Chapter 9: Gremory vs. Phenex

Rias looked upon her beloved peerage from behind her desk at the Occult Research Club, already mentally noting down what they were doing. Most of them were seated at the two couches next to the elegant coffee table. The only one not in her peerage was Asia Argento, who was seated next to Issei. No doubt it was to give her support to those whom she considered her friends.

Her faithful friend and Queen, Akeno Himejima, had a tray in hand passing out tea to each of the other members. They thanked her as they took slow sips to calm their nerves at the upcoming fight. Each member of her peerage Rias observed had their own habit. Issei kept glancing at his left arm, tightening his fist every once in a while. No doubt he was thinking about the Boosted Gear in some form or way.

Koneko held the same blank look as she always did. While her anxiety wasn't as obvious, it was still there. The repeated movements of tightening on her fingerless gloves certainly showed that.

Yuuto kept cleaning his sword even though with his Sacred Gear Sword Birth, there was really no need to. Why would he need maintenance when he could simply form another sword?

Once Akeno finished passing out the tea to everybody, including Asia, she walked back next to Rias' side, tray still held like an elegant server in a high-class restaurant. With her appearance, it certainly fit.

Rias took another sip of her warm tea. This really was the calm before the storm.

The dimly lit room, only brightened with tall candles, gave a rather homely atmosphere to her. Though humans would have considered the room dark, her devil eyes had no such weakness.

The sound of the double doors opening rang throughout the room as two familiar faces entered the Occult Research Club.

"Excuse us."

Rias smiled softly at the sight of her friend.

"Sona. Good evening."

"Kaichou? Fukukaichou?" Issei murmured softly. "What are they doing here?"

Sona and Tsubaki turned to him with an immediate answer. "We'll be one of the few spectators that will be watching this Rating Game. I'm sure you already know, but the game will be watched by several other Devil Pillar Clans."

Rias grimaced at hearing that. "Yes. They'll want to see me lose for defying old devil traditions. But I won't lose here. No matter what."

"It'll be your first Rating Game, Rias. Are you ready?" Sona asked somewhat aloofly, though the undercurrent of care for her friend was easily found for Rias.

"No." Rias stated honestly, much to Sona's surprise. "I don't know if I'll ever be ready. But I have to win."

Sona nodded. "I'm sorry that I couldn't be of much help to you. I will naturally be praying for your victory."

Rias waved off her concerns. "Of course. And I'll show you something that will make you feel worthy of being my rival."

Her peerage nodded confidently at her statement to which Sona noted. Before the Student Council President could begin leaving, a magic circle flashed in one of the corners of the Occult Research Club. The circle elevated, and an elegant maid revealed herself. The maid was beautiful, appearing to be in her twenties at the least. She had long, silver hair braided in three different areas. The biggest and longest one was in the back, while two smaller braids went down her shoulder. Topping it all off was her blue and white French maid outfit, complete with a white maid headband.

"Grayfia." Rias instinctively named her as the maid bowed politely, showing her service to her.

"Rias-sama. It's almost time." She declared.

"Thank you." The crimson-haired devil graciously thanked as she turned to the rest of her peerage who were beginning to stand up. "Everyone, let's go."

They moved towards the still flashing, magical circle in which Grayfia had come from. Sona remained on the sides, gazing upon each member of the peerage as they stepped into the circle. The exception was Asia who stood up, but stopped at the edge of it knowing that she could not be in the Rating Game.

"Argento-san." Grayfia called to her. "Rias-sama has asked for special permission to allow you to watch the game as a spectator. It has been granted. You will be joining Sona-sama in a spectating room."

Sona raised an interested eyebrow at that, but said nothing as she nodded her agreement to it.

"Thank you Grayfia-san." Asia bowed respectfully before turning to Rias' peerage. "Please win everybody! Do your best Issei-san!"

Each of them smiled kindly back to her at her support.

"Don't worry Asia! We'll win in no time and I'll come back to you safely!" Issei proclaimed confidently, left arm raised to his chest.

Asia's cheeks turned red and was unable to say anything more as Rias and her peerage were teleported to the battlefield, leaving only, Grayfia, Sona, and Tsubaki in the room. Grayfia entered the circle next, disappearing without another word after Rias. The teleportation circle then disappeared.

"Argento-san, please follow us to the Student Council Room. We will watch the game there." Sona instructed as she and Tsubaki began heading to the exit. Asia nodded and followed them, praying to God that Issei and the others would be able to come out on top.

xXx

Somehow, she was not surprised that this would be the area where they would be fighting.

"What? We're still in the Club?" Issei asked, confused at the seemingly similar appearance to that of where they were previously.

The same Victorian-era styled walls still surrounded them. The very same green, elegant couches they had just sat on remained the same. The same could be said for Rias' desk which she had just sat on only moments ago, as was the same double doors that led in and out of the Occult Research Club. Even the red, expensive carpet that all the expensive furniture was on was an accurate copy.

"No. The transfer was successful. The battlefield we'll be fighting is Kuoh Academy." Rias answered as her mind raced several miles a second at the consequences of fighting here.

She didn't think it was coincidence that Riser chose Kuoh Academy, the very place she attended school at, to be the Rating Game's battlefield. This would give her a supposed 'Home Field Advantage,' as she and her peerage knew the area much better than Riser. However, it was just another way to trap her in her honest opinion. Let her think that she held some more advantages, then sweep the victory from under her.

From a political point of a view, it was solid too. For anyone who didn't look much deeper beyond the surface, it was another show of mercy for her. If she lost, then it would be on her for being unable to win despite the slight show of compassion for her. For those who did, it was another show of power that he could still win despite giving her every advantage he could. No doubt the high-class devils were already discussing when the marriage date would be when she lost to Riser, who was obviously the favored one.

But this would be his mistake.

"Welcome all."

Grayfia's voice reverberated throughout the entire clubhouse like high-quality loudspeakers littered throughout the school.

"To the competitors, we welcome the peerage of both Rias Gremory and Riser Phenex. To the spectators, we welcome you all to the Rating Game between Rias Gremory and Riser Phenex."

That certainly confirmed for Rias that this would not be a private match at all like it was supposed to be.

"I am the servant of the Gremory Clan, Grayfia, and I will be the announcer for this Rating Game. The chosen battlefield will be a replica of the school that Rias-sama attends in the Human World, Kuoh Academy."

"Replica?" Issei questioned.

"Issei-kun, we'll be fighting somewhere that looks like our school in a different dimension. Here, we can be as destructive as we want." Akeno explained as Issei nodded to show his understanding.

"To both parties. Where you were teleported to will be your respective sides. For Rias-sama, it will be the old school building where the Occult Research Club meets regularly. For Riser-sama, it will be in the Principal's office in the new school building. As per standard Rating Game rules, a pawn that reaches an opposing side will be able to promote to a piece they choose."

That was a massive detriment to them, Rias thought. Whereas Issei was worth eight pawns, with little experience in actual combat outside of training, Riser's pawns were all worth one pawn with plenty of experience. Their worth as a queen would probably outstrip Issei due to his inexperience, on top of already outnumbering them.

"Everyone, please take these." Rias announced, handing each member of her peerage a small magical sphere no longer than a thumb. "It's a magical transmitter that'll allow us to communicate with each other in battle."

The sphere then floated into each of the member's ears, disappearing as it did so.

"The Rating Game will start in three minutes."

"Everyone…" Rias gathered everyone's attention, looking at them kindly. "I know that we'll be fighting an uphill battle against Riser, but I have faith in all of you. He thinks that we'll be easy to beat. That's why we'll be fighting in Kuoh Academy, but we've trained hard for this and I know that we can win."

Everyone gazed at her with resolution in their eyes. All of them were prepared to sacrifice whatever it was to win.

Rias felt so proud of them.

"Issei. How was your progress with your Oppai Spark?" She asked, causing some sniggers from the room while Issei grinned.

"Marisa-san said that I can shoot it twice now before I get too tired. It isn't as big as hers, but she said it'd be good enough." He gave an encouraging thumbs-up to show that he was prepared.

"That's good." Rias smiled at the thought of finally having a firm trump card on her side. "But don't use it unless you absolutely need to. Riser will try to target you as soon as he sees you can do it so we can't win. We'll try and save it to end."

"Right! Got it!" The user of Boosted Gear to show that he understood.

