Darkness. An endless void surrounded Leo, suffocating in its silence. He floated weightlessly, untethered from reality, unable to tell which way was up or down. His mind clawed for clarity, but all that came rushing back was pain—waves of memories crashing into him, each more unbearable than the last.
The rating game.
Issei.
His best friend… his brother.
The moment replayed on an endless loop: Issei's pained smile, his body going limp, blood pouring from his chest. The sound of Riser's laughter echoed in the distance, a cruel reminder of Leo's failure.
"Damn it… DAMN IT!" Leo roared, his voice tearing through the void. It echoed endlessly, as if mocking his anguish. His chest tightened, his fists trembling at the memory of Riser's smug face. His heart ached with the weight of helplessness, the crushing realization that he hadn't been strong enough to save the person who mattered most.
"Ragnar! Berserker!" he shouted, his voice filled with desperation and fury. He needed guidance. He needed answers. But all he got was silence, a void that seemed to swallow his cries whole.
Then, the void began to change.
A low rumble spread through the darkness, faint at first, then deafening as the space around him was consumed by a raging inferno. Flames burst to life, illuminating the void with an intense orange and red hue. The fire roared, its heat pressing down on him, suffocating yet oddly… invigorating. It was as if the flames themselves were alive, feeding off his rage, his pain, his determination.
Leo shielded his eyes from the brightness, but slowly, his vision adjusted to the blazing inferno. What he saw froze him in place.
A massive red dragon, its scales gleaming like molten metal, lay coiled within the sea of flames. Its piercing green eyes radiated power and fury, locked not on Leo but on something behind him.
Leo turned, his heart sinking.
It was Riser, his flaming fist embedded in Issei's chest, the same scene replaying again and again. Each time, it felt like a fresh dagger to Leo's soul. The sight of Issei's weak smile, the way his hand had reached out to touch Leo's forehead—it was a memory that would haunt him forever.
A guttural growl rumbled from the dragon, shaking the fiery expanse. Its breath came in heavy, controlled bursts, though its eyes burned with unbridled rage.
"So, we are in agreement," the dragon spoke, its voice deep and commanding, echoing through the flames. "That Phoenix must pay…"
Leo snapped his head toward the dragon, his fists tightening. The sight of Riser, the memory of Issei's last moments, reignited his fury. He nodded firmly, his teeth clenched.
"I made that prick a promise," Leo growled, his voice low and dangerous. "I'll rip out his heart for everything he's done. For Issei. For Rias. For everyone he's hurt…"
The dragon's lips curled into a faint smirk, revealing razor-sharp teeth that gleamed in the firelight. It snorted, sending waves of heat through the air.
"Good," the dragon rumbled, lowering its massive head toward Leo. "You've got fire in you, young one. I like that. But before you act on that rage, there is much we need to discuss."
Leo blinked, confused. "Who… are you? What the hell is going on?!"
The dragon's emerald eyes met his, unwavering and intense.
"I am Ddraig," it declared, its voice filled with authority. "The Red Dragon of Domination. And you… you are now my host."
Leo's eyes widened. "Wait—what?! Host? You were… Issei's sacred gear!"
Ddraig let out a low, mournful growl, his eyes narrowing. "Yes. Issei Hyoudou, my previous partner. A good soul. Reckless, foolish at times, but his heart burned brighter than most. And now, thanks to him, you bear the [Boosted Gear]."
Leo's mind raced, flashes of Issei's final moments filling his thoughts. His best friend's weak smile, the gentle poke to his forehead. It all started to click. "When Issei touched me… he transferred it, didn't he?"
The dragon's expression darkened, his massive claws digging into the fiery ground. "In his final moments, yes. His body was failing. His time as my host had reached its end, but Issei…" Ddraig paused, his tone softening. "Issei refused to let my power fade. With what little strength he had left, he willed me to you."
Leo's throat tightened, emotion choking him. "He… he wanted me to finish this."
"Indeed," Ddraig rumbled, his voice filled with both pride and sorrow. "That boy defied death itself to ensure you would carry on the fight. To see Riser Phoenix brought low." The dragon's gaze hardened, his fangs bared. "That bastard dared to kill my host. He mocked a dragon, disrespected our bond. Such insolence cannot go unpunished."
Leo felt his rage reignite, the fire within him burning hotter than the inferno around him. "Then let's make sure he pays. I'll show him what happens when you piss off a dragon."
Ddraig chuckled, the sound deep and reverberating. "I like your spirit, boy. But this isn't just about vengeance. This is about domination. About teaching that arrogant phoenix what it means to stand against true power."
Leo smirked, his eyes burning with determination. "It's a promise, Ddraig. From warrior to dragon. Riser's done for."
The dragon's eyes gleamed with approval, a fiery light dancing in his pupils. "Good. Then it's time."
The inferno began to fade, the flames receding into the void as darkness crept in once more. Ddraig's massive form began to blur, his voice the last thing to echo in Leo's ears.
"Awaken, Leo. The battlefield awaits. Show Riser the wrath of a dragon!"
Leo's eyes snapped open, a fiery glow igniting in his pupils. His entire body surged with energy, his heart pounding with purpose. For Issei, for everyone Riser had hurt.
The room was steeped in silence, save for the faint sound of Leo's ragged breathing. He sat on the edge of his bed, his shoulders slumped and his gaze fixed on the floor. Though newfound energy coursed through his body, his mind remained a battlefield of guilt and grief. Tears streamed down his face, hot and relentless, but no sobs escaped him. His expression was locked in a grimace, anger flickering in his glowing eyes—one bright green, the other dark blue.
He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as a singular emotion consumed him.
Rage.
"I'm surprised you're awake," a familiar, soothing voice said from the shadows.
Leo snapped his head up, his glowing eyes narrowing before softening at the sight of a figure stepping forward. A small smile tugged at his lips despite his turmoil.
"Hey, Gray…" His voice was hoarse, heavy with weariness. "I'm sorry. I'm not… doing the best right now."
Grayfia stood there, her usual composed demeanor laced with something gentler—concern. She approached him, her heels silent against the wooden floor.
"It's understandable," she said softly, her silver eyes meeting his. "You've endured a great loss. You all have. After you lost consciousness in Lord Riser's grasp, Lady Rias threw herself at him to protect you. She was terrified he might kill you."
Leo's hands ran through his disheveled hair as he stood, pacing the room in frustration. A deep sigh escaped him, his chest heaving under the weight of his emotions.
"It's because I was too weak," he growled, his voice rising. "I was pathetic! This… this is all my fault. Issei's death, Rias being forced to marry that bastard—all of it! It's all on me!"
Before he could spiral further, Grayfia reached out and cupped the side of his face, her touch firm yet comforting.
"Leo," she said gently but firmly, "you are not to blame for Issei's death. Riser is a cruel, egotistical man. Issei made his choice—he sacrificed himself to save you because you mattered to him. More than you may ever know. You're not just important to him, but to Lady Rias and the rest of the peerage."
Leo's lips twitched into a sad, fleeting smile, but the pain in his eyes remained.
"Thank you," he said, his voice cracking. "But… it doesn't make it hurt any less. I tried. I really did. Losing isn't what kills me. What hurts is knowing I'm the reason my best friend died."
Grayfia's expression softened as she stepped closer. "You fought harder than anyone I've seen. Each time Riser knocked you down, you got back up. And you did something few have managed before—you hurt him. He even had to resort to using a Phoenix Tear." She allowed herself a small, proud smile.
Leo took a deep, shaky breath. He had to push aside the self-pity—for now. His focus had to shift to what mattered most: Rias and the others.
