stepped in. "Alright, that's enough. If we keep talking like this, we'll miss the match."
Sirzechs, Michael, and Serafall nodded in agreement and Issei realized that he got too caught up in the conversation. "Right, let's go see the match."
They all walked to the viewing area and as they walked Odin asked Issei one last question. "Hey, I've been wondering. Who are the ladies who have been with you the whole time? The one in the tight-fitting outfit seems familiar, and I feel divinity from the other."
"They are my Servants. People who I've gone through hell and back with. They are very important to me," said Issei. Odin and Rossweisse saw his expression and were surprised by how mature it seemed. It definitely wasn't the face of an 18-year-old, it was one that showed experience and maturity that was usually on seasoned warriors.
"I see…," said Odin.
The group made it just as the match was about to start. [Everyone, I, the "Queen" of the Lucifer group, Grayfia, will be carrying the role of arbiter in the "Rating Game" between the Gremory group and the Sitri group on this occasion] announced Grayfia. Issei noticed that the battlefield was a familiar place to him. [In the name of my master, Sirzechs Lucifer, I will watch over the battle between these two families. It's a pleasure to be here. To get right to the main topic, the battlefield for today is the department store within the neighborhood of the school "Kuou Academy" that Rias-sama and Sona-sama attend, which has been prepared within a separate space as the game field.]
"You guys did this on purpose. Is it really fine to manipulate the environment of a match like this?" asked Issei, earning some smiles and shrugs from the Maous.
[Both groups have been transported to their respective "bases". Rias-sama's "base" is on the second floor of the east side, while Sona-sama's "base" is on the first floor of the west side. In order for "Pawns" to promote, please go to your opponent's "bases". This time, there will be special rules. Documents on this have been sent to each group, so please check them. A single bottle of the healing item "Phoenix Tears" has been provided to each team. Furthermore, the time to strategize before the battle is thirty minutes. Contact with the opponent during this time is forbidden. The game is scheduled to start after thirty minutes. Then, let the strategy time begin.]
As the teams began to plan Issei was wondering what the special rules were for the match. "So, what's the special rules?" asked Ashtart.
"Well, the first is that they can't destroy the complex that they're in," explained Azazel.
That caused Issei and Ashtart to make complicated faces. Scàthach made a thoughtful expression. "I see. This is problematic for Rias, Akeno, and Xenovia, who are power types," she said.
"What a boring rule," said Iskandar, clearly disappointed. "How can you have a good match when you have to fight while restrained? I understand a tactical battle, but it should be done with everything at their disposal, not because of some arbitrary rule."
"Of course you would think that way. You like to think outside the box. No, more like your solution to a maze is simply to go in a straight line, through everything," said Issei.
"Hahaha! That's true!" said Iskandar shamelessly.
Azazel had a smirk on his face from their banter. "The other rule is that use of Gasper's Sacred Gear is forbidden."
"Because he doesn't have full control over it yet," finished Issei. Azazel nodded in confirmation.
After some time, the match started. There were two monitors for the two teams as they began their strategy. Issei and his Servants watched intently as Gasper turned into a swarm of bats and spread out across the battlefield in small groups. "Looks like he improved his vampire abilities," stated Sirzechs.
"He's been working hard this past month to accept himself and become braver. Once he gained some confidence, learning about his abilities became easier," explained Issei.
"Looks like he's going to do some surveillance for Rias' team," said Scàthach.
"A sound strategy," said Michael.
"And one that was done out of necessity since Rias is unfortunately outnumbered," said Azazel.
Not long after Gasper dispersed Kiba and Xenovia separated from the group, going the roundabout way through the parking lot. Since the rest of the group didn't have any pawns they stayed in a group, taking a defensive formation around Rias. Sona's side wasn't idle, as her team split into groups. One group went around to the parking lot where Kiba was heading, one was heading straight for Rias' group and Sona moved to the roof of the building. "Looks like Sona is gonna play it safe and let her peerage wear Rias' down," said Issei.
"Hmmmm… since Lucifer's sister's group had their hands tied, this battle may not be as one-sided as we thought," said Odin.
"Actually, it's the opposite. This battle had become one-sided in So-tan's favor," said Serafall excitedly.
Issei kept a composed face as he watched the screen as did his Servants. They all watched intently to see how things would progress. After some time Issei and his Servants grimaced as an announcement was made. [Rias Bishop: Retired] announced Grayfia.
