Draconis: Alright. Time to get started on the other big event to this arc.
Issei: (shivers) Ooohhh man.
Kenshin: Oh relax, He doesn't hit THAT hard.
Issei: He was able to damage you in Vessel form!
Kenshin: I was selling it.
Sairaorg: (disinterested) You were selling having your ribs compress against your lungs.
Kenshin: (whispers) Shut up man I'm trying to hype him up.
Draconis: Boobs
Issei: Where? !
Draconis: In this room behind me if you suck it up.
Issei: Done!
Kenshin & Sairaorg: Wow, it was that easy?
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 42
Who Takes the Crown?
Draconis: Begin!
(start)
But First...
Kuoh Academy.
Kenshin and Issei walked into a room marked 'Makeup Tests.' Rossweisse, who was waiting for them sighed in exasperation. "Who would have thought people from the Occult Research Club would be in here..."
"...Ah crap Issei I forgot my eraser, could you share with me?" Kenshin asked.
"Yeah Yeah." Issei said.
"Why are you two in here?" Rossweisse said as the two sat down and received the tests from her.
"W-Well...things have been hectic you see..." Issei said
"I'm here because I missed work during my excursion to Mundus Magicus and my training to prepare for Sairaorg, Issei's in here because he's an idiot." Kenshin stated blithely.
"..." Rossweisse stared at them as they took their tests, making sure they couldn't cheat off each other. "If they fail this test, they will be held back a year. As their teacher I must absolute make certain this doesn't happen!" She thought with fire in her eyes.
"Gaah, damn it I dropped the eraser and it's over by you, Kenshin can you grab it for me?" Issei asked reaching for the eraser.
"Yeah Yeah..." Kenshin leaning over to grab the eraser that was in between Rossweisse's feet.
"Aah...? !" Rossweisse's eyes widened as a scene played out in her mind.
Kenshin picks up the eraser, but lets his hand wanders too far and as he raises it up, it hikes up Rossweisse's skirt exposing her panties.
This of course causes Issei's perversion to kick in and he uses Dress Break on her. Once this was done a gleam develops in Kenshin's eyes and he takes her away and starts to ravage her now exposed body.
"They'll be held back and I'll be ravaged by the Lust Dragon!" Rossweisse thought. "Nooo! Let me, I'll grab it!" She said shuffling her legs as she bends over. This of course causes Kenshin's arm to be tangled in them. She lost her balance, knocking Issei from his chair. He ended up with Rossweisse's breasts in his face as she fell on top of him, while the momentum from the fall caused Kenshin to be pulled forward, his head resting against her rear end. "Wh-What are you trying to do? !"
"You're the one who jumped us..." Issei groaned.
"Y-Yeah..." Kenshin grunted, pushing himself off of her.
"Haa? !" Rossweisse gasped, feeling Kenshin's hand on her butt.
"S-Sorry!" Kenshin said pulling his hand away.
The three got back up and Kenshin and Issei went back to taking their tests. After a short while Issei exhaled and stood up. "Excuse me, I'm gonna go open a window for some air."
"I could actually use a smoke right now." Kenshin said getting up and following Issei to the window.
"!" Rossweisse's eyes widened again as another scene played out. Issei opened the window, the resulting wind would blow her skirt up, exposing her panties. Issei would then Dress Break her and Kenshin would take her away to be ravaged. "No! You mustn't open that window!" She said running over to them.
"But we already, whoa!" Issei and Kenshin both stepped out of the way, causing her to go over the railing. "Hey!"
"Shit!" Kenshin cursed as he and Issei both grabbed a leg. "Stop flailing Rossweisse! You're making it difficult to pull you up!"
"J-Just pull me up please!" Rossweisse whined.
"Don't worry, we got you!" Issei said.
"!" Rossweisse's eyes widened again as a third scene played out. Issei sees panties, dress breaks, Kenshin takes her away and ravages her. "O-On second thought don't!"
"Which one is it? !" Issei snapped.
"Dammit Rossweisse stop flailing or we're gonna lose our grips!" Kenshin shouts.
Finally the two of them pulled Rossweisse back in. "Gaah...what the hell?" Issei said.
Kenshin reached over and flicked Rossweisse on the forehead. "You don't run toward an open freakin window, especially if that window is on the second or third story."
"I-I know. I'm sorry..." Rossweisse panted. "Thank you."
"Eh? Rossweisse-San, you've got a loose thread here." Issei said pointing at her.
"Eh?" Rossweisse said. "Where?"
"It's right here." Issei said reaching for it. He pulled on it, only to get more than he bargained for as it extended all the way toward him. Suddenly her entire outfit save for her underwear was completely destroyed.
"EH? !" Kenshin and Issei both shout.
"Noooo! !" She crossed her arms over her chest and bowed forward.
"Why did the entire outfit come off from yanking out one thread? !" Kenshin snapped. "Issei did you use Dress Break? !"
"No!" Issei said. "If I did, everything else would be gone too!"
"Now no one will want to marry me!" Rossweisse whined.
Kenshin rubbed his nose in frustration and calmed her down by bringing her the extra set of clothes out of her bag. The clothes he gave her before. Once she changed Kenshin spoke up. "OK Rossweisse, what was that all about?"
"O-Overactive imagination." Rossweisse said poking her index fingers together shyly as she went into what she had been imagining.
"Eeeh? !" Issei said.
Kenshin rubbed his temple. "Rossweisse, I don't go around ravaging women after I've seen their bodies and they happen to strike my fancy. If I did, I'd probably have to ask the Satans if I could stand in for her in your next Rating Game because Rias would probably be having a lot of trouble walking."
"N-No one else?" Issei asked.
"Well there's also Yukari, Xenovia, Tamamo in her unsealed state and from time to time Evangeline to consider." Kenshin said with a thoughtful look. "I don't include Akeno or Koneko because they're both virgins and one's a little too small, and I have a rule about virgins, in that I don't go full tilt unless they ask for it."
"U-Uhmm..." Rossweisse said with a blush.
"Oh right, let's finish this so we can be on our way." Kenshin said.
The two finished their tests and left, Rossweisse stayed behind to grade them. "Hey Kenshin, why does Rossweisse-San have a set of your clothes?" Issei asked.
"I gave them to her after your pals ran off with her clothes." Kenshin said.
"Yeah, but...it doesn't smell like they've been washed, and if they have, it's been done lightly." Issei said.
"?" Kenshin arched his brow. "Seriously?"
"Yeah, you couldn't tell with that amped up nose of yours?" Issei asked.
"If what you say is true, then I'm used to my own scent so I thought nothing of it." Kenshin said.
"Weird." Issei said.
"Hey Issei, you wanna hear a dumb joke I just thought up?" Kenshin asked. "It involves Japanese and English languages in case you don't get it right away."
"Eh, sure, go for it." Issei shrugged.
"What would you be if you were a pirate?" Kenshin asked.
"What?" Issei asked.
"An Oppairate." Kenshin snickered.
"Pfft!" Issei started laughing. "That is so dumb it's funny!"
"Argh me mateys! We be in search of wondrous Oppai to plunder!" Kenshin said.
"Hahahaha! Dammit Kenshin!" Issei hunched over he was laughing so hard. "Haaa..." Issei sighed.
"Something up?" Kenshin asked.
"Well, while I was miserable...I was worried that the girls that were interested in me, would eventually lose interest, and transfer that interest to you."
"Hm...for some that would have been the case, namely Kuroka, Sheena, and maybe Kazumi. Chachamaru would probably just serve Evangeline. Irina and Asia wouldn't move on to anyone, I'm pretty sure I get on Seekvaira's nerves and I don't know about Sextum." Kenshin said. "On second thought I think Asia and Irina would have stuck by you."
"You think?" Issei asked.
"Yeah." Kenshin nodded. "I think they care about you too much to leave you in misery."
"About...Seekvaira...what do you think I should do?" Issei asked.
"Sometime after the match, go and talk to her." Kenshin said. "Tell her, and be straight with her about how you feel moving forward. You don't want to dance around the subject. Take it from someone who's been there."
"Who was it for you?" Issei asked.
"...Yukari." Kenshin said.
"Yukari? You got into a situation like this with your sister?" Issei asked. "Yeouch."
"Yeah, for like a month or so at the school I worked at. We danced around our feelings for one another, while I was dating Negi until they built up so much that she finally confessed it to me. Even then she wouldn't let herself y'know...be in love with me because she's the one who got me and Negi together. However, she didn't count on me reciprocating these feelings of hers so much that I even considered breaking up with Negi, but ultimately decided to try to come clean to her about the whole deal. That went about as well as me trying to beat Hottan with my power sealed and Negi ran out of the room crying." Kenshin said. "A few days later I did manage to tell her and Yukari."
"Man...and there I was saying your love life was perfect." Issei said with a wincing smile.
"Eh, no one's love life is perfect Issei. Sooner or later even Rias and I are gonna butt heads on something." Kenshin said.
"Like your nutty training habits?" Issei asked. "Y'know like you have already."
"Something like that." Kenshin said. "Come on, let's get moving."
(break)
The Next day.
