Rias vs Riser II

Chapter 27

P.S this story starts a few years before the start of our favorite DXD verse!

AND I DON'T OWN ANY DXD MATERIAL, ALL CREDIT TO THE ORIGINAL WRITERS!

"Talking out aloud"

'Thinking with ones mind'

"Spirits inside the sacred gears talking"

Without further delay, lets start the chapter!

Outside the Gymnasium

'Riser Phoenix pawn has been retired'

'Riser Phoenix pawn has been retired'

'Riser Phoenix pawn has been retired'

"Ara Ara your numbers keep going down. I wonder who will fall next from your team?" Akeno giggled at the announcement.

Yubelluna glared harshly at her fellow queen, "Your team might be doing well in this rating game for now, but we still have our numbers advantage"

Akeno giggled but was furious inwardly, 'I let this happen again! I let Kiba get defeated by Lord Marid during the mock battle and now I let Koneko get eliminated from the rating game due to my own lack of focus. Yubelluna is right… we might hold the advantage right now but we cant afford to lose anyone else' Akeno willed herself as she got into her fighting stance with a smile on her face. Never betraying the rageful storm that brew within her mind.

The fight between the two queens ensued with Yubelluna firing her infamous explosive magic spells while Akeno utilizing her own lightning magic. The two attacks met in the middle causing a massive explosion resulting in nearby windows getting destroyed almost immediately.

"Please win Akeno-san" Issie gasped as he glanced at the two warring queens. 'There is nothing I can do now but move forward with the plan Rias-Buchou made' Issie sighed as he continued his run towards his destination.

"What the?!?" Issie yelped as he found himself suddenly yanked into a nearby closet.

"The hell Kiba!! You scared me" Issie bellowed at Kiba.

"I apologize Issie-kun but I had to talk to you before we moved forward with the plan" Kiba spoke seriously before stopping, his face taking on a sad look. "Koneko-chan got eliminated, didn't she?"

Issie shook his head in disappointment as well, "Yeah, the second me and Koneko-chan got out of the gymnasium we got attacked by Risers Queen"

"Its sad. Like me, she was excited to fight for Buchou today. Rias Buchou has done so much for us; it was only right if we would be able to help her win back her freedom" Kiba spoke softly.

"Don't worry Kiba! We both will fight and win this rating game for her" Issie laid a comforting hand on Kiba's shoulder.

"You are right Issie-kun" Kiba let out a smile as he readied himself.

"Buchou I am with Issie-kun just outside the courtyard" Kiba used the communication device to get in contact with his King.

"Good work Kiba. While Akeno is fighting Risers queen, please try and sneak into the new school building so Issie could promote himself" Rias gave her commands.

"Yes Buchou" both Issie and Kiba replied in unison. The two looked at each other briefly before sneaking out the door to complete their assigned task with the hope of facing too much resistance along the way.

Akeno's fight

"You are rather good" Yubelluna complimented her fellow queen with an impressed look. Like Riser, she had suspected Akeno to be strong enough to beat most of their peerage members in a one-on-one fight but to their surprise she was producing power that could easily defeat a mid class devil in one attack.

'It is fortunate that she doesn't know how to use her fathers bastard power, otherwise this rating game could have become far closer than we would have liked' Yubelluna thought seriously before she was forced to use her wings to evade Akeno's cones of ice followed by her lightning attacks.

Yubelluna, her expression calm and collected, raised her hand, conjuring a swirling barrier of explosive fire magic that deflected Akeno's lightning strikes. With a graceful motion, Yubelluna retaliated, she used her staff to send a barrage of fire blasts towards Akeno, who danced nimbly between them using her wings.

Akeno countered with her own series of lightning and ice magic, each strike meant to neutralize each of Yubelluna's more explosive attacks.

The two queens traded off their attacks at an incredible speed. Both of them determined not to be outdone by the other person. Each Ice based magic was neutralized by fire magic and each explosive spell were redirected using precise lightning bolts.

'It looks like we are pretty even. I can win this fight if I start using the full extent of my magical arsenal' Akeno thought seriously as she started using various tactics she had learned from Marid and Rias during their two weeklong training camp. However, in her confidence, she had tempted the infamous Gods of Irony that Marid had preached Rias and her peerage about during the last two weeks.

Akeno smirked before quickly raising her arms high in the air, summoning her infamous demonic lightning.

Yubelluna's eyes widened at the counter as she hurried to form a defensive barrier around her. Despite her best efforts, her barrier wavered under the onslaught, but she held firm, her eyes locked on Akeno with unwavering focus.

As their clash raged on, the ground beneath them trembled and cracked from the sheer force of their clash. Akeno's attacks grew more ferocious, fueled by her determination to avenge Koneko. Yubelluna, equally determined, matched her blow for blow, her own magics pulsing with intensity against Akeno's lightning strikes.

With a final cry, Akeno unleashed a massive surge of electricity, enveloping Yubelluna in a blinding storm of demonic lightning. Yubelluna gritted her teeth, struggling to maintain her barrier against the overwhelming power of Akeno's attack.

But just as it seemed like Akeno would emerge victorious, Yubelluna unleashed a counterattack comprising of majority of her magical reserves. With a mighty push, she expelled a wave of dark energy that collided with Akeno's lightning, creating a shockwave that was felt throughout the battlefield.

Akeno cried out in pain as the force of the blast sent her flying backwards, crashing into a pile of debris. She lay there for a moment, dazed and disoriented, her body bruised and battered from the fiery counter.

Yubelluna, breathing heavy, slowly approached Akeno's fallen form. She stood over her, a triumphant smile playing on her lips.

"It seems the mighty priestess of thunder has been defeated. Too bad you weren't able to fulfil your promise to that perverted pawn of yours and avenge that petite rook!" Yubelluna taunted, her voice laced with malice. "You put up a good fight, but in the end, you were no match for me."

'I guess there is some truth to Lord Marids God of Irony' Akeno quickly apologized for her arrogant thoughts to the so-called Gods.

Despite her best efforts, she struggled to rise, her body aching from the exertion of battle. However, her desire to save Rias overcame her exhaustion and pain. With a defiant glare, she met Yubelluna's gaze slowly rising from the crater she had crashed into.

