Lion King DxD

Pendragon v/s Phoenix

Tension was thick in the air and everyone had a grim look on their face. Even Artoria, who was usually seen as cold, composed and calculative was rather more serious than usual. Today was the day. The inevitable day had finally come when Rias and the others would have to face off against Riser and his peerage. Nobody dared to utter a word. The silence was threateningly deafening.

Issei was the first one to talk, "L-Let's win this! For Rias-buchou!"

Trying to ease the pressure and earning himself a few smiles from the others. Well, save for Artoria who leaned back into the couch and closed her eyes as if delving into her own thoughts.

A knock on the door brought everyone's attention. Followed by none other than Sona Sitri and Tsubaki Shinra, "Excuse us."

"Good evening, Sona." Rias smiled at her best friend and rival.

"Uhh... what's the student council doing here?" Asked Issei confused.

Akeno turned at her fellow devil with a kind smile that well hid her nervousness, "The Rating Game will be broadcast to the families of both parties. They'll be the one in charge. "

"I volunteered." Sona replied, "It's your first game, after all. "

"Well, Thank you. I'll put up a fight worthy of our rivalry!" Rias spoke with enthusiasm. Trying her best to hide her nervousness, but her shaky voice gave it away.

"Of course," Sona replied instantly, putting her glasses up, "Although, I don't expect a fair match against Riser. Or any Phoenix in general."

A Silver magic circle opened up in the room, behind Sona & Tsubaki. Stepping out of the magic circle was none other than Grayfia. The maid in question bowed lightly to Rias, "Ojou-sama. I hope you're ready for the Rating Game."

"Yes. Yes, I am." Rias said looking at her peerage, who simply nodded at her.

"Very well," Grayfia said looking at them, "You'll all be teleported at the battlefield in due time."

"Battlefield?!" Issei asked shocked.

"It's an alternative space. " Rias explained, "Specially made with the purpose of hosting Rating Games in mind."

"Well then, I'll be in the Student Council room, looking after the match." Sona said turning back with Tsubaki in tail, "Best of luck."

"Thank you.... " A weak curl of lips made its way on Rias' face.

"I'm also here to inform you that your brother," she informed them, "Sirzechs-sama will be watching the Game."

"I-I see.... " Rias replied both surprised and nervous.

A few more minutes passed before a Red magic circle opened up in the room. Rias and the others looked at Artoria as she nodded sternly at them. They all stepped into it and vanished instantly.

The duo of Artoria and Grayfia stared at each other for a few brief second, "Is there any way I can watch the match?"

"Yes, Sirzechs-sama thought you'd ask that." She summoned a sort of clear crystal cube in her hand and put it on the tea table, "Just channel some magic into it, and a holographic screen will appear."

"Sirzechs did? " She was genuinely surprised at the maou's antique.

"Yes, " Grayfia's voice had a hint of venom in it. As if she almost spat it, "Yes, he did. Now if you'll excuse me."

Soon after the maid also vanished in the same magic circle she arrived. The last look however she received wasn't.... pleasant to say the least. It's as if she held a bit anger towards Artoria.