"Haah… So much for that tactic," Issei couldn't help but sigh a bit exasperated at how easily Gasper was taken out. He was lured by one of the members to one of the grocery shopping centers and was knocked into a stand full of garlic. The smell was too overwhelming for him, and it knocked him out. "To think he had such a cliché weakness…"
"Maybe we should increase his training in resilience next. It's disgraceful that he was taken out before he even fought anyone," said Scàthach, clearly annoyed.
"It's our fault. We were so focused on powering him up that we neglected his defenses," said Issei.
"Maybe so, but that's still no excuse–"
"Please go easy on him, Shishou. The fact he can battle coherently despite his personality is already progress enough. We'll just have to do better in the future."
"...Very well, Master," said Scàthach reluctantly.
Getting back to the game, Rias' group decided it was time to progress forward once they knew Gasper was out of the picture. "Their only option is to move in and take out Sona as quickly as possible," said Iskandar.
"I don't doubt they can do it. It's just about getting to her," said Ashtart.
Issei nodded in agreement as he watched the match progress. The first to make contact was Kiba's group as they encountered Tsubaki (queen), Tomoe (knight), and Tsubasa (rook). Tsubaki was holding a naginata while Tomoe had a katana. Tsubasa took a fighting stance similar to a boxer. "We'll be stopping you here, Kiba-kun, Xenovia-san," said Tsubaki.
"We'll see about that," said Xenovia defiantly.
"We can't let our efforts in training be in vain," said Kiba, also taking a fighting stance with his sword.
"We're the same. For those who mocked our King's dream, we'll show them our resolve!" said Tomoe strongly.
Issei could only stare solemnly at the screen, internally conflicted by this match. He put a lot of effort into training Rias and the others, but he also sympathized with Sona and her dream. The two Maou looked at the screen with satisfied smiles, happy at the determination of their respective sister's peerages. Scàthach stared at the screen stoically. She seemed to be thinking about something when she saw Sona's group. Iskandar was smiling at the warrior's spirit both sides seemed to show as they began their battle. "Now things get interesting," he said cheerily.
Tsubaki and Tomoe charged in first, meeting Kiba and Xenovia who did the same. Kiba, using his holy-demonic sword, clashed with Tsubaki, while Xenovia fought with Tomoe. Despite Xenovia's sword being larger and sturdier than Tomoe's katana, Tomoe managed to fend off her attacks well by deflecting them. Xenovia tried using her sword's holy aura against them but then something happened that surprised even Issei. "Hoh? They reversed the effects of the holy aura," commented Odin.
"Since when could they do that? That sounds like a really useful ability," questioned Issei.
"That would be thanks to me," said Azazel proudly, getting questioning gazes from Issei and Sirzechs. With a wry smile he continued. "It's an ability called "Reversal" that we've been studying for some time, and I offered it to Sona's group in order to gather research data. Looks like they're putting it to good use."
"Isn't it considered cheating to be given something from a faction to use in a match?"
"It's not like an illegal item. It's a weapon, a tool. How it's used is ultimately up to the individual. Besides, are you one to talk considering all the help you provided to Rias' group?" Issei couldn't argue back at that, but it did make him consider a few things for the future of Rias' group.
Back at the match Xenovia's attack was changed from holy to demonic which lessened the effects of the attack that hit Tomoe. A similar event happened between Kiba and Tsubaki as Kiba's holy attributes were changed to demonic, weakening the damage he was dealing. However, despite this surprise it didn't slow down Kiba in the slightest. His form and technique kept up with Tsubaki and even began to overwhelm her. The only reason she was able to hold her own was because her naginata gave her some range and allowed her more time to move. Kiba managed to knock her weapon away for a moment and attempted to close in on Tsubaki, but then noticed something heading towards him in his peripheral vision and was forced to dodge out of the way. As he dodged, a car was sent flying past him. Kiba couldn't completely hide his surprise as he looked at the source. Tsubasa had used her strength to toss one of the replica cars at Kiba. "I thought they couldn't destroy the environment?" questioned Issei.
"They can't destroy the complex. They can still break things in the area," clarified Azazel.
