Hope you enjoy the chapter, Readers! ^.^
"Big bro! Where are you?!" a twelve-year-old Lucy runs through the dark streets, frantically searching for her brother, who was late for dinner. Lucy stop underneath a street light post and looks at the two paths leading to left and right. A sudden thumping sound rings in Lucy's ears and she turn to the left path and quickly takes off in a sprint, running as fast as she can and ignoring her burning lungs that's begging her to stop and take a rest.
'Please not again... Please stop getting hurt!' Lucy begs in her mind as tears start dripping down her blue eyes. Taking another left turn, Lucy is moving in pure instinct, the only thing in her mind is to find her brother, nothing else she cares about right now, not her burning lungs or the stinging pain in her legs.
"Brother!" Lucy shouts in surprise and horror when seeing Nawin flying out from the dark alley and crash harshly onto a brick wall, on his back. Three men emerges from the alley, wearing black leather jackets that hold a weird flaming symbol, but that's a sign for the blonde Makasha to know that those guys are from a gang that's been causing trouble in their neighborhood.
"Oh... What do we have here?!" the one in the middle question, turning to Lucy while holding a metal baseball bat "I think she just called him brother!" one of the goons said with a smirk, looking at Lucy. "You have a sister?! Oh, this just got more interesting" the boss laughs, grinning with evil intention.
Nawin's eyes widen in horror and concern when seeing his sister. "Lucy! Get out of he—" he is silence by a foot smashing to his chest, causing him to cough out air and his bruise face wince in pain. "Shut it! You beaten three of our guys! You're gonna pay for that" the goon shouts, removing his feet "You fools attacked me from behind and outnumbered me... You all are a bunch of wusses!" Nawin push himself off the wall and send a right hook that connects to the goon's face and knocks him out.
Nawin turn around and about to strike again when a bat is smash down to his back, sending him tumbling to the ground and let out a groan of pain. "You bastard!" the boss shout and lift the bat up once more to, aiming it to the Makasha's head. "Stop it!" a voice exclaims from behind and the boss pause and turn around to get a vicious fist smashing to his face. The punch hold such strength behind it that he is send flying away and crashes onto a mail post before collapsing face-first to the ground.
The bat was let go and is hovering in midair, Lucy grabs it and swing it to the right, smashing it in the face of the last goon with such force that the quiet night is ruin by a sickening creak booming around, sounding of a nose popping and breaking. Lucy lands in front of her brother, her back facing him.
The boss of the goons shakily sits up, crawling around to look at Lucy. His body goes cold and his expression shows fear when he sees the blonde's right eye's glowing in golden and her pupils are slit. Lucy glares deathly at the man, causing him to pass out from the terrifying eyes shown.
Nawin looks at his little sister with speechless expression, couldn't believe she was able to beat up the two gang members with such ease. He quickly recomposes and stands up, then gently place his hand on Lucy's hand, slowly taking the bat away from her grasp and toss it away. Nawin grabs her shoulder and turn her around to face him, seeing her teary blue eyes and sad expression. "Lucy..." he whispers, softly "You shouldn't be here... Why did you come out?" "Y-you were late home... M-mom send me outside to get you" "Mom sent you out, alone?" Nawin question in slight anger at his mother's decision "N-no, she wanted to come too, but I didn't want to bother her since she was cooking, s-so I came alone" Lucy reply, sniffling and slowly wipes her tears.
Nawin sigh and slowly stands up "Never... And I mean never again come out at night or search for me during these kind of time" he orders, looking at the unconscious gang members "Now they know about you... Damn it!" Nawin silently cusses, tightening his hands into a fist, gritting his teeth in anger. "W-why can't I help you, Big bro!" Lucy shouts, looking at him with determination "I can help you! I don't need to be protected all the time!" "Don't be stupid! You don't deserve to be in this life!" Nawin shouts back, silencing Lucy immediately, rarely seeing her brother raise his voice at her like this.
"You are so reckless at times, Lucy! This has nothing to do with a little girl like you! For once do me a favor and act like a normal girl!" Nawin shouts, his eyes wide and glowing in anger, staring right at his sister's blue orbs. Lucy bite her lip and clench her hands "I-I won't become l-like Tomo, Br—" "Lucy," Nawin interrupts and Lucy flinch by his icy tone "Don't go there... If you really care for me... Be a normal girl and stop trying to help me... Stop getting involve in this business."
Nawin's bangs cover his eyes, blocking Lucy from seeing anything, but she knows he was beyond angry. "Let's head home" he utters, turning around and walk away. Lucy stare at her brother's retreating figure 'If that's what my brother wants... Fine, I'll act like nothing like this happens, but...' she clenches her hands and her eyes sharpen 'When I find the strength to get stronger... It will be my turn to protect you, Brother... I swear on my life that I will become stronger someday... So strong that I won't need protection from you anymore'.
Present
Lucy opens her eyes and exhales 'Those promises I made to myself... I've completed one of them... Hiding behind a mask and stray away from my brother's way. Now, I intend to complete the second promise' she notes, moving her sight forward to Issei.
Triggering her mana to let loose. Blue flaming mana explodes around Lucy and shoots up to the skies, penetrating through the clouds. The people of Vesarima pause watching from the giant screen and instead look at the distance, where the pillar of blue flames can be seen, they watch it in awe at the mesmerizing view.
The arena slowly rumbles by the massive amount of mana coming from the young Makasha. Issei start sweating a bit from the heat producing from the aura that is surrounding Lucy. He decides to jump back to create some space and summons the booster gear on his right hand. 'Do not hold back, Issei. This match will force you to use everything in your arsenal' Ddraig informs, his sole attention focus on the match instead of lazing around like he usually does.
Stadium
"I honestly have no idea who is going to come out victories..." Rias admits, staring closely at the two fighters "Being honest with you... I feel the same way. This match like the last is completely unpredictable" Kokoro asserts, crossing her arms and leans back on the row. Akeno stare at Lucy's, looking at her eyes and seeing just how determine she is on winning this, it's like she's betting her life to prove something 'Lucy... What are you trying to prove to yourself?'.