Rias then turned to two other members of her peerage. "Kiba, Koneko. The plan for you two will be to keep as many of the stronger pieces away from our base as long as you can. If you can, try to take them out but prioritize your survival. I don't want to lose any of you."

"Yes." Both of them agreed while Rias turned to her Queen.

"Akeno, you're going to be setting up your most powerful spell to detonate our base."

At hearing such a thing, almost all the members of her peerage turned to her with slight skepticism. Akeno simply affirmed her agreement with a quick yes.

"Wait, Buchou. Why are we blowing up our base? I don't get it." Issei questioned as he scratched his head in confusion, trying to think of the reasons behind such a plan.

Rias' lips almost split into a full-on grin. She didn't however. She was much more elegant than that after all.

"If Riser believes he can win by outnumbering us, then he's in for a surprise. Reisen-san suggested that we use something as a trap and what better trap would there be than our own base?" She explained a part of her thought process as the others began understanding right away what she intended to do.

"Oh! I get it! We're going to trap them all in our base and take a lot of them out in one go!" Issei exclaimed, sounding much more excited now that it had been explained.

He punched a fist into the palm of his hand eagerly.

"We can definitely beat that yakitori bastard now! It's time to get revenge on him and save Buchou from this stupid marriage!"

Rias smiled in response. "Issei, don't forget. We have to wait for them to get to our base which means you and I will be fighting here. If any of them are pawns, they'll be promoted Queens for sure. We have to hold on for Akeno to finish her spell."

Despite the warning and overwhelming disadvantage, Issei looked undaunted at the task.

"Hmph, so what? We trained hard under Reisen-san, Suika-san, and Marisa-san! It was the hardest thing we ever did! At this point, we can do anything!" He declared proudly as others began giving encouraging smiles of their own.

Rias couldn't help but feel the anxiety in her chest settle a bit. The odds were again, definitely against them. Practically everybody expected her to lose in the end. It was moments like these that helped her face the oncoming storm in the form of a decisive Rating Game. She couldn't afford to fail now knowing that everyone had tried their best for her own sake.

"My beloved Peerage. Let's win this Rating Game and show everyone what we can do!" She declared with pride as the others followed along at her pace.

"Yeah!"

xXx

The Rating Game of Gremory vs. Phenex went under full swing. Riser's own peerage moved out like a torrent as they searched for Rias' peerage. To their surprise however, they found nobody.

"What is going on?" Xuelan, a Rook from Riser, asked to nobody in particular as the entered the large school gymnasium.

The gymnasium itself was massive. In one side of the room was a stage, complete with stage lights overhead and red curtains on the side. The sleek, wooden floor on the ground was impeccably clean as if a janitor had gone through every inch of it just hours earlier. It was enough that food could even be dropped on it and still be perfectly edible. The white walls indicated the boundaries of the gym and despite being easily stained, were just as clean as the floor. Three sets of double doors served as entrances to the gymnasium; one on each side that did not have the stage. White markings along the floor indicated a basketball court, though the hoops had not been set up. There was still easily enough room on the floor to have two, full-sized basketball courts. Windows near the roof of the gymnasium normally would have allowed the sun in, but none entered due to the nature of being an alternate dimension in the first place. The sky was an aurora.

"Where are they?" Shuriya questioned as well. "Riser-sama predicted that they would try and occupy the center of the map. Are they just giving it up?"

"How careless of them." The Chinese Rook criticized as she smirked. "Taking control of the center of the battlefield is crucial in war. Now we can assault their base freely."

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted someone with white hair attempting to hide near the stage. She immediately twisted her head to the rather small figure.

"Don't think you can escape my sight! Show yourself!" She shouted, pointing an accusatory finger towards her target.

Koneko revealed herself from the curtains of the stage alone.

"Hmph. So this place was defended after all." She corrected herself before turning to her three allies. "Shuriya, Ile, Nel. Go ahead and get to their base to promote. It's just one rook. I can handle her."

"Okay!" They shouted before turning to leave through the double doors of the gym.

Koneko leapt after them to stop their movements, but Xuelan immediately intercepted her.

"I don't think so. Rias-sama must have been foolish to think that she would only need one piece to take down four of us." Xuelan smirked, although there was no emotion on Koneko's face still.

"Xuelan. Even though you're a Rook, people say you're just as good as a Queen." Koneko commented as she raised her arms in preparation to fight her.

Xuelan huffed in pride. "That's right. And that's why you won't win against me."

Koneko chose to remain silent. Instead, she thrust herself forward fist first towards Riser's rook. Her punch was easily blocked with her arm. She counterattacked with several kicks that would have had any martial artist in awe. However, Koneko dodged by leaning her body back though she was forced back on the defensive. Xuelan pressed her offense by launching several more kicks towards Koneko's upper body. The latter blocked each one with her arm until Xuelan decided to mix it up.

She went in for a sweep kick.

Koneko leapt up to avoid it instinctively.

"Got you!" Xuelan declared as the sweep had been a trick.

She twisted her body around smoothly to launch another kick against Rias' rook who was now left vulnerable in the air. Unable to do much against it, she braced herself for the blow.

Xuelan smirked as a satisfying hit was finally dealt to Koneko. The latter was launched back through the air. The large sound of smacking against the wall reverberated throughout the gym, a small crack at the wall showing the amount of power Xuelan had.

Xuelan scoffed at her opponent.

This was too easy. There was really nothing to be worried about if this was all a specialized chess piece from Rias' peerage could muster up. She wasn't surprised in the least when Koneko stood up with little damage taken, as expected from the Rook's natural defense and durability.

As Xuelan prepared to taunt her opponent further, Koneko did something she didn't expect at all.

"Wait, you're running away!?" Xuelan shouted as Koneko was doing that just that.

The opposing rook ran in the direction of another set of double doors in the gymnasium. Xuelan followed her immediately as Koneko burst through the doors like a car crashing through the walls of a wooden house. There was no resistance to stop Koneko from escaping. Xuelan cursed to herself for allowing the opposing Rook to escape like that.

The opposing Rook raised a hand to her ear. "Everyone. Rias-sama's rook has just escaped from the gymnasium. I'm going to follow her."

"Understood. Mihae, Karlamine. Move to investigate where she's gone. We can use the open area to surround her easily. Xuelan, go ahead and pursue her. Siris and Isabella, go ahead and take Xuelan's spot at the gym. We'll keep hold of it for center field supremacy." A familiar voice commanded through the magical transmitter in her ear only a second later.

Xuelan smirked. With that, there was no way Koneko was going to escape being retired from the Rating Game.

"Understood Ravel-sama. We'll move out now." Several different voices spoke at once, affirming to her decision.

Xuelan on the other hand, immediately left through the same exit that Koneko had just left through.

As soon as she managed to reach the outside however, she felt lithe arms grabbing her from behind and a weight collapsing on her. Forced to the ground due to the weight and momentum of whatever had struck her, her arms were immediately pressed to the ground and her legs were sat upon. Movement restricted, she instantly realized what had happened.

"What!? You were still here!?" Xuelan shouted in surprise.

"You let your guard down." Koneko replied emotionlessly, although Xuelan could swear that she was smirking.

She struggled against the opposing rook's grip futilely. Her arms had been trapped to prevent her from using it. Her legs, while her main point, didn't have enough room to move to use an attack due to being put in an awkward position. The rook's traits ensured that Koneko's increased physical strength would keep her from moving anywhere. Xuelan eventually stopped moving, smiling as a realization came to her.

"You might have been able to stop me, but you can't do anything either. You're just holding me down and the others will come here soon. They're going to find you and there won't be anything you can do." Xuelan taunted, twisting her head halfway to Koneko to ensure the latter saw the smile.

Koneko remained indifferent at the statement. "Trap. Backup here."

Backup? What was she talking about?

"Good job Koneko-chan. I know Buchou said we should prioritize our survival, but we can't help it if we capture somebody right?" A male voice cut into the clearing.

Xuelan immediately turned her head roughly in the direction of it. From the woods surrounding the gymnasium, a blond boy emerged with a sword with a black blade. He looked handsome; a pretty boy look adorning him and Xuelan had no doubt that many girls had been infatuated with his appearance. A male school uniform adorned him, signs that what he wore meant he went to this school. His gray eyes looked into her own brown ones, almost looking amused at her situation.

She lost. Xuelan knew it, though she still sneered towards what was obviously the Knight.

Koneko gave a small hum in agreement.

