DxD: Ascension - Redux

Chapter 44: Fallen from Grace

This chapter marks the end of Act 1: Blaze of Glory, as well as Volume VIII: The Black Temple.

BGM: Destiny 2: Forsaken - Of Starlight and Dark (loop from start to 2:26)

Rizevim gestured to his new accessory: a floor-length cape with a black exterior and wine-red interior and pauldrons like the ones Sirzechs wore, but silver rather than gold. Under the cape, he wore black armor with silver trim. "Do you like it? I figured I'd look nice for my formal introduction."
"No introduction needed," Zach answered defiantly. "We know who you are."
"But do you? My name is Rizevim Livan Lucifer. My father was the original Lord Lucifer, the second son of God who rebelled against Him and brought chaos to His creations."
"Second son of God? Bullshit."
"I assure you, it's quite true. Father wanted to lead the world to freedom from God's tyranny. I intend to finish what he started."
"God is dead. His 'tyranny' is nonexistent. You're just rambling on like the crazy old man you are."
"You'll see someday, Praktum. To save the people of this universe, it must be destroyed. And for that purpose, I'm going to release Trihexa, the apocalyptic beast with the power to eradicate entire timelines. Together, we'll strip the universe down to its roots and expose God for what he truly was."
"What's the point of doing that if you're just gonna kill everyone right after?" Koneko asked. "Trihexa can't be controlled, it'll destroy everything. Including you."
"You two should know better than most, there are other places for us in the multiverse. Perhaps I'll lead them to your home timeline, Mr. Praktum. Surely your Vanguard would be happy to accept 'refugees fleeing a timeline-destroying monster.'"
"Not a chance." Zach's combat gear, which was slightly damaged from the earlier battles, renewed itself in a flash of blue flames. "You'll never get anywhere near Trihexa. We'll stop you here and now."
"Damn straight." Koneko put her fists up, getting ready to fight. "Let's commit elder abuse."
"And here I thought I could show you the truth." Rizevim shrugged. "I suppose that was stupid of me. Well, if it's a fight you want..." His eyes glowed gold. "Hit me with your best shot."

BGM: Persona 5 - Rivers in the Desert (instrumental)

Koneko took the first strike, aiming a punch at Rizevim's face.
Rizevim sidestepped effortlessly and caught Koneko by the back of her neck, tossing her back at Zach's feet. "You should've chosen a stronger partner." He fired a blast of golden energy at the duo.
Zach barely managed to shield them from the attack. He could feel its power even through his barrier. "Koneko's more than strong enough for this." He countered with a bolt of violet lightning.
Rizevim caught the lightning blast in his palm and absorbed its power, grimacing from the pain. He redirected the electricity through his body, releasing it out of his other hand back at Zach.
Zach rolled to the side as he threw a fireball at Rizevim. "Koneko, you go high and I'll go low!"
"Right." Koneko used Zach's back as a springboard, leaping into the air and attacking Rizevim from above. At the same time, Zach dashed forward and tried to sweep Rizevim's legs out from under him.
Rizevim took to the skies, rocketing straight past Koneko and avoiding Zach's attack. He fired golden energy attacks at them from above.
Zach spread all twelve of his wings and flew after Rizevim, gracefully weaving between the incoming attacks. Azrael? Why am I slower?
Azrael's voice popped into Zach's head: He's using some kind of magic-
No shit.
-to suppress you. And your power's still a bit low from the fighting earlier on. It'll take a little bit to charge up enough to let you use your Balance Breaker, although a massive catalyst could jump-start you and activate it right away.
Alrighty then. Let me know as soon as it's ready. Zach picked up his speed, racing after Rizevim. "Running away, old man? You should be ashamed!"
"Someone needs to teach you about tactics, Mr. Praktum." Rizevim looked back to see Zach gaining on him quickly. He waited until Zach was just a few feet away, then dove back down.
"Shit!" Zach turned around as quickly as he could.
Rizevim did another sharp turn, flying back up and slamming into Zach like a missile, sending the Phoenix spiraling out of control.
Zach struggled to get back to his senses. "Koneko, a little help would be nice!"
Koneko was busy punching a boulder out of the side of a mountain. "One second!" She hefted the boulder and tossed it at Rizevim, who was now almost out of sight.
Zach watched the rock fly past him. "Yeah, that works."
Rizevim turned around just in time to see the boulder and get knocked out of the sky by it. He fell back to the ground with a crash, creating a small crater. He stood and brushed the snow off his cape. "How crude. And I thought you knew how to fight with style."
"Not today, old man." Koneko rushed Rizevim.
"I'm getting quite tired of you, Ms. Toujou." Rizevim restrained Zach with golden chains and stopped Koneko in her tracks with one hand. "I made a promise to your sister, but I suppose her betrayal negates that." Gold light emanated from the palm of the hand Rizevim was using to hold Koneko back by her face.