"This power... I've never felt such overwhelming power coming from Onee-chan" Asia utters in serious tone, "It's like she's a completely different person compare to before... She is so confident. Her aura... It's more fiercer compare to just a few minute ago" she states, gaining the others attention. "What do you mean, little Asia?" Elise ask the blonde "Hmm... To put in an understanding term. Onee-chan's powers before was like a calm bonfire... Burning brightly and steadily in the shadows... Then it suddenly burst into something intense and humongous... Like an explosion of fire that you don't want to touch or go near when it ignites" she thoroughly explains.
Rias looks at the arena ground creaking and the walls breaking bits by bits "You are correct... Lucy's aura is very destructive, and her flames are as hot if not hotter than Phenex's" "Hey! We're here!" Riser shouts, clearly taking offence to that "Have you been near Lucy's flame?" Xenovia question and gets a grunt of a reply from Riser. "Issei-kun is sweating by much even from the distance he just created" Yuuto points out, making everyone turn and indeed see the Hyoudou wiping sweats from his forehead and takes a deep breathe.
"That girl's flames are indeed hot, don't know if it is as much as ours, but just by looking at it... It is definitely hotter than the strongest fire spell out there" Rizel comments, studying the mesmerizing blue frames with his keen eyes. "That big explosion that erupted a few days ago... That was Lucy's doing, is it not?" Venelana question, turning to her daughter for confirmation "Yes, we were there... It was honestly quite frightening when we were standing near that massive mushroom shape cloud" Rias admits.
Yao looks at her daughters, staring at the blue flames surrounding her 'She has grown a frightening amount... Compared to the first time I sensed her power... This outcast it by a landslide, and there's that form... Have you truly surpassed your brother, Lucy?' she questions, looking at her daughter with a conflicted expression.
Rias's expression harden when looking at Lucy, then turns to her lover 'You are going to have to push yourself beyond your limits if you want to win this, Issei...'
Arena Ground
Taking a deep breath, Lucy controls her mana, taming it down which cause the pillar of fire to slowly dissipates and flows into the swirling mana that's around her. Lucy start walking forward and Issei gets to his stance, readying for anything.
Hands still in her jacket's pockets, Lucy's paces start getting a bit faster, then she takes one more step and blaze forward to the Hyoudou, leaving a trail of flames behind. Issei shoot his right fist forward to collide with Lucy's right leg. The ground implodes from the force and mana being release by the two. Red aura bursting around Issei while blue aura emits around Lucy.
The two stares at each other in silence, then smirks. Lucy quickly maneuver her body in midair to go above Issei and brings her other feet down to his head, but it is catch by Issei, and he grips tightly on her ankle. Issei's eyes widen when seeing Lucy takes a deep breath, her face looking down at him 'Crap!' he quickly releases the blonde's ankle and jumps forward as Lucy exhales, and stream of flames pours from her mouth.
Lucy lands on the waves of flames, not taking any injuries from it and instead the flames go back to her and swirl protectively around their user. 'You gonna have to go on the offence, Partner... Make her get her hands out of those pockets" Ddraig advise 'You are awfully helpful today' Issei state out 'Usually you'd be dozing off' 'Oh shut it! Be grateful that I am helping you this much' Ddraig roars back, clearly embarrass by the statement while Issei chuckle in amusement and smile 'Thanks, Ddraig. I'll take your advice.'
"Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!" Issei shouts, powering up and sprint toward the Makasha. Lucy, using her mind, send the flames that is surrounding her forward. Issei stop and jump to the right to dodge the flames, but it quickly redirects and speed towards him.
The flames that is coming from behind suddenly spread out in circle and successfully trap Issei in the center. "Damn!" Issei cuss, finding himself surrounded and immediately feels the heat. 'Get out of there! The more you stay near the heat the weaker and tired you'll be!' Ddraig shouts. Issei extend his right arm, where the boosted gear is equipped, opens his palm and turn his hand up at a 90-degree angle "Dragon Cannon!" he exclaims, powering up an enormous red magic sphere and releases it.
The sphere burst through the fire and heads to Lucy, who is surprise by the sudden attack and quickly summons a wall of fire in front of her. The sphere impacts the walls and ignites in a large explosion that shakes the whole arena. The fire surrounding Issei slowly dissipates away from the loss of concentration by it's user.
Issei smile in satisfaction by his attack "Hehehe! I finally mastered that thing! I was honestly a bit worried it would blow in my face like those times" he admits to himself and to the welsh dragon 'You seriously gotta stop being nervous about these things, one day it will backfire because of your lack of concentration' Ddraig comment 'Anyway, you should stop worrying about it. Like you said, you have mastered the Dragon Cannon' 'Yeah, you're right.'
The fire walls slowly drop to reveal Lucy, looking unharmed and the flames return to swirling around her. "That was new" she asserts "Hehe, yeah! It's my new technique" Issei said with a proud grin "I see... I've got to learn some few new tricks myself" Lucy state and immediately Issei gets to his stance, turning serious.
Flaming wings explodes from Lucy's back and both flaps forward to fire two large hurricane made of pure fire. "Crap!" Issei quickly jumps back and smash the boosted gear to the ground then with a loud shout, he lifts out a large chunk of earth and throws it to one of the hurricanes.
The piece of earth burst through the hurricane and successfully stop the violent wind current, but one of it is still heading toward the Hyoudou. "Dragon Blast!" Issei exclaims, sending a concentrated red magic blast to the hurricane, demolishing it with ease. Lucy suddenly burst past the dissipating flames and give Issei a surprise knee to the temple, but she wasn't done, using her wings to stay in midair, Lucy brings her right leg back and spins to send a hard kick that connects to the side of Issei's face, sending him bouncing away before crashing to the wall.