"Who are you!?" Xuelan demanded, glaring at the obvious swordsman.

Internally, she cursed as well. Of course, the rook would have somebody to help her. She was outplayed like a fool and now she was going to pay for it. She had underestimated them from the initial engagement.

"Yuuto Kiba. Knight of Gremory." He introduced himself politely, as he raised his sword, blade pointed towards the ground. "I'm sorry, Rook of Phenex. But your end is here."

He raised his sword, blade pointed towards the ground.

"Sword Birth!" He announced as he stabbed his sword into the ground.

It did nothing at first, but Xuelan's eyes widened when blades of various size rose from the ground. They were emerging from the earth, and they coming in her direction.

"No!" She struggled even harder against Koneko's weight, but it served no purpose.

The blades moved closer to her. There was no escape.

"Gahhhhh!" She screamed in pain as she felt her becoming weightless. Her body was dissipating from her wounds.

Koneko leapt away at the very last second as the blades stabbed Xuelan's body all over. Despite her rook defense, it was unable to withstand the numerous injuries she suffered.

The last thing Xuelan saw as she was raised off the ground from the blades stabbing into her, was Koneko leaping to Kiba's side. The latter raised an open palm into the air, a clear indication of an attempt for a high-five which Koneko slowly accepted.

"Riser-sama's Rook has been retired."

xXx

"What?" Issei questioned in response to the announcement. "What happened?"

Almost instantly, Rias raised a hand to her ear. "Yuuto. Koneko. Was that from the both of you?"

"Yes." Kiba's voice clarified over the magical radio. "Koneko managed to communicate with me to set up a trap for the enemy rook."

"I see. Good job, the both of you. Stay alert and don't let yourselves be retired. Keep the non-pawns distracted as long as you can."

"Yes." The both of them answered before no further voice came through the magical radio.

Issei turned to Rias who sighed after the information provided. "Buchou, what's wrong?"

She shook her head, raising a hand to her chin to think. "Nothing. I'm trying to think of what Riser will do with a retired Rook. Is he arrogant enough to continue with what he's doing? Or will he see that I have another trap planned? I don't know, but anticipating what people are going to do is much harder than I expected. I thought I knew him, but now I'm not sure what he'll do."

Issei shrugged. "I dunno Buchou. But-."

A pound at the door immediately cut off any attempt to say anything to her. The both of them immediately recognized what that pounding meant.

"They're here." Rias announced, standing up from her seat at the pristine, wooden desk. "Get ready Issei."

"Right!" He answered back, left hand transforming into the Boosted Gear.

A few more loud thumps reverberated throughout room as they came from the pounds at the double doors. The door was then busted down, unable to hold together any longer despite its quality making. It would have flown forward towards Rias, had it not hit something invisible and bounced back. There was a large group and in front were three people, two of them with turquoise hair and a yellow ribbon in it. The both of them held chainsaws, buzzing lightly for intimidation. They wore white t-shirts with blue accents, black shorts and leggings, and blue sneakers over their knee-high socks.

The third person simply wore a maid outfit in a black and white scheme without the long sleeves.

As the girls tried to flood the room, they found that some shimmering wall prohibited them from entering right away.

"A barrier?" The maid inquisitively asked, raising an eyebrow at Rias.

"We expected you, considering your numbers. You didn't think we'd let you promote to Queens so easily, did you?" Rias countered, flipping her hair back elegantly. "It was made by my Queen before she left. Even if you outnumber us here four to one, it'll take you some time to break through it."

The maid shook her head, chuckling. "And why would you have to stall us from becoming Queens? This match is futile, Rias-sama. Just surrender to Riser-sama. You only have three specialized pieces in comparison to our six now. Fourteen once we all promote. What makes you think you can win? We've won since the very beginning."

She snapped her finger and the two girls with the chainsaws began revving it up. The sound of machine buzzing loudly then filled the airs of room and Ile and Nel began laying the chainsaws against the barrier.

"Futile? Didn't you just lose one of your Rooks, despite outnumbering us?" Rias goaded with the truth as the maid flinched reactively.

"T-That was just a mistake on our part. We've regrouped now. There's no way you'll be able to catch us alone like that anymore." The maid countered, frowning at Rias for clinging onto the retirement of one of their pieces.

"Shuriya! No!" Someone from behind her shouted, though it was too late.

Rias raised an eyebrow of her own, smirking. "Oh? You have some loose lips there. I appreciate your information. I think I'll relay that to my peerage."

"Nice one Buchou!" Issei complimented happily as Rias raised an ear to her radio to signal everyone.

"Everyone, be careful. Riser's peerage has mostly regrouped now so there won't be any pick-off attempts." Rias notified, taking some cynical glee in watching Shuriya's realization of what she had done. "I may not be as great at battle tactics as Riser. I might not be a good manipulator for the standards of devils. However, I can still fish for things like this."

"Tch. I let my guard down." Shuriya stated. "I underestimated you, Rias-sama. I should have expected something like this from Riser-sama's bride-to-be. I won't make such a foolish mistake like this again."

She then turned to both Ile and Nel, whose chainsaws were still buzzing against the shimmering barrier that Akeno had set up.

"Up the power on those, both of you. We will win on Riser-sama's behalf." She commanded and the both of them acknowledged the order.

The both of them pulled the string in order to increase the strength and speed of their chainsaws. Sparks flew off from the clash of both barrier and chainsaw, and Rias could see that the former was beginning to give way under the pressure.

"Buchou. This is a good time, I think. They're all stuck at the door." Issei whispered to Rias, clenching his fist to show what he was talking about.

Rias shook her head and muttered back. "No Issei. We don't want to show that off until the Riser appears. I can buy Akeno some more time myself."

Issei nodded, unclenching his fist while Rias placed both her arms in front of her with palms open. A red magical circle formed in front of her, small at first before expanding to the size of herself. Black lightning, outlined in red, began crackling from it while an orb formed in the center of it. Like before, it was the size of a fist at most, before expanding to the same area of the magical circle.

"Why don't you go ahead and force the barrier down?" Rias provoked, smirking all the while at all of the opposing Pawns' predicament. "All of you should know of my Power of Destruction. Riser should have told you that. He'd have to be stupid otherwise and even if I don't like him at all, he's not that at least."

Instantly, both Ile and Nel became hesitant in continuing to rip down the barrier with their weapons. Shuriya raised an arm to stop the pressure on the obstacle leading into the club room.

"You thought this through Rias-sama. Riser-sama has chosen a worthy bride." Shuriya frowned again at the situation that they had been placed in. "However, we are all willing to sacrifice ourselves to win this match. A few casualties on our side to be expected, considering who you are, Rias-sama. Both of you, continue. "

Ile and Nel both nodded and continued tearing down the barrier again. Within seconds, the barrier started splitting apart like very durable wood. As the gap started becoming bigger, Rias let loose her gathered energy aimed towards it. Its movements like a snake ensured that it was hard to maneuver around and with the tight space Riser's pawns were in, the sound of sizzling was a good thing to hear for Rias. She had hit somebody in the narrow hallway leading to the club room.

"Ahhhhhh!"

The scream of pain brought a vindicated smile onto Rias' face. It didn't look like she retired somebody in the hit, but no doubt they were injured.

"Keep going!" Shuriya barked towards Ile and Nel. "The faster we get in, the faster we won't have to deal with being in this enclosed area!"

Rias quickly gathered her energy again for another attack. Just as the barrier was finally split apart, it was released.

"Look out!" Someone shouted.

The burst of magic ended up exploding against the frontline and another scream was heard.

"Aggggghhhhhh!"

"Riser-sama's pawn has been retired."

"Issei! Hurry and block them!" Rias commanded.

"Right!" He immediately responded, running towards the entrance of the room to hold them off.

[Boost!]

It would also prevent Riser's pawns from flooding the room too much as the Issei became the barrier to overcome. Due to being forced within melee range, Issei managed to play to his newly found advantages Rias knew. Boosted Gear didn't have any ranged capabilities from what she could see. Issei would be forced to fight at close range which was being taken care of due to being needed to be taken care of to enter the room and promoting to Queens.

They'd have to throw themselves at him to beat him.

"My staff! It broke!" Someone shouted whom Rias noted as a pawn that had previously taken out Issei in one blow. That was a week and a half ago.

How the tables had turned now.