The Kuroshi and Gremory Peerages were riding a tram up to the floating island Agreas in the Underworld. Evangeline leaned over to Kenshin. "All devils can fly right?"
"Yeah?" Kenshin asked.
"Why are we riding a tram up there then? Stretch your wings out and fly." Evangeline snorted.
"Well Evangeline, you saw how far the island was from the tram entrance point right?" Rias asked, overhearing them. "Not everyone can fly that far."
"Meh...I guess." Evangeline shrugged. "Still why is everyone crowding the window to look at the island?"
Rias turned her head to find Asia, Xenovia, Issei, Irina and Tamamo looking out the window. "Well...I guess they just want to see the island."
"But they were at Mundus Magicus." Evangeline drawled.
"New Ostia was destroyed, Agreas isn't." Kenshin said. "As for why Tamamo's there..."
"You don't see this kind of thing often in Makai." Tamamo said.
"Yeah, I suppose she's right. About the only time you did was when the Earth Spirit got bored in the desert." Evangeline said.
"?" Kenshin pulled out Gnome's card. Her image shrugged it's shoulders.
"Truth be told, there was a dispute on where this game should be held." Azazel said.
Everyone turned to him. "Oh really?"
"Yeah, the higher ups from the Current Satan faction wanted it held in either Gremory territory or Satan Territory, preferably Lucifer territory, but the Bael clan disputed that it should be held in their territory." Azazel said making Kenshin scoff.
"Of course, wouldn't wanna walk too far. I for one think it should be held in neutral territory. Like my fight with Sairaorg was. Seems that was the choice they went with." Kenshin said.
"Kenshin..." Rias said.
"Sorry, I'm cool with you, Sirzechs, Sairaorg and Venerana, but right now I'm seeing the rest of the Bael clan in a bad light." Kenshin said. "Which really bites cause I hate lumping people in like that."
"Yeah well, Agreas is actually in the Agares territory." Azazel said. "It was suggested by Lady Agares who came up the idea."
"..." Issei narrowed his eyes as he looked out the window. "So we're in Seekvaira's territory eh? I guess that will make things easier to manage once the fight's over."
"Well way to go Lady Agares, thanks for defusing the situation." Yukari said.
"Yeah." Miyuki said.
"That said, Kenshin you said you didn't like the rest of the Baels, well that's a coincidence, because Lord Bael doesn't think too fondly of you either." Azazel said. "Especially when you added in Sairaorg's mother's family name in with his."
"Oh excuse me while I go cry." Kenshin said, tone dripping with sarcasm.
"I think I might join you." Evangeline said, rubbing her eyes with a fake sob.
"Hahaha." Azazel laughed. "You know, I don't think he even knows you're officiating the match."
"Haha, I'm gonna enjoy this then!" Kenshin laughed.
"Behind all this even Kenshin's fight against Sairaorg was really an attraction for the common folk to watch, and for those on the political side to make comments on." Azazel said.
"Sounds troublesome, we're just competing for our own ambitions." Issei said.
"Right?" Kazumi and Kenshin snort.
"There's no way Sirzechs will suffer politically from you losing, but Kenshin on the other hand, if he lost Sirzechs might have been criticized for bringing in such a troublesome person who proved to be weak, but that didn't happen and Sirzechs got to laugh at those who were second guessing him."
"If anyone on the council thinks we're weak, they're more than welcome to come and test that theory out for themselves." Hikari said crossing her arms.
"Haha!" Azazel laughed. "I've always felt you guys were gonna turn heads around here."
"So Sairaorg-San has politicians around him?" Issei asked.
"Well he is aiming to be a Satan." Kenshin said.
"Yeah, to become a Satan, or just a leader like that in general, you have to endear yourself to people like that, some of them are genuinely good people, while others..." Azazel trailed off.
"Are faker than a CZ ring." Kenshin finished.
"Right!" Azazel laughed.
"Sairaorg's dream is to become a Satan and create an Underworld where people can surpass social status if they have power, but would the Great King faction allow something like that?" Kiba asked.
"Hm...well do you think the Great-King faction who is still obsessed with being the former first ladder of the 72 pillars and who takes importance of the household will allow that? They are saying they will cooperate with him on the outside, but on the inside they are despising him. What those guys want are pawns that can be used to retaliate against the Satans. To them, the pure believers that gather around Sairaorg will just be like a tool to them which can support their backs in the political issues. Sairaorg also realized this as well. Even so, he made connections if it will make him go even higher. He is a pure and patient man." Azazel said.
"Hey, Azazel-Sensei is there any chance that the Khaos Brigade could attack like last time?" Issei asked.
"Sure, but we've beefed up security and that's also another reason why the two officials for the Games taking place today are from the Lucifer Peerage. The Strongest Queen and the Dragon of the Elements so it will probably end with nothing happening, hell there was even a chance of it happening during Kenshin's match, but thanks to the security measures and something else, nothing happened."
"Huh?" Kenshin said. "What something else?"
"Vali sent me a message saying he wouldn't allow Cao Cao and his gang to interfere." Azazel said.
"Vali?" Miyuki asked.
"Yeah, your crush." Azazel teased.
"Fuck you." Miyuki muttered.
"Anyway, I think Cao Cao might not attack anyway, there's literally no profit in it for him." Azazel said.
"Unless he wants to lose his other eye anyway." Kenshin shrugged. "In any case I owe Vali a round of drinks next time I see him."
The tram soon arrived at the island and found Ravel there waiting for them by a limo. "Hey Ravel, we didn't keep ya waiting too long did we?" Yukari greeted.
"No, I arrived here just shortly before you did." Ravel said with a smile.
"?" Issei glanced over and saw Seekvaira getting off a tram and walking toward a limo. They locked eyes for a moment before Seekvaira glanced away. Issei took a breath and walked up to her. "U-Um, excuse me."
"Yes, what is it you want with me Sekiryuutei-San?" Seekvaira asked.
"..." Issei would be lying if he said what she said, and how she said it didn't hurt him a little bit. "Uhm, after the games have concluded, might I speak with you in private?"
"...?" Seekvaira looked at him with a questioning gaze. "Why?"
"Just...please let me talk to you face to face later, that's all I ask. If you don't like what I have to say afterward, you'll be free to leave." Issei said.
"...Alright." Seekvaira sighed. "I suppose it wouldn't be too much trouble, after the games."
"I would ask to talk with you now, but you have preparations to work on no doubt." Issei said.
"Yes, and good luck against the Bael." Seekvaira said.
"Same to you against the Sitri." Issei said with a polite bow before leaving.
Rias and Kenshin stared at him as he came back. "What was that about Issei?" Rias asked.
"I just asked to see her after the games have concluded." Issei said.
"Aahh." Kenshin nodded. "Just gonna try and clear the air?" Issei nodded. "Alright, good luck to ya then."
(Break)
Later.
The group walked through the Agreas dome when they came upon a group of black robed people crowded around a skeleton dressed as a priest. Issei felt an itching kind of feeling as they approached him.
"..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes.
"Well well well, if it isn't the Greek God of the dead, Hades." Azazel said.
"So that's what that feeling was." Kenshin muttered.
"I never thought I'd see you, who hates Devils and Fallen Angels more than anything, come all the way here." Azazel said.
"Fahahaha..." Hades laughed, his voice raspy. "Damn crow, it's been too noisy up here lately, so I came to see what's going on."
"So you brought all these grim reapers with you...why?" Evangeline asked. "Surely you don't think you'll be attacked."
"Skeleton geezer, you seem to be the only greek god that doesn't agree with the alliance between factions." Azazel said.
"What of it? Will you dispose of me as you did Loki of Valhalla? You might find me harder to deal with, being a god of death." Hades said.
"I'm telling you to be more open minded like the perverted geezer Odin, all I hear are black rumors about you." Azazel said.
"If crows and bats start to make noise, then even I will take measures to ensure I don't hear it." Hades said.
"If you're looking for a fight, the Gremorys are off limits, they're booked for today. The Kuroshis however are free." Kenshin said.
"Fahahaha, I will just enjoy myself for today boy, besides another of my kind has his eyes on you." Hades said. "Also, Welsh Dragon, seeing you again brings back memories of when you and the Vanishing Dragon were rampaging through Hell together."
Hades walked past them, but stopped at Kenshin and Rias. "...How curious." He said looking over at Rias.
"!" Rias felt a cold sweat develop over her skin as she stepped back.
"You are neither dead, been dead, nor dying, yet you have the faint aura of a death god around you..." Hades said reaching for her.
"!" Rias took another step back, a frightened look on her face.
An arm cut between them. Hades turned his gaze to Kenshin who glared deeply into the Greek God's eyes. "Back off." He said baring his fangs at him.
"..." Hades turned his head to Rias, then to Kenshin, then back to Rias. "Fahaha...I see. That makes sense...sooner or later those two were bound to unite under the same banner."
"..." Kenshin kept glaring at Hades.
"You are just like your predecessors boy. Ragnarok Kuroshi, Heinrich Hein, Shin Tatsu, even your father Ryuushin Kuroshi...not a single one of them feared death like they should." Hades said.
