Bare This Curse

Chapter 10: Ratings

"Well... This is certainly a feast."
Venelana laughed out as I looked among the food that was strewn about neatly on the table. There was literally EVERYTHING on this dinner table. Chicken, ham, turkey, all the sides available, vegetables, fruit; Seriously, there guys have it all.
"While you're here, please think of this as your home away from home."
I nodded at Zeoticus, then began to dig in with them.
"So, Neito. I hear you are the possessor of the Eyes of Judgement."
"Yea. Truth be told, I didn't even know about it until just a few days ago. Ophis has been a big help in getting me stronger. Y'know, for the Ouroboros I hear you all antagonize, she's actually really tame. She claims that... Has... Venelana told you about my Cursed Time?"
"She has, and I'm sorry to hear you went through such a troubled experience."
"Heh, troubled is an understatement, pal. Anyway, Ophis is the only one who remembers everything alongside me. Truth be told, I kind of just wanted to forget too with everyone else. Make everything hurt a lot less. But, it's not all bad. As I said before, Ophis remembers, and she's always there for me, often telling me that I'm her new silence because of my tenancies to sleep every chance I get. She's a good roomie, and we have a lot of fun."
I put my fork and spoon down, sighing.
"Every run, I've been just doing the same thing. Living my life in different ways and triggering different events hoping that one of these times, I wouldn't go back, that all my hopes and dreams can have a chance to be accomplished... It's not easy, y'know, when in the end, after so much build up, it's all just thrown away... ... I never had the heart to come to you before and tell you what she was going to do... Do you realize how difficult it will be to say right to your face that because I swore to protect her, she would go on to bury me six feet under in the end?"
Venelana and Zeoticus paused, feeling my distressed aura as it slowly flared. I took a deep breath, calming down.
"If it were any other time, I would challenge Riser myself, and my prize would be that Rias and all Devils would be removed from Kuoh. The territory would be claimed by me, and I would never allow any Underworld denizens in my home after all they've brought to me. I would look her right in the eye and say 'Never come back here. You're not welcome'."
I took a drink and looked back at Zeoticus.
"Be real, how many runs have I been through? How many involvements have I dragged myself into because I didn't have the strength to care? And what thanks do I get? NOTHING. No thank yous. No flowers. No hugs and praise. Just an added number to the counter of dead souls."
I looked down.
"It's not like talking to you will change anything anyway. Maybe the House of Gremory weren't the people they said they were..."
I pushed back the chair and got up, walking towards the door with my hands stuffed in my pockets.
"Wait, dear! You hardly touched your-"
*SHINE*
An Indigo Circle appeared in front of me and I walked through it, going back home. I found Kuroka and Valerie on the couch, watching TV, as I assumed her brother, was in the kitchen making something for himself.
"Hey? Where's Ophis and my bro?"
Valerie turned to me.
"Rias decided to take it upon herself to train Issei up in the mountains at the manor she was talking about. Ophis went with him."
"Ah, OK."
I turned and walked to the door.
"You going after them?"
"Well, my bro is still inadequate with his Boosted Gear. I gotta do my part in helping him too, not only as a master, but as a brother."
Valerie smiled at me as Kuroka cooed.
"So cute, and so considerate, nya!~ Why wasn't my last master like this?!"
I chuckled, then used another Indigo Circle to teleport myself to Rias, which I'm assuming Issei was with. Oh, how wrong I was. When I stepped through, I was in some sort of hot spring bath area.
"Hahhh... This was such a good idea. We haven't done this in forever."
"I hope it melts away some of the fatigue of training at least. You've all been working so hard."
I blinked at Rias and Akeno's voice, then turned to the bath itself, seeing all the girls, Ophis included, naked in the bath.
"Oh... Oooohhhh..."
They finally realized I was there and turned to me. I facepalmed.
"I should have came up here via Time Break..."
"Neito? Oh, hello. How was your trip?"
I shrugged at Asia.
"It... could have gone better at the last few minutes, but it was overall fine."
I turned and walked to the exit.
"I'mma go get washed up myself in the private showers."
"Aww!~ You sure you don't want me to scrub your back?~ I do an excellent job at it.~"
"Akeno, I swear to god..."