"Don't... underestimate me," Akeno gasped, her voice filled with determination. "I'll... not give up... not until I defeat you." Akeno soon unfurled her wings before taking flight to combat the Bomb Queen yet again.

Much to the surprise of the said queen and those observing from a relative safe distance, Akeno pushed the more experienced queen to her limit with every passing moment. Spells fired, stamina dwindled and damage traded between the two queens who were more determined than ever to win against their opponent now.

VIP Room

"Rias and her team are holding themselves quite well in the rating game" Sairaorg spoke aloud as he observed the rating game with a keen eye. Especially a certain pawn who had gained his attention during the rating game for some reason. He couldn't tell but something about the pawn impressed him. Despite other members of Rias peerage fighting with equal if not more intensity than the sole pawn. 

Other members of the Big Eight nodded in agreement as they hadn't expected Rias to be fairing so much better against a seasoned opponent.

"This is barely the start Sairaorg. Like I said earlier… these guys are capable for so much more" Marid cut right through his friend's thoughts.

Sairaorg didn't verbally respond but thoughtfully nodded to Marids words. Before the rating game, his friends words looked more of a biased opinion than a words of a genuine critic but now… seeing how Rias team were performing after only training for two weeks; Marids claims of potential of Rias and her team now didn't seemed too farfetched.

"Surely you must be joking Marid. I must admit that Rias and her team are holding their own against Riser and his team but to assume they can catch Sairaorg and you in terms of battle power seems ridiculous" Seekvaira entered the conversation with a raised eyebrow. Since her engagement with Sairaorg, she and her peerage had taken part in some of Sairaorg's training sessions and knew exactly how much Sairaorg was powerful than her and rest of her peerage. For Marid to recommend something like that.

"I can assure you that I am not joking Seekvaira" Marid shook his head, "Rias and her team are an odd bunch but make a fine team. With constant training, I see a time where Rias and her peerage could fight and perhaps even defeat me and Sairaorg in a battle. In their primes… I expect them to give some of the strongest Devils a run for their money"

Marids reply shocked Seekvaira. Sona while not shocked to the same degree as her childhood friend, was suitably impressed by Rias's selection of her peerage members. She could definitely see Rias peerage becoming one of the strongest peerages in the underworld in a few decades.

'I wonder how strong they would be if Rias managed to help her other Bishop' Sona wondered briefly before her eyes were drawn back to the battle of the Queens. A battle that impressed both Sona and Seekvaira due to Akeno's vast variety of magical arsenal.

"Wait what is that?" Seekvaira pointed with wide eyes towards Akeno and Yubelluna's battle. Others turned their attention as well to see what the commotion was about. Their eyes widened in surprise and then grimness at what they saw.

'Is there anything these old fucks didn't do to ensure Rias had every single disadvantage?!?' Marid groaned internally as his eyebrows twitched violently.

A quick glance from Marid towards his peerage members and family was all it took to tell him that they weren't happy with things either but were forced to not do anything. 'Time to see if Akeno truly has remembered any of my lessons or not'

A few minutes ago

It had been a few minutes since Akeno and Yubelluna started their second round and much to Yubelluna's frustration, not only Akeno was fairing against her much better but also was having more success against her than she liked. Her twitching thighs, due to constant exposure to demonic lightning, and bleeding temple was clear proof of Akeno's success.

While Akeno was equally damaged, she was yet to receive a single strike since the two queens had begun their round 2. All of her battle damage was a result of the explosive blast the queen had suffered at the end of first round of their battle. 

With a sudden burst of energy, Akeno unleashed a final, desperate attack. Lightning crackled around her, enveloping her body in a blinding aura of electricity. With a fierce cry, she launched herself towards Yubelluna, a bolt of lightning streaking towards its target.

Yubelluna's eyes widened in shock at Akeno's desire for close combat. Shock that lasted until she saw Akeno creating another magic circle in her left hand.

'She is planning to hit me with both water and lightning at the same time' Yubelluna thought with horror before she summoned every ounce of her magic within her to create a fire ball to stop her rival queen.

Akeno grinned after seeing a fireball coming her way. She proceeded to twist in mid air before throwing a kick with all of her might behind it.

Yubelluna who was confused at first behind Akeno's odd move grew astonished as Akeno's ariel kick generated a wave of condensed wind blow that caused her fire ball to explode right in front of her face.

'She can use lightning, water and wind magic?!? We were only told that Akeno could only use her lightning from our sources who had observed the Kuroshishi attack in Kuoh a few weeks ago' Yubelluna thought with horror as dread filled her stomach.

While Yubelluna stood stunned, Akeno used the cover of the fire to get in Yubelluna's personal space to land her devastating attack.

*BOOOM* Akeno's both lightning and water magic attacks hit the Bomb Queen simultaneously resulting in a huge explosion that echoed throughout the battlefield. Akeno's last attack had sent Risers queen crashing into the ground with a deafening thud. She lay there, stunned and twitching, as Akeno stood victorious over her fallen opponent.

The battlefield fell silent, save for the crackling of electricity and the sound of labored breathing. Akeno stood tall, her body battered but unbowed, her eyes shining with the fire of victory.

"I told you," Akeno said, her voice slowly gaining its fluidity. "I'll never give up... until I see Buchou win the rating game"

"So you did" Yubelluna grumbled before trying to get back on her feet. However, unlike Akeno, she was too injured to do anything other than lie on the ground in the face of defeat.

"One more blast and Riser will lose his queen from the rating game" Akeno giggled to herself as she slowly walked towards her downed opponent. "I wonder if some of your peerage members would lose their will to fight if they heard the announcement of your elimination"

"FUCK YOU" Yubelluna snapped back in anger.

Akeno rubbed her legs in barely hidden enjoyment, "While you are pretty, I don't think I like you in such a way". Her thoughts briefly remind her of a certain Lion Youkai.

"I will make you regret making fun of me you sadistic bitch" Yubelluna yelled before digging into her robes only to pull out a small expensive looking flask.

"The Phoenix tears" Akeno mumbled aloud as she observed the flask with great interest.

"Yes the Phoenix tears!" Yubelluna responded with an arrogant grin. "I will just quickly use this before beating you into the ground". With that Yubelluna begun to unscrew the flask containing the Pheonix tear. She cautiously kept an eye on the Gremory queen to make sure she didn't make any attempts to stop her from using the tears. However, when she looked closely at Akeno, she was surprised when she didn't see her panicked or horrified at the thought of her using a Phoenix tear in the midst of the battle, something that should give her a significant advantage over her opponent, but saw a sadistic smirk.