"How long was I out?" he asked, his voice still heavy with guilt.
Grayfia furrowed her brows. "A week," she answered. Her tone grew serious. "The engagement party will be starting soon."
The words hit Leo like a hammer. He growled under his breath, the anger bubbling back up. He didn't care about how long he'd been unconscious—what mattered was the thought of Rias being forced to stand beside that monster.
"Where are the others?" he asked, his tone sharp.
"Lady Rias instructed Asia to stay by your side and care for you," Grayfia explained. "I assisted where I could as well. You were very badly injured. The rest of the peerage is in the underworld with Lady Rias. She wanted them there with her for the engagement."
Grayfia pulled something from her pocket—a small leaflet bearing a sigil Leo didn't recognize. She extended it toward him with a slight smile.
"What's this?" Leo asked, taking it carefully from her hand.
Grayfia's smile widened. "If you wish, this will transport you directly to the engagement party."
Leo's breath hitched, his wide eyes darting between the leaflet and Grayfia. "Are you serious?"
For the first time, Grayfia chuckled—a soft, melodic sound uncharacteristic of her usual stoic demeanor. "Sir Zechs gave me an important message to pass along to you." She cleared her throat, mimicking her lord's voice with surprising accuracy. "'If you want to take my sister back, raid the place.'"
A rush of warmth flooded Leo's chest. Relief, determination, and gratitude surged through him as he bowed deeply before Grayfia.
"T-Thank you, Gray," he stammered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll never forget this. You and Sir Zechs… I'll always owe you."
Grayfia stepped forward and placed her hands on his shoulders, gently straightening him. Her silver eyes glimmered with a rare softness.
"You truly are fascinating, Leo," she said, her lips curving into a fond smile. "You're a mystery yet an open book. I've met countless devils in my time, but none quite like you. When your mind is made up, there's no force on Earth or in the underworld that can slow you down."
Leo chuckled nervously, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "It's one of my bad qualities."
Grayfia shook her head and, to his surprise, lightly pinched his cheek. "I disagree. It's one of the things I find most fascinating about you."
With that, she stepped back, her body glowing as a blue teleportation circle formed beneath her feet.
"Good luck, Leo," she said with a faint smirk before vanishing in a flash of light.
Just as Grayfia disappeared, the door to Leo's room creaked open. Standing in the doorway, holding a large bowl of water with a rag and a small bar of soap, was none other than Asia. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw Leo awake and sitting on the edge of his bed.
"L-Leo?" Asia stuttered, her voice trembling. Her grip on the bowl faltered, and it slipped from her hands, crashing to the floor. Water spilled across the carpet, but Asia didn't seem to notice. She ran toward him, her small frame cannoning into his chest with enough force to knock him back onto the bed. Her arms trembled as she clung to him tightly, as if he might vanish if she let go.
Leo winced slightly at the impact but quickly softened, a relieved smile gracing his face as he gently stroked her hair.
"Good to see you, Asia. I'm okay," he said, his voice calm and reassuring.
But his words only made Asia cling tighter. Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks as she buried her face in his chest.
"Thank goodness! Really, thank goodness!" she cried, her voice quivering with emotion. "Although you were completely healed, you stayed unconscious for a whole week! I was so scared... I thought you might not wake up again..."
Leo held her close, his hand continuing to stroke her hair as he tried to ease her worry.
"I keep making you worry, huh? Sorry," he said, his tone tinged with melancholy.
Asia shook her head against his chest, her grip tightening. "I'll always worry about you, you dummy. You were one of the first friends I ever made! How could I not?!"
Leo's smile faltered, his mind drifting back to Issei. The guilt weighed heavily on him, a constant ache in his chest.
"Asia... I... I couldn't save him," Leo said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Issei... he's gone because of me. I was too weak. I couldn't protect him."
Asia pulled back slightly, her tear-streaked face looking up at him with a mixture of sadness and determination. "No, Leo. Don't say that. You fought so hard. Issei... he believed in you. He gave you his power because he knew you could finish what he started. Don't let his sacrifice be in vain."
Leo's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. "I won't. I swear it. But... it doesn't change the fact that I failed him. I failed all of you."
Asia shook her head fiercely, her hands gripping his shoulders. "You didn't fail us, Leo. You're still here. You're still fighting. And that's what matters. Issei wouldn't want you to blame yourself. He'd want you to keep going, to protect the people he cared about."
Leo looked into her eyes, seeing the unwavering faith she had in him. It was a small comfort, but it was enough to steady his resolve.
"Asia, there's something important I have to do," Leo said, his voice turning serious.
Asia pulled away completely, wiping the tears from her eyes as she looked up at him quizzically. "Yes?"
Leo's expression hardened, his cyan eyes—now a striking, otherworldly hue—locking onto hers. "I'm going to save Rias."
Asia blinked, surprised by the sudden change in his demeanor. She pointed at his face, her voice soft with awe. "Leo, your eyes... they're cyan now."
Leo frowned, glancing at his reflection in the window. Indeed, his eyes had changed, a vivid cyan that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light. He thought back to what they used to be, but his memory was hazy. All he could recall was Rias mentioning they looked like the sky, back when the Berserker's influence was just beginning to take hold.
"Huh, neat," Leo said flatly, brushing it off. He had more pressing matters to attend to.
"Listen, Asia. Rias needs my help. I'm going to save her," Leo said, his voice deathly serious.
Asia stared at him for a moment, her brow furrowing with concern. "Are you sure that's a good idea? You just woke up, and Riser is... he's dangerous."
Leo's mouth curled into a cocky smirk, though his eyes burned with determination. "I had him beat last time. He only won because he had a Phoenix tear. This time, I'm not letting that bastard escape."
His voice dropped to a low growl, his eyes flickering with a mirage of colors—blue, green, and a mix of both. Asia took a step back, startled by the intensity in his gaze.
"I'll go with you!" Asia said suddenly, her voice firm. "Let me get dressed, and I'll—"
"No," Leo interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. He reached out and gently grabbed her arm, stopping her in her tracks. "You stay here."
Asia's eyes widened, hurt flashing across her face. "But I can help! I've been practicing my magic. I don't want to just sit back and be protected anymore. I want to fight with you!"
Leo's expression softened, but his resolve didn't waver. "Asia, I can't risk it. Not again. Last time... last time I wasn't strong enough. I won't make the same mistake twice. I won't let anyone else get hurt because of me."
Asia's lips trembled, tears welling up in her eyes once more. "Don't make promises you can't keep! You'll get worn out, covered in blood, and messed up again! You'll get hurt badly..." Her voice broke as she remembered the state he was in after the rating game. "I don't want to see you like that again."
Leo gently grabbed her by the shoulders, his touch firm but comforting. He looked down at her with a confident smile, his cyan eyes blazing with determination.
"Listen to me, Asia. Riser doesn't know who he's messing with. I'm not the same person I was before. I've got Ddraig now, and I've got a score to settle. I swear to you, I won't die. I'll bring Rias back home, where she belongs. Where we all belong."
Asia wiped away her tears, a bittersweet smile gracing her face. She nodded slowly, her trust in him unwavering.
"Okay... I'll stay behind. But you have to promise me something," she said, her voice steady despite the tears.
"Anything," Leo replied without hesitation.
"No matter what, please bring everyone home. I want all of us to go out and have fun as a group, like friends do," Asia said, her smile hopeful.
Leo patted her head, a small smile of his own forming. "That's a given. Anyone who stands in my way will be destroyed."
A sudden thought crossed his mind, and his smirk turned mischievous. "Oh, and Asia... could I borrow some of your holy stuff from when you were with the church?"
