Beware My Power Chapter 26: Fight Night

Rias, Akeno, and the girls were waiting for Elros to come back. They impatiently tapped their fingertips on a table as they kept turning their heads to look at the clock. One minute. Two minutes. Three minutes. Time slowly pa.s.sed as they waited with bated breath for his return. It was the eve of the fight.

Their waiting soon paid off as a light green glow bathed the land outside. Akeno and Rias looked at each other before looking at the door, ready to spring upon him at a moments notice. It wasn't long before it opened and he finally walked in.

"Woah!" Elros cried out as he was suddenly tackled to the ground by a cadre of beautiful women, each clamoring for a piece of him. He commended his prescience on taking a little rest before he returned. The soreness was mostly extinguished from his body, leaving only confidence in its wake. This was going to be one h.e.l.l of a fight.

"You're back!" Rias exclaimed happily as she and Akeno peppered him with kisses all around his smile. He grinned at the reaction he got. He gingerly got back to his feet and hugged and kissed all the girls h.e.l.lo again. Putting his arms around Mihae and Xuelan, they walked to the table where Marion and Bürent had prepared a veritable feast for his return.

"Oh… Thank you, Presence… The One Above All… for this glorious feast. Marion… Bürent… I don't know what I'd do without you now. You two are seriously going to spoil me," he said happily. They blushed and smiled at the compliment; that was indeed what they were aiming for.

"Well, you deserve it. You… saved us from a bad situation with Riser. We know that you don't see that as the case, but please - this is the least we can do for you," Marion said, the others nodding vigorously in agreement. Elros smiled and nodded, making a mental note to go gift shopping for the girls after his match. He figured that Riser wasn't one to do that, so he'd take the responsibility to lavish them with such.

"You're eating like you haven't done so in months, though," Yubelluna said, watching how quickly he scarfed everything down. He didn't seem at all emaciated but was no doubt famished.

"Ah. Well, when training with my friend my diet isn't the best it can be. Plus, he smokes multiple packs a day so my appet.i.te hasn't been exceedingly high. It's why I smell like alcohol and cigarettes," Elros sighed, grimacing at the smell. It seemed to hit the others as well and they began to cough a bit.

"Sorry. I'm gonna go take a bath I before finis.h.i.+ng up, I think," Elros said with a sheepish grin as he quickly headed upstairs. Rias surrept.i.tiously followed while the others began to talk about his impending fight.

-o-

As Elros turned the bath on, he felt a pair of arms wrap around him. Rias rested her head softly against his back, beginning to unb.u.t.ton his s.h.i.+rt. He smirked and let her do so, gingerly easing out of it and letting it fall to the floor. Her eyes suddenly went wide, however, as she saw the condition of his back.

A couple of new scars had appeared - extremely fresh and deep. She felt a tear come to her eye as she traced a long vertical one that ran the right side of his back. It was bisected by a shorter one between the top and middle of the long one, giving it a cross-like appearance. As she turned him around, she noted the brand on his right peck. Touching it, she felt that it was warm - something that terrified her. The scar on his chest, the brand on his pec, and the 'X' scar on his back were all still a mystery.

Rias felt his hand on her cheek as he tilted her head up to look at him. Whenever he looked at her, he was smiling. It had a seemingly magical effect of putting her at ease, regardless of the situation. She returned it and stood up on her toes, kissing him tenderly.

"You got hurt," she said softly, leaning against him.

"It's not a big deal. That one will disappear eventually. John's attacks always do," Elros said.

"What kind of training did you do?" she asked, gulping.

"I train hard, Rias. I need someone who won't hold back against me when I do so," Elros said.

"But he hurt you," she said, anger creeping into her voice. If she ever met John Constantine, she would be sure to make him feel her wrath for hurting her beloved. Some friend he was if he inflicted such pain on Elros.

"It's fine. I asked him to go all out and he did. I ended up getting quite a bit done; learning a couple of new things and gained more control over my powers. I think I'm pretty set to win tomorrow," Elros said confidently.