While Issei suffered the disadvantage of there being two against one, due to the size of the double doors, it wasn't really a factor. Issei was doing just fine. No doubt it was from the training of being forced to fight while being outnumbered. With only two people to take him on, Issei could hold out for a while. All they really needed to do was to wait for Akeno to signal that she was ready.

Despite the limited room, Issei did well for himself. He ducked under a clawed swing swiftly. His counter was quick.

"Gurgh!"

A grunt of pain was obvious as Rias saw Issei punch somebody square in the stomach. They retreated and had someone else take their spot to try their luck.

"Ow!" The replacement struck him in the face with the intention of pushing him back. He held his ground however, though his hand instinctively rose to tend the pain.

Another swing at him was attempted. Another attempt to knock him back away from the doorway for more room.

He recovered quickly though and dodged just in time. Retribution came in the form of his arm, not transformed into his Boosted Gear.

"You'll have to do better than that!" He taunted.

He blocked an overhead strike with his draconic gauntlet. Retaliation came in the form of a kick to the abdomen.

"Buchou. It's set up. I'm waiting for the both of you to leave."

Speak of the devil, literally.

"Issei! Clear the way!" Rias ordered, raising her arms for another quick spell.

He looked back at her quickly and upon seeing what she was doing, he nodded. He leapt back immediately, landing upon and smashing the coffee table the two expensive couches were next to.

Rias gave no care as she launched her spell towards the doorway and by extension, Riser's pawns.

One of them raised a barrier in time however and the spell clashed against it. The black magic, outlined in red exploded against it; a massive amount of smoke began flooding the area.

"I can't see!" One of them shouted.

"Let's go." Rias told Issei as he nodded.

Rias wasted no time turning towards the large window that led outside. She moved to open it, parting them to the side and revealing her devil wings. She stepped on the window sill and leapt out, taking to the air. She flew some distance away before taking a quick glance behind her. When she didn't find Issei behind her, she turned towards the ground.

She sighed in relief.

"He's okay. I almost forgot Issei can't fly properly." Rias thought to herself.

After deeming the distance she had safe, she raised her hand towards her ear. "Now Akeno!"

"Yes Buchou."

Rias turned around to look at the Occult Research Club building. An enormous, yellow magical circle formed above the base of Rias' peerage, slightly bigger than the entire building. Black clouds formed above the circle, thunder crackling above it. Then, a giant bolt of thunder came rushing down. As it went through the magical circle, its size grew bigger for an instant before crashing right into the building.

It promptly exploded. Practically nothing useful was left in the wake of it. Some bottom foundations of the building remained as the rest was disintegrated. Huge plumes of black smoke rose upwards while the base was laid bare. Only wooden, charred remains of furniture survived, albeit barely.

There were no bodies left in the blast.

"Riser-sama's remaining seven pawns have all been retired."

xXx

"A very unorthodox move. It's paid off well Rias." Sona commented as the display in the air showed what had just happened. "In one fell swoop, she has just taken out one of the biggest disadvantages in being outnumbered in terms of pawns."

"I don't get it." Asia said. "Wouldn't most people want to protect their base?"

Tsubaki decided to answer in the place of her king.

"Generally yes. As most bases serve as natural fortresses and regrouping areas, many teams would encourage defending it as long as possible. Even facing against outnumbered opponents, teams attempting to take down a fortified base would require numerous resources and even sacrifices."

"Oh. I see." Asia nodded, turning back to the screen in the air.

"However, Rias decided to use her base as a trap instead." Sona added on to Tsubaki's explanation. "Most likely, she anticipated that Riser would attempt to press his advantage by making his weaker pieces even stronger to seal his victory. With how few pieces Rias has, it's not a bad move. However, he committed too many of his pawns doing so and he's paid the price for it. Had he just sent a few considering Rias' lack of pieces, the loss wouldn't have been devastating."

"Oh. So it's like a gamble?" Asia asked, trying to confirm the right answer.

Sona nodded. "Yes. That's a good word for it. Rias' trap was a gamble. If they had just taken only a few pawns, it wouldn't have been worth blowing up her own base. That's also taking into account that Riser's pawns can no longer promote from a destroyed base. They'd still be too outnumbered and separated, making it even worse for her. However, it was a resounding success instead."

"Amazing… Rias-san is amazing!" Asia complimented cheerfully, hope filling her heart for Rias' victory.

"But." Sona interjected. "There's no way Riser will take this lying down. He still has six pieces including himself against Rias' four. That's still not ideal and Rias' power hasn't grown strong enough to consistently drain Riser's energy from regeneration. As long as she can't do that, she won't win."

Asia clasped her hands together in prayer. "God. I know Issei-san is a devil, but please grant him your blessings. He's a good devil."

xXx

"Somehow, I feel as if I've avoided something bad." Issei muttered to himself, a shiver running down his back.

Rias from next to him, reached up to her ear again. "Everyone, the plan was a success! We're going to need a new base since we can't use our clubhouse. We're going to regroup at the gymnasium and use that to press our attack."

"Yes!" A consented agreement came through the radio.

"Be safe everyone!" She concluded before disabling the communicating device for the meantime.

"The gym, Buchou?" Issei questioned.

Rias nodded. "Yes. While Riser tries to get his own pieces together, we can try and establish our position at the center of the Kuoh. If they try to siege us there, we can use the gymnasium like a fortress."

"Oh okay! I get it!" Issei replied, smiling at the explained tactics. "Let's go then!"

With that, they began moving in the direction of the gymnasium. With knowledge of the areas of the school, it was easy to navigate through the woods that was set between the clubhouse and the rest of Kuoh Academy. Rias decided to take to the air again while Issei decided to run through the woods.

'We're going to win this.' Issei thought to himself, his mind racing and his heart pumping with slight adrenaline.

A slight buzzing in his ear indicated the radio was going to be used.

"Buchou! It was a trap! The rest of Riser's peerage is here in the gym! Only the Queen isn't here!" Kiba declared over the radio as the sound of metal clashing rang out.

"What? How did they know?" Rias' voice came over the radio, shock clear in it. "Can you guys retreat?"

"We can't. Koneko and I are surrounded by five of them. They have somebody here that's leading them. They figured that you would try and regroup somewhere and that this would be it."

"We're all on our way. Hold on a little longer Yuuto, Koneko." Rias' immediately responded. "If we arrive, it'll be an even fight."

"Hold on you damn handsome! We're on our way! Besides, this is the perfect time to use my new move!" Issei tacked on before any more discussion could be held.

There was another moment of waiting. Issei assumed that it was because Kiba was still fighting, but his voice came through again.

"You did mention this before. It would be a good time to use it."

"Don't worry. It'll work. Trust me." Issei replied, his run speeding up towards the gym as it began entering his sight.

As he got closer, both Akeno and Rias descended down towards the gym doors and entered without any hesitation. Only seconds later, he entered the gym himself.

It was chaotic to say the least.

Kiba had his blade locked in a hold against a swordswoman. Spikes of ice shot up from the ground in his direction. He broke the lock just in time to take a jump back before he was impaled.

Koneko was in a brawl against another Rook that appeared to be engaging in fisticuffs against her. As her attention was diverted, another swordswoman was clearly trying to get in strikes when she could. It looked to be mildly successful from what he could see as there were some cuts in her uniform, as well as some bleeding.

"They're here! Karlamine! Break off from the Knight and go for Rias-sama!" Someone in the distance shouted. "Isabela, do your best to keep their Knight tied up. Siris, hold off the Pawn and their Rook. Mihae, you do the same with their Queen!"

With a collective agreement from them vocally, they split away to their designated opponents. Immediately, one of the swordswomen lunged at him with a sword.

"Whoa!" He instinctively shouted, also raising his gauntlet to take the blow.

It was successful.

The swordswoman who he assumed was Siris looked surprise to see such a sturdy thing take on her sword. Koneko took the opportunity to leap in for a straight punch. It was quickly evaded.

Without even hesitating, Siris leapt back into the fray right for Koneko.

A bit surprised at the sudden shift of targets, she prepared herself for another round of speedy attacks.

The situation was perfect for him.

"Koneko! Hold her off! I'm going to power up a little bit and use it!" He announced, raising up the Boosted Gear.

Koneko gave a nod. "Okay."

[Boost!]

"I won't let you!" Siris declared, redirecting her target towards Issei.

Koneko intervened in yet again. She went for a spin kick which actually struck the opposing Knight and knocked her back.