Asia tilted her head, confused but willing. "Sure? Just... please be careful. They're poisonous to devils."
Leo nodded, his expression serious once more. "I will. Thanks, Asia."
As Asia slowly left the room, closing the door behind her, Leo walked over to the window. He looked out at the quiet neighborhood, his gaze drifting up to the full moon shining brightly in the night sky. Its light bathed the world below, casting long shadows and illuminating the path ahead.
Leo glanced down at his left arm, curiosity flickering in his eyes. His mind was sharp, focused, and ready for the fight to come.
"Yo, Ddraig. If you can hear me, we need to talk. I've got something to ask you," Leo said, his tone serious.
In a flash of green light, the red gauntlet of the Boosted Gear materialized on his arm. The large green jewel glowed faintly, embers of fire swirling within it.
Ddraig's deep, booming voice echoed through the room. "What is it you need, Leo?
The grand ballroom was a spectacle of opulence, filled with high-status devils adorned in lavish attire. The air buzzed with the hum of polite conversation and the clinking of champagne glasses. Nobles mingled, their laughter echoing off the high ceilings, while the members of Riser and Rias's peerages stood scattered throughout the room. Ravel Phoenix, Riser's younger sister, could be seen among the crowd, her pink fan fluttering as she engaged in conversation with a group of nobles. Her smug smile and haughty laugh were a carefully crafted facade, masking her discomfort with the proceedings.
"Oh, my brother's victory was nothing short of spectacular," Ravel said, her voice dripping with false pride. "The Gremory heir never stood a chance. It's only natural that she would submit to his greatness."
The nobles around her nodded politely, though some exchanged knowing glances. Ravel's performance was convincing, but beneath her fan, her lips pressed into a thin line. She hated this charade, but duty demanded she play her part.
Suddenly, a spark of flame erupted at the front of the room, drawing everyone's attention. The flames grew into a towering wall of fire, illuminating the ballroom in a warm, golden glow. Just as quickly as it appeared, the fire vanished, revealing Riser Phoenix standing on the stage.
The room fell silent, all eyes turning to the Phoenix heir. Instead of his usual maroon suit, Riser wore a pristine white ensemble accented with red and gold, a blue belt cinching his waist. His arrogant smirk was on full display as he addressed the crowd.
"Famed nobles of the devil world!" Riser announced, his voice carrying through the hall. "The Phoenix family is honored to have your attendance tonight. We've gathered you here to witness a historic moment—the formal announcement of my union with the heiress apparent of the Gremory family, Rias Gremory!"
He spun dramatically, his arm sweeping toward the space behind him. "Without further ado, let me introduce... my empress, Rias Gremory!"
A red teleportation circle, emblazoned with the Gremory family insignia, materialized on the stage. Rias stepped through, her presence commanding the room. She wore an extravagant wedding dress, its intricate lace and shimmering fabric catching the light. But her crimson eyes, usually so full of fire and determination, were dull and distant.
As her foot touched the floor, a sudden commotion erupted from the entrance hall. The sound of splintering wood and snapping metal echoed through the ballroom as one of the large double doors was violently flung open. A guard came crashing through, his body slamming into the marble floor as the door's hinges gave way.
All eyes turned to the entrance, where Leo stood, framed by the broken doorway.
He was dressed in a tailored formal suit, its deep purple fabric accented with silver embroidery that caught the light. A black dress shirt peeked out from beneath his jacket, its collar unbuttoned slightly, giving him a roguish yet elegant appearance. His pants were slim-fitting, tucked into polished black boots, and a silver chain hung from his belt, adding a touch of rebellion to his otherwise refined look. His cyan eyes glowed faintly, cutting through the dim light of the ballroom like twin beacons.
Leo's gaze swept the room, locking onto Rias's. Her eyes widened in shock, but beneath that surprise was a flicker of hope—a spark that had been absent since the rating game. Leo's expression softened as he looked at her, his love and determination shining through. But when his eyes shifted to Riser, that softness vanished, replaced by a burning rage.
"You didn't think to invite me, Riser?" Leo called out, his voice dripping with mockery. "I'm hurt! Truly destroyed! Here I thought we had a connection..."
"Leo..." Rias whispered, her voice barely audible. Relief flooded her features, but it was quickly tempered by worry.
Riser's face twisted with fury, his hands clenching into fists. "Who do you think you are, boy?!" he shouted, his voice reverberating through the hall.
Leo smirked, his confidence unshaken. He glanced to his right, where a server stood holding a tray of assorted alcoholic beverages. With a casual stride, he approached her, plucking two glasses of whiskey from the tray. He held them up toward Riser in a mock toast.
"I go by many things," Leo said, his tone playful yet laced with menace. "Leo Young, the guy your mom calls when she's had one too many margaritas, the guy your sister won't stop writing about in her diary..." He paused, his smirk widening into a feral grin. "And the last mistake you'll ever make."
With that, he downed both glasses in quick succession, slamming them onto the floor. The sound of shattering glass echoed through the silent ballroom, shards scattering across the marble.
Ravel, who had been watching from the sidelines, felt her cheeks flush. She quickly hid behind her fan, praying no one had noticed her reaction.
Riser's face turned crimson with rage. "How dare you..." he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
"How dare I?!" Leo roared, his voice booming like thunder. "HOW DARE I?! You killed my best friend! You took my woman—MY WOMAN! I came here to avenge him and take back what you stole!"
The air in the room grew heavy, thick with Leo's murderous intent. His aura flared, a palpable force that sent shivers down the spines of everyone present. Even Sona, Koneko, Akeno, and Kiba, who stood among the crowd, felt the weight of his rage.
"If I have to, I will destroy the Phoenix house just to rip your head from your shoulders!" Leo bellowed, his eyes blazing with fury.
Riser took an involuntary step back, sweat beading on his forehead. The nobles around him murmured nervously, some even laughing nervously at Leo's audacity.
"Seize him!" Riser shouted, his voice cracking with desperation.
Guards rushed forward, their spears pointed at Leo. But before they could reach him, Leo's aura surged, sending a gust of wind through the ballroom. His eyes glowed brighter, and in an instant, he moved.
To the onlookers, it was as if he had teleported. One moment, he was standing still; the next, he was behind the guards, each one collapsing to the ground with a single, precise strike.
"That was super hot," Akeno murmured, her cheeks flushed as she fanned herself.
"That was dope," Koneko said, her arms crossed as she nodded in approval.
Kiba grinned, giving Leo a thumbs-up. "Your aura and power are incredible, my friend."
Sona pushed through the crowd, her expression a mix of worry and admiration. "Leo, you shouldn't push yourself too hard. You just woke up from a week-long coma."
The nobles, meanwhile, were in an uproar.
"Is this your doing, Lord Riser?" one demanded, his voice laced with accusation.
"What is the meaning of this?!" another shouted. "What is this low-born doing here?!"
Before Riser could respond, a new figure appeared on the stage. A man with flowing red hair and piercing blue eyes stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate attention. His broad shoulders were adorned with gold-engraved pauldrons, and his smile was one of quiet amusement.
"A little entertainment I prepared," the man said, his voice smooth and calm.
Rias turned, her eyes widening in shock. "My big brother's here?!"
Standing behind Sirzechs was Grayfia, her usual composed demeanor intact. Though her professional mask was firmly in place, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she looked at Leo.
The tension in the room crackled like a live wire as Riser turned to face Sirzechs, his fury momentarily tempered by the Lucifer's presence. His jaw clenched, knuckles whitening as he fought to maintain a veneer of composure. "What exactly do you mean by 'entertainment'?" Riser hissed, his voice trembling with suppressed rage.