"You're right. I'm not scared of you, not even a little bit." Kenshin said.
"Fahahaha...well then...maybe I'll see you soon." Hades said as he walked by Kenshin and left with his reapers.
"We'll just see about that you bony old bastard." Kenshin said.
"Chief, are you alright? !" Issei said with the others crowding around her.
"Give her some air." Kenshin said as she noticed Rias was panting heavily.
"..." Rias looked up at him with questioning, scared eyes.
"...On second thought, everyone just move on ahead. I need to speak with Rias alone." Kenshin said.
Azazel nodded. "Come on everyone, lets give them some alone time."
After they left, Kenshin turned to Rias. "Rias, easy. He's not here anymore."
"What did he mean...th-that I had a faint aura of a death god around me?" Rias asked.
Kenshin sighed. "Rias, right now I would rather not say, because of your match coming up, but I promise you, I will tell you after, when you want to know come to me and I will explain."
"But...is he right?" Rias asked.
"...Yes." Kenshin said.
"S-So, am I earmarked for death then?" Rias asked.
"No." Kenshin said shaking his head before bringing her into his arms. "No way in hell I'll let that happen."
"..." Rias said nothing, melting into his embrace.
"Now, I want you to put this behind you for now." Kenshin said. "It'll just end up distracting you."
"OK...thank you." Rias said.
Kenshin kissed her on the forehead. "I love you Rias, now I think you should catch up with the others."
"Eh...you said it thi-" Rias was cut off.
"You look liked you needed to hear it." Kenshin smiled.
"Thank you..." Rias smiled. "I'm OK now."
"Ok, you go on ahead, I'll catch up." Kenshin said.
Rias nodded and left. As soon as she did a voice called out to him. "You're about to officiate her match, and you're out here kissing her? Doesn't seem like the kind of thing an impartial official does." Kenshin turned to find Lord Bael approaching him.
"What I do with my fiancee is none of your concern." Kenshin said. "Rest assured that when the match begins, I will be fair and just."
"Hmph. I have a hard time believing you." Lord Bael said.
"Well you can build yourself a bridge and get over it." Kenshin said. "She had just had the hell scared out of her by the Greek God of Death, Hades. Being her uncle, I figured you'd be more sympathetic."
"She is the offspring of my elder half sister, who was pawned off on the Gremory clan, I do not feel any more sympathy than I need to." Lord Bael said.
"Well then, how about this. Just because love means next to nothing to you, don't assume that it doesn't mean anything to me." Kenshin said crossing his arms.
"What did you say?" Lord Bael said with a glare.
"You heard me, or is there too much shit in your ears." Kenshin said. "I heard about Sairaorg's childhood and what happened to his mother."
"That is Bael clan business, it has nothing to do with you or anyone else boy." Lord Bael spat.
"Keep tellin' yourself that, it may not be my business, but it was Venerana's, and it was the Vapula clan's business, how they didn't raise nine tenths of Hell over what you did, I'll never know." Kenshin said.
"She failed to hold up her end of our agreement. That was her punishment." Lord Bael said.
Kenshin shook his head. "You're so full of shit I'm surprised you don't have to wipe your mouth every time you speak."
"I'm getting really tired of your mouth boy, I am the Lord of the Great King Bael clan and you wi-" Kenshin cut Lord Bael off.
"I will not show you anything you don't deserve." Kenshin said scowling at him. "What these eyes see is a failure, both as a man and a father."
"How my son turned out, is none of your concern, he turned fine anyway, what is it to you?" Lord Bael said.
"How he turned out was no thanks to you, and I say this because Sairaorg is my friend and what you did to him and his mother was despicable." Kenshin said. "Then you try to act like nothing ever happened after he had become powerful."
"..." Lord Bael scowled at him. "Begone from my sight boy."
"Or what? You'll kill me? Good luck." Kenshin said "Better people than you have tried."
The two would have kept going back and forth when a voice cut in. "Brother, Kenshin that is it quite enough."
Both of them turned to find Venerana who had a stern look on her face. "Hmph...as you wish...dear sister." Lord Bael said as he left, but stopped. "Oh, by the way boy...if your dream is to one day become one of the Four Satans it's laughable, with me around it won't happen."
"You're not the only one here who decides that, brother." Venerana said.
"You know Lord Bael, if Sairaorg didn't want to become a Satan himself, I highly doubt he'd want a damn thing to do with you." Kenshin said.
"..." Lord Bael said nothing, taking his leave
"..." Venerana sighed as Lord Bael left. "Kenshin, you shouldn't make an enemy out of him."
"I'm not scared of him or the family you came from." Kenshin said crossing his arms as he walked away. "People like that need to have their asses busted."
"Well...I can't say I don't agree..." Venerana sighed. "But still, he does command a lot of respect amongst the council."
"Which apparently, he's trying to lead against the Satans, might be time for them to put their collective feet down." Kenshin said.
"I suppose." Venerana said.
"So, where's Lord Gremory if you're here?" Kenshin asked.
"He's not here yet." Venerana said. "...Last time I checked he was currently in bed with one of his harem members."
"...Wow that sounds...weird." Kenshin said.
"He has a harem, we've been over this." Venerana smiled. "I could swear we have."
"We have, but...I dunno I guess I'm just surprised to see you talking so casually about it." Kenshin said. "Then again I suppose I have no room to talk."
"That you do not." Venerana giggled.
The two arrived at the room labeled Gremory and Venerana bid Kenshin adieu, surprising him with a kiss on the forehead. "Thank you for always caring for my daughter." She said as she left.
"Of course." Kenshin said before entering. He noticed two things, one that Rossweisse looked pissed and two, Raiser was in the room. "Let me guess, you guys ran into Odin?"
"And Zeus and Poseidon." Azazel said.
"Neat." Kenshin said. He turned to Raiser. "What brings the flaming bird prince of perverts here?"
"...That seems a little light in the loafers for one of your insults." Raiser noted.
"I'm not in the mood to trade barbs with you." Kenshin said walking toward the drink table and mixing up something. "I just got in an argument with Lord Bael."
"M..My Uncle?" Rias asked.
"Yeah." Kenshin said. "I'll explain later, but something tells me he won't be inviting me to many Bael functions in the future."
"Hahahaha, that sounds like you. I don't like the guy much myself." Raiser said. "Anyway, I was merely giving Rias here a pep talk and talking with the Sekiryuutei."
"Hm." He walked over and brought a drink to him. "Here."
"Ah, thanks." Raiser said taking a sip. "Mm? What is this?"
"It's called warm apple pie. You mix whipped cream flavored vodka, cinnamon schnapps and apple juice together. If you did it right, it will literally taste like you're drinking an apple pie." Kenshin said.
"I'll have to remember that." Raiser said. "Anyway, Rias I'll be rooting for you, win." He said.
"Of course." Rias nodded.
(break)
Later.
Issei, Rias and the rest of her peerage stood waiting, the Rating Game was about to begin. Issei, earlier had been called to meet with Sirzechs who showed him the fan mail and well wishes he had received from fans of his show and was asked by Sirzechs to fight for the children's sakes as well.
Meanwhile Kenshin stood in the center of the arena. He held a microphone in hand. "Ladies and Gentlemen! The championship bout of the Youth Devils tournament is finally at hand!" He announced. "From the East Gate, coming in with but a single loss, Team Sairaorg Bael!"
Sairaorg and his peerage came out to thunderous applause. "Uuuuuu, it's so scaaarrrryyyy!" Gasper whined.
"Just pretend everyone is a pumpkin." Koneko said.
"Xenovia-San, is it true that Irina will be cheerleading from the Gremory side?" Asia asked.
"Yes, she said she would be taking an 'Onee-san' role with the children who love the Oppai Dragon." Xenovia said.
"Yeah, I heard Ravel got a seat there as well." Issei said.
"And their opponents, coming in with zero losses, some of you may be fans solely because of the pawn, but from the West Gate, Team Gremory!" Kenshin announced.
Rias turned to her peerage. "Everyone, thank you for following me this far, now let's go out there and win!"
"Yes!" Everyone said.
Rias and her peerage entered the arena to an equally, if not more thunderous applause. Kenshin nodded. "Alright, now head to your bases, while I send things up to our broadcaster Naud Gamigin." Kenshin said.
"Thank you Lord Kuroshi." A flashily dressed man said appearing next to Kenshin as Rias and Sairaorg proceeded up two sets of stairs leading up to chairs and a transfer type magic circle.
"Supposedly the Great King Faction raised a huge stink when it was announced Kenshin would be the arbiter for this match." Rias said.
"Well, he is kind of engaged to you." Issei said.
"Yes, but he's said time and time again, to both Onii-Sama, Onee-Sama, to Sairaorg, myself and to the Great King Faction reps that he would call this match down the middle." Rias said. "He could have told Onee-Sama no, but he wanted to do this so he could show he could be trusted."
Everyone noticed Kenshin flying upward as the commentators chatted about the match. Everyone also took notice that two of the commentators were Azazel, and a man with gray hair and eyes with graceful features. "Diehauser Belial..." Rias said.