"I know you will," Rias said as she traced the brand again. She wanted to ask but decided not to. She took the temperature of the water and turned it off, gently taking her clothes off as well. She leaned in close to him, keeping eye contact as she unb.u.t.toned his jeans and let them fall to the floor. With a smirk, she let her hands trail down until she grasped him gently, beginning to lightly stroke. Elros closed the distance between their lips and grunted in pleasure as Rias quickened her pace.

"Mmm… you like that?" she asked as she broke the kiss and went to his ear.

"I love it," Elros replied as he let her take him through the motions.

"Let's get in. Don't worry, we'll finish," she giggled. They stepped into the bath, sitting down next to each other.

"This is definitely the best way to motivate me," Elros said with a chuckle as he wrapped his arm around her.

"I'm glad you think so," she said as she wrapped her arms around him and rested on his chest.

"I missed you so much," she said, running a hand across his stomach. A week without his presence was almost too much for her and Akeno to bear. She and the rest of the girls felt listless without him there; his very presence and personality were enough to cheer them up. Without him, everything just seemed much less bright. Several men tried to hit on her and the others, eagerly thinking that Elros was out of the way due to his absence. By the tenth or twentieth proposal, she simply began giving them scornful looks which were enough to keep them at bay.

She noted how different her personality was from Elros; he was happy and cheerful and flirty with everyone, taking pranks and insults in stride and smiling 24/7. She, on the other hand, was much more reserved, albeit less so when in her group of friends. She was averse to flirting with anyone and even more so to showing affection to anyone beyond the youngest peerage members and Elros. It suited her just well, she thought; to each their own.

One thing that struck her about him was how easily he seemed to restrain himself. With his personality, she had a semblance of fear that he would quickly cheat on her with someone. But that didn't seem to be the case; he could look her right in the eye and tell her the truth. He wore his heart on his sleeve, as several had already noted. Whenever he spoke to her, the immense pa.s.sion was evident in his voice; in his touch; in his love. She felt his fingers gently caress her upper arm, sending a pleasurable s.h.i.+ver down her spine - just a touch from him was all that she needed to be soaring on Cloud 9.

"Are you alright?" Elros asked, noting that Rias was staring at him.

"Hmm? Oh! Yes! Sorry. I… was just thinking," she said, smiling.

"What about?" Elros asked.

"How much I love you," she said honestly, smiling at him. Elros returned the smile and kissed her gently in reply. He rested his head against hers, breathing in her scent.

"I love you, too," he whispered as he nibbled her ear. She held his head down and took in the feeling. Elros s.h.i.+fted his position so he was almost on top of her. Rias put her arms around his neck while he positioned his on either side of her, holding on to the tub as he began to kiss her down his neck. She bit her lip at the feeling, bringing her legs up and wrapping them around his waist. Elros quickly moved to the drain the bath as he began to kiss Rias further and further down. Once he was where he wanted to be, he went to work, eliciting shouts and squeals of pleasure from her. Rias wrapped her legs around his head and held him there as he sent her into uncontrollable ecstasy.

-o-

"f.u.c.k," Rias whispered as Elros stood behind her in the shower, continuing to kiss her neck. She felt him move some of her wet hair aside to get a better angle as he continued to ma.s.sage her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

"We just did," he chuckled, his hand going down and ma.s.saging her once more. She squealed in pleasure and quickly brought it up, intertwining it in her hand as she backed up a bit so their bodies were touching closely.

"I think you went longer than last time. But the time on moon… I still don't think you'll top it," Rias said with a smirk.

"Mmm, is that a challenge?" Elros asked as he turned her around and pushed her back against the wall, towering over her. She looked up and bit her lip, smiling at the position. She brought her arms to his neck and hugged him tightly, leaning up to his ear.

"Mhm. Are you gonna accept?" she asked seductively.

"d.a.m.n straight I am. You and I haven't even touchedsurface, let alone scratched it. I've got quite a few more tricks up my sleeves. Next time, you won't be able to talk, let alone move," Elros said as he picked her up.