'What is your game plan Himejima?' Yubelluna thought furiously while doing her best to use the tear in question.

"I wonder how Riser will react if he finds out you lost the tear to an enemy" viciousness behind Akeno's smile grew further as she conjured a whip, about 3 meters long, made entirely out of lightning.

"NO!!" Yubelluna's arrogant expression was now replaced by panic as she did her best to open the flask containing the tear. Unfortunately, just as she attempted to use the tear, Akeno swiftly unleashed her 3 meter long whip that instantly grew enough to reach Yubelluna.

Yubelluna gasped before yelping in pain as she got struck by the raven queens lightning whip on her arm which caused her to lose her grip on the flask that contained the Phoenix tears.

"I think I am going to take that tear from you now" Akeno smiled in satisfaction before summoning the tear into her hands and resealing it a moment later. "I think Rias and others will find a great use for this tear, don't you think?" Akeno teasingly asked the stunned queen.

"How did you know?" Yubelluna muttered in disbelief.

"hmm, what was that?" Akeno pretended as if she didn't hear Yubelluna's question.

"How did you know I was going to have the tear? It almost looked like…" Before Yubelluna could complete her sentence, Akeno interrupted her with a sadistic smile, "we already knew you will have the Pheonix tear"

Akeno giggled at the wide-eyed expression that came over Yubelluna's face but allowed herself to remember the one of their nightly meetings when she was first informed about the potential Phoenix tear in play.

Flash Back

It had been a week since the group had begun their training with Marid and his peerage. During this time, Rias and her peerage had come leaps and bounds ahead of what they once were. But the distance between them and Riser was still too far for comfort which is why every night the group would brainstorm ideas on how to overcome Riser and his peerage in the most efficient way possible.

"Will we able to get a Phoenix tear for the rating game" Kiba wondered aloud.

An exasperated sigh escaped Rias's lips, "No. Apparently the Phoenix house is under severe shortage of tears. Right now they can barely even fulfil their contracts to the hospitals of the underworld let alone try and supply tears privately to pillar families" Rias informed the group.

"Now that's a shame isn't it" Yumi frowned at that since like everyone there she had correctly assumed shortage of Phoenix tears been a façade to ensure Rias doesn't have a extra Phoenix tear for the rating game.

"Lord Marid can't you get a Phoenix tear from your contractors?" Kiba asked Marid hopefully.

Marid shook his head negatively, "As Rias said, the Phoenix clan is not serving anymore Phoenix tears out to the common public. The only people they are giving tears to are the underworld hospitals who have a genuine ironclad contract with the house of Phoenix. Not completing those will serve the Phoenix house with incredible monetary and political fines. This is why they are obligated to serve the underworld hospitals. Everybody else… Nada!" Marids response made everyone frown as they all understood the tactics that was being played behind the scenes.

"So now we would have to count for an extra Phoenix tear working against us in the rating game" Akeno spoke seriously.

"Not necessarily" Kenta spoke out of the blue, grabbing everyone's attention almost immediately.

"Do you have a way around it Kenta?" Marid raised a questioning look towards his newest servant who returned his look with a shrug of his own.

"Perhaps" Kenta nodded before continuing, "I was reading the rules of the rating game and there I found that each team is allowed to use one Phoenix tear per match"

"We know that" Marid urged his rook to continue.

"What you don't know is that nowhere in the rules of the rating game is it written you cant simply steal your opponent's tear. The rules only say you can't bring more than one tear for your team, it doesn't say we cant simply steal someone else's. Assuming Riser and his peerage bring in one tear on the safe side, we can simply just steal there's" Kenta suggested to the group, all of whom were looking at him with wide eyes.

The minute long silence ended when a certain Red head shouted in jubilation, "Kenta you are a genius" Rias exclaimed aloud.

"Thanks?" Kenta replied awkwardly, not sure what else to say.

"Ara Ara that truly is incredible thinking Kenta-kun. Looks like I would have to find a way to thank you for helping us" Akeno spoke in her usual seductive tone which made Kenta slightly blush. To his credit, he took the praise humbly but was still awkward at being admired by people. Akeno on the other hand… everyone just mutually decided to ignore her comment all together, which was Kenta grateful for.

"But the question is who will have the Phoenix tear?" Yumi brought the meeting back to order with her question.

"That Phoenix girl that you were previously engaged to" Issie suggested with a grin.

"Good answer but since she is a Phoenix, she won't have any use of that tear. She can heal herself if she is ever injured" Marid dismissed Issie's suggestion politely. 

"What about Mira? She is the weakest member of their peerage after all" Kiba suggested this time.

"I doubt Riser would give his weakest member a tear. He would probably consider that a waste" Rias replied seriously with her brain working overtime to come up with a counterplan to Risers arguably biggest advantage in the rating game.

"What about the Queen?" This time Millicas gave out his suggestion which made everyone in the room snap his eyes back at him, "Lord Risers Queen is powerful and an important member of his peerage. Shouldn't that mean Riser would try and protect her until the end of the rating game to showcase his dominance?" Millicas asked the group, all of whom just looked at him with different expressions. His older brother had a proud smile on his face while Rias had a certain excitement in her eyes that he had never seen in his aunt ever before. Other members of their party had looks of astonishment plastered on their faces.

"He would" Marid finally broke the silence with a proud smile on his face. "You are right Millicas, if anyone on that team would have the Phoenix tear it would be Yubelluna" Marid nodded with a smile as he ruffled Millicas hair.

"But how will we steal it from her?" Asia asked innocently.

Marid stayed silent before looking at Akeno intensely. Soon that intense expression became a sadistic smirk, "I think we can come up with a plan for that"

Flashback Ends

"How did you know I was going to have the tear? It almost looked like…" Before Yubelluna could complete her sentence, Akeno interrupted her with a sadistic smile, "we already knew you will have the Pheonix tear"

Akeno giggled at the wide eyed expression that came over Yubelluna's face but allowed herself to remember the one of their nightly meeting when she was first informed about the potential Phoenix tear in play.