She giggled as I walked out, grabbing a shower off the hammock and going up to one of the bathrooms. I closed the door behind me and started up the shower, waiting for it to get warm. All the while, I leaned against the wall, sighing.
{The pain is difficult, isn't it?}
"What? Oh. Right. I forgot that I still had someone there. Yea, the pain is difficult, and I'm trying so hard to manage, to forgive, but nobody has given me a reason to."
{I understand that, but don't forget that you have a sibling to protect. That's why your power is not all your own. No amount of training could ever give someone these results. If you sacrifice something, a shared gift of power is given in return.}
"What have I given up?"
{By releasing me and unveiling your true self, you have given up your own eyes, and they have been replaced with mine.}
"Really?"
{Yes. It's the reason your eyes are blue instead of your natural hazel grey.}
"I see..."
I looked to the shower and stepped in, washing myself down.
"Well, at least I'll be able to get some sleep in before the game tomorrow. Should probably also get a hand to hand fighting style too... Rating Game first, learning second. Just gonna have to go with the old tricks."
-----
*crick* *crack*
"Ahhh..."
I rubbed my neck after cracking it a bit. Issei grabbed his clock and scanned it.
"Only one more hour before the Rating Game starts."
"Yea. We got our work cut out for us on this one."
"Agreed."
Valerie turned in the swivel chair to Issei.
"So, anything we should know about the Phenexes?"
"From the many times I've fought them, they've shown no respect for us. No run was different with them. All you need to know is that we need to give them a good dose of what the House of Gremory and the Nephilim Dragon Faction can do."
"No mercy?"
"Actually. I know that we won't win."
I pulled up a chair and sat down in it, Ophis hopping in my lap.
"What, do you mean?"
"It's how it's supposed to go down. Once the Rating Game ends with our loss, one of us would be heading out to the Gremory Manor to challenge Riser head on."
I grinned at them.
"But I think with the progress we've made, and how powerful some of us are, we can do this. I only have one thing to ask each one of you, and I want you to relay this to Rias if I don't."
"What?"
"You leave Riser to me. I've got a new spell that'll put us on even ground when it comes to power."
"A new spell? What exactly is it?"
I smirked at Valerie.
"Not so fast, kid. Why spoil the surprise?"
She puffed her cheeks at me in a pout, then we turned to Issei when he looks down at his hand.
"I've been training like my life's depended on it. There's no way in hell I'll let them win."
"D*** right, brotha."
*knock* *knock*
I looked back at my door.
"Issei? Are you there? Do you mind if I come in?"
"No. Please do. Everyone else is here too."
She walked in with Kuroka and Vali with her. I blinked at Asia.
"Huh, haven't seen you wear your nun uniform in a while."
"I thought my habit might make me feel more confident. Right said it was OK as long as I felt comfortable. So, I just wanted to know what you thought."
Issei smiled.
"I think you look pretty incredible, actually. But then again, I've always liked you in that outfit."
I rose my hand and Ophis did the same.
""Ditto.""
"You're sweet... I'd like to stay here with you... Do you mind?"
"No. Not at all."
She walked over and sat down on the bed as Kuroka flopped on it, purring as she wrapped herself in the warm blanket. Vali stood by his sister. I looked back at Asia to see her clinging to Issei.
"What's wrong, kid?"
"Oh, nothing. I'm just a little bit nervous about the battle. Still, as long as I have you all here next to me... I know everything'll be fine."
"Yeah."
"Is it alright with you, Issei, if I just stay here like this for a while?"
"You kidding? I think it's perfect."
I smiled at them before his clock went off.
[Rise and shine and go kick some a**!]
Issei hit it and I stood up with Ophis floating next to me. Valerie also stood up.
"Alright, f***ers. You heard the lady."
I threw an Indigo Circle on the floor.
"Let's go kick some a**."
Valerie kissed her brother on the cheek before following us in. He waved to her as I stood in the center with my team surrounding me. I threw my hand up and we teleported into Rias's ORC, surprising them. I waved.
"Heya, everyone."
"Oh, good. You all are here just in time."
"Yup. Like we'd be late for something like this."
Kiba put his sword in its holster as Koneko tightened her fighting gloves. Issei and Asia sat down while I limbered up a bit. Ophis and Valerie just stood behind Issei. Akeno and Rias sipped some tea after greeting us. Issei was... surprised to say the least.