Sirzechs tilted his head slightly, his smile never wavering, though his piercing blue eyes glinted with an edge sharper than steel. "The Rating Game was… enlightening, Lord Riser. But watching my sister—inexperienced, diminished—face you with half her pieces felt less like a contest and more like… predation." His tone was light, almost conversational, but the undercurrent of threat was unmistakable.
Riser's lip curled. "You dare question the outcome? I was crowned victor," he spat, gesturing grandly to the murmuring nobles. "This low-born"—he jabbed a finger at Leo—"was left broken in the dirt. Why should I stoop to face him again?"
Leo let out a low, humorless laugh. "You mean after you cheated death with your Phoenix Tears? You didn't win—you crawled." The crowd erupted into gasps and jeers.
"Insolent worm!" a noble shouted, slamming his goblet onto a table. "How dare he shame the Phoenix name!"
Sirzechs raised a hand, and the room fell silent. "Let him speak," he said calmly, though his gaze lingered on Riser. "Loss has a way of sharpening truths, does it not?"
Riser scoffed, but Sirzechs continued, his voice hardening. "You murdered one of my sister's pieces. A boy who threw himself into death's path to save another. That is no 'accident.'"
The air thickened. Akeno's hands trembled as she gripped her fan, Koneko's ears flattened, and Kiba's usual smirk dissolved into a grimace. Sona stared at the floor, her throat bobbing as she swallowed the memory of Issei's laughter.
Leo's fists shook, his nails drawing blood from his palms. The image of Issei's smile—bright, reckless, alive—flashed behind his eyes, followed by the sickening crunch of Riser's fist tearing through his chest. Stay focused. For him.
"This is absurd!" Riser snarled, his composure fracturing. "You'd advocate for this… stain? How the mighty have fallen!"
Sirzechs' smile didn't falter, but his eyes narrowed. "Fascinating. You speak of 'stains,' yet you fear a rematch. Why?" He turned to Leo, his voice softening with curiosity. "They say you wield something ancient. Something… dragon-shaped."
Leo met his gaze, cyan eyes blazing. "You want a show? I'll give you one."
Sirzechs chuckled. "Splendid! A duel—Phoenix fire against… whatever you are. What do you desire as reward, should you win?"
The nobles erupted again. "Reward a mongrel? Preposterous!"
Leo ignored them, his eyes locking onto Rias. She stood frozen, her wedding dress a gilded cage, her crimson eyes pleading. Don't do this. Please.
"Her," Leo said, voice steady. "Just her."
Sirzechs inclined his head. "Then fight for her."
In a flash of light, the ballroom dissolved. Leo and Riser stood in an arena of obsidian and flame, flanked by towering chess pieces—a blazing orange king for Riser, a jagged red rook for Leo.
Ravel's holographic face flickered above the arena, her fan clutched tightly. "You fool!" she cried, her voice trembling. "My brother will end you!"
Leo's eyes slit like a serpent's, glowing toxic teal. "I'll end him. For Issei."
Riser threw back his head and laughed. "Your 'brother'? That Reincarnated trash?" He pressed a hand to his chest, savoring the memory. "I still feel his ribs snapping under my fist. The way he gasped… like a fish on a hook."
The words hung in the air, a poison that seeped into Leo's veins. His aura erupted, a maelstrom of cyan and green, the ground cracking beneath him.
"I'll carve that smirk off your face," Leo growled, his voice echoing with a timbre not entirely human.
Riser's flames roared to life, bathing the arena in hellish light. "Try, mongrel. I'll reduce you to ashes."
The ground beneath Leo's feet exploded in a shower of stone and dirt as he lunged at Riser, fists coiled with rage. Riser smirked, unfurling his blazing Phoenix wings, and met Leo's charge head-on. Their fists collided with a thunderous crack, sending a shockwave rippling through the arena. The force of the impact rattled the spectators' bones, and for a split second, the world seemed to hold its breath.
"What makes you, low-born trash, better than Riser?!" Riser roared, his voice dripping with venom.
Leo didn't answer with words. He seized Riser by the collar, yanking him close, and slammed his forehead into the Phoenix noble's face. The sickening crunch of Riser's nose echoed across the arena, blood splattering like rubies against the obsidian floor. Riser staggered back, his perfect facade shattered, and for the first time, the crowd saw him bleed.
Gasps erupted from the nobles. "Impossible!" one hissed. "The Phoenix heir… wounded?"
Rias clutched her chest, her wedding dress suddenly feeling like a shroud. "Leo…" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Sona adjusted her glasses, her calm demeanor fraying.
Akeno fanned herself, her lips curling into a wicked smile. "Mmm, if Leo's that rough with him, I wonder what he'd do to me…"
Kiba choked on his drink. "Akeno, now is not the time—"
Koneko nibbled a pastry, unfazed. "He'd probably just pat your head. Like a dog."
Riser wiped the blood from his face, his healing magic sealing the wound with a flicker of flame. His smirk returned, but it was brittle now. "Pathetic. You think a few scratches matter? I'll burn you to ash and take everyone you care for. Rias, Akeno, Koneko—all of them. They'll beg for Riser's mercy."
Leo's fists trembled. "I'm not a genius. Not a strategist. Not even a real devil," he said, his voice low, raw. "But I've got one thing you'll never understand."
The air around Leo shifted. Cyan and green particles swirled around him like a storm, his eyes glowing a toxic teal. The ground beneath him cracked, his aura pulsing with a primal, feral rage.
"RAGE!" Leo roared, the word tearing from his throat like a war cry. "The kind that burns when someone takes your brother from you!"
A blinding red flash erupted, forcing the crowd to shield their eyes. When the light faded, Leo stood encased in armor of molten crimson, dragon-scale plates glinting like fresh blood. Green jewels pulsed along the helm, and rocket thrusters hummed at his back, wings of pure energy unfurling like a dragon's wrath made manifest.
"Welsh Dragon Over-Booster!" Ddraig's voice boomed through Leo's mind, resonating with ancient fury.
Riser laughed, but it was hollow, desperate. "A fancy costume? Dragons are extinct. Phoixes reign eternal!"
Leo shot forward, a crimson blur. His fist connected with Riser's jaw, the crack of bone echoing like a gunshot. Riser's head snapped back, blood arcing through the air.
"This armor… is Issei's legacy," Leo growled, his voice distorted, monstrous. "His promise."
Riser retaliated with a fireball, but Leo vanished, reappearing behind him. A knee to the spine sent Riser crashing into the arena wall. Stone shattered, dust billowing as Leo hauled him up by the throat.
"You think immortality makes you strong?" Leo hissed, his gauntlet glowing as Ddraig's power surged. "BOOST!"
The punch that followed atomized the air. Riser's ribs crumpled like paper, his Phoenix flames guttering as he vomited blood.
"I'll tear you apart," Leo snarled, his voice a chorus of man and dragon. "Piece by piece."
The crowd watched in horrified awe. Ravel clutched her fan, her earlier act crumbling. Her eyes wide not sure how she should react.
Sirzechs leaned forward, his playful smirk gone. "Diabolical Dragon Drive… forbidden magic fused with Sacred Gear. Fascinating."
Riser staggered to his feet, his once-pristine suit charred and torn. ""If you weren't hiding behind that armor Rook, there'd be nothing left of you! Only a pile of ash would remain.. your nothing without your tricks!"