"Th-That's him. Man...I didn't think I'd be meeting him this soon." Issei said.
"Now, onto the Phoenix Tears. As you know with the attacks by the Khaos Brigade, the tears have been in short supply, but! The current head of the Phenex clan has arranged for one a piece to be given to each team, just like in the previous match our arbiter and Sairaorg Bael had against each other." Naud said.
"And what a fight it was, two men...no two warriors locked in the heat of battle, taking each other to limit." Azazel said.
"I would have to agree, it was an impressive showing." Belial said. "I would even go as far to say that whilst using his forbidden technique, Sir Kuroshi could be counted amongst those with Satan level power in due time, but enough about that for now. Now we take it back down to our arbiter who will announce the rules."
"Thank you Emperor Belial." Kenshin said speaking through the microphone again giving a two fingered salute to the announcer's desk. "There is a special rule for this game. Before I explain I would also like to tell everyone that this won't be a regular Rating game with everyone charging for the opposing territory and trying to take out the opposing king, no this time it will be done in matches. Like a much larger scale of my own match against Sairaorg Bael."
Kenshin paused to clear his throat. "Now the special rule is Dice Figure, both kings will approach their personal stand and roll the dice. The dice are six sided and the rolls between Sairaorg Bael and Rias Gremory will be added together for the total number. Now, in the human world they have assigned values to the chess pieces that Lord Ajuka based his Evil piece system off of. Pawns carry a value of One, Knights and Bishops are Threes, Rooks are Fives and the Queen is a Nine. Coincidentally, if say the person in question has more than one piece, they will be carrying the total value of those pieces." Kenshin explained.
Everyone nodded as Kenshin went on. "For example if Rias Gremory wished to send out the Sekiryuutei, she would have to hope for an eight or higher. From there however it's a series of mixing and matching. You could also use that same eight to send out a Knight and a Rook instead. The maximum value is twelve, so sorry no pairing the Queens with the Rooks. Now obviously Rias Gremory and Sairaorg Bael do not have pieces with values of one or two, so if it comes up Snake Eyes, you'll be asked to roll again." Kenshin said.
"OK, what about if we both start losing pieces?" Issei thought.
"As the game wears on, the number of combatants will be decreased. Then you will roll until you have what you need." Kenshin said. "Now onto the final thing. The values of the two Kings who don't have a traditional value have been determined via committee and once the King falls, I don't have to remind you that the game will immediately end. The values are as follows. Rias Gremory is an Eight, while Sairaorg Bael is a twelve, sorry big guy, but unless you get the maximum value you'll have to wait awhile." Kenshin said drawing a chuckle from Sairaorg. "Also, you cannot send the same combatant out over and over again, that would just be boring. If the piece in question wants to fight another match they have to take a breather in between."
Kenshin took a breath. "Whew, this is a lot of info to go over." He thought. "Alright, before we begin, when you are transported to the battlefield, you will notice you are not alone. I asked for my peerage to act as special enforcers for the matches, if you have been declared the loser and are still belligerent or are just a sore winner, they will step in and stop you, and eject you if need be. I do not expect this, but just as well they are there to help me ensure the rules are followed and if they do not get the point across, I will personally disqualify you from further participation and if it's the Kings doing so, you will automatically lose, am I clear?" He asked glancing at Sairaorg.
"Nothing to worry about over here." Sairaorg said.
Kenshin then glanced over at Rias. "Oh don't think that don't mean you too."
"You've nothing to be concerned about." Rias said.
"OK. Now grab your dice." Kenshin said. Sairaorg and Rias did so. "Shoot!" He ordered.
Rias' dice came up two, while Sairaorg's came up one. "I see we're starting things out easy. You will be given five minutes to decide." Kenshin said. "I'll be waiting at the battlefield." He said warping away.
Kenshin looked around at the green plain they were standing in. He saw Evangeline and Chachamaru. "You two first eh?"
"Is that a problem?" Evangeline asked with a small smirk.
"Nah, you want some blood after this?" Kenshin asked.
"You know I do." Evangeline laughed.
"Alright, Chachamaru promote to whatever you think fits, seeing as this is probably going to be a knight showdown, that would probably work best." Kenshin said.
"Yes Kenshin-San." Chachamaru said.
"And Evangeline, just have the doll magic on standby." Kenshin said.
"Gotcha." Evangeline said. "But if Rias sends in a Bishop, I'm gonna go back there and ask her what the hell is wrong with her."
Kenshin chuckled with a sweatdrop. "Hahaha...that would be strange..."
Soon two figures appeared in the plain with them. A masked man riding a horse and Kiba. "Ah, just like I thought a Knight-off." Kenshin said. "Introduce yourselves."
"I am Yuuto Kiba, Rias Gremory's Knight." Kiba said with a bow.
"And you?" Kenshin said turning to the horseman. "Pale rider? What are you, the Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse?"
"Hahahaha, no but I'm flattered by the notice in similarity. I am Beruka Furcas, Sairaorg Bael's Knight." Furcas said taking off his mask.
"Right." Kenshin nodded. "If you both look behind you, you will find my pawn Chachamaru Karakuri and my Bishop Evangeline A.K McDowell. They are the enforcers for your match, remember, if you break rules or do not accept victory or defeat gracefully, they will warn you, then eject you if it happens again, and if they don't get the point across then, I will disqualify you, and you don't want to be disqualified by me, because I will ensure the point gets across for future games."
"I understand." Kiba and Furcas said.
"Alright, Yuuto Kiba vs. Beruka Furcas, Begin!" Kenshin said jumping back.
Furcas started galloping around at high speeds after the horse, Altobrau let out a cry. "Whoa, that thing is fast!" Issei said watching from outside.
Kenshin saw Furcas circling around Kiba, to attack. "Encirclement hm?" Kenshin said.
"It's a nice strategy to start with, given his speed." Evangeline said.
"Yes, but this might not be the person to try that on." Chachamaru said, seeing Kiba deflecting all of Furcas' attacks. Kiba sprung himself out of the circle and took a distance before taking off right at him. The two started colliding at high speeds, over and over again all over the battlefield. Finally they stopped, catching their breaths.
"Haa..haa, a draw even with my horse, your speed is truly frightening, Princess Rias' Knight." Furcas said.
"Hahaha, It's still nothing compared to some people I train with." Kiba laughed. "You're pretty impressive yourself. I try to attack you, the horse blocks it, I try to attack the horse, you stop me. Your teamwork is superb. It seems I'll have to get rid of your foothold."
Swords littered around Kiba like flowers, extending to the whole field, however Furcas and his horse took to the skies. Kiba was undeterred and took one of the swords out of the ground. "Holy Sword of Thunder!"
"Not enough!" Furcas said throwing his lance up above, the thunder attack striking it instead. He pulled another lance out of Altobrau's mane.
"Hm? !" Kiba said as multiple clones of Furcas ran around him. "..." A stern look appeared on his face.
"Even if your holy demonic swords are effective against Devils. It doesn't mean a thing if it doesn't hit!" Furcas shouts from all sides.
"..." Kiba looked around as he started blocking attacks. "Kuh...I could do away with all of these, but that would take a good chunk of my power."
"What's the matter? ! Can't keep up? !" Furcas said.
Kiba continued to look around, he glanced over at Kenshin whose eyes were darting across the battlefield fluidly. "Can Kenshin-kun see him?" Kiba thought. "...Hm...I could use this to my advantage." He thought.
Kiba followed Kenshin's eyes as Kenshin was looking right out in front, Kiba acted, striking Furcas and Altobrau, The two staggered, but didn't fall. "H-How? !"
"I followed the arbiter's line of sight. If I couldn't find you right away..." Kiba said.
"What? ! The arbiter? !" Furcas said.
"Technically it's not breaking any rules." Kenshin said crossing his arms. "People just rarely think to do that. I mean I have to keep my eyes on you to make sure you aren't doing anything illegal under all that cover, and to me you look as if you were just running normally."
"Hn...I see...it was a good thought, but you didn't take me out with it." Furcas said.
"I am aware, I didn't want to use this right away, but if this match goes on any further, I'm going to exhaust myself and I could be needed later." Kiba said "I may be stronger than you, but a drawn out match is not to my benefit."
"Surely your talent will soon surpass my own, but I will not go down that easily." Furcas said with a smirk.
"We'll just see about that." Kiba said casting away his holy demon swords and taking out another blade instead. "...Balance...Break."
The air around Kiba shifted as he became wrapped in a holy aura, then several figures crowded around him, clad in armor, helmets resembling that of a dragon. Seeing this Furcas couldn't conceal his shock. "B-Balance Breaker, but this isn't the Sword of the Betrayer, this...this is a Balance Breaker of Blade Blacksmith!"
"You're right, this is Glory Drag Trooper." Kiba said. "To reach this stage, I had to fight the Sekiryuutei and the Dragon of the Elements using just holy swords, you can imagine how difficult that was, especially with the latter's Holy Canceler, Kuroi Jigoku. I feared for my life...Issei-kun fought with the intent to kill as a request, so too did Kenshin-kun, but the latter...when he aims to kill, it's just terrifying how he carries himself at that point."