Akeno playfully played with the Phoenix tears within her fingers before storing them away. She regarded the defeated queen with a neutral expression, "Thank you for providing me with such a challenge Yubelluna but this battle ends now" Akeno readied herself by creating a powerful lightning attack in her hand to retire the opposing queen.

Before she could fire the blast, she sensed a rise in magical aura in her surroundings, something that caused her hair on the back of her neck to stand up in wariness.

"I couldn't have said it better myself" A unknown voice called out to her from her side. Akeno hurriedly turned to face her newest challenger but only found a fire ball coming her way.

"Shit" Akeno cursed as she created a protective dome around herself. Despite her late response, she was able to stop the brunt of the attack but couldn't stop from her hands and end tails of her pony to get slightly singed.

"Your team truly has soaring luck in this rating game!" the voice snorted in response. "I must admit that was a rather intelligent planning from Lady Rias… stealing the Pheonix tear from us would have been a damning move that could have damaged Riser-onisama's reputation in the rating game scene. But since I am here as a representative from our house, I will defeat you and take back our tear you have worked so hard for" a fiery magic circle appeared beside the defeated Queen who was now slowly finding her feet.

"Lady Ravel" Yubelluna gasped at the sudden entrance of her masters baby sister, "I am sorry for letting her defeat me and having my tear stolen in such a manner" Yubelluna quickly apologized with a deep bow.

Ravel simply waved her off, "There is no need to apologize Yubelluna-chan. Lady Rias had her peerage trained well in the last two weeks to the point our approximation of their current power levels was rendered moot. But no matter, we will defeat them despite their surprising start to the rating game" Ravel spoke with a smile which turned into a deep frown by the end of her sentence. She obviously wasn't happy how the rating game was being played out up until now. As the main strategist of the team, it was her responsibility to ensure all of their opponents move are rendered moot. But now, as a strategist she was the one on the back foot with Rias and her team walking all over her.

'This is Lady Rias first rating game and she is outperforming as if she is among the top ten best rating game Kings. Not even Big brother Ruval outsmarted me like this during our mock battle with his peerage last month' Ravel thought furiously as she prepared herself to take her place on the battlefield, even though she hated to fight herself.

'Fighting both the Phoenix princess and the Bomb Queen… how bad could it be' Akeno chuckled at the ridiculousness of her thoughts as she did her best to conserve her energy for the gruesome battle that was sure to follow.

Courtyard

"This feels wrong. We are very close to the new school building yet we haven't faced anyone from Risers peerage" Kiba pointed out as the pawn Knight duo came to a stop right in the middle of the school courtyard. 

"You are right" Issie nodded in understanding, suitably wary of the situation. "The courtyard is disturbingly quiet. It almost feels like…"

"A trap" Kiba finished the sentence before intensely observing their surroundings.

A bush moving from the western side of the courtyard caught his attention. Without wasting another moment, Kiba created a short sword using his sacred gear before throwing it at the bush with all the power he could muster.

*Boom* the short sword exploded when it reached its appointed target. The explosion caused two cat like pawns with cat ears to leap out of the bush. Both of them sporting some burns and cuts courtesy of the small explosion.

"What the hell?!? I have never seen a sacred gear that creates exploding swords" Ni and Li, two cat pawns of Risers almost yelped in unisons before the two of them scrambled to their feet.

"Nice work Kiba" Issie gave the blonde knight a thumbs up.

"That was impressive knight of Gremory. We were hoping to luring you further into our territory before ambushing you" a tall young woman with long black hair with dark blue tint responded with a serious glare on her face.

"But you managed to figure out are plan. Like Siris said, well done" Risers brunette Bishop continued with a smile.

"Looks like everybody is here but Lady Ravel" Kiba noted as he saw the group of girls surround him and Issie like a group of hungry sharks surrounding their prey.

"Where is Ravel?" Issie asked cautiously.

"Lady Ravel thought her service might be required elsewhere. I cant really blame her for allowing us to dispose of you two while she defeats the strongest piece of your peerage" unwittingly informing their plans to their enemies.

Kiba and Issie shared a quick look before subtly summoning a communication circle with their master, "Buchou Ravel is going to Akeno-san" Kiba subtly Rias without wasting another moment.

'What? How do you know this?' Rias hurriedly asked.

"Risers remaining peerage kindly told us about it" Issie entered the conversation with some grimace.

'Son of a Bit' both Issie and Kiba were forced to end their communication with their master when they saw the Mihae, one of the Bishops of Riser, sending a magical attack at them. Apparently, the group must have sensed something was up when both Issie and Kiba didn't respond to their constant taunting and threats.

"Hey that's not fair!" Issie exclaimed after having to dodge the attack.

"Oh is the little pawn angry about it Nya" the pink haired Li taunted as she surrounded Issie with her twin sister Ni.

"Perhaps we should sent the little pawn back to its master to cry Nya" Ni suggested with a arrogant response of her own.

"This is quite the predicament Issie-kun" Kiba spoke to his only ally in the situation.

"You can say that again" Issie sweat dropped as the reality hit him. The chances of him and Kiba surviving didn't look all that good to him.

 "What will we do?" Kiba asked Issie for a suggestion. At this point he had no idea what to do so any kind of suggestion from Issie would be better than anything he could come up with, which was absolutely nothing. 

"Challenge them to a One-on-one" Issie replied as a smile started to come across his face. His answer caught Kiba off-guard for a moment before the young knight also smiled at the seemingly ingenious idea of Issie.

"Did we scare the two Gremory servants" the two Nekomata twins taunted the two Gremory servants again.

"You didn't scare us with your numbers. Just disgusted us with the awful plan of yours. 6 Devils to fight a sole knight and a pawn. I am sure Riser would be proud of your inability to take even one of us in a fair fight" Issie taunted back viciously.

"Not to mention the outlook it would send to other professional rating game players regarding your peerage; 'Risers peerage is so weak that they had to surround the opposing teams members, who he already outnumber by a significant margin, to win the rating game. What a pitiful display" Kiba added his own mocking to the mix. With luck they would be able to hurt their ego enough to get a favorable outcome to this battle. 

"What did you say?!?!" Ni and Li gritted their teeth in frustration, both of them ready to pounce on Kiba and Issie like feral cats.