The sky trembled as Riser and Leo collided mid-air, their roars merging into a primal symphony of hatred. Riser's flaming wings carved scorched arcs through the atmosphere, while Leo's draconic appendages thundered with raw, crackling energy. Their fists met in a cataclysmic burst of light, blinding the spectators below. When the brilliance faded, both crashed to the arena floor, the impact cratering the earth.
Leo rolled to his knees, blood dripping from his shattered faceplate. His breath came in ragged gulps, each inhale searing his lungs. Across the smoldering pit, Riser staggered upright, his once-immaculate suit charred, his golden hair matted with grime and blood.
"That all you got, bitch?" Leo spat, his voice distorted by the remnants of his helmet. The words weren't just a taunt—they were a eulogy for Issei, a vow etched in fire.
Riser's smirk twisted into something feral. "You'll beg for death before this ends," he snarled. Then he vanished.
A fist slammed into Leo's ribs. Another into his jaw. A knee drove into his gut. Riser moved like a hurricane, each blow a tempest of vengeance. "I'll hunt down everyone you've ever loved!" he roared, his voice cracking with hysteria. "Your friends, your Rias—I'll make them scream your name as I burn them to ash!"
Leo's vision blurred, but he felt the next kick coming. He twisted, letting Riser's boot graze his side, and retaliated with an uppercut that lifted the Phoenix noble off his feet. Riser's gasp of pain was a melody.
"You… filth!" Riser wheezed, clutching his stomach as he plummeted. Leo was already there, his gauntlet slamming Riser's face into the earth. The ground fissured, blood pooling beneath Riser's shattered features.
"It burns!" Riser writhed, his skin blistering as Leo loomed over him, a silver cross glowing in his decaying fist. The holy relic hissed against Leo's flesh, tendrils of smoke curling from his arm.
"Scared?" Leo rasped, pressing the cross closer. Riser's screams crescendoed as his skin sizzled. "This is for Issei."
"You're insane!" Riser choked, scrambling backward. "That cross is killing you!"
Leo laughed, a raw, broken sound. His fingers—blackened and brittle—clutched the cross tighter. "Pain's just a reminder I'm still here," he growled. "Issei… he didn't get that luxury."
With a roar, Leo swung. The cross struck Riser's chest, holy light searing through his Phoenix flames. Leo's arm screamed, muscles unraveling, bones cracking. But he didn't stop.
Riser reeled, blood gushing from his wounds, yet his smirk returned—thin, desperate. "You're dying, fool," he croaked, gripping Leo's collar. "And I'll make sure Rias watches."
Fire engulfed Riser's fist, the same flames that had stolen Issei. He struck Leo's chest—once, twice—but the blows faltered. Riser's hand trembled. "W-Why…?"
Leo's body shuddered, his armor dissolving into embers. Beneath it, his skin rippled, muscles swelling grotesquely. A low, guttural growl rumbled from his throat as his spine arched, bones cracking and reforming.
The arena quaked.
"Berserker…" Rias whispered, her voice breaking. Memories flooded her—Leo in the Rating Game, his eyes feral, his power uncontrollable. This was worse.
Sirzechs leaned forward, his playful demeanor shattered. "The Scail Mail was a vessel," he murmured, awe and dread warring in his tone. "But this… this is his soul."
Leo's form towered over Riser, a monstrous silhouette of sinew and fury. His eyes glowed toxic teal, pupils slitted like a predator's.
Riser staggered back, his bravado crumbling. "N-No… Stay back!"
Leo's fist closed around Riser's throat, lifting him effortlessly. "You took my brother," he snarled, his voice a chorus of man and beast. "Now I take everything."
The crowd fell silent. Even the flames seemed to still.
Then Leo squeezed.
Riser squirmed violently in Leo's grip, his legs kicking out in frantic desperation. His hands clawed at the fingers locked around his throat, nails scraping against unyielding flesh, but Leo's hold was like iron. The pressure tightened, crushing his windpipe, cutting off his air supply.
His vision blurred. His body screamed for oxygen. But he wasn't done yet.
With the last reserves of his magic, Riser summoned a searing flame into his palm, pressing it directly against Leo's burned and battered arm. He poured everything he had left into the fire, stoking it hotter than anything he had conjured before—hot enough to burn even a devil.
Leo snarled through gritted teeth, his body tensing as pain seared through his nerves. The flesh of his arm bubbled, blackened, and peeled away under the intensity. The muscles beneath twitched violently, nerves screaming in agony. His fingers twitched…and then, finally, his grip faltered.
With a ragged gasp, Riser collapsed to the ground, wheezing as he clawed at his bruised neck. Each breath felt like inhaling shards of glass, but even through the pain, a smirk curled on his lips.
"So… that's how Riser wins…" he rasped, forcing himself onto shaky legs. His golden eyes gleamed with a mix of triumph and malice as he stared down at his opponent.
Leo barely registered the words. His gaze was locked on his arm, now a mangled, charred mess of flesh and exposed tendons. The fingers barely responded as he willed them to move.
Then, Riser's wings flared out behind him, his body lifting off the ground. He ascended high above the battlefield, gathering the last dregs of his power into a massive, pulsating fireball. The entire sky inside the arena was bathed in its orange glow, the heat so intense that the stone statues marking each chess piece blackened and cracked under its fury.
"Farewell, lowborn filth! I am the victor once again!" Riser roared, hurling the inferno down toward Leo with all the force of divine judgment.
From the observation stands, horrified gasps erupted.
"Brother, please... stop this!" Rias cried out, turning to Sir Zechs, her eyes pleading. "Leo could be killed!"
Sir Zechs, however, remained silent. His smirk was gone, replaced by a look of intense focus. His crimson eyes gleamed with curiosity, anticipation.
"He's not done yet," Zechs murmured.
On the battlefield, Leo let out an earth-shaking roar. His emerald aura erupted around him like a storm, crackling with energy as he caught the descending fireball with both hands. His body trembled under its overwhelming heat, the flames licking at his already ruined arm, burning into his palms.
From above, Riser sneered.
"Insect bastard…" he growled. He raised his hands, calling forth more fire. At first, nothing happened—his magic reserves were dangerously low. But then, with sheer stubborn will, he forced two more fireballs into existence, gritting his teeth as he hurled them toward the massive one below.
They merged with the inferno, swelling it even larger. The heat intensified, piercing through Leo's aura. His feet dug into the cracked earth, sweat pouring down his face as his muscles strained to hold back the destruction threatening to consume him.
"That bastard is really trying to kill Leo," Kiba muttered, fists clenched.
Beside him, Koneko appeared, unfazed, eating from a small bowl of ice cream. She chewed slowly before stating, "That D-bag is going down," then took another bite.
Leo gritted his teeth, pushing back with all his strength. His fingers clawed into the flames, gripping the mass of fire itself, forcing it upward. For a moment, it seemed like it was working.
Then, with a roar of defiance, he heaved the fireball back into the sky.
Riser's smirk vanished. His eyes widened in shock just as the inferno engulfed him.
A great explosion lit up the arena, the impact shaking the battlefield. Leo staggered back, his breaths heavy, his right hand and forearm scorched to an unspeakable degree. The skin was blistered and raw, the agony unbearable.
And then, from within the fireball, laughter echoed.
"You should know…" Riser's voice rang out, amused and cruel. As the flames peeled away, he stood in the center, untouched. The fire curled around him like a protective veil before sinking back into his skin. "Riser is immune to fire."
Leo's eye twitched.
Riser smirked and, in a blur, appeared in front of him.
A flaming fist smashed into Leo's face.
The impact sent him skidding backward, his body rolling violently across the battlefield before crashing into the ground. He groaned, blood pooling from his split lip, his entire body aching from the onslaught.