"Wind blast!" Issei's voice shouts from the smoke and a powerful wind current speed toward Lucy. Everyone begins to panic when seeing Lucy not moving an inch. The wind hits Lucy and goes right past her like a breeze, her flames didn't waver a bit from the wind. "W-what?!" Issei exclaims in shock, wearing a disbelief look on his face like the rest of the spectators.
Lucy gives her opponent a amuse look "Issei... I have mastered controlling these flames... You think a novice wind spell would affect it?" she questions "Hehe... I was kind of hoping it would" Issei admits, grinning sheepishly and the next thing he knows, he is send flying away by a kick to his sides. Lucy lands on the ground, looking mildly offended by the Hyoudou's comment.
"Uhhh..." Issei groans and slowly sits up "Alright... I deserve that" he admits, standing back up and look at Lucy, seeing her annoy gaze. Issei kicks himself off the ground, bursting toward Lucy. He swings his right fist forward and in the last moment, Lucy ducks and slide around to stop behind Issei. Finally bringing her hands out from the pockets, she grabs onto Issei's waist and deliver a brutal suplex that bury half of his body to the ground.
Kokoro and Rias's wince when seeing this, remembering Lucy applying that deathly move on Issei in the past, when they were trapped in Hollow Hell. 'Uhhhh... Lucy has the most painful Suplex ever' Issei groans in the earth, feeling pain in all his upper body that's buried in the dirt 'Yeah, hers makes Lock's one look like a novice' 'I don't know if I like you insulting a recently dead person, Ddraig' Issei scold at the dragon, who simply shrugs in response.
Lucy snatch Issei by the ankle and pulls him up. The second his head pop out from the ground, she releases the ankle and send a stiff gut punch with her left hand, sending Issei sliding away on his back. Issei slowly sits up and wince in pain from his stomach 'D-damn... That's going to be bruise tomorrow' he notes, standing up and return to his stance.
Turning serious, Issei powers up, red aura explodes around him. The whole of boosted gear emits red light "Boost times fifteen!" he exclaims and appears beside Lucy. Not expecting such a speed from the Hyoudou, Lucy didn't have time to stop a fist smashing to the side of her face, staggering her. Issei brings the boosted gear up and smash it to Lucy's stomach with such force that it causes a huge boom.
Lucy is send flying up and Issei appears above her with the boosted gear up, intending to bring it down on the Makasha's back. Lucy's eyes snap open and extend her arms and legs to the side to release a fire explosion from her body. Issei quickly disappears away to narrowly dodge from being burn, he appears on the ground and looks at the bright blue explosion in the sky.
The light dies down and reveal Lucy flying in midair, grinning widely like a wolf at Issei. In a blink of an eye, Lucy appears in front of Issei and deliver a brutal right fist to his gut. Issei cough out air, but quickly counter with an arm coming from the side, but Lucy block it with her hand and push it away then sends a right kick that smash to Issei's side, sending him sliding away.
Sprinting forward, Lucy jumps up and swing a right hook that gets block by Issei lifting his right arm then bring his left to block another kick aim for his side. "Not bad... Your close combat skills have improved drastically" Lucy comments, smirking "You were once nothing but a brawler" "My teacher taught me well" Issei reply, wearing his own smirk.
Issei push Lucy back and swing a roundhouse kick that connects to Lucy's back, sending her staggering forward. Lucy jumps up to miss a fist from the boosted gear that smash to the ground, destroying it and creating a sizeable crater. Bringing both her hands down to Issei, Lucy release a stream of fire. Issei quickly rolls to the side and push his left arm the ground to get away from the flames but doing so left his back wide-open for Lucy to appear and deliver a spinning kick to him.
Issei is blast forward and into the flames. Quickly, Issei burst away from the fire and only receiving a few burn marks on his left arm. "Smart, you used your aura to protect from the flames" Lucy comment, looking at the red light emitting around Issei's whole body "But, it does have limits... You can't expect that to completely protect you from my flames" "I know that" Issei grunt back.
'Partner, she isn't taking this serious yet... It's time you kick it up a notch. This match can't go on forever' Ddraig speaks 'She hasn't even transformed into that form' 'I know that... I'll boost up even more' 'Know your limits, Partner' Ddraig reminds, his tone turns to upmost serious 'Do not go above thirty... Your body can't handle any more than that' 'I remember...'.
"Boost... Times Twenty!" Issei exclaims, red aura explodes around him, destroying the ground beneath. Issei shoots upward and send the boosted gear forward to the Makasha's face. Lucy cock her head to the left while bringing her right knee forward, but it gets block by the Hyoudou's own knee. Issei brings the boosted gear back to grab Lucy by the shoulder and swing his left hand forward to her stomach, but it countered by the blonde's hand.
The two glares at each other and start powering up, trying to push at one another. Issei release his eight pairs of wings while Lucy's flaming wings increase in size. The wind start swirling wildly around the two, their aura clashing with each other.
In a swift motion, Issei releases Lucy's shoulder and smash the boosted gear by the side of her face, blasting her away. With the size of her wings, Lucy is able to quickly readjust her balance and raise her right hand to block an incoming spinning kick from Issei. Lucy push him away and deliver an uppercut that smash right in his stomach and sends the Hyoudou higher in the air.
Lucy teleports up and with both her hands clench together, she smashes it down to Issei's back, sending him rocketing down and crashes to the ground. Issei grunts and slowly crawls out of the crater 'D-damn... Times Twenty isn't doing much' he mentally comments, slowly getting up to his feet 'Go five more... Use thirty when you absolute need to. Your body is still fine, but if you keep getting injured like this then boosting up will only harm your body even more' Ddraig informs.
Lucy lands gently on the ground and retract the wings. 'Hmm... Is this really all he has to offer?' she questions, staring at the mildly winded Hyoudou 'There's no way... He is still hiding his power'. 'Should I use my sword?' Issei suggest 'Have you forgotten what your teacher said?' 'You are unpermitted to use your sword... You still haven't mastered it yet and you using it will only ignite mistakes which will hinder your training in the future. There's also a matter of fact that you still haven't mastered any sword styles yet, so I'll only say this once... Don't use your sword in the tournament' Hunter's speech recap in Issei's mind.