"I won't let you." She stated, though much more calm than the sword user.

"Thanks Koneko-chan!" Issei graciously thanked.

Siris continued her attempts to stop him from boosting himself. However, Koneko remained an obstacle despite the Knight's superior speed. Koneko didn't need to move much as Siris had to make much of the effort to close the gap and reach Issei.

[Boost!]

'Boost three. One or two more should be enough.' Issei thought to himself, feeling his body becoming slightly heavier. At the same time, power was throbbing within him.

Koneko was doing a very good job defending him from the speedy knight. He was still untouched.

[Boost!]

"Koneko, this is good! Step back!" He yelled out.

Koneko leapt back from the middle of her battle with Siris, landing behind him.

"Okay."

With the rush of power thanks to the Boosts he had done, Issei sped towards the opponent assigned to hold him off.

"F-Fast!" She cried out, trying to raise her sword in time to counterattack.

However, she quickly figured out that Issei was too quick for her and braced herself instead. To her surprise, there was no pain as all Issei did was tap her on her arm. Just as he did, a red mark resembling a spinning circle appeared. As she swung her sword at him, he deftly ducked under it and kicked her away. As she tumbled on the floor, he turned towards the other opponents his allies were fighting.

"Kiba. Hold on!" He called out again, moving in with his quick speed to tap his opponent on the arm as well.

The exact same mark appeared on her arm and Issei caught it as she tried to punch him. He used her as a boost to kick off from and moved towards Rias' opponent.

The same occurred to hers as well. He evaded their attacks just as easily, performing the same feat to Akeno's opponent. The only one left untouched was the young looking girl with the pink dress and long blond hair, curled up into pigtails.

"I'm ready! Get back guys!" Issei shouted.

The others looked to him with trust and promptly got back from their opponents, regrouping next to him.

"Here we go!" Issei raised his untransformed arm into the air and snapped his fingers together. "Dress Break!"

The red marks that had been planted upon the four opposing females began lighting up brightly.

All of their clothes were torn apart.

Everybody struck by Dress Break also began screaming in embarrassment as they tried to cover their womanly assets.

"Ha! I got them all!" Issei shouted in triumph, looking at each naked figure with clear perversion. "I'm going to save this into my brain permanently!"

Before he could finish doing so however, a small fist planted itself into his gut mercilessly.

As a result, Issei gasped in pain as he fell to the ground onto his knees and weakly looked at the perpetrator.

"Koneko-chan… why?"

She glared at him with disgust in her eyes. "You pervert. I thought I was helping you with a move to take them all out."

"I-I was!" He coughed out a weak protest, the pain in his stomach still ebbing heavily. "I tear all of their clothes off, and then while they're embarrassed, we move in and beat them. It works, right?"

"Surprisingly, that does hold some logic." Kiba commented before looking to their opponents and bowing. "I apologize that our Pawn is such a pervert. This is the very first time we've seen this technique as well."

"Hey! Don't apologize to them like that!" Issei tried to dispute as the remainder of his various allies looked at him with varying reactions.

"Issei…" Rias sighed in shame.

"Oh my, Issei-kun. This was the technique you learned with Asia-chan? I wonder how she felt when you practiced it with her." Akeno chuckled as she imagined just what the nun went through.

"It's a terrifying trick to all women." The blonde at the very back who was giving the orders managed to regain her composure. "But either way, we're lucky then."

Rias turned to the blonde, suspicion in her eyes. "Lucky. What do you mean?"

"I thought that the move he performed was going to be a finisher and our plan would fall apart. Instead, it's given us more time." She revealed as she turned to her own allies. "Everyone, it's time! Grab as many of them as you can and don't let them move!"

The naked women all turned to her to nod. "Yes, Ravel-sama."

They each moved towards their opponents again, though Rias' opponent deviated off in Issei's direction instead.

"Wait. Where's the Queen, Yubelluna?" Rias asked, looking around for her with fervor before realization struck her. "She's not here! It's a trap!"

Her entire peerage's eyes widened in surprise.

"And you've fallen right into it. Grab them! Hurry!" The now named Ravel ordered as each person threw themselves towards whoever they believed they could grab.

Kiba slashed at the naked swordswoman from earlier who leapt at him. It was successful, promptly causing her to bleed. However, she still managed to grab onto his smaller form and tightened her grip around him. He struggled against it, slashing at her as well and causing further wounds though it did nothing to inhibit her hold.

The Rook from earlier who was fighting with her bare fists latched onto Koneko with bigger frame. It was practically a tackle as her entire weight was thrown onto Koneko. With the Rook traits up against each other equally, it turned into a disadvantage for Koneko as Isabela held onto her tightly. Koneko struggled, but it was futile.

"Run! Hurry everybody! Get to the exit!" Rias shouted in panic.

One of the naked girls leapt towards Rias. However, she managed to fend her off in time with her magic, knocking her back along the floor.

Issei however, looked torn in running to save his life and trying to get the sacrificial pieces off of his allies.

"Issei-kun! Leave us behind! Hurry!" Kiba shouted, looking back at him momentarily before trying to hack away at the naked girl.

"I-I can't…" Issei said quietly. "Friends… don't leave other friends behind!"

"Issei-kun!" Akeno shouted, trying to get his attention yet failing. "I'm very sorry!"

She revealed her devil wings and flew straight for Issei. The last naked girl tried to grab him, but Akeno grabbed Issei first and began flying straight towards a set of double doors as fast as she could.

"Wait! We can't leave them behind!" He tried to protest, struggling against Akeno's grip vainly.

Just as they broke through the exit, the gymnasium detonated. The force of it sent both Akeno and Issei away from the bombed area and onto a track field. They tumbled along the ground separately as Akeno was unable to hold onto Issei any longer due to the blast.

Issei managed to get up quickly, despite the fresh burn wounds on his back.

"Koneko-chan! Kiba!" He shouted, rushing back to the front of the smoking building.

"Riser-sama's Bishop, two Knights, and last Rook has been retired. Rias-sama's lone Rook and Knight have been retired."

"Issei!" Rias cried out behind him. "Please! They've been retired, not killed. It's a Rating Game. They won't be killed in it."

Issei stopped in his tracks, though he still snarled at the thought of seeing what appeared to be Kiba and Koneko's deaths.

"R-Right. They were teleported out to safety. I remember…" He tried to reassure himself. "Sorry Buchou. I was close to losing Asia once. I don't want to lose anybody else like that again."

"I understand. It looks like they died, but they're out." Rias spoke. "I didn't want them to be retired. But I promise, we'll see them again."

She turned towards the smoking building. "I didn't think they'd use the same thing we did though. Pragmatically, we got more out of it in terms of pieces, but it still feels wrong to have let them go like that."

"Of course you didn't see it coming. We got the idea from you and Rias-sama didn't expect that we would use the same thing you did to us." A voice came from inside the building as Rias and the remainders of her peerage turned to her in surprise.

"Wait, how're you still here? We saw you get blown up with everybody too!" Issei shouted, looking at the blonde, pigtailed girl who remained unmarred.

"Oh? Didn't you know my full name? I'm Ravel Phenex. The Bishop of Riser Phenex. I'm his younger sister." She introduced herself formally, even bowing politely. "I'm not a fighter though, so you don't have to worry about me doing any more harm to you. I'm a strategist."

Issei grit his teeth in anger, now realizing why she had survived. She was a Phenex, and that meant very powerful regeneration if what Rias said was true. Now he further understood why his Oppai Spark was going to be needed to win against Riser.

"I see. That makes sense." Akeno commented from behind him. "However, if you don't fight, then that just leaves Yubelluna the Queen and Riser. You're outnumbered."

Ravel scoffed. "They don't need my instructions to win. My brother can fend for himself and Yubelluna is our Queen. If you had your Rook and Knight, it might have been possible to win. However, you're down to just three slightly worn out while we haven't been involved in battle at all. Your stamina has dwindled down as I planned."

"And that's why you will be marrying me, Rias." A loud male voice cut in from above. "My sister is a good strategist after all."

Attention from everybody was turned to him as what was clearly a man descended from the air slowly. Wings of fire kept him afloat as he drifted down onto the ground on his feet. Issei took note of his arrogant appearance once more. Short blonde hair and dark blue eyes adorned his face that didn't appear any older than twenty. His attire consisted of a burgundy blazer with gold embroidery on his right side. Matching pants and black dress shoes were also worn to suit the colors he wore. Underneath his blazer was a white dress shirt that was buttoned up, although the top one remained unbuttoned which gave a slight view to his chest.