Riser threw his head back and laughed, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction.
"Oh, how the mighty fall! You thought you could take my woman? You thought you could steal Rias from me?" He crouched beside Leo, grabbing him by the hair and yanking his head up. His golden eyes burned with cruel amusement. "Pathetic. In the end, you're just another broken toy beneath my heel."
Leo's half-lidded gaze met Riser's, and the noble's smirk widened.
"You know, I think I'll enjoy my wedding night even more now," Riser mused. "After all, every time I lay my hands on Rias, I'll be thinking of you. How sweet is that? You declared her yours, but in the end… she'll be mine."
Something snapped.
Leo's smirk returned, bloodied but defiant.
Then, with all the strength he had left, he jerked his head forward and smashed his skull into Riser's nose.
A sickening crack filled the air.
Riser reeled back, a pained yell escaping him as he clutched his face, blood streaming between his fingers.
The crowd gasped, but Leo wasn't done. His trembling hand reached into his back pocket, fingers wrapping around something cool and smooth. He pulled it free, the object catching the light—
A bottle of glowing liquid.
Gasps erupted from the audience. The older nobles went pale.
"Holy water?!" Sona exclaimed, her eyes wide. "Where did he even get that?!"
Leo didn't answer. His Boosted Gear flared to life on his left arm, and Ddraig's booming voice echoed through the battlefield.
"Boost!"
With a savage snarl, Leo lunged, wrapping his legs around Riser's waist and using his bad arm to pin the noble down.
"Get your filthy hands off me!" Riser bellowed, struggling frantically. He tried to summon fire, but nothing came—his body had instinctively used his last reserves of magic to heal his injuries. All he could conjure were weak, flickering embers.
His breath hitched.
His magic wasn't working.
Leo bit the cork off the holy water and spat it aside. Then, with a furious glare, he pried Riser's mouth open and dumped the entire bottle down his throat.
Riser's screams were instant.
The moment the liquid touched his tongue, his body convulsed violently. The blessed water burned him from the inside out, steam rising from his skin as blood spurted from his lips. His gurgled cries echoed through the arena as Leo smashed his fist into his face, shattering the glass bottle in the process.
Shards embedded themselves into Leo's knuckles, tiny remnants of holy water stinging his wounds, but he didn't care. His glowing eyes locked onto Riser's, voice dark and menacing.
"I made you a promise," Leo growled. "That I would crack your skull open."
As he raised his fist for another devastating blow, a sudden force gripped his shoulders.
A familiar presence.
Twin drills.
Ravel.
"Please, Sir Leo... don't hurt him anymore, he's had enough."
Ravel's voice was soft, yet desperate, trembling with the weight of fear and concern. She stood between Leo and her broken, bloodied brother, her small hands clenched at her sides, her entire body shaking.
Leo stood over Riser, his knuckles raw, his breath ragged from the storm of fury still boiling within him. Every fiber of his being screamed for him to finish what he started—to erase the stain of Riser Phoenix from existence.
But then he looked at her.
Ravel's wide blue eyes glistened, her lips pressed into a thin line to stop them from quivering. She wasn't pleading for Riser, not entirely. She was pleading for herself, for the people forced to serve under his cruelty. If Leo killed him, she would be freed from his shadow, but at what cost? If he ended Riser's life here and now, what would that make him?
A monster.
Leo exhaled, his shoulders dropping as the last embers of his rage flickered away. Slowly, he stepped back and released his grip, letting Riser slump limply to the floor like a discarded puppet.
Ravel flinched, closing her eyes tightly, expecting a final, merciless strike to come crashing down.
Instead, a warm, calloused hand gently rested atop her head.
Her breath hitched.
Leo ruffled her twin drills softly, giving her a sad smile.
"You're stronger than him, you know that?" he murmured. "You have a heart. You care about the people around you, even when they don't deserve it. That's something Riser will never understand."
Ravel's eyes widened, a soft pink dusting her cheeks.
Leo pulled his hand away and turned, his battered body moving with slow, deliberate steps as he left Riser crumpled on the floor.
Ravel knelt beside her brother, hesitantly reaching out to him. "Big brother, are you okay?" she whispered.
Riser ignored her. He coughed violently, spitting out a mouthful of blood as his fingers curled into fists. Every breath was laced with fury, every nerve in his body screamed in humiliation.
Leo was walking away.
"G-Get back here, you filthy bastard!" Riser rasped, his voice hoarse, raw with anger.
Leo didn't stop. Didn't turn.
Riser slammed his fist into the floor, his vision blurring with rage.
"ANSWER ME! WHY ARE YOU WALKING AWAY?!"
Leo sighed and finally stopped. He slowly turned, his exhausted, glowing eyes locking onto Riser with the weight of unshakable defiance.
"I only spared you because Ravel asked me to," he said simply. "So go crawl somewhere and lick your wounds. I don't care anymore."
With that, he turned back around, walking away once again.
The sheer disrespect.
The sheer audacity.
Riser's fury boiled over.
"Filthy bastard… I am Lord Riser! NONE SURPASS ME! NONE EVEN COME CLOSE!" he bellowed, his voice shaking with desperation and denial. "ETCH THIS INTO YOUR SKULL! I AM THE IMMORTAL BIRD! THE LIKES OF YOU ARE MEANT TO GROVEL AT MY FEET! OR BETTER YET—DIE! AT THE HANDS OF YOUR SUPERIOR!"
His trembling fingers reached into his coat, pulling out a small vial.
Ravel's breath hitched. "Brother, don't—!"
But it was too late.
Riser popped the cork and downed the contents, the potion surging through his body, replenishing a fraction of his lost magic. The moment the warmth of restored power pulsed through him, a sick, twisted grin stretched across his bloody lips.
With a manic glare, he summoned a massive fireball in his palm, its heat warping the very air around it.
Leo heard it before he saw it—the crackling of fire, the sudden shift in temperature. He turned just as Riser hurled the inferno straight at his back.
Gasps rang out through the ballroom. Some nobles whispered in disgust at Riser's cowardice. Others sneered at the pitiful display.
Sir Zechs frowned, his once-amused expression hardening as he leaned forward in his seat.
Leo's heartbeat slowed.
His body screamed at him to move, but something else responded first.
The Boosted Gear flared to life on his arm.
"PUNCH THIS WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT!"
Ddraig's command boomed through his mind as a medium-sized red sphere of energy formed in front of the gauntlet's knuckles.
Leo's muscles coiled. He bared his teeth, roared with raw fury, and slammed his fist into the red orb.
The impact sent shockwaves through the air, the sphere rocketing forward at blistering speed.
Ravel's eyes widened. "No…!" She vanished in a teleportation circle just before the two attacks met.
"YOU FOOL!" Leo bellowed.
The red orb devoured Riser's fireball, swallowing it whole before surging forward with unstoppable force.
Riser's smirk shattered into sheer horror. "W-What—?!"
The moment it collided, agony unlike anything he had ever known consumed him.
The noble's body was sent hurtling into the ground, his scream piercing through the arena as he thrashed. His immortal flesh seared and blackened as the power of the Red Dragon Emperor burned through him, reducing him to nothing but charred remnants of his former self.
The impact triggered a final explosion, a brilliant crimson blast that engulfed the battlefield. As the dust settled, the only remnants of Riser Phoenix were scattered pieces of his once-pristine coat, fluttering in the air like dying embers.
The room fell into stunned silence.
Sir Zechs smirked and stood to his feet.
"This battle is done," he declared, snapping his fingers.