"Kuuh...no wonder he was able to attain it, fighting a possessor of a Heavenly Dragon and the man who defeated Sairaorg-Dono...but still! I will not fall here!" He said creating more shadows.
"Come!" Kiba shouts charging at Furcas with his troops. They collided in a flash of brilliant light. When it died down, Kiba stood alone as Furcas and Altobrau laid beaten.
"Splendid." Furcas said as he passed out.
Chachamaru and Evangeline walked up to them the latter raising her hand to tell Kiba to stay back. "Yeah, these two have had it." Evangeline said.
"I concur." Chachamaru said placing her hand on Furcas as Evangeline placed hers on the Altobrau. They both vanished.
"Sairaorg's Knight Beruka Furcas has lost the first match, he is also unable to continue so he has been retired. Winner of Match One, Yuuto Kiba!" Kenshin announced, raising Kiba's hand.
"You know you don't have to be so forceful with the rules, I doubt anyone's going to break them Kenshin-kun." Kiba whispered.
"Meh. I prefer to be thorough." Kenshin replied as he warped Kiba out. "Thank you for your services Evangeline and Chachamaru." He said.
"Meh, it's more of a great location to watch the fight." Evangeline said as she and Chachamaru warped followed by Kenshin himself.
"OK! The first match was more or less dominated by the Gremory fighter. So on my mark, Shoot!" Rias and Sairaorg cast their dice. Rias got a six, while Sairaorg got a four. "Ooh! That adds up to ten. As usual, five minutes to talk it out." Kenshin said before warping away.
"Hm...well then, let's go with...Rossweisse and Koneko." Rias said.
"Dual Rooks?" Issei asked. "What if they send something different?"
"Then we'll just have to live that. Rossweisse, you will be the main attacker, and Koneko you will support." Rias said.
"Roger, Yes." Koneko and Rossweisse said.
The two teleported away where Kenshin, Hikari and Tamamo were waiting along with a blonde haired man with a sword and a mountain of a man. They looked around and Issei looked on from where he was. "Kh...this place, it reminds me of the shrine we fought Diodora in. It brings up bad memories."
"Well, it's not like that will happen again." Rias said. "Just relax."
"OK. As you can see, we are in a destroyed shrine. Combatants Koneko Toujou and Rossweisse formerly of Valhalla, meet your opponents." Kenshin said. "As for the enforcers, they are Hikari Tsuki, my Bishop and Tamamo no Mae, My queen."
The blonde man stepped forward. "I am Liban Crocell, Knight of Sairaorg Bael, and my friend here is Gandoma Balam, his Rook. We two shall be your opponents."
"Hm, isn't the Crocell pillar crumbled?" Kenshin asked.
"It is. I am the only survivor." Liban said.
"And your friend doesn't like to talk, does he?" Tamamo asked.
"No ma'am." Liban said.
"Alright then, the Second Match, Rossweisse and Koneko Toujou vs. Liban Crocell and Gandoma Balam, Begin!" Kenshin said throwing his arm down.
"Since our opponents are formidable I shall be serious from the start." Koneko said wrapping her body in touki. Two tails appeared as did her cat ears. She shot forward and punched Gandoma right in the face, but it didn't seem to faze him in the slightest as he swung his massive arm at her. Koneko dodged this and kept attacking until Rossweisse gave the signal for her to stop.
"Two Hundred and Fifty Arrows of Thunder!" Rossweisse shouts volleying magic thunder arrows at the titan of a man.
"Nngh...!" Gandoma was undaunted as he swung his arm at Koneko again.
"Won't work..." Koneko said dodging again.
Rossweisse was about to ready another, stronger spell when her vision blurred. "Wha?" She started to feel heavy to pair with this.
"You have too many openings...sister." Liban said from her side, his eyes shining. "Ability of Gravity."
"Ghh!" Rossweisse made a magic circle underneath her foot.
"Won't work!" Liban said freezing her feet to the ground.
"Krh..." Rossweisse grunted. "If I remember correctly, you're a magic swordsman."
"I am a Crocell and a mage, also a talented swordsman, and the gravity ability you're feeling, is the power of my Sacred Gear Gravity Jail!" Liban declares.
"His ability will change the gravity of whatever his eyes see, it won't stop until you're out of his sight." Rias said to her through the communication circle.
"I see...well then I might just have an idea for that then." Rossweisse said raising her hand up, making another circle. It let out a flash.
"Won't work! Mirror!" Liban said as the light was reflected. "Did you really think I wouldn't assume you'd do such a thing? !"
"Actually, I was counting on it!" Rossweisse said as the light reflected hit Gandoma Balam and made them trade places. "Did you do your part?" She asked.
"Yes, the giant's defense against magic should be gone." Koneko said.
"Alright, now take this both of you!" Rossweisse said concentrating her magic. "Locos umbrae regnans Scathach, in manum meam det iaculum daemonum cum spinis duo!" She chanted as two thunder javelins appeared in her hands. "Icaulatio Fulgoris!" She threw the two spears at Gandoma and Liban, they struck the two of them and exploded in thunder magic.
When the smoke settled Liban was down. "He's done!" Hikari said.
"Sairaorg Bael's Knight Liban Crocell has be-." Kenshin started to announced.
"Not yet...!" Liban said looking up at Rossweisse and Koneko, his eyes shining brightly.
"? !" Rossweisse's and Koneko's movements stopped.
"Nnnnnghhh! !" Gandoma, who was behind them swung his titanic fist down at them.
"Hnnn!" Koneko raised her hands and shoved Rossweisse out of the way at the last second.
"Koneko-Chan!" Rossweisse shouted.
Gandoma fell backward and Liban ceased his magic. "That's...enough..." Liban said as he passed out.
Tamamo looked over Gandoma. "He's done too."
Gandoma and Liban disappeared. "Sairaorg's Knight and Rook. Liban Crocell and Gandoma Balam have been retired."
He walked over to Koneko who was being apologized to by Rossweisse. "I'm sorry Koneko-Chan."
"No...don't be...I was glad to be of use, and if you're still active, we can still fight." Koneko said.
"If you like I could heal you." Tamamo offered.
"Yes, but if you accept I'll have to retire you anyway on grounds of disqualification." Kenshin said.
"But, at least you won't have to spend time in the hospital." Hikari said with a comforting smile.
"I'd...like that." Koneko nodded.
"Very well. Tamamo take her away." Kenshin said. "If you can, go ahead and heal Sairaorg's retired pieces too."
"Hai Hai." Tamamo said grabbing Koneko and leaving.
"Rias Gremory's Rook Koneko Toujou has been retired." Kenshin announced.
Hikari placed her hand on Rossweisse's shoulder. "Come on Rossweisse-Chan, time to go."
"Yes." Rossweisse nodded.
Kenshin warped back out. "Alright. Before we shoot again. Commentators, your thoughts so far?"
"Very impressive so far. Who would have thought Yuuto Kiba would have unlocked another Balance Breaker." Belial said.
"The bond of men is at work there, Kahaha!" Azazel laughed.
"Yes, but the spells Rossweisse-San used, they're not like anything we've seen." Naud said.
"That would be magic she learned while the Gremory and Kuroshi peerages were in the former homeworld of Kenshin and his peerage. They're pretty damn powerful all things considered." Azazel said.
"Interesting. I wonder if Sir Kenshin would be willing to share those spells in the future." Belial said.
"Depends whose asking, if it's you Emperor Belial, most certainly." Kenshin said. "Alright. The Bael Peerage has five left not counting Sairaorg himself, while the Gremory Peerage has six not counting Rias herself.. On my mark...shoot!" They both rolled a four. "Alright, an eight. Now fiv-"
"I'll be sending out my Bishop Corianna Andrealphus." Sairaorg said.
"That was quick." Kenshin said as a beautiful blonde curly haired woman wearing a business suit appeared on screen. "I suppose it makes sense though. You can only send out one at a time right now, but why her?"
"I wonder how Hyoudou Issei will react if I told him she can counteract his techniques? !" Sairaorg said.
"Ohoho! The gauntlet has been thrown!" Kenshin announced. "What say you Rias Gremory?"
"Combatant Hyoudou Issei is an interesting pick as an opponent here, he has near unrivaled power against women." Belial said.
"This guy's brain, like the arbiter's is like a dry sponge, but where as you can keep cramming things into the arbiter's brain like it was a never ending well. The Sekiryuutei's head is like a dry sponge entirely so he absorbs anything he's taught right away. I never thought it would be a bad thing for his head to be this empty, because it's filled with nothing, but lecherous thoughts."
"Ahahahahahahahaha!" The crowd laughed.
"The Sponge Dragons!" One of the crowd members said.
"Pffhahahaha..." Kenshin laughed, unable to pull the microphone away.
"Whaaaaattttt? !" Issei exclaimed.
"So, what's the verdict?" Kenshin asked.
"I accept!" Issei said.
Rias facepalmed. "Issei, they're obviously up to something."
"What? It interests me, alright?" Issei said. "Someone who claims they can overcome my techniques, plus it's a challenge from Sairaorg-San. He wants to know if I can overcome this. I can't say no."