The Hyoudou release a downcast sigh 'I guess I have no choice... I won't disobey Hunter-sensei's orders' 'Wise, don't make her regret making you into her student' Ddraig said, agreeing with his wielder's choice. In a sudden movement, Issei dash toward Lucy and in the last second send a right backhand, but Lucy counters it by leaning back and grabbing his wrist, then throws him over her while still gripping on his arm.
Issei crash to the ground and Lucy gets on top of him, pushing her right knee to his face and gets a tight grip around his arm and start pulling it back, applying a locked armbar. Lucy pull the arm back and Issei let out a scream of pain, feeling his shoulder about to be dislocated.
Stadium Platform
"This is insane, just how much did you teach her, Serafall!" Azazel exclaims in total shock, can't believing his goddaughter has been dominating the match to this degree. Serafall smirk with pride and cross her arms, laying her left leg over the right "I've taught her as much as I could with the time I was given... Lucy absorbed it all up like a sponge. That girl is the most determined person I have ever met... I put her through hell and she never once wavered... The girl did it all for her brother" she said with fondness.
Gabriel's expression hold pleased and joyful when seeing how well her goddaughter is battling, showing the world of her prowess. "Serafall..." she speaks up, making the Satan perk up while the rest pause and listen closely "Thank you for looking after and train my dear Lucy... I really appreciate it" she said in genuine tone.
Serafall is surprise by the comment from a person she considers a rival ever since they first met. The two never once were able to hold a steady conversation without leading to either a huge argument or coming to blows. Seeing how sincere the Angel is, looking at her student and smiling proudly. Serafall just smile faintly and turn to the arena "No problem... She's my student now, of course I will train her to protect herself" she utters.
The other leaders smile at the two ladies finally having a friendly and positive conversation. "It seems like you enjoyed training Lucy... Do you plan on having more students?" Michael question in great curious "No," Serafall firmly and strongly reply, shaking her head "Lucy will be my first and last ever student."
"Lazy" Sirzech coughs out and get a glare from Serafall while the rest chuckle in amusement. "But on the serious note, Serafall" Sirzech smile at his longtime friend "You did a great job as her teacher. I'm glad my decision worked out well" he said. A bright smile lit on Serafall's face "Yeah... Glad I went along with it..."
Arena Ground
"Gahhhh!" Issei lets out another scream when feeling his arm is being pulled further back, anymore and his arm will be dislocated from the shoulder. Lucy keeps a tight hold and push her knee hard on Issei's head, burying half his face to the ground "Give up?" she simply asks with a dull tone "Hell no!" Issei shouts back.
Some of the crowd start cheering for Issei, encouraging him to make a comeback. They start chanting his name and claps in rhythm. 'Use it! Before she breaks your arm!" Ddraig shouts, getting impatient at his user's stalling. "Boost..." Issei start, gaining Lucy's attention "Times THIRTY!" he exclaims out and the Makasha is blast away by the violent red aura erupting around the Hyoudou.
Lucy backflips and lands to her feet. She looks up to be met with a boosted gear smashing to her face, sending her flying away. Issei appears further, readying for the blonde, who's flying toward him, with her back facing him. Issei bring his right leg back and swing it forward to smash at Lucy's back with a vicious strength behind it that shoots her to the sky. A large part of the arena ground that Issei stood implodes from the shockwave the kick created.
Issei is already in the air with his wings out, speeding toward the Makasha. Rotation is charge up on the boosted gear's palm and Issei disappears, reappearing in front of Lucy and thrust the attack to her stomach. "ROTATION!" he exclaims and watch his signature attack blast Lucy back and down to the ground.
The group are surprise when Issei stop in the air and extend his right arm, aiming it at the falling Makasha. "He is going a bit overboard!" Akeno shouts, knowing what he is about to do when seeing a red orb charging up in the boosted gear's palm. A flashback of Issei punching Nawin with the boosted gear recap in her mind "Don't sell Lucy short, Akeno" Jonathan comment.
"Dragon Cannon!" Issei exclaims, releasing a giant magic red sphere. Lucy crashes to the ground and the rotation ignites in a large explosion. The Dragon Cannon enters the explosion and when in contact, it detonates into a larger explosion that cause a violent rumble around the stadium. When the explosion dies down, clouds of smokes start pouring out from the roofless arena and enter the skies.
The arena once again looks like a war just happened in it. Issei looks at the mess, his mismatch color eyes start growing in slight concern, wondering if he had gone too far. He slowly descends to the ground and retract his wings when he lands.
Issei was about to take the first step when he is stop by a heavy pressure pushing down on him. 'W-what is this?!' he question, feeling his body shaking, cold sweat start dripping down his forehead. The invisible barrier that is protecting the audience start creaking by the dense pressure raining down on the whole stadium.
'I-incredible!' Sirzech utters in astonish, feeling the overwhelming amount of mana 'This much of mana being produce is equal to Satan class! It's like her power multiply by 20 times... Maybe even more'. 'Show the world your power, Lucy. Show them that you are just as strong as your brother!' Serafall grin in excitement.
Smokes abruptly disburses away to reveal Lucy standing there, in her blue form. Everyone has their eyes glue at the Makasha's transformation, being able to see it in its full appearance and now feeling its overwhelming power.
'This is different compare to Hollow hell... When she lost control' Ddraig speaks, staring closely at the Makasha's form 'The amount of mana I'm sensing from her is on a whole other level... And she is in control of all that...' 'Are you saying we stand no chance?!' Issei shouts 'I'm not going to throw bullshit at you, Partner... You stand no chance against her... Not at your current level' Ddraig gives the honest truth.
Before Issei can even blink, Lucy appears in front of him and deliver an uppercut to the gut. The ground implodes from the force and the walls creak. Everyone watches in silence with wide eyed, seeing Issei standing still, then collapse face-first to the ground. Lots of gasps erupts around the arena, breaking the silence.