"Riser." Rias scowled, looking at him with contempt in her eyes. "So you decided to reveal yourself after all."

He bowed elegantly, a smirk plastered on his face throughout it all. "But of course Rias. It would only be fitting if you fell in battle against me before having to marry me."

Riser then snapped his finger, eyes closed confidently as if nothing would touch him in the midst of it.

"Yubelluna." He called out.

"Yes."

Just as Riser did earlier, she descended from the aurora sky. Instead of fiery wings like Riser, she was kept afloat with devil wings.

Issei's eyes almost popped out. She was busty to say the least. Yubelluna had long, wavy purple hair that fell all the way down her back along with similar eyes. On the right side, her hair covered her eye while the left side stopped just above her pale blue skirt. She wore a navy blue tunic top with gold accentuations similar to Riser. The blue skirt parted slightly to the side, revealing some thigh. Black shoes fit with her matching thigh-high stockings with garterbelts. A white overcoat was draped on her as well, giving her a somewhat regal appearance yet seductive. Numerous accessories were also worn, including a gold choker, a black headband with an orange jewel in the center and purple lipstick.

"I will give you an opportunity to surrender Rias, to keep your dignity." Riser offered, his leer almost infuriating Rias. "Your Queen is equal to my Queen. However, we both know that you can't match up to me. Your Pawn may be the Red Dragon Emperor with the Boosted Gear, but he was taken out in one hit last time with my weakest Pawn. You don't have a chance."

"We'll see about that, Riser." Rias countered, narrowing her eyes at him. "We've done a lot in ten days. You'll see just how much we've improved."

Riser laughed boisterously as if he had just heard a joke. "Ten days Rias? That's because I allowed you those ten days. You were already weaker than me. Not even your peerage could stand up us until recently. To close the gap between us in just ten days would be too much, even for you."

"Besides…" Riser raised an open palm into the air, forming a flame into his hand before crushing it into specks of ember. "It was just to crush your hope, among many other things politically. Newer devils will always sympathize with you, so I have to show as much mercy as possible. Older devils know that what I've given you is just enough to make a difference, but not enough to have you win."

"Shut up!" Rias shouted, immediately calling her power and sending it flying towards Riser's legs.

Yubelluna moved to intercept, but a raised hand from Riser stopped her as he stood to take the brunt of Rias' attack. His entire left leg along with his pants was completely taken apart, disappearing as if it never existed though Riser managed to keep his balance.

Issei saw Rias smirk at the obvious missing limb that Riser had, but it was quickly replaced with a grim countenance as fire began forming upon the area where Riser's leg had just been. It quickly began reforming and within seconds, the left leg was back as if it had never been touched. Clothing included.

"Do you see Rias? It'll be my regeneration against your magic. That attack had quite a bit of force in it too. You can't keep it up forever." Riser mocked, dusting his pants off as if there were some dirt on his recently regenerated leg.

"Then I'll keep fighting you with everything I have until either you lose, or I collapse." Rias responded with a black wave of energy circling around her. "Why don't we make like it this then?"

Riser cocked an interested eyebrow. "Oh? And what do you have in mind?"

"It'll be my Queen, Akeno against yours, Yubelluna." Rias declared. "And for us, it'll be Issei and myself against you. If we can't stand up to you, then this shouldn't be a problem right?"

"Duels then." Riser simplified, giving it some thought with a hum. "Well, I'm interested in how far you've progressed. You've already done much better than I expected and I do want to see more from you before I defeat you. Our two queens can have their fight then. I accept."

Rias nodded and turned towards Akeno. "Akeno."

"Yes, Rias?" She smiled, already seemingly knowing what she was going to ask.

"I'm asking a lot from you, I know. You don't have to win against Yubelluna. I have confidence in you, but it's not likely you'll win. Just keep her occupied for as long as you can until Issei and I beat Riser." Rias told her, smiling sadly at having to leave Akeno to take on grim circumstances.

Akeno bowed her head respectfully. "I understand Rias. It's okay."

She placed a comforting arm on Rias' shoulder.

"Win for us. For Yuuto and Koneko." Akeno stated before turning towards Issei. "You too, Issei-kun. You know what to do."

Issei nodded, raising his gauntleted arm confidently. "Don't worry Akeno-san! We're going to win this once and for all and get Buchou out of her marriage! Leave it to us!"

Akeno nodded as well, smiling at his determination to win. She revealed her devil wings, rising into the air as did Yubelluna.

"Shall we take this somewhere else?" Yubelluna asked, smirking all the while.

"Yes. Why don't we?" Akeno agreed and the two Queens began flying away in the direction of the main school building of Kuoh Academy.

"Now then…" Riser clapped twice. "Why don't we start this battle? Since it's two against one, I'll go first."

He waved his hand across his chest and fire formed instantly. In less than a second, the same phoenix fire blazed towards Rias who instinctively raised her arms in protection.

"Issei, get behind me!" She quickly commanded, forming a protective, red magical circle for the fire to crash against.

He did just that, leaping behind Rias as phoenix flames broke upon Rias' barrier like ocean water against rock. The fierce clash caused the wind to pick up from the blast, whipping around Rias' hair wildly.

[Boost!]

The pressure on Issei's body rose exponentially as he began to sweat from it. He could feel his power rising, but the strain his body was under was beginning to make him a bit uncomfortable like a knot in his stomach

"That's five Boosts. You can handle about three more before you hit your limit. Even then, you won't be able to remain in that state for long. Make sure you don't miss."

Issei didn't say anything to refute against Ddraig's blunt statement.

Eventually, the fire that was upon Rias' barrier broke apart giving them a small reprieve. Issei saw that Rias began breathing slightly heavier.

Rias unleashed another wave of black magic outlined in red towards Riser. He promptly dodged.

Issei took the chance to leap up behind from Rias and began charging towards Riser. The latter looked at him with disdain as Issei threw a punch.

It was easily caught.

"What?" Issei shouted in surprise.

"Out of my way. You're no match for me."

Fire formed upon Issei's fist and he instinctively began crying out from the searing pain on his knuckles. Riser released his hand and shoved him away forcefully to the ground. Issei tumbled along the ground as the fire on his fist began dying down. He then returned his attention to Rias and saw another attack being launched towards him to support Issei.

However, it was easily dodged and retaliated with another burst of fire. Once again, Rias raised another protective barrier identical to the last to protect herself.

Issei who had fallen to the ground, slowly struggled to get back up. Just as he did, he saw fire heading towards his direction. Eyes widening, he leapt away just in time to escape the fire that struck where he had just been. It exploded and despite his sudden gained distance, he could feel the heat emanating from his former spot.

"That was close." He muttered to himself before turning back to Riser. The latter simply smirked at him.

"Oh? You dodged that. I'm mildly impressed."

[Boost!]

He was up to six boosts now. The pressure on himself magnified, though he could still handle it. Maybe six boosts would be enough power to actually hit Riser.

Once again, he rushed into his attacking range of Riser, swinging his arm equipped with Boosted Gear. Riser simply leaned back to avoid it and raised a hand right towards Issei.

Issei ducked under the ensuing pyromancy just in time as it sailed over his head. The ends of his hair tingled from being slightly burnt, but Issei ignored it. The Pawn looked back up immediately for another attack, going for a two hit combo. His first punch sailed towards Riser's gut.

The sickening crunch was music to Issei's ears as he grinned.

No time to waste. He threw an uppercut with his gauntleted hand.

Riser was struck again. This time, the force sent him upwards.

Rias took the opportunity to send another wave of her magic. It clipped Riser in the arm as his hand disappeared from being hit before he began falling down.

Before he touched the ground, wings of fire burst from his back which kept him floating in the air. Issei saw that his hand was already lit on fire and already regenerating. Now was the time to press his attack.

He sprinted towards Riser and once positioned, leapt up towards Riser with as much power as he could muster. The devil was still trying to reorient himself from being struck. The latter managed to realize that he was being assaulted. It wasn't enough. Issei elbowed him right in the chest and sent Riser flying backwards again.

This time, Riser managed to catch himself just in time. The quick retaliation with a jet of flames towards Issei left him shocked at such a rapid move. As such, Issei was unprepared for it and ended up crying out in pain at the burns licking his body. He was knocked onto his back on the dirt floor where the track field of the alternate Kuoh Academy.