"Calm down you two" a powerful hand on the shoulders of the two Nekomata pawns halted their attack. The two pawns looked back to find the remaining Rook of their peerage, Isabela. "The two Gremory servants are right in their assumptions regarding the outlook it would present if we all were to gang up on them right now. But saying this, you both cant fight them!" Isabela spoke with absolute finality. 

"But why" the two pawns wailed at being denied a fight.

The sole bluenette knight just observed the scene unfold in front of her with malicious eyes. Kiba was the only one who noticed her and when he did, he felt a shiver go down his spine at the cold look he received from the bluenette. His attention was brought back to the two Nekomata pawns who were starting to throw a temper tantrum.

"Because both of them are more than likely stronger than you. The pawn was in the Gymnasium where all four Ille, Nel, Mira, and Xuelan were eliminated while the knight was the one who defeated Shuriya, Burent and Marion in the forest. Both of them are more powerful than we were originally informed for. Me and Isabela will be taking this fight" one of the knights unsheathed her broadsword as she aimed it at Kiba. "Knight of Gremory. My name is Karlamine, will you accept by challenge to a one on one swordsman duel?"

Kiba summoned his own demonic sword before replying to the challenging knight, "As the knight of house of Gremory, I will gladly accept this challenge" there was a relief expression behind his eyes that the Phoenix Devils failed to understand.

"I assume I will be fighting you?" Issie said nervously as he eyed the half masked rook of Riser.

"You are!" Isabela smiled as she adjusted her gloves.

"Do your best Issie-kun. I will try to provide you support from the side" Kiba quickly whispered before squaring off against his own opponent. Few seconds later, the two knights were gone in the wind. Doing their best to use their impressive speed and swordsmanship to outperform their opponent. Sounds of steel hitting against each other echoed the courtyard as the two pawns found themselves in a duel.

"Karlamine the ever sword freak" Isabela sighed as she saw the look of glee on her fellow peerage members face.

"You are one to talk battle maniac!" Karlamine snapped back during one of her exchanges with the blonde knight.

'This is going to be rough' Issie gulped before steadying his breathing.

"Don't fret too much partner. You have performed well throughout this rating game till now" Draig appeared within his mind for the first time that day.

'A good time to show up partner. Any advice for me in this battle' Issie asked his soul mate quickly as he saw his approaching opponent.

"Don't make a fool of yourself just because you are fighting women" Draig retorted with a snort.

'Rias Buchou and the others gave me a new life. It is only natural I repay the favor by helping Buchou win this rating game and earn her freedom' Issie Gave his honest reply that shocked and impressed Draig of his host determination.

"And how do you plan to do that?" Draig asked curiously.

'I got a plan in my mind. It is… dangerous but if I win, it would bore incredible fruits' Issie answered with determination.

"Which would be?" Draig asked again, his curiosity getting the better of him. In his long life as a dragon then a sacred gear spirit had allowed him to meet with various different people, for him Issie was without a doubt the most unique and strangest person he had ever met. He wasn't the strongest or the most cunning person, but he dealt with situations in the most unique way. Something that he counted as a breath of fresh air since most people he had met in his long life chose to simply overpower their way through every situation. Even that accursed Bible God.

'And ruin the fun? Sit tight and enjoy the fun partner'

Issie summoned his sacred gear in his twice critical form to combat the Rook, his sword still in his sheath on his belt for now.

"Lets end this battle" Isabela sighed in boredom before sprinting towards her enemy.

Before Issie could even blink Isabela was on him, mercilessly attacking him with both of her arms and legs. Issie quickly offered his thanks to Marid and his peerage for their gruesome training regime which allowed him to stay in this rating game as long as he did. Without that gruesome training, he was sure he would have been beaten to death by now.

"This battle isn't going to be that easy you know" Issie gritted his teeth as he managed to block Isabela's punch at the last minute using his gauntlet covered hand.

'BOOST' the sound of the red gauntlet charging echoed throughout the battlefield as Issie used Isabela's shock to counter with his own punch.

"How are you doing this?!? you shouldn't be this strong!!" Isabela spoke in frustration. While she was no way near her limit, she was nevertheless unnerved by her rival pawn's seemingly calm demeaner and unnatural fighting capabilities.

"That's what they all said before they were retired" Issie grinned as he threw a leg kick at Isabela who herself was in the midst of throwing a haymaker at Issie's head.

"Agghhh" both Issie and Isabela groaned in pain as they both felt the aftereffects of their opponents' attacks. Issie felt light headed as he stumbled back a few paces while Isabela grew annoyed at the large bruise that formed on her right knee which made it harder for her to move around the battlefield.

'BOOST' The sound of the boost again rang loudly but both Issie and Isabela were too involved in their fight to acknowledge Issie's second boost.

Punches and kicks were thrown from both sides, almost all of them landing on their opponents. The battle had turned away from the strategic fight that it was once was and was now converting into a full blown brawl whose winner would be determined by will of the fighter rather than the skills and power.

Those watching the battle, whether from the VIP room or in person, all of them could atleast acknowledge the grit shown by both fighters in the melee brawl. Specially a black haired lion who had a maniac grin plastered on his face at the sight of such a melee fight. 

'BOOST'

On the other hand, some like Mihae were starting to get concerned for the Phoenix Rook. 'That's the third BOOST he has gotten and rather than using it he is saving it for some reason! I have never seen a twice critical boosting in such a manner! Who is he?' Mihae, who prided herself as a knowledgeable Devil like Ravel, thought furiously. She couldn't help but feel a dread filling in her stomach at the sight of the battle. Despite the information they had gotten on Rias Gremory and her peerage, none of the battles in the rating game had gone their way. Yubelluna was stuck in a stalemate against the Gremory Queen in such a way that Ravel Phoenix, baby sister to her master, had to go there to help Yubelluna out. Karlamine was stuck with the handsome Gremory knight while Isabela was struggling to defeat the previously believed weak pawn. All the other members of their peerage were either too weak to fight against the Gremory team or had already been defeated.

'They are playing us for fools. Using our egos to get a one-on-one fight against us. If we were to be defeated here then there is nothing that will stop them from reaching Lord Riser! Who knows what other tricks they might be hiding under their sleeves' Mihae willed herself to get involved in the fight despite the potential outrage she may face from her Devil sisters.

However, she was stopped her advancements when she saw Isabela connect a devastating right hand to Issie's face, flooring him in the process.