"Is shower s.e.x on the list?" Rias wondered as she straddled him, caressing his wet face.

"Na. Everyone thinks it's s.e.xy, but it's really not. Water isn't the best lubricant, first of all. Second, it's a d.a.m.n hazard. Way to slippery, plus soap gets everywhere. However, it's great for some action," Elros said as he kissed her again to her delight.

"Mhm. Now get out, lover boy. I'm gonna finish showering," Rias said as she hopped down and gently pushed him out. Elros sighed and went back to the tub, redrawing a bath and getting in while he admired Rias shower.

"So what kind of training did you do?" she asked as she lathered herself, drawing out the process for his viewing pleasure.

"The difficult kind," Elros said, reiterating his point from before.

"I dunno why you're so coy about this topic," Rias sighed.

"Because it's so much more fun to be surprised. Are you telling me you weren't surprised when I came out with the robe, flintlock, and saber against Riser and the girls?" Elros asked.

"Mmm… good point. What was up with that, anyways? I always thought you just used your Lantern powers. I didn't even know you knew how to use a gun or blade," Rias said. As soon as the words left her mouth, however, she regretted them. Her hands fell limply to her side as she turned to look at Elros. A look of sadness washed over his face before he cheered up again. She gulped, knowing what he was thinking about.

'YOU f.u.c.kING IDIOT! WHY THE f.u.c.k DID I BRING THAT UP!? d.a.m.n IT!' Rias roared at herself, holding back her tears.

"I… learned to use them at a young age. Only recently picked them up again," was all Elros said in response.

"Oh. I'm sorry… I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories," Rias said uncomfortably.

"No. It's fine, Rias. You've nothing to apologize for," Elros responded. They both finished in silence before drying off and heading to the bedroom. As Elros got situated, Rias sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, thinking about her slip up. As she laid down, she snuggled up as close as she could to him, letting him know that she was there for him - always. Akeno did the same on the other side; soon, the three fell asleep.

-o-

Grayfia had escorted the girls, Rias's Peerage, and Sona's peerage to the Underworld early the following morning to get prime seats. Rias hung back with Elros, deciding that he deserved a few more hours of sleep before he had to be there. As she prepared breakfast for him, Elros got ready.

'Day of. Going to be an interesting fight. Anders, Bastion, and Elizaveta vs. me. I know that Rias, Akeno, and the others aren't going to be happy that I accepted these terms, but it is what it is. It's time to send a message, Eärendil,' Elros thought as a sardonic smile played on his lips.

-o-

As he went down, he was greeted by Rias with a pa.s.sionate kiss. He looked appreciatively at what she was wearing; a frilly white ap.r.o.n over nothing.

"You like?" she asked with a smirk.

"As if you don't already know the answer to that," Elros replied, kissing her again.

"Are you ready?" she asked quietly.

"I am," he answered, caressing her cheek gently and resting his forehead on hers. She smiled and sat him down, taking her own seat in his lap.

"You know that I'm a big boy, right?" he asked as she suddenly began to feed him.

"Yeah, but you're so cute I can't help it," she cooed as she pinched his cheek, eliciting a groan from him.

"You're emasculating me, sweetheart," he said.

"I know. Do you mind?" she asked.

"Not at all," he said with a chuckle. Rolling her eyes as she continued to feed him gently; he interspersed it by doing the same for her, making her quite happy. These were the moments with him that she treasured above everything else.

"So what's on the agenda after the duel?" Elros asked.

"There's going to be a celebration like last time for the winners. My dad mentioned that the other duelists in the top four are going to be in attendance, which is actually really surprising," Rias said.

"How so?" Elros asked. He recalled Mr. Gremory saying something about that, but it had been so long it slipped his mind.

"Well, three and four are there often, scoping out the compet.i.tion. One and two, however… first of all, the duelist ranked first hasn't even been in a match - or challenged - in over ten years. Some people have forgotten he existed. The Devil ranked number two never challenged him; he's also been in his spot for a while. He's been challenged a lot of times, but for some reason, the duels never happened," Rias said.