"Unbelievable. One of our fearless leaders doesn't even look worried about the game today, does she?"
*click*
I looked back at the door, seeing Sona and Tsubaki walking in.
"Hope we're not interrupting."
"No, come on in. I'm glad you could make it."
Issei blinked.
"What are they doing here?"
"Sona and Tsubaki along with the student council are also Devils, bro."
"Really?"
"Yea, from the Sitri clan."
Sona raised an eyebrow, but before she spoke, I waved it off.
"Don't ask. Last thing I want right now is depression."
She did the same thing again, then turned to Rias when she spoke.
"There's a live broadcast of the Rating Game so family members can watch. Sona and Tsubaki are here to help out with that."
"Huh, that's cool."
"And besides, it's her first Rating Game. I wouldn't miss an event like this for anything."
Rias grinned.
"Well, I promise to do everything in my power to make it interesting for you."
*SHINE*
A familiar grey Circle appeared, revealing Grayfia as she walked out.
"It's almost time. I hope you're ready for this, Lady Rias."
"Yes. We're ready whenever you are."
"In a few moments, we'll use this Magic Circle to transport you, your peerage, and Neito and his team out to the battlefield."
Issei rose an eyebrow as Ophis sat down on his lap.
"And where exactly is the battlefield?"
Akeno turned to face him.
"In a neutral, alternate space created just for the game."
I nodded in agreement.
"In other words, it's a piece of land out in a void created as an arena. And as such, none of it is real, which means we don't need to hold back any destruction."
{This is good.}
Everyone jumped as my eyes glowed upon Judgement's voice.
"Oh, Judgement. You're awake?"
{Never fell asleep. I wanted to chime in and let you know beforehand that you have enough experience with the Nephilim Gear to create it's Balance Breaker.}
"Wait, really?"
{Yes. Gaining power, while making you strong, has nothing to influence a Nephilim Gear. The Builders and Destroyers all deem their hosts worthy of that power when they feel they're ready.}
"You think I'm ready for this?"
{Your time at the church proved to me you have potential. You could perhaps be the most powerful Nephilim I've inhabited if you give it your all. Your judgement is never misplaced, and you have promising strategies with your magical prowess. So, I think it's high time to upgrade and reward you for all your hard efforts.}
"That's great. I appreciate it, Judgement. How do I activate it?"
{You will know when the time comes during the game. Now, I must retire back into your subconscious and remain there until activation of the Balance Breaker.}
"Alright. G'night, Judgement."
My eye glow dimmed and turned back to the normal sapphire color. I shrugged at the others as Ophis gave me a thumbs up. I smirked, then turned to Sona as she looked back at Rias.
"I'll be the Student Council Broadcast Booth calling the game. We'll be cheering you on. Good luck."
She turned to the door, walking to it. Rias smiled at them.
"Thanks a lot. Just try to keep the play-by-play fair."
"Oh, I'll keep it clean. Though, if I was a betting girl, I'd say you were gonna kick that scumbag seven ways till Sunday."
They exited and Grayfia looked to me and Rias both.
"I forgot to mention something. I thought you would know, Lady Rias, that the Great Devil Lucifer will be watching the game as well as your parents."
I sighed with her.
"F***..."
"Oh... Brother dearest..."
Issei perked up.
"Whoa! Are you telling me that your older brother is The Devil? Or am I just hearing things wrong?"
Kiba shook his head.
"No, Rias's brother is Lucifer, the King of the Devils."
"THE Lucifer?! The King of the entire Underworld is your big bro?!"
"That's right."
"Just so you know, Issei, she doesn't like him very much. Or at least, she doesn't like having him around. His name is Sirzechs, but historically, you've heard him as other familiar names. If I recall from my past lives, I've heard that there was a Great War in which that the leader died, and Sirzechs took over the throne and led the Devils through a dark time. He saved the Devil Kingdom from ruin. It explains why Rias is the next heir to the House of Gremory."
Everyone nodded as Rias had a sour expression. I frowned, then turned to the Grey Circle as it turned into a Gremory Circle.
"It's time, everyone."
The red head stood up.
"Then let's go."