"Hell Yeah! That's how you end a fight" Isabela struggled to catch her breath as she wiped blood trailing down at the side of her face. One of her eyes shut and aching muscles brought her from her adrenaline high, informing her of the lengths she was pushed to by a mere pawn who was regarded as the weakest reincarnated Devil to have ever existed by their source. It was now she was starting to look at the floored pawn in a different light. Her impression of the previously weak pawn grew further when he rolled over and started to rise back up… very slowly.

"You are an incredible warrior… I will give you that" Isabela sincerely complimented the pawn, "But this battle has come to an end".

"I agree with that" Issie smiled, showing off his bloody teeth. Finally finding his feet under him, Issie grinned at the curious Rook, "Its time we end this battle" Issie raised his gauntlet covered arm in the air for all to see.

'BOOST'

"ISABELA BE CAREFUL! IT IS HIS FOURTH BOOST" Mihae screamed at her fellow sister Devil but it had been too late.

"Here goes nothing" Issie screamed as he summoned a small ball of energy right in front of his hands. A ball of energy that would have looked cute if its target weren't Devils who were well versed in demonic energy at this point in their lives.

"SHIT" Isabela cursed as she sprinted towards Issie to stop whatever he was going to do. However, she knew she could do anything to stop Issie from what he did next.

"DRAGON SHOT!!!" Issie screamed before punching the ball of energy. The ball of draconic energy rocketed towards Isabela's rushing form.

Using the very last energy in her body, she twisted her body to an unnatural degree; allowing her to dodge the blast with a hairs breath. She turned around only to see the blast crash into the side of the new school building.

*BOOOM* the smoke and shockwaves erupted from the side of the building. Explosion even caused Kiba and Karlamine to stop their own fight as they observed the destroyed wing of the building in quiet awe.

Isabela, who was rooted to her spot in fear of what could have been her hit with the blast, slowly turned her head towards Gremory pawn who was looking at her with a sheepish grin.

"I didn't mean to use that much energy in that attack but I guess it does the trick" Issie rubbed the back of head sheepishly.

"Who are you?" Isabela asked with fear and uncertainty in her voice.

"I am the sole pawn of Rias Gremory, and I am going to defeat you here to ensure freedom of my King" Issie's determined look returned in full force as he sprinted towards his horror filled opponent. The horror increased when she saw Issie reaching for the hilt of his sword which he had yet to use in their fight.

"NO!!" Isabela screamed in pain as she felt Issie cut her deeply across her torso. Shortly after she was enveloped in a blue light before being whisked away from the rating game.

'Riser Phoenix's Rook has been retired'

Grayfia's announcement rang through the stilled battlefield, drawing many, including a now enraged Mihae out of their stupor.

"HOW DARE YOU!!!" Mihae screamed at him, her beautiful face now raptured in red rage. "Girls attack him with me!"

"HAI!" the two pawns were already etching for a fight were even more ready to get some revenge for their fallen comrade.

"Fuck!" Issie's eyes widened in surprise as he saw the two Nekomata pawns attacking while the Bishop attacked him from a safe distance.

Issie immediately swung his sword at the incoming duo but found himself getting disarmed by Ni while her twin sister punched him in the stomach, leading him away from his only chance at victory against his newest opponents. 

"Attack him together Ni and Li. Don't let him even breathe" Mihae commanded from behind the two rushing pawns. While the two enraged pawns furiously attacked Issie, she did her best to supply her fellow peerage members with support fire; cutting down room for the sole pawn to move in.

Issie gritted his teeth in frustration and pain as he felt himself getting hit by Ni and Li physical attacks. Mihae supporting magical blast made matters worse for him since he was slowly getting cornered.

"KIBA!!?!" Issie screamed for help from his only ally on the field.

The blonde knight was locked in an intense sword fight of his own to the point he didn't notice his friend getting ganged up on.

"Hold on Issie kun" Kiba replied as he kneed the opposing knight in the stomach before making a dash towards Issie.

"Hang on Issie-kun, I will be right there in a momen…" the blonde knight found himself unable to complete his sentence when he felt solid metal on his back. His widened at the sensation as he did his best to maneuver away from the strike with a duck and roll.

*Slash* While Kiba managed to avoid a deep cut to his back, which would have resulted in his immediate retirement, he still got hit by a deep slash on his right thigh. The injury immediately made him limp and unable to help Issie.

"You shouldn't have gotten involved Siris!" Karlamine snapped her head angrily at her fellow knight sister.

In response the dark haired knight simply gave Karlamine a uninterested shrug, "If he had made it to that pawn then he would have probably eliminated Ni and Li which would have turned the rating game even more in their favor"

"There is no honor in attacking a foe from behind!" Karalmine sent a death glare at Siris who wasn't bothered at the very least by Karlamine outburst.

"What matters is us winning this rating game for Lord Riser without losing anymore pieces" Siris shrugged again as she moved between the injured knight and the over whelmed pawn. "If you are still butt hurt about it then take it up with Lord Riser. I am sure he would love to reeducate you about his priorities" Siris smirked when she saw her fellow knight blush at her obvious sexual innuendo.

"Isn't this bothersome" Kiba's words brought the two arguing knights out of their little bubble. They found themselves looking at Kiba who was now using his sword as a crutch to support his stance.

"You might as well retire now!" Siris spoke with a vicious smirk, "You are in no condition in taking me and Karlamine together and its only a matter of time before that perverted pawn of yours is eliminated"

"You underestimate us heavily if you think that we will lose this rating game without putting up a fight" Kiba responded seriously as he was finally able to stand up straight. His face was stoic, showing no indication of how hurt he was.

"You all have already put up a decent fight in this rating game. But your luck will run out now! With Lady Ravel helping Yubelluna against your queen it is only a matter of time before you all start falling" Karlamine said this time.

"Maybe so" Kiba smirked, something that slightly unnerved the two female knights. "But no one from our team will stop fighting until the very end" Kiba's smirk transformed into determined look as his demonic sword suddenly caught fire.

"What are you doing?" Karlamine asked the blonde knight, not realizing this was the third sword the Gremory knight had created since the start of the rating game.

What Kiba did shocked the two knights. Kiba proceeded to use the extremely hot blade to rub it against his injured leg.