"Interesting. Do you know their names?" Elros asked.

"Mmm… forgetting them, to be honest. I never really liked these duels in the first place. Only went to them because I was obligated to. I keep forgetting the names of the guys you're facing as well. I've always been more interested in the Rating Games. But you're a surprise," she said, kissing his cheek.

"What do you mean?" Elros wondered.

"Well, I never expected anyone in my peerage to even partic.i.p.ate in the duels. Not only did you do that, but you beat Riser in your first one - well, him and his peerage. You leapfrogged a lot of Devils and took the 18th rank like it was no big deal. Even senior Devils have a hard time getting into the Top 20," Rias said as she continued to caress his face.

"Proud?" Elros asked with a grin.

"So proud. But why you do it is even more important to me. You've taken on these fights for my sake," she said, kissing his forehead and hugging him tightly.

"I'd go through the sun and back for you," Elros said pa.s.sionately eliciting a beaming smile from Rias as well as a pa.s.sionate kiss.

"I love you," she said.

"And I love you," he answered, getting up and carrying her princess style.

"Shall we?" Elros asked.

"Let me get changed first," Rias said as she hopped off and rushed upstairs. She came down in her usual school clothes. Smiling and taking his hand in hers, she opened a portal and they stepped through.

-o-

"Woah," Elros said, looking at the new stadium aghast.

"Bigger than the last one. Muuuuuuch bigger," Rias said, surprised. This was the largest stadium that the Underworld had constructed, capable of holding an armies worth of Devils. There were people as far as the eye could see, hustling and bustling as they attended kiosks, looked for their children, and were whisked inside to be seated. As soon as Rias and Elros appeared, however, much attention was showered upon them.

"Elros!" shouted a beautiful group of women, clamoring for him. Elros smiled and winked at them to their delight, but they began to sulk as soon as Rias laid her head on his shoulder.

"You're more popular with girls than I am with guys, I think," she sighed.

"I know. However, you're the one that I'm going to be sleeping with tonight. As well as the one who I'm going to say 'I love you' to," Elros said as he turned to face her and leaned in, kissing her for everyone to see. Rias pa.s.sionately returned it and put her arms around his neck.

'I hope everyone gets a good look at this. He's mine and I'm his,' she thought happily. Several groups of men and women gasped; some men began shouting in anger at how affectionate Elros was being with Rias. Leaning back, she smiled wide and happily rested her head on his shoulder again and began walking down the aisle. The people began to cut a wide berth for them so they could go uninterrupted.

"This is an outrage!" one senior Devil yelled as he stepped out in front of them.

"What?" Elros asked.

"To think that someone as respectable as Lady Rias would stoop so low as-," he began but was suddenly silenced as Elros continued to walk until he was right in front of the man. He towered over the senior Devil by at least a foot, forcing the man to look up to Elros's scarred face.

"Do not insult Rias ever again," he said in a low and dangerous voice as his power suddenly began to cascade. Several other Devils that were feeling brave suddenly stepped back, afraid that he would turn his anger on them next. The senior Devil began to shudder violently as he quickly disappeared into the crowd. Satisfied that he was gone, Elros calmed down before looking at Rias, who looked at him in worry.

"I'm sorry. Now they've even begun to insult you," Elros said, sighing deeply. Rias shook her head.

"I don't give a d.a.m.n about what they think about me. I'm the one who should be apologizing. I'm the reason you have to deal with them in the first place," she said uneasily.

"I'll deal with anyone for you," Elros said as he gently took her face in his hands and kissed her again. She giggled at the tender touch and leaned in once more before throwing her hands around his waist and continuing towards the stadium, rumors flying around them. As they got closer to the stadium, they were suddenly beset again: this time, by reporters

"… the f.u.c.k?" Elros wondered, flabbergasted as several cameras were put in his face. Rias giggled at how out of place he looked.