Kenshin pulled the microphone away from his mouth and opened up communications. "I can handle this one myself. Just hang tight."
"OK Onii-Chan." Miyuki said.
Kenshin warps away where Corianna was waiting, Issei appeared soon after. "This should be interesting." Kenshin stated blithely. "Alright, the battlefield is this flower garden you see here. There are no enforcers for this match, because I don't think I'll need them. Third Match, Corianna Andrealphus vs. Issei Hyoudou...start!"
Issei promoted to Queen and started the countdown to Balance Breaker while Corianna launched volleys of demon magic attacks at him. Issei dodged them. "Haa! You're pretty good." Corianna said.
"?" Kenshin glanced at her. "Is it just me or does she sound a bit...aroused or something?"
"She's probably just sounding provocative." Salamander said.
"Ah." Kenshin thought.
Finally after dodging so many attacks Issei assumed his Balance Breaker. "It's heeerrreee! The Oppai Dragon comes forth!" Naud announced.
Everyone heard the crowd, mostly the children cheering Issei on. Issei chuckled and focused on going into Bilingual. "Come Come Come! Spread my-!" Issei was cut off as Corianna started to slowly, seductively unbutton her clothes.
"..." Kenshin stared. "...Huh, I always said something like this was the key to counteracting Bilingual, but to see someone actually willing to do it..." He thought.
"Ooooh! This is...Corianna Andrealphus is actually stripping down! The male viewers are all watching in silence! Governor Azazel, what is this? !" Naud announced.
"..." Azazel was silent until he felt a coin hit the back of his head. He turned to find Hikari holding a roll of coins with a nonchalant smile.
"Bilingual!" Issei shouts.
"..." Kenshin walked over and placed his hand on Issei's shoulder. "I'm not helping you, I just want to see if this works." He said focusing on reading Issei's mind.
"Oi Oppai over there, what are you gonna do next?" Issei asked.
"Well next...I was thinking of taking off this blouse's buttons...one...by one..." Corianna's breast replied with a sultry tone.
Kenshin ripped his hand away and walked back to where he was previously. "Is this getting you all hot and bothered too arbiter Lust Dragon?" Corianna said, licking her lips.
"Meh, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't, you've got quite the lovely body and you know what to do with it." Kenshin complimented.
"Oho...thank you." Corianna said.
Issei watched her hand movements until Rias opened up communications to berate him. "What are you doing Issei! You got what you need now attack!"
"It...It isn't telling me anything, but what she's going to strip next!" Issei said.
"E-Eeeh? !" Rias exclaimed. "Th-Then just use Dragon Shot!"
"I can't! I can't destroy this spectacle, nor can I speed it up with Dress Break, because she's doing it for me willingly!" Issei said. "It's already a godly situation!"
"Well...I guess I can't argue...I mean I see naked bodies of sexy women all the time these days, but...no one really does it with the seductive allure she's doing it with." Kenshin shrugged.
"See! Even Kenshin agrees and he almost never goes along with my perversion!" Issei said.
"So this is what Sairaorg's team came up with to seal Issei's techniques! What a frightening technique! Her breasts tells him what she's going to take off next while she is stripping right in front of him. For guys, the best situation is when a woman is taking her clothes off one by one. Guys are creatures that get addicted to woman stripping, that's why a strip show exists. Using Dress Break to strip her naked immediately is a foolish idea! A move which is precise and accurate by knowing the hearts of lechers! Is this how powerful the Bael group is! ?" Azazel explained.
Finally, Corianna was only dressed in her bra and panties. "By the way, we put a safeguard on this so the children could watch without having their parents worry." She said.
"That's good." Kenshin said with a nod.
"S-Sooo what will you take off next?" Issei said. "Come on Come on! Off with that bra, reveal those enormous tits!" He thought.
However, Corianna reached for the waist band of her panties and began to tug them down. Kenshin watched this, swallowing a lump in his throat. "Come on...come on I already seen that damp spot in your panties, let's see just how wet you really are!" Kenshin thought.
"You're getting horny aren't you?" Sylph asked.
"Sadly, she is good at what she does." Kenshin thought.
"You take off the Bra, then the panties!" Issei said accumulating boosts.
"What? !" Corianna said in shock. "You've got to be kidding me! Kyaaa! !"
Corianna was eliminated via Dragon shot. Kenshin raised Issei's hand. "Your winner..." He drawled.
"A-Are you frustrated?" Issei asked.
"Get the fuck out of here!" Kenshin snapped, warping him out.
Issei arrived back and noticed most of the male audience and even a chunk of the females were glaring at him, even Azazel was glaring at him. "W-What?" Issei said.
"You nitpicking dick!" One of the males shouted.
"That's what I thought too." Kenshin announced drawing laughs.
"So Kenshin-kun would like a strip show sometime soon...good to know...ufufufufu..." Akeno giggled.
"Thank you for the show Sairaorg Bael, but sadly it was cut short. Now on my mark, Shoot!" Kenshin shouts.
Sairaorg got a five and Rias got a three. "Eight again, huh." Kenshin said. "Alright talk it over." He warped away.
Kenshin appeared in the next battlefield where Yukari and Miyuki were waiting. "You OK Onii-Chan?" Miyuki asked with a teasing smile.
"I'm fine." Kenshin drawled.
"Wow, you got turned on by a woman not a part of your group?" Yukari asked.
"She was damn good at what she was doing...she didn't even need music to make that stripping seem sexy as hell." Kenshin lamented.
"You really are the Lust Dragon." Yukari laughed.
Gasper and Xenovia appeared followed by a tall lanky man and a boy holding a creepy looking staff. "Xenovia Quarta and Gasper Vladi vs...?" Kenshin looked over questioningly at the other two ignoring the reversed cheers for Gasper and Xenovia. The former getting cheers from men, while the latter got them from women.
"Oooh! Oh my! This is very astonishing since both of them are descendants from extinct households! Combatant Ludora Bune the Rook and combatant Misteeta Sabnock the Bishop. Both of them are descended from now extinct households of the former 72 pillars! Governor Azazel, it seems like there are several of those who come from extinct households on the Bael-team!"
"Yeah, Sairaorg Bael has made a habit out of taking in people despised by others into his peerage. Even though the descendants of the extinct houses are under the protection of the current government. They are still hated in some circles. There are those who value their own blood so much, they want to ensure that those who survived by mixing theirs with others seem like they never existed to begin with."
"Like a certain Lord who shall remain nameless." Kenshin muttered to himself. "Alright. The Fourth Match Ludora Bune and Misteeta Sabnock vs. Xenovia Quarta and Gasper Vladi. Start!"
Xenovia readied Durandal. "Gasper transform into bats and attack afterward. Orders from Chief!"
"I won't let you!" Sabnock shouts expelling a hot flame from his staff.
The eyes of the bats glow red and the flames freeze in place and Xenovia wipes them away with Durandal's wave. Sabnock turned to the communication circle that appeared and received orders from Sairaorg. "Ludora! Orders from Sairaorg-Sama! We take out the swordswoman first I will make preparations for it!"
"Got it!" Bune said moving in front of Sabnock who backed up, focusing his magic and stripped down. He focused his own magic and suddenly his body buffed up.
"..." Kenshin watched as he grew bigger and bigger until a giant black dragon towered over them.
"S-Seriously?" Miyuki said.
"Heheheh, reminds you of the old days eh Kenshin?" Yukari said.
"Heh." Kenshin smirked. "I doubt this one is as strong as that shard of Ophis was."
Xenovia started to use Durandal's wave and direct attacks, but because of the high defense, she couldn't pierce through. "Gasper! I need time to prepare something, then I'll take care of it."
"Got it!" Gasper called out.
Xenovia raised Durandal up high and began charging it. However Sabnock had other ideas. "I don't think so, seal your technique!"
Suddenly the aura from Durandal vanished and it hit the ground with a thud. "What? !" Xenovia said.
"Ahahaha..." Sabnock laughed wearily. "I have human blood in me, so I made use of my Sacred Gear Trick Vanish to do away with your troublesome Durandal. Though I was hoping to hit you with the aftershock of having it sealed, I guess your aptitude for it is denser than I had thought.
Bune let out a roar and pursued Xenovia. "Oh no!" Gasper said rushing over and grabbing her, flying away.
"Gh...sorry Gasper...it looks like I am the useless one this time." Xenovia grunted.
"Don't worry about it. I know how to remove curses like this, just let me take a look." Gasper said placing his hand on her back, a small circle drawn on it.
"Gasper, does it look like the curse can be removed?" Rias asked after opening up communications.
"...Yes." Gasper said drawing a circle on the ground and moving Xenovia into it and taking out the vial of Issei's blood. "If I combine the blood into this mark, the curse will erode, but it will take some time. When it does continue to charge the Durandal.
"W-Wait, what will you be doing? !" Rias said.
"Buying time." Hearing their gasps. Gasper sighed with a smile. "Please trust in me Chief, Xenovia, Issei-Senpai. I can do this. I have been training with a vampire Onee-San after all." Gasper took out a second vial of blood before bringing out his wings.