Lucy look down at Issei with her mismatched color eyes, one gold and other blue. She turns around, shoving her hands in the jacket's pocket and walk to the stairs while deactivating her transformation. Blue aura surrounds Lucy and disburse away to reveal herself in her normal form. Grayfia looks closely at Issei and doesn't see an inch of movement from his body, presuming he is utterly knocked out from the vicious punch.
Grayfia lift her left hand in the air "The winner of t—" "Boost" she halts, and her expression slowly turn to shock, along with everyone else in the arena. All eyes turn back to Issei and sees red aura slowly start swirling around his body. Steadily, Issei push himself off the ground and stands up. Clenching both his hands and takes a deep breath 'Don't do it, Partner!' Ddraig shouts 'Your body won't be able to handle it!' 'I don't care! I won't go down like this!' "TIMES FORTY!"
Issei let out a mighty roar and red aura implodes around him, reaching the height of the stadium's pillars. "AAAAHHH!" Lucy brings her right hand in front of her face to block the fierce wind and dusts from hitting her eyes.
Lucy quickly revert to her transformation and bring her hands out. She gasps when Issei appears in front of her and send vicious knee to her gut. "Gahh!" Lucy let out a short and loud groan in pain, blood sipping down her lips as she is send sliding backwards on her feet. Letting out a booming roar, Issei kicks himself off the ground and burst forward in rapid speeds to deliver an earthshattering punch to Lucy's stomach, knocking her up, but Issei quickly grab her by the head, stopping her from flying away and brings her smashing to the ground.
"Haaaaah!" Issei proceeds to send a barrage of punches down to Lucy's stomach in inhuman speed. The ground beneath the Makasha explodes, the arena rumbles from the forces behind the punches, and the spectators stare in utter speechless, watching the Hyoudou continue to crush his opponent with countless of powerful punches.
The barrage of punches quickly creates a massive crater, sending Issei down with Lucy as he continues his ruthless assault. Issei's pupils are sharpen like a dragon, running on instinct, then raise the boosted gear up "ROTATION!" he yells out and charging up his signature attack and for the final blow bring it down to the Makasha. A huge and booming explosion erupts inside the crater and everyone see Issei quickly jumping out from the flames and land at the edge of the crater.
Every single individual in the stadium has their eyes wide open, after witnessing the display they just saw. Lots start whispering, wondering if the young Makasha is even alive after the vicious assault delivered by the welsh dragon user. "Hehehe" a dark chuckle erupts around the arena and everyone looks closely to see a faint blue color inside smoke that's inside the large crater.
The cloud of smoke disburses to reveal Lucy floating in the center of the crater. Wearing an amusing smirk, slowly, she brings her hands together for a clap "Well done, Issei. You are the first person, excluding my teacher to actually injured me in this form" she reveals and looks down at her stomach, seeing her shirt is ripped and stop just below her chest, revealing her heavily bruise stomach and a circle shape burn mark where the rotation was planted.
"That so," Issei slowly smirk, ignoring the pain in his body and start powering up "Then I guess I'll just boost up eve—" "Don't get cocky" Lucy appears right in front of him and snatch the sacred gear. Issei's expression turn to disbelief when Lucy shatters the boosted gear by pure force alone and is now squeezing tightly at his expose wrist. Issei clench his teeth together to suppress himself from screaming.
Issei sees Lucy lift her left hand up and his heartbeat quicken, seeing her about to finish this. Lucy brings her hand down and just as she about to strike him, a sound of a booming explosion erupts in the distance.
"What in the world?!" "What was that?!" "It was an explosion! Was it in the city?!" "I-impossible!" the crowd's attention turns to the unknown explosion, they start conversing among each other to figure out what's going on. Ominous feeling starts creeping into everyone's spine. Sirzech along with the rest of the leaders are stood up, going in alert the moment the mysterious explosion was heard.
Two pairs of wings shoot out from Sirzech's back and he ascend to the air to scout out the explosion. "W-what in the world!" he utters in shock, when seeing the unmistakable creature that is flying above Vesarima. A huge black dragon is hovering above the capital, breathing its deathly flames down on the buildings and the screaming peoples. Another explosion erupts, and it came from the North gate. Sirzech sees the soldiers that are protecting the walls getting slaughtered by an unknown army dress in black cloaks and armor, all of them wielding deathly weapons and riding their horses into the capital.
"This is an invasion! Who would dare attack us!" Sirzech shouts, his voice booming all around Vesarima, but none of the unknown attackers pay any mind and continue to breach in to the capital. "I dare..." a malicious and calm voice comment from the sky and all in the stadium looks up to see a huge black hole rips open to existence.
Everyone gasps in shock and disbelief when seeing a man stepping out of the portal. The man's appearance shows a middle-aged man, around in his forties with long, spiky dark silver hair that flows just past his neck, glowing hazel eyes, pale white skin. He has a goatee style bread that is the same color as his hair. The man is a tall individual and holds a menacing and evil expression that seems to be permanently etched in his face. The man wears a large silver shoulder armor pads and for under he wears a crimson robe and over it is a light silver armor chest plate with gold interiors. To finish off he wears a long silver armor boots with a very sharp tip that it would easily penetrate through a human's body.
Sirzech clench his hands tightly, his expression darkens and turn to anger when seeing that man, knowing exactly who he is, the man he most detests. "Rizevim!" he shouts, glaring at the smirking former Satan "Sirzech... It's been a while" the old Satan reply, releasing a dark chuckle and smirk in malice.
Most of the nobles are speechless to see their former leader, the leader that betrayed them. "Look at those people... The people I've once swore to protect, but they were blinded by their weakness to see my vision. They should be annihilated" in a swift movement Rizevim opens his palm and fire a concentrated yellow orb with black outline.
Sirzech fires his own magic orb that collides with the other one, redirecting it away. Rizevim's attack falls in the far distance and ignite in a massive explosion that could easily destroy half of a city. The civilians in the crowd start screaming in fright when seeing the destruction in the attack.