"Lady Gremory, is it true!? Are you and Elros Eärendil a couple?!" one reported asked.

"Yes, it's very true. A very happy couple," Rias answered happily.

"Mr. Eärendil, how do you feel about having the affection of someone as esteemed as Lady Rias?" a devil asked.

"Pretty d.a.m.n good," Elros replied.

"What are your thoughts on being challenged by so many power and high ranking Devils for her hand in marriage?!" another reported asked.

"I think the High-Cla.s.s Devils in questions need to take a step back and realize how f.u.c.king creepy they are. Rias is a person, not a trophy," Elros answered. Rias smiled wide at the answer, caressing his hand subtly to convey her approval.

"Ah! Keep the language G-rated, sir. Children are watching," one reported laughed.

"My apologies, my good man. Swearing is part of my daily lexicon, I'm afraid. Keep those bleepers at the ready," Elros said, eliciting chuckles all around.

"There are rumors that the second-ranked duelist in intrigued by your match later today; we're under the impression he has prior knowledge of it due to his status. Are you aware of who he is?" another reporter wondered.

"I'm afraid I don't know anyone that's ranked one through four. My knowledge of names is limited to Riser and three others," Elros said.

"And how prepared are you for today's match?" one wondered.

"I've done as much as I could in the time allotted. Only time will name the victor at this point," Elros said.

"Thank you, gentlemen! Please, refrain from any further questions until the end of the match! This way, Mr. Eärendil!" called out the judge that had arbitrated the negotiations.

"Ah! Thanks for that, Judge" Elros said.

"Not at all. Follow me to the locker room, please," he said.

"Just one second," Elros said as he pulled Rias to the side. She smiled up at him and hugged him tightly, giving him one more deep and pa.s.sionate kiss before he had to go get ready.

"I love you. I love you so much," she whispered.

"And I love you," Elros said, giving her one more peck before leaving with the judge. As Rias headed towards the bleachers, she saw that Akeno and Venelana were waiting for her, smiles on their faces. Locking arms with them, they went to their seats.

-o-

"Judge," Elros said.

"Yes?" the man replied, pausing to look at Elros. Elros nodded his head towards a secluded corner, where the judge followed him.

"There's something I'd like to speak with you about…," Elros said. The judge nodded and listened to what he had to say.

-o-

Elros once again was getting ready in the locker room that was prepared for him. The saber and flintlock weren't there with him; both weapons were deposited in a pocket dimension in case they were needed, but something told Elros that they wouldn't be of much use against Anders, Bastion, or Elizaveta. He wore the black robe which would offer him significant protection.

In his hands, however, he twirled the one weapon that he would be bringing into the fight. It had a worn lacquered wooden handle with a short, steel pommel. From the spine to the tip, around the belly and down the edge to the guard - the bowie knife was kept in a pristine condition. Besides his necklace, the knife was Elros's oldest possession - one that he kept on his person to remind him of his past, present, and future. He traced the spine with a finger as he thought about the blood that it had gathered throughout years of use. It easily cut him. Sucking the blood, he cleaned it off on his robe before tucking it inside. It would see the light soon enough.

"Power check," he asked his ring.

"Power levels at 100%. The other rings remain at the ready. I advise only using Blue, although, with your newfound powers, I deduce it as unnecessary," the ring told him.

"Yeah, that's probably good advice. I don't think I want to unveil Red just yet. Yellow might get out of hand, but it'd definitely be a show," Elros mused. He heard the crowd roaring and cheering outside for the contestants to finally be announced.

Noting he still had a little while to go, he sat down on the bench and let his head hang in the air, concentrating his power. The noise began to slowly go away; what began as a raucous cheer suddenly became a quiet, yet audible cheer; which suddenly became a simple thumping; which suddenly stopped, so the only thing that Elros could hear was his beating heart.

He breathed in through his nose. He breathed out through his mouth. In through the nose. Out through the mouth.

'Time to bring the knife down,' Elros thought as his lips curved into a sardonic smile.