A deep chime resonated through the arena, signaling the match's end.
Leo stood there, chest rising and falling heavily, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles had gone white. He stared at the smoldering spot where Riser once lay, his body trembling with exhaustion, with rage, with everything that had led to this moment.
He had won.
But it didn't feel like victory.
Not yet.
The arena dissolved into shimmering motes of light, and Leo plummeted through the void, the maroon skies of the Underworld stretching endlessly above him. His wings flickered weakly, then vanished—every muscle screamed, every bone felt hollowed out. The Berserker's power receded like a tide, leaving him shrunken, fragile, human.
Issei… His throat tightened. He'd ripped Riser apart, shattered his arrogance, but the hole in his chest remained. "I kept my promise," he whispered to the wind, voice cracking. "But it doesn't… fix anything. It just… hurts."
Memories flashed—Issei's goofy grin as they'd raced through Kuoh's streets, his fist bump after their first training session, the way he'd laughed even as blood soaked his shirt. "You're gonna crush him, Leo. Just… don't die, okay?"
A sob clawed its way up Leo's throat.
Then—impact.
Not the ground. Arms—small but unyielding—wrapped around his chest.
"You're heavy," Koneko deadpanned, her wings beating lazily as she hovered. Her expression was neutral, but her grip was iron.
Kiba floated beside her, sword strapped to his back, his smirk softer than usual. "Dramatic exits are your thing now, huh? Save some flair for the rest of us."
Akeno materialized on his other side, her lightning-edged fan tapping Leo's singed shoulder. "Mm, though I do hope you'll let me tend to those burns later. Up close." Her wink was all mischief, but her fingers brushed his hand—gentle, fleeting.
Leo huffed a laugh, raw and tired. "You guys… are the worst."
Koneko's lips twitched. "You're welcome." Then—without warning—she let go.
"Koneko!" Rias's voice shrieked from below.
Leo freefell for half a heartbeat before crashing into a cushion of crimson magic. It smelled like roses and ozone—her. Rias cradled him against her chest, her tears dripping onto his face, warm and salt-bitter.
"You… idiot," she choked, her usual poise shattered. Her fingers dug into his torn shirt, as if he might dissolve. "My reckless, stubborn… White Knight."
He lifted a trembling hand, cupping her cheek. Her skin was silk and fire, her tears smearing under his thumb. "Told you… I'd drag you home."
Rias's laugh was half-sob. "You flew here. You burned for me."
"Worth it." His voice frayed, but his smile was real. "Always."
She pressed her forehead to his, their breaths mingling. Around them, the world blurred—Kiba's whoop, Akeno's teasing hum, Koneko's quiet crunch as she bit into a cookie. None of it mattered.
For now, they were alive.
The ballroom doors creaked as Leo staggered through them, his breath ragged and uneven. Every step sent jagged needles of pain shooting up his legs. His left arm hung limp, the flesh blackened and necrotic, while his right was a blistered ruin. The scent of burnt skin and iron clung to him, but his eyes—still sharp, still alive—locked onto Sirzechs.
Rias hovered close, her fingers brushing his elbow, not to steady him, but to remind him she was there.
Sirzechs' smile softened as Leo approached. "I owe you an apology," he said, his voice carrying a rare edge of remorse. "I underestimated Riser's… depravity. Name your compensation. Anything."
Murmurs rippled through the nobles. "Two rewards for a mongrel?" one hissed. "Outrageous!"
Leo's gaze drifted past them, settling on Ravel. She stood apart from Riser's former peerage, her pink fan trembling in her hands. The other women—Yubelluna, Isabella, the twins—clustered together, their eyes hollow but hopeful. They'd been ornaments in Riser's collection, their bonds forged in shared survival. Now, they faced separation, auctioned off like trinkets.
"Let me take them," Leo said, voice rough but resolute. "Riser's peerage. Let me be their king."
The room stilled. Sirzechs' smirk returned, sharper now. "A king must have a queen," he said, gesturing to Grayfia, who stepped forward with a velvet case. Inside lay a pure white King piece, its surface shimmering like starlight.
Leo reached for it, his burnt fingers trembling. The moment the piece touched his palm, it dissolved into his chest, warmth spreading like a hearthfire.
Yubelluna, Riser's former queen, stepped forward first. Her gown was torn, her makeup smudged, but her voice rang clear. "Did that… really just happen?"
Leo met her gaze. "You're free. All of you."
Isabella, her fiery hair a tangled cascade, darted forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "You saved us," she whispered, tears spilling. She knelt, and one by one, the others followed—pawns, knights, rooks—their postures proud but relieved.
Leo knelt too, wincing as his knees hit marble. "You don't bow to me," he said, cupping Isabella's chin. "You live. Go to school, travel, sleep in—whatever you want. Just… be happy."
The twins, Lle and Nel, exploded into giggles, tugging at his sleeves. "Candy!" Lle demanded. "And ice cream!" Nel added, bouncing.
Leo chuckled, ruffling their hair. "Demanding little gremlins, aren't you?"
Marion and Burnet, still in their frilly maid outfits, approached shyly. "My lord… could we… stay as your maids?" Marion asked. "Proper ones. Not… what he wanted."
Leo's smile turned gentle. "Only if you let me help. I'm crap at folding laundry, though."
Mihae, her kimono singed but her posture regal, stepped forward last. "A shrine, my lord. For my ancestors. Riser never allowed—"
"Build it," Leo said. "Wear what you want, pray how you want. You're yours now."
Sirzechs watched, amused, as Rias sidled up to him. "You've chosen well, little sister," he murmured. "Mother will adore him. She'll knit him sweaters. Force-feed him pie."
Rias groaned, cheeks flushing. "Please don't encourage her."
As night draped the Underworld in indigo, Sirzechs led Leo to the gardens. The air smelled of jasmine and distant storms. "The leaflet, Leo," he said, extending a hand.
Leo fished it out, the paper crumpled and bloodstained. Sirzechs' eyes glinted. "Time to go home."
The griffin materialized in a burst of emerald light, its golden feathers shimmering like molten sunlight against the Underworld's maroon sky. Leo staggered back, his battered body protesting every movement, but his eyes lit up with childlike wonder. The creature tilted its head, intelligent amber eyes locking onto his.
"Holy shit," Leo breathed, his voice raw from shouting. He reached out, hissing as the motion tugged at the burns snaking up his arm, but he didn't stop. His fingers brushed the griffin's neck—softer than he'd imagined, like velvet over steel. The beast trilled, a sound like chiming bells, and nudged his chest with its beak, nearly knocking him over.
Akeno's laughter danced through the air, rich and melodic. "Careful, Leo. He likes you." She flicked her fan coyly. "Though I'd hate to see what happens if he really takes a shine…"
Rias stepped forward, her usual poise frayed at the edges. Blood streaked her wedding gown, and her hands trembled faintly—not from fear, Leo realized, but from the adrenaline crash. She hesitated, then laid her palm against the griffin's flank. The creature preened, arching into her touch like a cat.
"He's beautiful," she murmured. Her voice wavered, betraying the weight of the day—the terror of nearly losing him, the guilt of Issei's absence.
Leo watched her, his chest tightening. She's still shaking. Without thinking, he closed the distance between them, his good hand finding hers. "Hey. Look at me."
Rias turned, her crimson eyes glistening. He brushed a smudge of ash from her cheek, his thumb lingering. "We're going home," he said softly. "Together."
Her breath hitched, but she nodded, squeezing his hand like a lifeline.