Another figure slowly emerges from the portal and reveals to be Vali. He stop beside Rizevim and looks down at the scared devil, smirking cockily. Then, he moves his sight to the group and see them glaring at him which cause his smirk to widen, he moves down to the arena to look at Lucy, who's giving him a dark look.
Vali's smirk waver for a second but maintains it and turn his sight to Rizevim. "Grandfather," he calls out, shocking many who didn't know of his lineage "Vali... You know what to do, yes?" Rizevim reminds, not taking his eyes away from Sirzech "Of course, my team is on the case right as we speak" "Very good...".
More explosion erupts around Vesarima and the sound of screaming can be heard. Ajuka cuss when hearing his people are in danger and looks up at Sirzech "I'm heading back to the capital! I need to activate our defenses!" he informs and gets an approve nod from his friend, who hasn't taken his eyes away from Rizevim.
Ajuka summons the teleportation, but it quickly disappears away just as it appears "W-what?!" he utters in surprise, then looks up when hearing a chuckle from Vali "You honestly think we didn't plan for this? We disabled the teleportation around Vesarima... None of you can escape!" he shouts and summons his sacred gear in his hands, similar to Issei's and discharge a large and dense blue magic beam to the platform where the Leaders are stood.
The five leaders stand still, watching the attack coming down at them without worry. Lucy flies toward the beam and kicks it up, redirecting it to Rizevim. The old Satan breaks his eye contact with Sirzech and stare at the upcoming beam, with a simple blink of an eye, the bean is disbursed into nothingness.
Rizevim slowly turn his sight to Lucy "Child... You dare try to attack me?" he questions with anger, glaring at Lucy. Yao, Jonathan, Serafall, Azazel, and Gabriel were ready to act. "Wait, Grandfather" Vali lift his right hand, staring at Lucy with unreadable expression "Let me deal with her... We have some unfinished business" he states. Rizevim give his grandson a side glance, then smirks in amusement "Fine... Do as you wish with her".
Out of nowhere, dozens of black cloak individuals jump into the stadium and surrounds the arena ground. Kokoro and Elise are the first to act, jumping in and land beside their king. "You ok?" Kokoro question, helping her King to his feet "Y-yeah... My body is in bad shape though... Boosting to forty was a risky decision" he informs "Can you still fight?" Elise question, unsheathing her sword and points it at the enemy that have them surrounded.
"You really just asked me that?" Issei release Kokoro's shoulder and stand straight, the boosted gear form on his right hand "There's an invasion going on, I'll fight till I'm dead" he states, causing the two girls to smile then get to their stances. More invaders appear in the sky and comes down at the audiences until a crimson blast vaporize them to ashes, courtesy of Rias, who's stood up, her right palm holds a bit of smoke from releasing the destructive attack.
"Yuuto and Xenovia! I want you two to scout around the stadium to look for the enemies and eliminate them... Don't let any more enter!" Rias orders, going to role of a King. Xenovia and Yuuto nod, standing up and jumps high in the air and over the stadium pillars while summoning their swords in midair.
Rias turns to her rook "Koneko! I want you to take Asia to the capital, so she can heal the wounded, Gasper go with them" she commands "Understood, Buchou" Koneko immediately reply, standing up and takes a hold of both Asia and Gasper's wrist. "B-but!" Gasper was about to complain, but he didn't have a chance by Asia interruption "Understood! Buchou! I shall do my best" she said and burst up to the sky. Everyone watches in surprise by the blonde's flying speed while hearing poor Gasper's scream of fright as they watch them speeding to the capital.
Rias turn to the right and sees Akame has already departed 'Hmm... She must have left to Nawin-kun... Alright... That's good, so I shouldn't worry about him right now. There's guards stationed in hospital and Akame is heading there right now, with her speed being a knight she will reach there in no time and can protect Nawin-kun' she notes with a nod.
"Well done taking leadership, Rias" Zeoticus commend, standing up and glance at his daughter "Now, you should head to gate that's been breached and stop anymore enemies from entering the capital. Take your Queen with you" he said and moves his sight up to look his son, readying to battle with the former Satan. Rias nod and turn to Akeno, who sends a nod back. The two release their wings and shoots up to the sky.
Venelana turns to Yao, holding a curious gaze "What are your plans, Lady Yao?" she questions, watching the woman standing up and looks at her "We can't do a thing to help, Venelana... I'm sorry, but me and my husband will not lift our fingers at this" she replies in an apologetic tone. Venelana stands up and gently place a hand on the Makasha's shoulder "You don't need to apologies... Even though I may not fully understand your reason, I know it is a reasonable one" she said, offering a smile which Yao returns with her own.
Venelana glance at her husband, who's staring closely at Rizevim "Zeoticus, I'm going to take Lady Yao and her husband to the estate where they can be safe" she informs and get a nod from the crimson-haired man "Good idea... You ladies go there and stay safe. I and Rizel will head out and give assist to the capital" he replies in a steel tone, showing his seriousness and battle persona instead of a kind and laidback one.
A huge grin spread around Rizel's face and he stands up, hands in pockets "This is gonna be fun... It's been a while since I've battled" he exclaims, then turns to his daughter "Ravel, go with your mother" he commands "B-but, Dad!" Ravel complains but is silence by a stern look send by her father "There's no discussion, you aren't ready for this kind of battle. This is an invasion... These people will kill you without a second thought, this isn't some rating game where if you lose you are teleported away and get treated. This is war" he states and walk past Ravel.
Beth gently place a hand on her daughter's shoulder, making her look up "Please don't be difficult, Ravel... Your father is looking out for your safety" she said, giving the girl a caring smile. Ravel sigh in dejected, but slowly nod "I understand..." "Thank you, now" Beth turns to Venelana "We should head out now" "Right".
Yao turns to her husband and sees him looking intently at Rizevim "Jonathan?" "I'm staying" he firmly inserts, turning to Yao "I won't do anything, but I don't feel comfortable leaving Lucy here... Especially when a man like Rizevim is nearby" "I knew you would say that" she sighs and looks back at him, her eyes harden "Don't reveal yourself, Jonathan... Only when it's in the upmost obligatory and I mean when it solely involves our children's safety, don't be a hero" she informs firmly and strongly.