-o-

"LADIES, GENTLEMEN, AND DEVILS OF ALL NATURE! WELCOME, WELCOME WELCOME TO SUCH AN EXCITING DUEL. FOLKS, IT WAS ONLY A FEW WEEKS AGO THAT WE HAD A MATCH THAT SHOOK THE UNDERWORLD TO ITS CORE! A NEWCOMER FROM THE PEERAGE OF THE BEAUTIFUL RIAS GREMORY STOMPED ON TO THE SCENE AND ELIMINATED RISER PHOENIX AND HIS ENTIRE PEERAGE WITHOUT BREAKING SO MUCH AS A SWEAT. YOU ALL KNOW WHO I'M TALKING ABOUT OF COURSE - BUT IF YOU DON'T, FEAR NOT - FOR YOU WILL SOON ENOUGH. THE MATCHUP WE HAVE FOR YOU TODAY IS EVEN MORE STUNNING THAN THAT LAST ONE, FOLKS. THIS ONE IS A REAL DOOZY. AND AGAIN, THE HAND OF RIAS GREMORY IS UP AS A PRIZE!" the announcing Devil shouted; the same one who officiated the match between Elros and Riser.

-o-

"At least he didn't call you the fairest maiden in the land this time," Akeno giggled.

"Oh no! Please don't ever say that again!" Rias whined adorably; she loathed that t.i.tle.

"Don't worry sweetie. Although, I'm sure Elros would agree," Venelana said. That brought a smile to Rias's lips; if he were to say such a thing, she'd be fine with it. As they giggled at her expense, the announcer began to talk again.

"Allow me to first introduce the challengers. Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for Lord Anders Canio, heir to the Canio family. He is ranked 12th amongst the duelists, and his powers are well doc.u.mented to strike fear into his opponents. LORD CANIO!" the announcer yelled.

A magic circle opened and Anders stepped out, gruff as usual. He wore his usual; a black t-s.h.i.+rt and black jeans, a smug look on his face as he observed the portcullis that Elros would step out of. He threw his arms high above his head and began to look around at the crowd, winking here and there at some women who swooned.

-o-

"Ugh, he's so creepy. They all are," Rias groaned.

"I know. But ranked 12th… that means he's strong, right? Do you know anything about him?" Akeno asked. Rias shook her head; she admonished herself for not doing some research on the three that challenged Elros. She could've offered him some help, but he simply had to walk this alone.

"His family's power is Demonic Transformation. I haven't seen what the form is, however, so I can't comment on that. He is quite powerful, however - that much I know," Sirzechs said as he watched the match intently.

"Hey, lil sis," came a voice from behind them. Kuroka had shown up, smiling lightly and disguised.

"What're you doing here?" Rias snarled at her; she wasn't Kuroka's biggest fan, especially with how close she was to Elros.

"Relax, princess. I'm not here to fight. I… just want to cheer for Elros," Kuroka said, blus.h.i.+ng. Everyone looked to Rias, who was staring hard at Kuroka. After a tense minute, she nodded and turned back to the stadium. Kuroka let out a deep exhale of relief, turning her attention to the fight as well.

-o-

"Now that isn't all, folks! We promised you that this was going to be one heck of a match, did we not? If there's one thing I know about Mr. Eärendil, it's that a one on one fight is simply not enough for him! So, allow me to introduce his second opponent, ranked number nine - LORD BASTION MILCOM!" the announcer roared, to a thunderous applause.

Another magic circle opened and Bastion stepped out, flipping his hair back slightly. He had his hands tucked into his pockets as he nodded at Anders before looking around at the stadium.

-o-

"Elros is going to fight both of them?" Akeno asked, gulping. She should've figured that he would agree to something like this.

"This must be why he trained for so long," Rias said, s.h.i.+vering slightly. She knew that Elros's opponents would be tough - much more than Riser. That he was fighting two highly ranked opponents back to back had worry claw its way deep into her heart. She felt her mother tighten her hold on her; Rias could tell she was just as worried. Looking at her father, however, she saw that his was impa.s.sive - did he know?