Dumb technicality, thought Issei, as he quietly huffed to himself. Back at the match, Tsubaki tried to capitalize on Kiba being distracted and closed in to attack him. Although things didn't go as planned as she suddenly found herself attacked from below. Holy-demonic swords erupted from beneath her and cut and pierced her, causing her severe damage. Tsubaki managed to move out of the way enough to avoid serious damage, but she wasn't able to reverse the holy aura of the swords this time and she was severely weakened. Tsubasa was shocked by the sudden turn of events as well, but quickly went to toss another car at Kiba. Meanwhile, Tomoe was trying to use her skills with her katana to outmaneuver Xenovia, but despite the size of Durandal, Xenovia swung it with great speed and precision and countered all of her attempts to whittle down Xenovia's health. The viewers couldn't help but be awed by the swordswoman's skill, with Issei smiling as he recognized Xenovia's movements. I see Xenovia learned well from Artoria. I knew she would match her power, but Xenovia needed to improve her attack speed, otherwise she would leave too many openings when attacking.
Tomoe wasn't sure what to do now. She was hoping that her speed combined with reverse would give her the advantage but now she seemed to be on the back foot. She glanced at Tsubasa, hoping she could back her up, but she was currently trying to keep Kiba busy while Tsubaki was recovering. "Where are you looking?!" said Xenovia, as she suddenly swung with more force than before. Tomoe prepared to use reverse again, expecting a holy aura attack, but Xenovia had decided to use her sword as just a hunk of metal and ended up smashing through Tomoe's katana and cutting her across her torso. That seemed to be enough, and she began to fade away. [Sona's Knight: Retired, announced Grayfia.
Tsubaki who had managed to free herself from the swords and Tsubasa who was trying to fight Kiba, couldn't help but look and see their comrade fade away. Xenovia and Kiba tried to push their momentum and charged at the distracted pair. Kiba tried to finish Tsubaki while Xenovia dealt with Tsubasa. The other pair snapped out of it and quickly retaliated. Tsubasa threw another car at Xenovia, but she sliced it in half without issue, and Tsubaki went back to trading attacks with Kiba but now had to look out for Kiba summoning more swords beneath her. As the match was going on they were interrupted by another announcement. [Rias' Bishop: Retired]. Grayfia's announcement had now distracted Kiba and Xenovia, with Xenovia particularly worried. Tsubaki and Tsubasa capitalized on this, and the pair tried to focus on taking out Xenovia. Tsubaki rushed her and Xenovia in a panic sent a wave of holy energy at her, only for it to be reversed again. Tsubaki charged through the demonic energy only taking minor damage and began to trade blows with Xenovia, who had become frantic after learning Asia was taken out. Kiba tried to intervene but was stopped as another car was sent flying at him. Not only that but Tsubasa also managed to throw one at Xenovia and she had to decide to fend off Tsubaki or block the car. She pushed back Tsubaki and sliced the car in half, but Tsubaki recovered in time and charged Xenovia. Desperate yet again, Xenovia launched another wave of holy aura at her, but this time Tsubaki countered with her Sacred Gear, Mirror Alice. The attack was reflected back at Xenovia, and she suffered from her own holy aura, and it was enough to eliminate her, her body fading away. [Rias' Kight: Retired] announced Grayfia.
Kiba grimaced at the sight of his teammate being eliminated. Tsubaki and Tsubasa both turned to face Kiba. "Sorry Kiba-kun, but this is the end for you," said Tsubaki.
Kiba showed a defiant smile. "Is that so?" he said, readying himself for his uphill battle.
I know, I know, I'm late uploading this chapter. Life has been hectic for me lately and getting sick again on top of that caused this delay. I originally planned to use this month to work on a secondary story of my choosing but due to life stuff I think I will only focus on the next chapter of Fate of the Red Dragon. But I would like to thank the people who support me and my stories as every little bit helps to push me to keep writing these stories, as well as all you faithful readers who keep coming back. Truly, thank you. Now enough about that, for this chapter and the next I decided to make it a two parter. I could have easily summarized this match into a small and quick series of events, but since I like to do 11 chapters per volume that would leave 3 chapters of me having to do filler, and while I have a idea for what I want to do for one of those chapters, coming up with two more would be tricky. This volume suffers from being too focused on a certain aspect and not really fleshing out this that happen in it until later, so I split the rating game into two chapters. Expect the next chapter to be the finale of Rias vs Sona as well as an encounter with a certain soon-to-be dead man(If you know you know). Anyways, I look forward to the comments as always and sorry for being so late with this chapter again. : )