She began to walk to the Circle, but I stopped her.
"Hold on a second. There's something I want you all to do for me while we're out there."
"What is it?"
"When we cross paths with Riser, I want you to leave him to me."
"What?! You can't-"
"YES. I can, Rias. Let's face it. No one here can defeat him except for me and Ophis, and possibly Valerie. Issei, in his current state as the Red Dragon Emperor couldn't beat him. Not even you stand a chance with his regen in the way. That's why I have a trap card up my sleeve for him, but to do it, I need to take him head on when we get to that point."
Rias looked down, unsure of this.
"I'll be honest. I don't like you, Rias. Recent events have proven my views about you, but no one deserves to be with someone forcefully, especially if it's Riser. I'm fighting for your freedom here, red head, so I need you to trust me."
She looked down again in sadness, then nodded.
"Alright. Do what you have to."
"Thank you. OK, let's get in this field already."
-----
*SHINE*
We all came out of the Gremory Circle back into the same clubroom. I felt the presence in the air was a bit thicker than on Earth. Issei and Asia were confused, but I motioned to the window, giving them the hint by the green void that we weren't at school anymore. Both of them were dropping their jaws at this point. The intercom bells rung and Grayfia's voice came through.
{Your attention, please. Welcome everyone, my name is Grayfia. I am a servant of the House of Gremory. I will be your referee during today's match. To create the battlefield you'll be competing in, I took suggestions from both Lady Rias and Lord Riser. You may recognize this place, as it is an exact replica of Kuoh Academy; A learning institution in the human world. Each team has been given an area that will serve as its home base. Lady Rias, who has been given the Team Strive Handicap, as it is her first Rating Game; and her team as well as Neito Shumitto and his team are located in the Occult Research Club Headquarters in the Old School Building. Lord Riser's home base will be located in the Principal's Office in the New Schoolhouse. Pawns will be promoted if they can make their way to the home base of the opposing team. Good luck to all.}
Akeno turned to me when Grayfia mentioned pawns.
"Speaking of which, how's come your team is based off of pieces as well?"
"You have to remember, I'm a Nephilim. A Devil and an Angel hybrid. My pieces work differently than Rias's. Issei still retains his Devil side of him when I gave him the pieces. It's one of the reasons he's still alive. All my pieces do not change the species of those who join, so Ophis is still a Dragon God, Valerie is still a Nephilim as well. Asia, as you can guess, wasn't part of the supernatural other than Twilight Healing, so she's still human, though she's protected by Ophis's magic."
"Nice. I can see you've put a lot of thought into you team, sweetie."
"Well, when you live and die a couple thousand times, you tend to overthink a lot of things. But enough banter, let's get ready to face off against the Phenexes."
"Yea!"
Issei smashed his fists together with a grin.
"I'm gonna fight my way to their home base right out of the gate, get promoted to something awesome and beat the crap out of-"
"I wouldn't, recommend it, Big Brother Issei."
I nodded in agreement with Ophis.
"You gotta think this through better, bro. There's a higher chance of getting a new a** ripped in you if you fight them head on. We need to keep enough troops here to make sure he doesn't send his pawns close enough for them to promote."
"So not as bada** as my plan."
"Trust me, dude. This'll get awesome the more we have some fun."
Koneko held out a little pink orb to Issei and Asia as I got mine from Akeno. I absorbed it as Issei and Asia had theirs float to their ears.
"... Those'll help us communicate during the battle."
Issei whistled.
"Alright, that's some secret agent sh**."
*DING* *DONG*
{Alright, Devils. Let the games begin.}
"Right. I'll be taking Valerie to go take control of the gym. First step is to secure an outpost before we make advances."
Rias nodded and let me go out with Valerie. We both agreed that stealth wasn't going to be the best option first hand, as they'll see us coming a mile away, and they'll be able to detect us, even without Magic Circles. We walked in through the back entrance from the auditorium stage. Right when the door closed, the lights came on.
"Smells like filthy company. Come out, come out wherever you are!"
I walked out onto the stage with Valerie right behind me.
"Well, well. What do we have here? She sent us a leader and his lackey knight. Seems that little Neito needed some help."