Rizel stop beside Zeoticus, who turn back to the ladies "You all should head out now before more appears" he said and gets a nod from them. "Be careful" Venelana said to her husband "You too, Rizel" Beth tells hers, holding her daughter's hand. The women depart in rapid speed, making haste to the Gremory's estate.
A figure is suddenly send flying from the lounge and crashes to the ground. "What the hell?!" Issei shouts out and sees Michael slowly getting out from the crater and wipe the blood from his mouth "Looks like we have a mole" he states. Everyone turn up to see Alis standing on the railing, looking down at them with her glowing crimson eyes, her pupils are slit now.
"A-Alis?!" Sirzech utters in disbelief, seeing one of his village's fighter betrayal "Ahahaha! That isn't your fighter, Sirzech!" Rizevim laughs manically and turn to Alis "Reveal yourself, my Dear!" he orders, grinning widely like a madman. Bright white light emits around Alis, blinding everyone in the stadium. When the light dies down, a tall woman is shown standing on the spot Alis once stood.
The unknown woman is a beautiful individual. Holding a fierce and vexing appearance with her long and spiky grey hair, sharp crimson eyes, tan smooth complexion with buxom figure. The woman's attire shows a powerful statement with long and high collar white coat that reach near the ground and the inside interior are colored crimson. Underneath the coat worn a black leather vest, showing lots of skin from her stomach and part of her sizeable breast. For under she wears a tight black pants and to finish off is a long silver-plated combat boots.
"Aaaahhh! It feels good to finally be myself again" the woman moans in relief, stretching her hands up and cock her neck to the right and left to create cracking noise by popping her joints. "What did you do to Alis?!" Sirzech ask in seething tone, crimson aura start leaking around him "What do you think?" the woman question, grinning menacingly, not showing an ounce of intimidating by the King Satan.
The woman places her index finger to the side of her head "I took two of my fingers and place it through her little skull" she reveals, chuckling darkly. All the leaders throw her a dark look along with the nobles while Rizevim laughs in amusement. "I'll deal with her, Sirzech" Serafall raise her hand, stopping her friend, who was ready to strike "You deal with Rizevim... You two still hold some unfinished business" she states, her whole persona turns serious and release two pair of wings from her back, hovering forward and away from the platform.
"You are really pushing your luck, Rizevim" Azazel start, crossing his arms and stare coldly at the former Satan "Do you honestly think that I, Gabriel, and Michael won't intervene?" "Indeed... Your group, Khaos Brigade have murdered and hurt many of my people... You think I won't take this chance to eliminate you?" Michael ask, his once soft-spoken and kind tone turn cold and deathly, as does his expression.
Rizevim let out a snigger before it explodes into a fit of laughter "Ahahahah! You fool think I didn't come prepared? I'm not naïve like the rest of you" he spat and flick his index and middle finger together. A large square beam shoots down from the portal and to the platform. The beam engulfs the whole platform, trapping Azazel, Gabriel, Michael, and Ajuka in it.
Azazel click his teeth and send his right feet forward to smash on the golden beam. The moment Azazel's feet touch the light, he is push back and falls on his back. "Ahahaha!" Rizevim laughs at the feeble attempt "That square barrier is made by a unique and high-tier sacred gear user... It is impenetrable! You all are trapped there until I say so!" he exclaims out.
Serafall turn around and look at the barrier from the outside. She summons her staff, spins it around a few times before stabbing the pummel of it to the barrier "Nothing..." she utters, seeing no damage or even a creak shown. "Don't bother..." Azazel sits up, scratching his head and sigh in annoyance, looking at the pink Satan "I know this sacred gear... It's called the Void Buckler and it's possibly the most powerful shield to ever exist. If I'm right and I think I am, then no matter what we do there's no way to get out of here unless the user is taken down" Azazel informs, slowly getting up to his feet and dust his coat. "I see, guess I'll turn my attention back to her" Serafall spin around to look down at the smirking grey-haired woman "You guys try to figure a way to get out of there in the meantime".
"Now..." Rizevim extends his arms to the sides and powers up, causing yellow aura to explode around him. The sky darkens and the whole capital start shaking from the amount of mana the formal Satan is releasing. Sirzech start powering up as well, crimson aura to implode around him and matching the size of Rizevim's. "Grayfia! Protect the civilians... Only I can face Rizevim!" Sirzech orders, summoning numbers of destruction orbs on top of him.
Grayfia listen to her husband and use her power to straighten the barrier around the spectators so none of the vicious and dense aura that is being release by the Satans would affect them. The unknown woman spread her twelve devil wings out and shoots up in the air "Let's go somewhere less crowded, Satan!" she shouts, glancing down at Serafall and burst toward the capital in rapid speed. Serafall immediately give chase "Don't do anything reckless, Lucy!" she orders, when passing by the Makasha.
Lucy's cold glare stare straight into Vali's blue orbs. "Where's Nawin?" he questions, noticing his former friend is not present "Why the hell should I tell you? So, you can hurt him?" Lucy spat back, her glare harden even more that the Lucifer descendant find it admittedly intimidating. 'Her mana... It's more powerful than I've ever seen before... And that form... That scorching flaming aura. You've grown, Lucy' Vali notes, taking in the Makasha's transformation.
A small smile tug on Vali's lip before he gets into a stance. "Of course, you won't answer me" "Why should I answer to a traitor?" Lucy retorts, getting to her own stance "Have it your way. Let's see how much you've grown in the past months, Lucy" Vali assert and start powering up, blue aura starts emitting around him "I'll do more than showing... I'm going to incinerate you" "Big words, Flame Princess." Lucy cuss at the nickname and charge toward the smirking man "Don't you dare call me that!".