"Ugh…" He moaned in agony.

"Issei!" He heard Rias crying out in concern for him. "Get up! Hurry!"

Before he could get back up, searing pain ran along his entire body as flames surrounded him.

"Aggggghhhh!" He shouted in utter pain.

"Issei!" He could barely make out from the anguish he was in.

It didn't last long though. However, his body utterly arched and Issei could tell that bare skin was being exposed from his burnt clothes. Parts of his body even felt more tender and sensitive than usual as Issei struggled to get back up. He stumbled a bit as he looked at what was going on.

Riser and Rias were clashing their magic against each other, taking shots whenever they could as they exchanged blows. All of them were being blocked, but Issei could see that Rias was beginning to sweat. He didn't think that it was from the heat from Riser's flames either.

Issei took a quick look at himself.

It looked terrible to say the least. The bottom half of his uniform pants were burnt off. The same was said for his right arm where the entirety of it was completely gone, leaving only charred skin. Second and first degree burns littered his skin where any of it was exposed, including his face.

He felt just as bad as he looked too. Maybe even worse.

[Boost!]

Boost seven. He was close. He was reaching his limit. The series of attacks he went through didn't feel like ten seconds had passed. It had felt more like half a minute.

"Stand back Partner. They're both in the air now. As I expected, you're too weak to even try fighting that Phenex. You might have gotten a few good hits on him, but that's probably the most you're going to get. Phenex flames can even burn through dragon scales. I'm impressed you managed to get this far, but given his namesake and his skill, there's not much else you can do at the moment unless you want to Retire yourself."

"Damn it!" Issei scowled for his weakness. "But if I don't help Buchou, she's going to lose against that bastard!"

"She just needs to hold out a little longer. Your King isn't as weak as you think, though that Phenex is still better than the both of you combined. He doesn't look the least bit winded at all."

"A few more seconds then…"

"A few more seconds, and you'll be boosted all the way up. Your wounds are pretty bad though. If you take any more, the Sacred Gear will automatically use the Reset command to keep you alive."

"But if that happens, I won't be able to use the Oppai Spark!" Issei exclaimed, dread filling him at failing to use the most vital move to claim victory.

"That's why I said to leave it to your King for a bit. Stay back a bit longer."

Issei did. The wait was agonizing, especially when viewing Rias duel against Riser. It was easy to say that Rias was beginning to struggle against Riser as she was being pushed back, even while using her red barrier now. Riser on the other hand, smirked at every turn as he began overpowering Rias.

[Boost!]

That one word couldn't have come any sooner for Issei.

"Alright, it's ready!" Issei declared.

He barely managed to raise his arm to his ear, wincing as any movement sent vibrations of aching.

"Buchou! Hold him still!" He told her over the radio, not wanting Riser to catch onto the plan.

She didn't say anything, but Issei began seeing her movements changing. She began attacking more aggressively than before, trying to keep Riser on the defensive. As he expected, Riser dodged a few of them before raising a similar barrier to what Rias did.

"Here we go! Take this, you stupid yakitori bastard!" Issei shouted as he aimed his Boosted Gear towards Riser.

His other damaged arm moved to support it as power coalesced within the Boosted Gear's palm.

[Explosion!]

The familiar red and green light shone brightly in the center of his gauntlet. It emanated with a radiance that Issei found almost mesmerizing as pure power combined to form a red ball. It formed rapidly and just like last time, he felt his energy sapping away at such a rapid pace.

He wanted so badly to let go. He wanted so badly to stop all the aches in his body. He wanted so badly to just rest.

He held on just a little longer for the sake of the peerage. For his friends.

Resolution burned within him as he aimed the crimson sphere towards Riser.

"Oppai Spark!"

The red sphere expanded shot and expanded into a giant laser. The familiar hum Oppai Spark made filled his ears with satisfaction as the giant laser shot towards Riser.

Rias continued pelting Riser with attacks, keeping him held down as long as she could while the laser moved closer to Riser.

"What!? He shouted in shock as he saw the crimson laser shooting towards him at the speed of a bullet.

He tried to fly away. It was too late.

The laser completely engulfed Riser. He disappeared into it.

Issei held onto the Oppai Spark as long as his stamina could hold out. Sweat dripped down his face and his muscles struggled to hold up under the intense pressure he was in with the several Boosts he had and the Oppai Spark. After a few seconds, he stopped giving his most powerful attack the fuel it needed to continue. As a result, it dwindled down until there was nothing left.

Issei didn't even look up to see whether or not Riser was there. His attack had definitely hit. Pure exhaustion filled him as he fell backwards onto the dirt ground with a thud for what must have felt like the millionth time.

"W-we won. I got him…" He said weakly, smiling. "We won…"

He took in large intakes of air, trying to keep up with his rapid heartbeats, desperate to keep oxygen flowing in his blood.

His eyes began closing, eager to do so as the fight was now over.

That was… until he felt himself being picked up off the ground with no amount of gentleness and into the air.

"No… you didn't win."

Issei's eyes snapped open to see a familiar face upon him.

"R-Riser…" He weakly cried out.

Issei managed to look at Riser's form with blurred eyes.

If Issei was in a terrible state, then Riser was just as horrible. Burns were everywhere on Riser's figure. His clothes, once immaculate despite taking several attacks, were in complete tatters in a state worse than Issei's. Despite being a Phenex, he had most definitely been wounded and he wasn't healing from it.

"That was an impressive attack." Riser complimented. "I don't know how you learned such a thing in a short amount of time, but I admit that I underestimated you, Red Dragon Emperor. If I was any other devil, I would have been retired instantly."

Riser punched Issei in the stomach with a flame-coated fist. Issei coughed up blood in response.

"But I'm Riser Phenex. Our regeneration is second to none." Riser pointed out once more, holding up Issei like a ragdoll before turning to Rias.

"Rias! I'm still alive! Surrender to me, or your pawn will continue to suffer!"

"Let him go Riser. He's no threat to you anymore." Rias tried to reason, seeing Issei's almost unconscious form.

"No threat? He just used a powerful attack that almost retired me." Riser retorted, scoffing at Rias' weak attempt to help Issei. "No. I'm going to use him to make you surrender."

Another fist was sent right into Issei's stomach. Issei coughed up blood again.

"Issei!" Rias shouted in concern.

"It doesn't look like the system is registering him as retired. As long as he's still here and conscious, I can cause him as much pain as I want." Riser threatened, raising another fist in preparation. "So. Do you surrender Rias?"

"Issei! Go to sleep! Close your eyes! Please!" She begged him. "Retire yourself! Don't stay awake! I'll fight for us!"

Issei however, continued to persist in trying to keep his eyes open.

Riser punched him again, causing the same effects as before.

The pain was too much for Issei.

[Reset!]

"Do you value your peerage, Rias? I know the Gremory value their peerage like family over all else. I wonder how you feel now, seeing your precious Pawn like this." Riser continued to goad her, smirking all the while at Rias' composure breaking down.

"Stop! I-… No more. I… I can't bear to see anyone from my peerage like this." She struggled to say anything, tears flowing from her eyes.

Riser raised another fist. "I'm waiting Rias. I don't think your pawn can take much more. Make your decision, before I get too impatient."

"O-okay… I…" Rias squeaked out, no longer caring or even looking like the elegant princess of the Gremory Clan.

She kneeled in defeat.

"D-don't…" Issei weakly interrupted. "Don't… surrender…."

Riser's fist met Issei's stomach for the fourth time.

"Quiet. You don't get to talk." Riser glared at him, causing Rias further anguish. "Now hurry and surrender Rias. There's no shame in surrendering to a superior opponent."

Before Rias could say anything, Issei began chuckling feebly.

"You… let your… guard down."

[Boost!]

Riser's eyes widened in utter surprise as he felt a hand press to his stomach. Issei smirked as a small laser pierced Riser, forcing him to drop the Pawn as the latter was thrown back.

Riser didn't even get to scream in pain at the new hole in his stomach.

The both of them landed on the ground while Rias looked on in disbelief at what had happened.

"Unbelievable!"

Issei could hear Ddraig shout before the latter guffawed at the sudden turnaround.

"Riser-sama has been retired. Victory goes to Rias-sama and her peerage."

"Issei!" Rias shouted, running over to Issei's downed body as blood dripped out of his mouth.