"It's called sacrifice, buddy. You'd know what it takes to do such a thing if you cared about something. Anyway, I'm Neito Hyoudou Shumitto. I'm the leader of my team, possessor of the Eyes of Judgement, and a Nephilim."
"And I'm Valerie. I am the possessor of the Horns of Discord and am a Nephilim as well."
The rook frowned.
"I'm Xeulan, a Phenex rook."
"I'm Mira. I am a Phenex pawn."
"I'm Ile, and I'm a pawn!"
"My name's Nel, and I'm also a pawn."
I hummed at Xeulan.
"Rook girl's gonna be a problem for us. Valerie, you take the pawns. Leave the fighter to me. Don't hold back, but... have some fun too."
She grinned, then launched off towards the pawns, taking down Mira to the ground with a shoulder tackle. I stood a little ways in front of Xeulan, watching her as she took a fighting stance.
"Well?"
"..."
"No witty remark? No sass?"
"... Nah. Let's just get right to the point."
I snapped my fingers and they glowed brighter and brighter.
*GGWWWWWAAAAAA*
{One of Lord Riser's rooks; retired.}
I sat down on the bleachers I watched Valerie have her fun.
{Neito? What's your status?}
"We're doing OK, Rias. I blew the rook away with a single blast of the Indigo Circle, so if she's that easy to beat, I'll leave the pawns with Valerie for a bit."
{Good, are you going after Riser?}
"Yup. You guys can intervene and deal with his pieces, but leave the big, bad guy to me. And hey, have Ophis perch herself on the roof so she can watch"
{Understood. Rias, out.}
I stood up, stretching.
"Hey, Val! I'm heading out! Have fun!"
"Wha- Hey! Who runs away in the middle of a- GAK!!!"
I chuckled at Valerie as she continued to wail on those three. I tracked out and went to the football field, seeing Issei and Kiba fighting off another rook, two knights, two bishops, and some pawns. I recognized Ravel and walked over beside her, watching with her.
"What'd I miss?"
"Your brother and Rias's knight are putting up a good fight, but why can't they understand that it's for the good of all Devils that Rias gets engaged to my brother?"
"Judging from your expression, you don't want to believe that yourself, no matter how much you deny it. You're conflicted, that's for sure."
"Acute. I can see why Rias has had her eyes on you. Aside from power, you have some brains in you, and obviously a heart since you saved your brother bravely in the lounge."
"Thanks. I appreciate the comments."
"Yea, well don't get used to them. I still don't like either of you!"
"Now I KNOW that's a lie."
"I am NOT lying!"
I rolled my eyes, then patted her head as I decided to step in. I tapped Isabella's shoulder, then nailed her with a glowing fist when she turned around.
"That's for punching my bro in the face, you b****."
I turned to Karlamine.
{Time Break!}
I sped over to her and slammed into her, then punched her a bunch of times till time returned to normal. She fell back with bruises labeling her.
"W-What the-? How did you-"
"Two Sacred Gears."
"WHAT!?!!? You've gotta be kidding! There's no way you have two Sacred Gears!"
"Heheheheh! One's a Nephilim Gear while the other's a Cursed Sacred Gear. I've learned to adjust to both. Now then."
I threw my hand to the side, summoning a Demonic Sword with a black roaring flame bursting from it from a Magic Circle.
"Let's see who's fire is hotter."
She yelled in fury as she slammed her blade against mine. I grinned as my black fire began to eat her sword's Phenex flame completely, sapping it of the heat.
"This little trinket is something I made a few lives ago. I based it on Kiba's Holy Eraser. Since I always know that I will face you freaks..."
I pushed back, slowly overpowering her with brute force.
"I made weapons and tactics to deal with each and every one of you."
I slashed to the side, breaking her sword into pieces. She threw the hilt to the side, drawing her dagger.
"No matter! I still control flame! And wind and life, as do all from the House of Phenex!"
I dodged a straight stab easily, then ducked under a slash with little effort. I yawned mockingly as I continued to easily dodge her. I eventually grabbed her arm, squeezing it and making her drop her dagger. I grinned at her, snapping my fingers. Below her was a Phenex Circle.
"What?! Did you summon a House of Phenex Magic-"
"Goodnight.~"
*snap*
*GGGGWWWWWAAAAAAAAHHHHH*
{One of Lord Riser's knights, retired.}
I stretched a bit, then dodged the blade from her other knight. I grabbed it and turned it around, stabbing her with it.