"Agghhh" Kiba gritted his teeth in pain as a few tears leaked out of his blue eyes, but he held strong. He spent the next few seconds to forcefully close the deep gash that had been created via Siris sneak attack.

"That's better" Kiba took in a deep breath to stabilize himself before he summoned another sword to combat both of his opponents.

"Lady Rias peerage just keeps on surprising me" Karlamine wide eyes gained a respectful glint as she too ignited her sword in Phoenix flames.

"Impressive it maybe… Your determination won't get you a win you over us" Siris too readied her massive broad sword to fight the sole Gremory Knight.

 Before either of Risers knight could rush in to start round 2 of their battles against the Gremory knight, the knight in question turned around to look at his only ally who had found himself a moment to catch his breath, "Issie-kun I believe the time to hold back is gone. We need to fight at our full power from here onwards" Kiba gave Issie a meaningful look which the pawn apparently understood.

Risers pieces looked on curiously only as the two men of Gremory team ripped their sleeves off to show a silver armband hugging tightly against their biceps. With a jerk the silver arm band broke off from their arms leaving its previous too occupiers sigh in relief.

"What was that?" Karlamine asked nervously.

"That right there was Lord Marids gravity bracelets he had rest of our peerage wear for the duration of the rating game until we face a strong enough opposition" Kiba smirked as he saw the look of realization came over the faces of Risers pieces. "He thought saving these until the right time would give us an edge for you lot…. I didn't understand this then, but I do now and I am glad Lord Marid and Rias Buchou insisted us wearing these bracelets" Kiba continued while he closely eyed his two opponents.

"But this would mean?" Ni and Li spoke together in horror.

"That we were holding back this entire time" Issie arrogantly completed their sentence. After gruesome two training weeks followed by an equally intense rating game, he felt he was justified to act a little arrogant.

"It doesn't matter girls! We will defeat them" Mihae shook off her surprise and rallied her fellow Devil sisters to keep on fighting.

"She speaks the truth ladies. We still have the numbers advantage over the these two" Karlamine joined her fellow sister in rallying her masters peerage.

"All we have to do is try a little harder" Siris smirked before readying herself to take on the blonde knight.

"You have to try quite a bit more than that to defeat us" Kiba smirked back at his opponents. "Issie-kun you ready?"

"Hell Yeah!" Issie shouted in excitement as adrenaline roared through his body, "Time to go all out Draig!! BOOSTED GEAR!!!" Issie screamed as a torrent of draconic magic emitted off his body with a green glow enveloping him in a protective casing sending the two pawns and Bishop a few paces back through magical pressure that emitted from his body. Their shock turned to awe and then horror as they saw the red gauntlet on Issie's hand transform itself into a more prestigious looking gauntlet with yellow and green inscriptions on it. That gauntlet on Issie's left arm only meant one thing.

"You are the Red Dragon Emperor" Mihae muttered as she took a step back in shock.

"Aye and as Kiba said we will beat you here and now" Issie replied seriously as he readied himself to rush in.

"It doesn't change a thing ladies. Get him" Siris shouted in growing apprehension she felt for Rias Gremory's peerage.

Without wasting another moment, all of Risers peerage present in the courtyard sprinted towards the now identified as this generations Red Dragon Emperor. In their desperate charge, they all forgot about one person, "As I remember you both are fighting me" Kiba smirked as he came right in between Issie and the two knights and swung at them, forcing the two female knights block the incoming strike.

 And just like that round 2 begun, with none of the Devils holding back. All training, tactics and skills were abandoned in the favor of grit and determination by most Devils fighting with only one goal in mind… To end this fight as soon as possible.

VIP Room

The VIP room was equally if not more chaotic than the battle ground with incredibly serious accusations and anger words flying about… mostly from the members of the Great King Faction.

While the elders were throwing a tantrum, Zekram Bael was intensely observing the rating game below. While all the present members of the Big Eight, save for Sona and Sairaorg, were sending Marid glares for worrying them for Rias. Sairaorg, was deeply amused by the situation and was looking forward to fight the Red Dragon Emperor while Sona already had known the truth all this time.

Sirzech Lucifer on the other hand was pleasantly surprised by how the rating game was turning out. Grayfia had previously informed him about Issie being the current Red Dragon Emperor but he had his doubts about how useful a untrained Red Dragon Emperor would be in this rating game. But what he saw surprised him, not only his son had turned the previously believed 'Weakest reincarnated Devil' into a good fighter but also had given him enough instructions to use his surprise of his sacred gear in the best way possible. During the chaotic ramblings of high class Devils around him, he shared a brief look with his son who winked at him as if to tell there was more to come in this already happening rating game.

"This right here is a complete disregard and the mockery of rating games! We should have been informed about Red Dragon Emperors identity before the start of the rating game!" Lord Phoenix bellowed at the Marid and the two Gremory heads. He was outraged at how much Rias had been successful in this rating game against his vastly experienced son but existence of the Red Dragon Emperor tipped the scales in Rias favor.

"Not to mention Marids gravity bracelets are an illegal item" Zeoticus Gremory showed his displeasure despite receiving disapproving looks from his wife.

"With such disregard of rules I urge the Great King to disqualify Rias Gremory from the rating game and heavily penalize Marid Gremory due to their blatant disregard of the rating game rules" Lord Bael stated angrily with Lord Gremory and Lord Phoenix nodding in agreement.

"Be careful Lord Bael! This street goes both ways" Marid shook his head in amusement. "After all Riser Phoenix was given quite a few advantages himself in this rating game by you lot. As per the words of Risers peerage members during the rating game, not only Rias and her peerage were clearly spied on prior to the rating game but also Riser and his team were clearly given the decision-making power of choosing arena for this rating game. Both of these conditions are strictly against the fair play policy's of the sport. I don't think I need to remind you that the punishment for these policy's could go up to a disqualification and a mandatory suspension from the rating games!" Marid smiled wickedly as he saw the look of apprehension come across Lord Baels face.

"Furthermore, my Lords" Sona respectfully started, "Lord Marids gravity devices are not illegal item per say. While an unusual tactic, many rating game Kings have used these bracelets in the pass to demonstrate a weak peerage to deceive their opponents in the rating game. Hence, it is acceptable tactic and henceforth a legal rating game move" Sona sentence with a venomous whip that resulted in a lot of grumblings from the Lords present in the room.