Issei dodge a right hook, then grabs the man's wrist with his left hand and smash the boosted gear on the side of the cloak individual's face, sending him bursting away and crash into the walls. Elise dodge a downward swing from the axe by spinning around her opponent and bring the sword down to their back. Kokoro dodge a drop kick by backflipping and push herself forward to deliver a hard kick to the woman's face, knocking her to unconsciousness.
"There's so many of them!" Issei shouts, side stepping to avoid a mace smashing down and swing a roundhouse kick at the attacker's face. Another individual was able to sneak behind and about to strike the Hyoudou with a dagger until Riser comes from the sky and grabs their head from the back and smash it into the ground. "Gotta watch your back, Hyoudou" he replies and cock his head to the right, missing a punch from behind and send a backhand at the attacker's face, sending them flying back. Issei smirk "Showoff," he comments, and the Phenex smirk. The two turns around, back to back "Let's start getting rid of all these fools" "For once I'm with you".
Two cloak enemies come from the air with their axes holding high up. Riser and Issei were about to counter when two light arrows shoot from the left and impale through the attackers' heart, causing them to disburse in golden sparkles. The boys look up at one of the stadium's pillar and sees Irina standing on top of them, clutching her bow tightly. She sends a wink at the two "I'll cover you guys on the high ground" she states, and pulls the string back, readying another shot.
Vesarima
Akame hops past another building, speeding toward the direction where she senses her king's mana. She scans around, without stopping and sees many civilians screaming and running away or being escorted by guards to safety. Hundreds of black cloak invaders can be seen in the distance fighting with the soldiers. More of them are entering the city via the breached north gate. Hundred of houses and many buildings are on fire or reduce to rubbles by either the foot soldiers or the large dragon in the sky.
"Help! Please! Anyone!" Akame cock her head down and see a family of three running away from a group of invaders. The five-year-old boy trip "No! Naki!" the mother turns around and quickly brings her child to her arms. She looks up and freeze in terror when seeing a mace coming down at her.
A hiss sound of a sword being unsheathe can be heard and a second later the tall man that was holding the weapon is cut to half, same goes with the mace that creaks into two pieces and falls to the ground, missing the woman and child by inches. Akame stands in front of the two and glance back at them "Go! If you keep moving forward, you'll meet with some soldiers! They'll escort you to safety" she informs and turn back to the enemy.
The husband grabs his wife's hand "Thank you!" he said and quickly lead his family away to safety. Akame examines the enemies in front of her. They are different compare to the cloak individuals, these are fully armored soldiers. Their armors are colored black and there's nothing special about that in term of design, just hold a standard appearance of an armor.
"Strike her down!" the one in the middle yell, pointing his longsword at Akame. The five-man let out a roar and charge at the knight, with their weapons raise. "... Wait!" just as the men were about to strike, the leader left his right hand up and commands them to halt. "You... I know you" the leader speaks, Akame can feel his burning gaze through the helmet "You're the knight of the Black Flash! Where is your king!?" he demends, evil intension is heard clear in his tone.
Akame's pupils narrow and she takes one step forward and disappear before reappearing behind the group. She slowly sheaths her sword and when it clicks in place, the men's body explodes into blood, their dismembered body parts fly everywhere and drops in the puddle of their own blood. "You will not touch my King, scum" Akame coldly state, and resume haste to the hospital.
Hospital
"Where is Nawin Makasha!" a tall armoured man slams the nurse to the wall, gripping her tightly by the neck "W-what do you want with h-him?" she gasps out and look behind the man, at the entrance and see corpses of the guards and some young nurses laid on the floor. Group of the invaders swarmed in and completely slaughtered the guards, easily outnumbering them and are now entering the hospital.
"So, I can kill him!" the man shout, tighten his grip and choking the nurse "I-I won't give away my patient's location to you m-monste—" a longsword stabs through the nurses's stomach, silencing her at once, then the man snaps her neck for his pleasure and throws the corpse to the ground with the rest. He sheaths his sword and turn to his men "Search every inch of this hospital and bring me the Black Flash!" he orders.
"What should we do with the other patients?" one of the men question and see their leader chuckle darkly "What else? Kill all of them!". Numbers of men invade each floor and slaughtered all the defenseless patients that aren't Nawin Makasha. Slowly, some start reaching the top floor where all the tournament contenders are hold. Two men smash in the first room and they grin widely, seeing the person laid in bed "Ahaha! That's him there! Let's get him to the General!".
The two men stumps toward the sleeping Makasha, pulling their helmets up to show their sadistic grinning and oily face. "Don't you dare touch him!" a voice hiss from behind when the men's hands were inches away from the Makasha. The soldiers didn't have time to react when a hand is pierce through their chests, right through their hearts from behind. The hands slowly pull back, and they collapse to the ground, dead.
Kuroka glare menacingly at the dead men and turn around to shut the door. "How did they find him this quickly?!" she hiss in anger, looking out the window and see the destruction that is happening in the capital "... Something's not right here..." 'Kuroka! We are moving out now!' a voice of a man informs in Kuroka's mind. Closing her eyes and start concentrating, she replies 'Understood, I'll meet you and the rest there' 'Don't be late!' 'Got it' she asserts and cuts the link.
Kuroka turn around and open the door. Making down the hallway, she hears footsteps heading up the stairs. Kuroka extend her hand up to summons a purple barrier at the only entrance to the floor, from the stairway. "That should hold them back" Kuroka state, looking at the glowing barrier that produce dark purple smog around it.
Making her way back to the room and shutting the door behind her. Kuroka walk toward the bed to see Nawin's sleeping face once more 'I sense his knight is hurrying here... She should arrive in a few minutes, so he should be safe' she states to herself to ease the worry. Kuroka gently place her right palm on Nawin's forehead. Green aura glows faintly around the hand "There... When he wakes up he won't suffer any headache and be in fighting condition" Kuroka utters and brings her hand back.
Kuroka makes her way to the window and before leaving, she glances back at the Makasha one more time "Please stay safe, Nawin-kun" she whispers, and jumps out of the window.
Next Chapter: Invasion! Battle In Vesarima!