He took off leaving Xenovia wondering what was going to happen next. "Where are you? ! !" Bune shouts.
"Right here!" Gasper called out.
"?" Bune turned to him. "Just the Gremory Bishop? You're a little out of your depth here girly boy."
"You know...had this game taken place a month ago...you might have had a point there." Gasper said uncorking the vial of blood and choking it down. "Gaah...I still can't get used to that. I'm sorry Evangeline-Sensei."
"Hm? You think that Dragon's blood is going to help you here? Against a dragon?" Bune asked.
"Not at all actually. Because that wasn't Dragon blood I just drank." Gasper said dropping the vial. "There's more than one way to power up my kind...even though I'd rather not do this particular way."
"I admire your courage, but it doesn't mean you won't still be crushed!" Bune said extending his hand at Gasper, not noticing him chanting.
"Crystallitatio Tellustris!" Gasper called out as a spire of ice tore through Bune's wrist.
"Grah!" Bune shouted in pain.
"...I tried this once before...and I hated what it made me into, but in this situation, I don't really have a choice. What I just choked down wasn't Dragon's Blood. It was Virgin's Blood."
"Virgin's Blood? How would that help? !" Bune shouts.
"Simple. Virgin's Blood is pure, untainted, to a vampire...it's like a drug." Gasper said. "It makes them more powerful, but it's very addicting. Dragon's blood can power the body, but it's more for my Sacred Gear, Virgin's Blood...powers the body only."
Bune ripped his arm upward, off the spire and lunged at Gasper, his mouth open. "Icaulatio Grandinis!" Gasper invoked, throwing several javelins into Bune's chest. He held his hand out, a telekinetic force started forcing them in. "Haa...haa..haa..." He started panting.
"Grrh! What the...hell? !" Bune exclaimed.
"Good luck pulling those out, but I made certain to avoid any vitals." Gasper said as he went into another chant. "Ensis Exsequens!" He called out, his left arm becoming a sword of magic. "Haaaaa! !" He charged in, slicing in a wild fury at Bune.
"Grrh! Gaah! What the hell is going on here? ! Why was this never on file? !" Bune said.
"This has to be against the rules!" Sabnock said to Kenshin.
"The vial was given before this Rating Game started, the power gained from it is legal. As for why it was never on file...well you heard him, he hates doing it so he hadn't done it since then." Kenshin said. "If you wanna complain to someone, complain to his teacher, my bishop Evangeline, but I guarantee you she'll just laugh right in your face."
"He's right." Miyuki said with a sweatdrop, smiling.
"She'd probably call you a little coward too." Yukari shrugged.
"You little!" Bune reached for him after Gasper finished carving up his chest. Gasper sprung off of him and went into a spin slicing into his palm. "Gaah!"
"Now to finish it...ghh...!" Gasper said grabbing his temple.
"..." Kenshin watched this with narrowed eyes. "He's have trouble controlling it." He thought.
"Malleus Aquilonis!" Gasper shouts dropping a massive orb of ice on Bune.
"Grahh!" Bune gasped and roared in pain.
"Gasper!" Xenovia said. "I'm ready!"
"Gh...g-go...ahead!" Gasper said.
"Haaaa!" Xenovia charged forward slashing Durandal downward, taking Bune out.
"Haa...haa...haa...haa..." Gasper panted as his eyes landed on Sabnock. "..." He shot toward him.
"!" Sabnock stepped back. "I-I retire!"
Sabnock disappeared as Gasper crashed into the ground. Kenshin turned to Yukari and Miyuki. "Restrain Gasper."
"Wha, why?" Miyuki said.
"Because he's lost it." Kenshin said as Gasper got up, looking around frantically.
Yukari appeared behind Gasper and grabbed one of his arms. "Rrgh!" She grunted. "Miyuki, a little help!" She said as Gasper struggled.
Miyuki appeared to his other side and grabbed his arm. Kenshin approached Gasper. "Get a hold of yourself."
"Give me something to drink and I will..." Gasper said with an unusual light in his eyes.
"So what kid, you're just going to be enslaved by your power for the rest of your life?" Kenshin asked. "Come on kid, you can force it under your control."
"Ghh...!" Gasper grunted. "K-Kenshin...Senpai...help...me...!" He said. "I...hate this...but..I'm not strong enough yet...to do anything about it."
Kenshin reached over and put his hand on Gasper's head. "It was probably foolish to imbibe Virgin's Blood at this juncture. Use your mind better next time OK?" Kenshin said before bringing his hand down on the back of Gasper's neck, knocking him out. "Miyuki, take him to Evangeline. She'll know what to do here."
"Right." Miyuki said scooping up Gasper and leaving. Kenshin turned to Xenovia. "You two won your match, but due to extenuating circumstances Gasper has been retired."
"I understand...it was strange seeing Gasper like that...as violent as he was." Xenovia said.
"Virgin's Blood grants a large power up, but it also affects the mind. Gasper doesn't quite imbibe even regular blood on a stable basis, just enough to sustain himself so as a vampire he's still considered a rookie or a newborn, or as weak as one anyway." Kenshin said. Xenovia, Yukari and Kenshin vanished.
Issei turned to Rias who was looking down at the floor He tried to say something to her, but it drowned out. "What do I mean...let's win? How naïve am I? The ones who were the most prepared to do that were my pieces, these children...they were risking their lives from the beginning, alongside Kenshin and his peerage." She thought.
She recalled something that Evangeline told her before, back on Mundus Magicus. "You're a caring master girl, but that doesn't necessarily make you a good one. You seem content to let your friends fight for you, you realize what this means, right? They could end up dying for you as well." She had said something here...something like she wouldn't dare let that happen. "Prove it then...brush aside whatever fear you have, and advance forward, through the mud alongside them."
Kenshin appeared overhead as she looked up. "Alright. So far it's been a Gremory Ballroom Blitz, shall it change now? We shall find out."
Several roles later it came up as a nine. "What'll be?" Kenshin asked as he warped away.
"Maybe I should..." Issei said.
"No. You need to conserve your strength." Akeno said. "I'll go."
"Right." Rias nodded. "Sairaorg's keeping his pawn back, so he's sure to send out his own Queen."
"Right." Akeno said. "Issei can't be sent, he'll have to use Triana against her and that can't happen."
"Be on your way then." Rias said.
Kenshin watched as Kuisha and Akeno warped in on the battlefield of towers. "Ah, Kuisha. Nice to see you again." He nodded toward her. "And Akeno, always a pleasure. Ready?"
Both nod and Kenshin raises his hand. "Fifth Match Kuisha Abaddon vs. Akeno Himejima, Begin!"
The two flew into the air. Akeno volleyed flame attacks at Kuisha who countered with a huge ice attack. Akeno used a water attack, but Kuisha countered with wind. The constant force of the volleys began to destroy the buildings beneath them.
"Woop..." Kenshin said jumping into the air.
"Hmn...I guess I have no real choice here...I have to roll the dice." Akeno said extending her magic to the skies above.
"Hm?" Kuisha said, seeing the skies starting to get darker. Suddenly lightning struck where she was. However before it did, a hole was formed, absorbing it in.
"Haaaa! !" Akeno let out a roar and made more holy lightning.
"Hmph." Kuisha smirked and made more holes and widened the primary one, absorbing the main arc of lightning and all it's forked endings. Akeno was stunned when the hole took it all in.
"I do apologize, but your lightning isn't as strong as the sealed Ancestral Youkai's cannon attack." Kuisha said as she formed holes around Akeno. "Now...I will return just the holy element to you."
Kenshin threw Kuroi Jigoku into the light after about ten seconds of it striking Akeno. The light was canceled out and Kenshin caught Akeno as she fell. She was unconscious and hurt badly. "She can't continue. Rias Gremory's Queen has been retired." Akeno disappeared from Kenshin's arms and he took his sword and resheathed it.
Kuisha nodded and went back. Kenshin followed her. "The Bael peerage strikes a crushing blow, taking out one of the Gremory's strongest." Kenshin announced. "Now Shoot!"
The value that came up was twelve. Kenshin looked over to see Sairaorg already entering. "Alright Gremorys who gets first crack at the Bael King?"
"My Rook and Two Knights." Rias decided.
"..." Kenshin stared at her before he closed his eyes. "Very well." Kenshin warped away.
"So the plan is for you guys to exhaust him somewhat then?" Issei asked.
"Yes." Kiba nodded. "We know we can't beat him. We'll do the next best thing and soften him up for you.
"Thank you...and I'm sorry I can't be there to help..." Rias said. "Good luck."
Kenshin turned to Sairaorg as the two waited for Kiba, Xenovia and Rossweisse. "So what do you think their chances are?" The latter asked.
"Nil." Kenshin said. "Rias planned for this, so she had Kiba, Rossweisse and Xenovia fight me three on one. I didn't want to at first, but I eventually agreed with the stipulation that I wouldn't use my Sacred Gear's Balance Breaker. They were easily handled. There's no reason why you can't do the same Sairaorg."