"Perhaps we could come to a mutual agreement" Sirzechs cooly entered the conversation. His words immediately silenced all the arguments. "Rather than arguing with each other for the next few minutes how about we enjoy the efforts put forth by members of both peerages and their Kings while considering all the outside involvement nulled" Sirzech openly suggested.

Before anyone else reply, Rosalina Phoenix announced her support behind the current Lucifers suggestion, "Cancelling this rating game between the Riser and Rias Gremory would become a massive scandal since this rating game is broadcasted over the entire underworld on emphasis of Lord Bael and my dear husband" Rosalina Phoenix gave her brother/husband an icy look that put down his own fiery anger in a heartbeat. "It would be for the best if we all followed Lord Lucifers suggestion"

"Allowing this rating game to proceed forward is the best course of action despite the legal bending of the rules from both sides" Rivia Abaddon, who was silent until now, also raised her support for Mao Lucifers suggestion.

"I second that!" Venelana Gremory joined in as well while giving her husband and brother a incredible glare, as if daring them to oppose her.

"I support this mutual agreement as well" to the shock of many, Zekram Bael supported this agreement rather than opposing his son.

"Father.." Lord Bael wanted to say something but found himself unable to under his fathers impassive look.

"It is an acceptable accord son. It's not like anything else could happen. From the looks of it the current Red Dragon Emperor is running out of luck and is close to being retired" Zekram calmly replied. Unknowingly tempting the Gods of irony in the process.

Zekrams words stopped argument completely as everyone turned their eyes back to the battle happening in the courtyard.

A few minutes ago

"Damn it" Issie cursed as he got hit with Mihae supporting blast. She had become a source of Issie's frustration ever since the second round of fighting had begun. Her supporting blast for the two energetic pawns had caused him quite a lot of damage. Sometimes leaving him for a attack from the two pawns.

Issie briefly looked at Kiba who was down to his last sword and was also struggling to hold back both of Risers knights. With his still injured leg, the blonde knight only slowed them against his opponents.

"Keep going girls we almost have him" Mihae rallied the two pawns fighting in the frontlines against Issie.

'If I only had my sword with me' Issie thought in frustration as he got hit with a uppercut from Ni while he was busy dodging attacks from Li and Mihae.

The situation only got worse for Issie as a few moments later, a planned combo from both Ni and Li distracted him enough not to notice the incoming magical blast from Mihae.

"Haaaa" Issie screamed in pain as the magical attack struck his exposed back, making him lose concentration of his two enemies at his front.

"Off you go Nya!" Ni and Li shouted in unison as they both connected with punches of their own which sent Issie down on the ground for the count.

"That's how you do it girls" Mihae breathed heavily after her constant magical attacks on Issie finally bore fruits. She turned towards Kiba who was still holding off the two knights… only barely.

"Lets finish him quickly before turning on that knight" Mihae spoke to the two Nekomata pawns.

As she finished her sentence she saw the blonde knight screamed in pain. A quick glance showcased Siris burying her sword in his side.

"Never mind" Mihae giggled as Kiba dropped down to one knee.

"For it was worth, you both put up a good fight Nya" Ni teased Issie who had still yet to move from his spot on the ground.

"But even the mighty Red Dragon Emperor and sword birth wielder stands no chance against Lord Risers peerage" Li continued loftily while preparing herself to attack Issie again.

However, before she could attack Issie again alongside her twin sister, Issie started to show signs of movement again. Through grit and determination that surprised the onlookers, a bruised Issie slowly made his way onto his feet again. With wobbly legs he got into a fighting stance again.

"We wont be defeated that easily" Kiba spoke with the same determination as Issie as he got back onto his feet as well.

"As your opponent, I will admire your determination to win for your King, but you both have nothing to offer to us… Ni and Li finish the pawns while we eliminate the knight" Siris all but ordered the two twins before she attacked the struggling knight alongside a begrudging Karlamine who was still annoyed with Siris for interrupting her knightly bout with Kiba.

'So this is how this ends' Kiba sighed in defeat, knowing there was nothing he could do more to change the outcome of this battle. All that hard work, and he was still short in his reach to victory. 'Only if we had one more person' Kiba wished internally as he prepared to face two rushing knights.

What happened in the next moment almost made Kiba believe in God again as green barriers surrounded him and Issie, protecting them both from almost certain elimination.

"I am sorry but I cant let you hurt either of them!" A gentle yet stern voice echoed through the courtyard making all its occupants snap their heads towards the newcomer. Their eyes quickly found the figure of a blonde Devil flying towards them with a small dog sized dragon flying above the Devil in a protective manner. 

"The Bishop!" Siris and Mihae groaned in frustration. Once again the Gremory pieces were saved from near elimination. If they hadn't been Devils, then they would be forced to accept that a higher power was at odds against them. Only if they knew…

"ASIA!!?!" Kiba and Issie exclaimed joyfully at the sight of the blonde Bishop coming their way. Asia's smile towards them warmed their hearts while her working sacred gear healed their injuries, making the two males sigh in satisfaction.

"I may not like fighting but I would not let you harm Kiba-kun or Issie-kun" Asia turned her attention back towards the group of enemies with a grim determination. As if to showcase her willingness to help the members of her newest family, Asia's emerald eyes glowed brighter as a tiny hue like comforting aura surrounded her and her two closest friends in a protective manner.

"What are you all looking at defeat them all!!" Mihae rallied Risers peerage again as she took to the sky to go after the blonde bishop herself. Every moment she allowed the blonde bishop to heal the knight and the Red Dragon Emperor their chance of winning this game would go down, and she would be damned if she let her true master down. 

Chapter End

So who is this person who had been spying on Rias and her peerage on Risers behalf? Hmmm. If you think about it the answer is rather clear and the said person will be making an appearance sooner than one would think! Plus WHO THE FUCK IS MIHAE TRUE MASTER???? That is a question which's answer you would have to wait for a little bit, but trust me the answer isn't what you think it is….

Furthermore, before I end this chapter, I just wanted to urge you all to please COMMENT on the chapters and let me know what you all think. Please write constructive criticism so I know where I am lacking or if my story has some plot holes. These help me greatly improve the quality of my chapters.

Until then stay safe and have fun!

 DGZalama out!

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