"Buchou…" He managed to murmur. "Did we… win?"

Tears which were once of sadness, were now tears of joy as they coursed down Rias' eyes and she answered. "Yes. We won. Thanks to you Issei. We won the Rating Game."

He smiled wholeheartedly at her.

"I'm glad."

Issei fainted.

xXx

The party that was ensuing was loud, Suika noted. Just how she liked it. It had been a few days since she, Marisa, and Reisen had left Rias' vacation home to return to the Inaba Clinic. Then, Rias and her entire peerage had shown up with smiles and grins on their faces when Rias had announced that she had won the Rating Game against Riser. Thus, the Inaba Clinic Team had been invited to a celebration at the Occult Research Club.

It was a shame that only the Gensokyo members could down alcohol, but at least it was lively. Even the Student Council President with her peerage or whatever, along with the girl Asia had shown up for the party.

Oh well. The more the merrier, Suika believed.

"What!? You had my doujin all along!?"

She heard Issei shouting towards Marisa as the witch waved it around like some toy.

"Hey, Kiba. Catch!" Marisa tossed the grey-covered doujin towards him which he caught deftly.

"What is it?" He questioned.

"Eh. Just a book. It's got you in it." Marisa described nonchalantly, waving his question off dismissively.

"Kiba no! It's a trap! Don't open it!" Issei warned, but it was too late as the blonde boy ended up opening it to view the pages.

"Actually Hyoudou…" Another blonde, young man interrupted though his hair appeared to be more light brown. "Speaking of that particular thing, I've had to confiscate so many of those recently. It's been circulating throughout the school, being sold by the girls. Even I got a look at it. He would've seen it eventually."

Issei's mouth gaped open, shock flooding his body as his mind shut down from the horror of such a thing.

"In that case, I don't think anybody would mind one less copy." Kiba stated as he formed a flame sword in his hand and lifted the doujin Marisa had given him to it.

The doujin burnt into a crisp, leaving nothing but ashes behind as it dropped onto the floor. Kiba didn't even flinch as the flames reached his fingers.

"Aww. I wanted ta' keep it." Marisa complained, pouting at the destruction of Issei's former possession. "Maybe I'll stop by yer' school and steal another one as a souvenir!"

Suika decided to leave the small group alone. She didn't really know what was in the doujin, whatever that meant. Instead, she turned her attention to Reisen who was speaking to Rias.

"Thank you. We couldn't have won without the Clinic's help." Suika overheard Rias graciously thank Reisen.

Reisen shook her head. "No. While I did give you some viable strategies, it was you who managed to execute it. You managed to win against odds that anybody would be hard-pressed to do."

"It was thanks to my peerage." Rias diverted. "If it wasn't for them, none of this would have been possible. Everybody was important until the end. Without them, I'd be nothing."

Reisen smiled. "It's good to hear that you care about the people close to you. Keep them close, Rias-san. Sometimes, the people closest to you can be taken away very easily."

Rias looked confused at hearing that, but didn't question it any further from what Suika saw.

"Hey. Suika-san!" Issei called out, walking over to her with a beaming smile.

"Yo!" She gave him a wave of her hand. "What's up kid?"

"I told you to call me Issei." He complained half-heartedly. "I just wanted to thank you and Marisa-san."

Suika raised an interested eyebrow. "Thank us fer' what? We just beat all of ya' guys up fer' nine days. Most people would complain, ya' know."

"And it hurt so much! But if you didn't, we would have lost. Even after all our training, I still couldn't do much to Riser in the end." Issei explained, a grim smile on his face. "I don't want to know what would have happened if we didn't have you guys' help. Marisa-san said she even taught me one of her favorite spells, didn't she?"

Suika nodded, placing her arms behind her neck casually.

"Yeah. Master Spark's one of her favorite moves. She's got some stronger moves, but that one's the most used."

"If it wasn't for her, we couldn't have beaten Riser. The Oppai Spark…" Suika chuckled at the ridiculously named attack here. "Is really strong. And I never got to thank everybody before you guys left."

"Well, if you really want ta' thank me kid…" Suika plopped her purple gourd into his hand. "Why don't ya try this? See if ya' like it."

"Hey, isn't this sake? I'm still underage." Issei pointed out as he looked at the bottle suspiciously.

Suika waved off his concern. "Ahh, don't worry! It won't harm ya'. Yer' what, seventeen? Just take a sip."

He peered at the gourd a bit longer before deciding eventually submitting to her request. He tilted the gourd back as the sake entered his mouth and down his throat.

The moment it did, he began coughing.

"Agh. What is this? It's so strong!" He hacked out, immediately handing the gourd back to Suika.

Suika laughed boisterously. "Ahh, guess ya' don't have the stomach fer' it. Yer' supposed to drink at parties, ya' know."

"That's next year, Suika-san." Issei noted. "I think I'll come visit you guys a bit more often. Maybe I'll even bring Buchou and the others."

"Ehhh, maybe. Not too sure 'bout that. I mean, Reisen might mind and ya' guys can't come all the time. We're supposed ta' be a clinic too. If we're workin', ya' can't bother us." Suika tried to argue.

"Really? I know Reisen-san is the doctor. I overheard Marisa-san being the person to get supplies. What do you do then?" Issei asked curiously, crossing his arms in doubt.

"I'm a bodyguard." Suika exclaimed. "Ya' already know Marisa handles all the magic. I do all the heavy liftin'. Ya' guys should know that; ya' guys could barely even touch me."

"Yeah you're right…" Issei remembered.

"Hmm? What's up? Ya' look like ya' wanna ask me somethin'." Suika observed, smirking at the devil.

"Ahh." Issei's faced flushed at being caught so easily. "Nah, it's nothing. I promised myself I wouldn't ask."

"Oh. Well…" He started, slightly taken back at being encouraged by Suika. "First then. Is it okay to call you Suika-sensei? Marisa-sensei too."

"Sensei?" Even Suika was somewhat surprised at that. "I don't really mind. Marisa probably won't either. Why though?"

Issei scratched his head sheepishly. "Well, you guys taught us and you helped us a lot. If it wasn't for you guys like I said, we would have definitely lost. It feels sort of wrong to keep calling you something else."

"Ya' know I look younger than you right? I don't really care what ya' call me, but won't it be awkward for ya'?" Suika pointed out, grinning all the while.

Issei shook his head. "Nah. Besides, it's not like you're older than all of us combined, right? You can't be that old from how you look."

Suika began laughing exuberantly at Issei's words.

"Suika-sensei?" He asked, confused at her reaction.

She shook her head, wiping a tear out of her eyes. "Nothin' kid. Anyway, what else didja' wanna ask?"

"Alright then I guess." Issei continued, switching between looking uncomfortable at asking it while being ashamed." Well, all of us were wondering how you're so strong. Even Koneko-chan can't match up to you, and she's a Rook. All we saw when we hit you was your shirt blouse getting to

"Oh that." Suika's expression tightened for a single moment before slackening again. "Sorry kid, but I can't tell ya' that. Yer' gonna have ta' wait until we feel like we're ready."

Issei nodded, grinning despite the rejection. "It's okay. I don't think anybody will care too much today anyway. We won after all!"

Suika beamed. "Yeah, no need ta' wreck the atmosphere. I think this party needs a bit more livelihood! What say we get the others and play a few games? It's the best way to celebrate a victory!"

Issei looked nervous at what she considered for more livelihood, but was dragged along as Suika went around to pester everyone into playing party games.

Beta: Lunar Wave

A/N: Thanks goes to Lunar Wave for beta'ing this chapter! Check out his stories because you won't be disappointed!

And the Phenex Arc comes to a close. Unfortunately, for those who dislike this part, I feel it's a necessary point to get through. Plus, given that Issei didn't get his Transfer Power, I made it up with Oppai Spark. He'll get it, eventually. I can't get through it with exposition, or it'll ruin the pacing of the story. I tried to make it more difficult for Rias as I felt it should have been, considering all the odds were against her in Canon as well. No Asia, being outnumbered, and generally having superior pieces over Rias' own at the point in time. Even with ten days of training, it would be outrageous for them to be stronger than Riser's own in such a short period of time. Riser should have had more experience than Rias, but I don't think that was displayed very well in Canon. As always, I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter!

Next up will be the beginnings of where this story goes somewhat AU. The next Arc will be my own Arc. I've hinted at it for a while, but now it's time to address it in full.