Kiba, Xenovia and Rossweisse appeared the next moment. "So is this Rias' plan?" Sairaorg asked.
"..." They each said nothing.
"You can't beat me. Even the arbiter here agrees. Even so, are you OK with that?" Sairaorg asked.
"We won't fall so easily." Kiba said. "We will deliver you to the Sekiryuutei in the best possible condition!"
"Hehehehahahaha! Very well!" Sairaorg grinned. "I shall show you the same respect I showed Kenshin and fight at full power!" He said as he surrounded himself in Touki.
"The team of Yuuto Kiba, Xenovia Quarta and Rossweisse of Valhalla vs. the King of the Bael Peerage, Sairaorg Vapula Bael, Sixth Match begins now!" Kenshin said.
"You three fight with the resolution of being taken down so I will match it, one hundred percent." Sairaorg said before vanishing.
"I won't let you!" Rossweisse shouts, calling on many different spells.
"Rossweisse-San over here!" Kiba shouts poining his holy sword in a single direction.
"Got it! HAA!" Rossweisse let out a yell, firing off her magic.
"Hmph!" Sairaorg cocked both his fists back and started punching away every single spell before darting for Rossweisse.
"Run aw-!" Kiba shouted, but it was too late as Sairaorg's fist slammed into the valkryie's stomach, sending her tumbling painfully away to the edge of the lake, She vanished before she fell in, but Kenshin didn't announce it.
"One down, two to go." Sairaorg said approaching Kiba and Xenovia.
"This isn't good, we won't be able to do anything to him unless we fight at full power."
"I know! I know!" Kiba shouts as he created a wall with his holy demonic swords, but it was easily shattered by Sairaorg's fist. Kiba jumped back, avoiding the next punch, but Sairaorg pursued, punching through the sword Kiba was using for defense.
"I admire your bravery, and your dedication to your master, but your defense is lacking. Don't feel too bad though. Until Kenshin came along, no one could withstand this punch."
"Durandal!" Xenovia shouts after Sairaorg batted away Kiba.
"Hahahaha! Let's see which is stronger, my will or the wave of power from a holy sword!" Sairaorg laughed, increasing the touki around his body.
The result from this collision was that Sairaorg came out unscathed. "? !" Xenovia couldn't hide her shock. "I-I wasn't expecting it to beat you, but to come out unhurt? !"
"It's a splendid attack, but it's just not strong enough...not yet anyway." Sairaorg said.
"Xenovia we need to do a combination attack!" Kiba said changing to the holy sword and brought out the Glory Drag Troopers almost immediately.
"Haa!" Sairaorg charged forward taking them all out with but a single punch a piece. "Sorry, but these guys aren't hard enough."
"..." Kiba and Xenovia couldn't stop the quiver running through their bodies. They charged forward slashing at Sairaorg who dodged.
"Hahaha, I can sense the talents that you both have inside you, but at this juncture, you can't win." Sairaorg said before driving his fists into their bodies.
"Kh! Guh!" Xenovia and Kiba grunt, falling to the ground.
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes and shook his head. He walked over to stop the match when the two started to get up. Kiba coughed up blood. "Issei-kun was able to get back up...after taking this attack, and Kenshin-kun even defeated it. They're both so far ahead of us..." Kiba said. "Still I can move, I can still weaken you..."
"Tch...seems I still can't fall asleep." Xenovia said pushing herself up with Durandal.
"Yes, not yet, we still need to wield our swords to weaken this man, for Issei-kun...for Chief." Kiba said.
"Hahaha, so you two will entertain me a bit more." Sairaorg remarked with a grin.
Suddenly Rossweisse appeared from Xenovia's back. "Your guard's down!" She shouted making several magic circles that blasted Sairaorg directly in the face.
"Eeeh? ! But I thought Rossweisse-San was eliminated? !" Issei said to Rias.
"Not exactly. You see with Xenovia's permission one can actually make use of the Excaliburs that make up Durandal's sheathe. The sword in question will come out and you can use it. The Rossweisse that was taken out earlier was a fake made with Excalibur Mimic, while she was hiding with Excalibur Transparency." Rias said. "Still there is a limit to how much you can activate it on each day."
"Hn...I was curious as to why you hadn't announced the retirement yet Kenshin, now I know." Sairaorg said. "Nonetheless, that was magnificent. I can respect your resolve, but with my respect comes this." Sairaorg said surrounding his fist in all of his touki. "This is the style of attack that was even able to damage Kenshin whilst he had his forbidden technique active, though I needed my Balance Breaker to pull it off."
"!" Kenshin's eyes widened slightly. "That attack? !" He thought.
"? !" Kiba, Xenovia and Rossweisse jumped back. "OK Xenovia, stick to the plan and we-!"
At that moment, the touki from Sairaorg's fist released as he punched forward wiping away the field in front of him. Also. "Rias Gremory's Rook has been retired!" Kenshin shouts over the roaring earthquake of an attack.
Kiba and Xenovia nodded and took hold of Durandal and shot above Sairaorg, the sword raised and slashed it downward, cleaving off his right arm, however instead of disappearing as most devil dismembered limbs did, it remained.
"Marvelous, you've taken my arm, so now I have to use the Phoenix tear now if I want to fight the Sekiryuutei at full strength." He said grabbing his arm and doing just that. "Now...where were we? Ah yes..." He kicked Xenovia high into the sky and moved in front of her, barraging her with a brutal assault of kicks and punches. "Lion Combo!"
He took her and slammed her to the ground afterward, She was already unconscious at this point. Sairaorg turned and and grabbed Kiba by the head and slammed him in the ground and buries his fist into Kiba's stomach. "Guaahhh...!" Kiba gasped in pain.
"That's enough." Kenshin said gripping Sairaorg's shoulder. "If you do anymore, they'll be in serious danger."
"Very well." Sairaorg said. "I was glad that I was able to fight you. You were quite the team to face down."
"Kaah...I've done all I can, all that's left is for Chief and Issei-kun to defeat you." Kiba said.
"Winner, Sairaorg Bael." Kenshin said. "Rias Gremory's Knights Yuuto Kiba and Xenovia Quarta have been retired."
Sairaorg, Kiba, Xenovia and Kenshin all disappeared. Kenshin reappeared outside with Sairaorg returning to his stand. The dice were cast and Kenshin disappeared. On the battlefield appeared Kuisha and Issei. Kenshin looked over at Issei. "From this point on, I shall be in my own Balance Breaker to enforce the rules."
"Balance Breaker! Elemental Overdrive!"
"The Seventh Match. Kuisha Abaddon vs. Issei Hyoudou begins now!" Kenshin said.
Issei raised his Boosted Gear with the countdown already running. He went into the Balance Breaker. "Please just put all of your power into defense, if you do that...you'll be able to retire safely."
"You have a lot of confidence, very well...I shall attack with full power on behalf of my..."
"Don't say I didn't warn you..." Issei said cutting Kuisha off. "Welsh Sonic Knight! !"
"Change Star Sonic!"
Issei appears in front of Kuisha "Welsh Dragonic Rook! !"
"Change Solid Impact!"
Issei swung his now titanic fist complete with percussion hammer at Kuisha who raised her arms to defend. However the attack never came as a black strand connected to Issei's arm, holding it back. "? !" She looked over to see Kenshin holding Issei back.
"Issei! Calm the hell down! !" Kenshin ordered.
"Grrhhhh! !" Issei growled.
"Issei I will disqualify you if you do not cease this fatal attack!" Kenshin shouts. "I know you're angry, but I still can't let you do this!"
Suddenly Kuisha disappeared. "? !" Kenshin looked around. "Forced retirement? You can do that?"
Sairaorg's face appeared on a screen looking at Issei. "I forcefully retired Kuisha to prevent you from killing her. You were trying to, right?"
"...I'm sorry." Issei said taking off the face plate of his helmet. "I couldn't keep my hostility at you all down, but watching my juniors get taken down like that...was difficult."
Kenshin disconnected the black thread. "I have a suggestion." Kenshin said. "Seeing as Rias Gremory's just going to have her Bishop quit the next match anyway. Why not just have the match between Sairaorg and Issei now?"
"I've got one better. Why not just have an all out team battle from here?" Sairaorg suggests. "It would be a waste to have a meaningless battle like that in between where the Gremory Bishop just gives up."
"I was more getting that we should get to the battle everyone wants to see." Kenshin said.
"Ah ha, using my own wording against me eh?" Sairaorg said.
Emperor Belial's voice came through. "The committee has decided to go with Sairaorg's idea."
"..." Kenshin sighed. "I was hoping to avoid seeing Rias and Asia in this kind of brutal battle..." He thought.
Kenshin and Issei stood in the plain, awaiting the remaining combatants.
The final battle of the Rating Game was at hand.
(chapter end)
Kenshin: So soon? You didn't even get to the main fight.
Draconis: I know, but at the same time this was getting kind of long.
Gasper: Uuueee...why was I acting so mean...!
Evangeline: Come on, you didn't think I'd leave you as a timid house bat forever did you?
Draconis: Anyway, next time the Rating Game, as well as Volume Ten in general concludes.