{One of Lord Riser's knights, retired.}
I snickered at how easy that was and turned back to the fight Issei was having with Isabella, then I turned to the roof of the New School. Rias was up there with Asia and Phenex. I perked up, then screamed into the communicator.
"Rias! What the hell did I tell you?! I had Riser Phenex! You stand no chance! ... Rias?!... RIAS?!??!"
'She's ignoring me! D*** it!'
"Issei! Rias and Asia are in some deep sh** right now! I'm heading up to help them!"
"Roger that!"
"Ni! Li! Stop him!"
I heard two 'nyas' as two pawns got in my way.
"God d*** it! F*** off already!"
*snap*
*GWWWWAAAAAA*
{Two of Lord Riser's pawns, retired.}
"You got the rest, Issei!"
I sprinted towards the building, but stumbled and stopped when I heard an explosion. I turned to the tennis court, seeing a cloud of smoke in the air. Akeno was fighting Yubelluna.
"Great."
I tapped the communicator.
"Rias. I'm helping out Akeno before she gets herself killed. After that, I'm coming up there."
I turned and dashed to the other side of the field, rolling over the bishop and leaping over Ravel.
"Judgement! Do I have permission to use the Balance Breaker?"
{Hmm...}
"I've delivered my judgement of these freaks a long time ago and it's no different now! This group is heartless! They don't care about anyone other than their selfish desires. I've seen that! I've felt it!"
{... Very well. It will be premature, but I can spare a little of my power.}
The Nephilim wings detached from my body, turning into a ball of energy. It flew into the air, higher and higher up ahead. I slowed down when the light burst into something. Coming down at high speeds was a copper colored, armor made, bipedal dragon with the jewels on its joints glowing gold. The eyes were glowing blue. It slammed down just before me and I stopped.
{Judgment: Balance Breaker - Supremacy Suppression!}
The dragon looked down at me.
{You alright, partner?}
"Whoa. This is my Balance Breaker? You join the fray as that?"
{Not only that, but we can do this.}
She grabbed me and her chestplate opened up. She placed me inside and I was attached to several different links. I stared back forward as I could now see out of her eyes.
{You now have full control.}
"Oh... Oh, this is bada**."
{Hahahaha. Glad you approve. Now, are we gonna defuse the Bomb Queen or what?}
"Right!"
I turned to the tennis field as both participants of the fight were gawking at me. I stepped forward and slammed my fists onto the ground, causing a row of spires to head towards Yubelluna.
{Oh, and by the way, partner. My name isn't Judgment. That's just the title.}
"What is your name, then?"
{Well, you can call me, Tetra.}
"Wait... You don't mean...?"
{Did you think I would leave you alone in all that hell? You are my partner, and you have come a long way.}
I laughed a bit as I felt like I was going to cry.
{Hey! No tears in the battlefield! Crush that puny Bomb Queen! You have your first powers back, and they will always be present in this form!}
"So, you were just prepping me for this thing? Nice."
I put my claw forward.
{Earth Shot!}
A bronze beam shot at Yubelluna, who deflected it with her most powerful attack. I charged over to the tennis field, grabbing Akeno and tossing her up onto my shoulder.
"Nice to see you out on the field, Akeno."
I threw my hand up, tearing out the ground and throwing the chunks at Yubelluna. She yelled out as she fell back to the ground.
"I-I... didn't expect a human to be this strong. By summoning the Balance Breaker, you must be exhausted."
"Not really. I mean, I just got in this thing. Besides, I can always take a power nap after I'm done smashing you and Riser into the ground."
"Well, that does sound like a good plan, but..."
She drew out a vial that I recognized.
"I have a little-"
*SMACK*
I hit her again, smacking the vial from her hands. I caught it in mid air and crushed it in my claw, feeling my stamina regenerate.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Was that supposed to be YOUR trap?"
I lifted up my foot and squished her under it slowly. After hearing and feeling tons of bones break, I heard Grayfia over the coms.
{Lord Riser's queen, retired.}
{Partner. The counter on the Supremacy Suppression is almost up.}
"Counter?"