The griffin knelt, its wings folding gracefully. Leo clambered onto its back, biting back a groan as his burned arm protested. Rias followed, her movements deliberate, as if clinging to routine kept her from unraveling. She settled in front of him, her posture rigid—until Leo wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest.
"Lean on me," he murmured into her hair. "Just this once."
She melted into him, her shoulders sagging. Behind them, Kiba whistled. "Try not to get too distracted up there!"
Koneko crunched a cookie, unfazed. "If they fall, I'll catch them."
"When they fall," Akeno corrected, smirking.
The griffin surged upward with a thunderous cry, its wings churning the sulfurous air. Leo whooped, the wind whipping tears from his eyes as the ballroom shrank below. Rias's laughter bubbled up—a fragile, breathless sound—as she gripped his forearm, her nails digging into his skin like she feared he'd vanish.
"You're okay," he said, more to himself than her. "We're okay."
She turned her head, her lips brushing his jaw. "You're not okay," she whispered. "Your arm—"
"Later," he interrupted. For now, he let himself drown in the feel of her—the warmth of her back against his ribs, the scent of her hair cutting through the Underworld's metallic tang. Below, the others grew small, their cheers fading into the rumble of wings.
The griffin banked, soaring toward a horizon streaked with twilight hues. Leo pressed his forehead to Rias's shoulder, his breath steadying.
We're alive.
The griffin's wings cut through the cool, sulfur-tinged air of the Underworld, its feathers shimmering like molten gold under the maroon sky. Leo leaned into Rias's warmth, her back pressed against his chest, her crimson hair whipping against his face. The adrenaline of battle had faded, leaving his body a tapestry of pain—his left arm numb and lifeless, his right still throbbing with phantom fire. But here, with her, it all felt distant.
Rias's fingers traced the edge of his decayed arm, her touch featherlight. "Does it… hurt?" she asked, her voice barely audible over the wind.
Leo shrugged, his smile crooked. "Can't feel a thing. Silver lining, right?"
She turned slightly, her violet eyes searching his. "Don't lie to me. Not now."
He hesitated. The truth was, the numbness scared him more than pain ever could. But he tucked that fear away, brushing a thumb over her knuckles. "Worth it," he said simply.
The griffin banked, soaring over a valley of obsidian spires and rivers of liquid amber. Rias's breath hitched—not from the height, but from the way Leo's arms tightened around her, anchoring her.
"You never answered me," she murmured. "How did you get the Boosted Gear?"
Leo's grip on the griffin's reins faltered. Issei's smile. His hand, trembling as he pressed the gear into Leo's palm. The blood on his lips. "He… gave it to me. Last thing he did." His voice cracked. "Like he knew. Like he wanted me to finish it."
Rias turned fully now, cupping his face. Her thumbs brushed the tear he hadn't realized had fallen. "He trusted you," she whispered. "Just like I do."
Leo leaned into her touch, his forehead resting against hers. "They'll come for you again. The nobles, the suitors… I'll burn them all down if I have to."
Rias's laugh was soft, bittersweet. "My gallant Lionheart. Always charging into flames."
He froze. Lionheart. The nickname—part tease, part truth—lodged itself in his chest.
"I'm serious, Rias," he said, voice graveled. "I'd raze kingdoms. Break every rule. For you."
Her lips found his—not gentle, but desperate, a collision of relief and fear and want. When they parted, her breath mingled with his. "You already have," she said. "But I don't need a knight. I need you. Alive. Here."
Leo's throat tightened. "Here" felt fragile, fleeting. But her hands were steady on his face, her gaze unyielding.
"And you're stuck with me," she added, mischief glinting through her tears. "I'm moving into your apartment. Consider it… royal requisition."
Leo barked a laugh, raw and real. "It's a shoebox with a leaky faucet."
"Then we'll fix it. Together." Her smirk turned sly. "Though I can think of better ways to stay warm."
A shiver raced down his spine—part desire, part awe at how she could unravel him with a glance. "You're gonna be trouble, aren't you?"
"Always."
The griffin descended toward Kuoh, its shadow skimming rooftops. Below, the town glowed—streetlights like fireflies, the academy a silhouette against the moon. Leo's grip on Rias tightened.
"First time flying?" she teased, nodding at his white-knuckled hold on the reins.
"First time living," he said quietly.
She leaned back, her head against his shoulder, their hands interlaced over the griffin's mane. No more words were needed. The scars, the battles, the ghosts—they'd face them. Together.
The afternoon sun filtered through the curtains of the ORC room, casting warm pools of light over the cluttered desks. Leo sat slumped in a chair, his left arm laid bare on the table—a grotesque tapestry of blackened flesh and angry purple veins. Asia hovered over him, her hands glowing with soft golden light as she bit her lip in concentration.
"J-Just a little more!" Asia whispered, her voice trembling. Sweat beaded on her forehead as her healing magic seeped into Leo's decaying skin. For a moment, the rot receded, the sickly hue fading to a healthy pink.
Akeno leaned against the wall, her usual playful smirk strained. "You're such a martyr, Leo. Letting us fuss over you like this… tsk tsk." Her tone was light, but her knuckles whitened around her fan.
Yubelluna, Riser's former queen-turned-Leo's steadfast queen, crossed her arms. "This isn't sustainable," she said bluntly. "The decay's rooted too deep. Holy magic isn't enough."
Asia flinched. "N-No! I can fix it! I just… I just need to try harder—"
Leo winced as the rot crept back, tendrils of black snaking up his forearm. "Asia," he said gently, catching her wrist. "It's okay. You've done enough."
"But—!"
"Enough," Akeno cut in, her voice uncharacteristically sharp. She knelt beside Asia, softening. "Sweetheart, you'll burn yourself out. Again."
Yubelluna sighed, massaging her temples. "We need a permanent solution. Holy water, Phoenix Tears… something."
Leo flexed his fingers, the tendons clicking unnaturally. "Later. Right now, I'm starving. Rias promised curry."
Asia's eyes welled up. "You're always… always putting us first!"
Before Leo could reply, the door slammed open. Koneko shuffled in, a bag of shrimp chips in hand. "Rias says hurry up. The curry's getting cold."
Akeno arched a brow. "And here I thought I was the domineering one."
Later, Outside the Old School Building
Later, Leo leaned against the courtyard gate, his bandaged arm tucked into his jacket. The autumn air was crisp, carrying the distant shouts of the kendo club chasing Issei's… successors.
"Pervert alert!"
"Get back here, you deviants!"
Matsuda and Motohama sprinted past, their arms full of… underwear? Leo sighed. "Some things never change."
A soft laugh drifted from above. Rias leaned out of the ORC's third-floor window, her crimson hair catching the sunlight like a banner. "Admiring the view?"
Leo smirked. "Just the one in the window."
She rolled her eyes, but her smile was tender. "Come up. Asia saved you a plate."
He lingered, his gaze drifting to the spot where Issei had once tripped over his own feet trying to impress a first-year. The memory tugged at him—bittersweet, but warm.
You'd laugh your ass off if you saw me now, wouldn't you? Leo thought, thumb brushing the Boosted Gear beneath his sleeve. But don't worry… I've got them. All of them.
Rias's voice softened. "Leo?"
He looked up, her silhouette framed by golden light. "Yeah?"
"You're muttering to yourself again."
"Just… talking to an old friend."
She didn't press. She never did.
As he climbed the stairs, the scent of curry and Asia's nervous giggles spilled into the hall. Kiba and Koneko bickered over the last dumpling. Akeno hummed a hymn as she poured tea.
Rias met him at the door, her hand brushing his. No words. None needed.
Crazy? Yeah. Leo thought, squeezing her fingers. But it's the Old School Building