{Yes. I had to time you while in this thing so you don't tear yourself apart in there. Priestess of Thunder. Retreat to the ORC. My partner will finish this.}
Akeno nodded and flew back to the Old School, looking back as the armor began to evaporate. I fell to the ground, then jumped out when I had the opening. I skidded to a halt, then looked up, seeing Rias get blown to the other side of the yard by Riser. I dashed after her, using a Magic Circle to shoot me up to her. I caught her crashed through a window in the gym, where Valerie was still having fun. The three pawns looked like they've gone through hell and back.
"Valerie! Finish them off!"
She pouted, then threw a wave of dark magic at them.
{Three of Lord Riser's pawns, retired.}
I sat Rias down on a bench.
"Don't let her leave, and don't let anyone in."
Rias tried to grab my hand and get up, but I yanked away.
"You nearly jeopardized the game because of your actions, Rias. You're done for today... Wait, where's Asia?"
Valerie looked to me with wide eyes.
{Time Break!}
I dashed out and used every buffing Magic Circle and Transportation Circles I had to get back to the rooftop of the New School. Riser was about to strike Asia. I jumped and tackled him off the roof. I grinned, then used my own trap card. I used the spell I had learned and a giant bubble of barrier energy surrounded us and several Indigo Circles that appeared. We landed on one and he rolled to the other side as time resumed.
"What in the-! You!"
I stood up, glaring at him. I snapped my fingers to make sure the magic didn't work. To my satisfaction, it didn't. Riser laughed and attempted to summon his wings, but no fire burst from his back. I chuckled as he nearly freaked out.
"Wh-... What have you done?! Why aren't my wings-"
"New spell. Learned it just after dealing with Raynare. It nullifies our powers as well as creating a little special little area for us to fight in. Not even your regeneration will work here."
"How dare you! I am a Phenex Nobleman, and you have the audacity to nullify my inherited power?"
"Yea. I do. No more flashy effects. No more superpowers. Just a one on one fist fight to the death."
"Hahahaa! You think you're a match for me in physical combat?"
I took off my jacket and held it as I slid off my shirt, throwing it over the Magic Circle platform we were on, revealing what girls would call a well toned muscular body, even for someone who's barely in his teens. I slipped the jacket back on without it.
"Alright... So... Let's recap all the things you've done before court is in session. You barge into our home, demand Rias's hand in forced marriage, stab me through the stomach trying to impale my brother with your knight's blade, and now, during this whole game, you've been toying with Rias's peerage, even when they're picking your pieces one by one."
I stretched and cracked my back and neck.
"So be it. Neito Shumitto vs Penix A**hat."
I took a fighting stance.
"Let's roll, weirdo."
-----
"That's quite a bold move. Trap Riser in a nullified field and fight him with just his fists."
"It is rather efficient, Zeoticus dear, and besides..."
I smiled in amusement at the audience that surrounded the field where the battle was.
"I think the ladies are rather engrossed with Neito at the moment."
Zeoticus laughed out at this as Sirzechs merely chuckled sheepishly.
"Oh boy. I can see plenty of fan girls coming in Neito's direction once this is all over."
-----
Riser grunted when I head butted him off the start. He threw a punch at me as I weaved to the side. I struck him in the gut hard, then uppercutted him. I brought my leg up and blocked his kick with my knee, then I jabbed at his chin. He attempted a roundhouse, but I caught his foot and roared in fighting anger as I threw him off onto another Indigo Circle below. I jumped down, then dashed forward and nailed him right in the nose, breaking it. I kneed him in the stomach to follow up, then sent a very powerful wound up punch to his cheek, throwing him down. He was quick to act and tackled me down to the floor of the Circle, punching me across the face many, many times in a blind rage. I blocked his final punch and punted him off. I shoulder tackled him into the wall of the barrier, then slid around behind him and jump kicked him in the back of the head, making him stumble forward.
-----
"D***. Neito's really giving it to him."
Kiba nodded.
"Where did he learn to fight like that?"
"... He's not using a fighting style."
I looked down at Koneko as she walked over.
"... He's reacting and fighting purely on instinct."
I looked back up, seeing Neito duck under a punch and throw Riser over him via shoulder lock. Rias came over to watch the fight as well with the help of Valerie. Akeno flew over with Ophis, all of them taking their place with us and the remaining pieces Riser has. All of us watched the final showdown take place, and Neito was winning by a long shot. We soon found ourselves, and the rest of the crowd around the arena cheering him on.
-----
"Not so tough without your powers, are you? You High Class Devils are all the same with your abilities. Rely too much on your clans magic instead of your own peak physical conditions."
I kicked Riser in the chest, breaking a few ribs.
"Do you hear that? Do you hear my name being cherished in the crowd? Do you know why?"
He stumbled back as I walked towards him menacingly.
"It's because I earned their applause. I earned my right in this world and in the Underworld MANY times."
He took a step back.
"You don't deserve your title."
I flipped back and nailed his jaw with my heel.
"You don't deserve your nobility."
I struck him again, causing him to spit out blood.
"You tried to destroy my home."
I jumped up and axe kicked him, making him drop to his knees.
"You tried to destroy my friends."
I grabbed him by his hair and head butted him again.
"You tried to destroy my brother and family."
He fell to the ground and I curb stomped his head.
"You're one of the reasons I'm a shell of what I used to be."
I kicked him over, then threw him down to the lowest Circle. I landed down beside him as he stood up. I stalked towards him as he backed away.
"No! Stop it! Don't! This engagement's important for the future of all Devils! You fool! A mere human like you has no business getting involved with the affairs of your betters!"
I punched him across the face again, then kicked him right in the balls, making him yell out and drop to his knees again.
"I don't care what you say, or what you do. Whatever you throw at me, I'll never stop fighting back. Every time, I will always come. I will always find you, and I will always wipe you of your pride. I will never let go of them."
"No! Don't hurt him!"
I ignored Ravel's cries as she was hitting her fist on the barrier. I pulled Riser's gaze up to mine by his hair.
"They are my friends, they are my family, this is my home, and YOU are NOT welcome here! And I'll make sure you NEVER come after my team and family AGAIN!"
I reeled back my fist and punched it straight through his face and out the back of his head, covering my arm in his bright red blood. He struggled, screaming for a good five seconds until I crushed his brain in my palm. I ripped my arm back out, letting him drop to the floor. I looked down at the remnants of his brain and dropped it, lifting up my foot and smashing it into pieces, making sure he doesn't come back. I picked up his body and slung it over my shoulder as the spell dispersed, letting me touch down below. I slowly walked passed my team, then Rias's peerage, then Ophis. I glanced at Ravel and the bishop that was still there on the field, then walked up the steps to the entrance to the New School. I turned around and lifted Riser's body up over my head, looking around at the crowd.
"Riser Phenex is dead! This Rating Game is concluded! Rias is now FREE!"
I threw Riser's body down the stairs, letting it roll and hit the steps as it flopped onto the ground below. I heard roaring cheers and whistling from the crowds, all except the ones from the House of Phenex. I perked up when the arena began to break apart. The bishop carried Ravel out of there as I summoned the Nephilim Wings, keeping myself up in the air. Valerie grabbed Issei and kept him from falling himself. I looked among the Gremory peerage as they smiled at me and praised me.
"Way to rock the house!"
"You totally nailed it!"
"... Cool."
Issei had Valerie fly him over to me and he patted my back.
"Dude! That was awesome!"
"Hell yea, it was! I couldn't have done all this without the Red Dragon Emperor holding the front lines though. Hey, Ophis! How was the show?!"
She floated down with a bag of popcorn in her hands.
"Ah, I see. Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm here all week."
She popped some more popcorn into her mouth and gave me a thumbs up.
"Hey? Anyone seen Asia?"
"Oh. She's, back home. I teleported her there when she, retired."
"Oh, OK. Now, where's Ri-"
*SMACK*
I flipped upside down and right side up again as Rias slammed into me, wrapping me in a tight hug as she nuzzled me affectionately. I frowned, as I knew what was coming now.
"Neito... You just saved my life... Thank you..."
"Yea... Sure..."
"What's wrong?"
"I'm just waiting for it at this point."
"Waiting for wh-... Oh, Neito."

She squeezed me tighter and smiled more... creepily.

"You are so correct. Thank you for playing your part."
And with that...

My world reset again.

END