"Is Elros gonna be ok?" Gasper asked worriedly.

"Of course he is, Gasper. Two on one? He's got this in the bag," Issei said, although he was beginning to sweat. These guys weren't pushovers, in as much as he could tell.

The crowd, however, continued to love the matchup. They were roaring happily and placing their bets, getting great odds on their favorites.

-o-

"Folks, settle down! I'm not done yet! Lord Anders and Lord Bastion are two of the most powerful - and popular - duelists in the Underworld. They are ranked twelfth and ninth respectively, against Mr. Eärendil's still impressive eighteenth. However, there is one more person on this side of the field that we have left to introduce. She is ranked fifth amongst all duelists. She is one who needs no introduction, my friends - simply welcome Lady Elizaveta Fomina!" the man yelled excitedly. There was a pause before the stadium exploded in sheer delight - especially the male population.

Instead of appearing out of a magic circle, Elizaveta was much more dramatic. A powerful blast of thunder rocketed down from the open stadium, burning the spot it crashed on black. As it subsided, she was standing there in all her glory. Her battle gear was exactly the same as what she wore during the negotiations; her wavy hair cascading down and her purple dress hugging and accentuating her features. Her gold and blue eyes barely was.h.i.+ng over Bastion and Anders who smirked at her. The cat o' nine tails rested comfortably in her hand as she stared at the portcullis.

-o-

"HER, TOO?" Rias roared.

"I was afraid of this," Lord Gremory sighed.

"Father?" Rias asked, gulping. Everyone looked at Lord Gremory.

"The match was supposed to be in a few more weeks initially. However, the date can be changed if a majority of the contestants agree to a new one. That usually means that both contestants have to agree to it - as most duels are one on one. However, I suspected when I heard that Elros wouldn't be fighting them one on one, or two on one. I surmised that this would be a three on one fight. It appears that that is the case," Lord Gremory said.

"IS HE INSANE?! THESE… THESE GUYS ARE SERIOUS BUSINESS, AREN'T THEY?!" Issei exclaimed.

"Indeed they are. I'm not quite sure what he was thinking, but… I fear that he might've bitten off more than he can chew," Lord Gremory said uneasily.

"What do you mean?" Rias asked, her heart sinking.

"Riser was a different case. Anders, Bastion, and Elizaveta are extremely formidable challengers. However, were this to be one on one, I believe that Elros's victory would be a.s.sured. But three on one… against such powerful contestants? It might be more than he can handle," Lord Gremory said.

Rias felt tears come to her eyes as she looked at the stadium. If he lost that meant that she wouldn't be able to be with him. She couldn't imagine a fate worse than being separated from him, especially if it meant she would be engaged to one of the other two men on the field. They revolted and disgusted her; she'd sooner marry a slug if that were the case. Rias felt her mother tighten her hold; there was a worry in Venelana's eye as well.

"NO! ELROS HAS THIS!" Gasper shouted as he stood up, intently staring at the field.

"He'll win, Gaspie. Just watch," Koneko said as she hugged the vampire.

-o-

"Folks, I can understand your surprise. After all, we have three extremely powerful contestants in the stadium right now, ready to fight. So you're thinking: what can this be? Is this a Fatal Four Way? A tag team match? No. None of that. Let's just say that when Mr. Eärendil fights, he prefers to give his opponents as much leverage as they can gather. So this match will be A THREE ON ONE FIGHT!" the announcers roared to a ma.s.sive applause.

"This is gonna be great," one Devil said excitedly.

"No way that the lowborn is going to beat these three," another said.

"GIVE US ELROS!" cheered several women in delight.

"SERIOUSLY! STOP JERKING US AROUND, OLD MAN!" another Devil roared at the announcer. The people wanted the beatdowns to begin; whoever would dish them out and whoever would receive them was irrelevant.

-o-

"Calm down, folks! I still have to announce the wagers and terms of the fight! So yes, this will be a three on one fight. All contestants will be allowed the full use of their powers - that includes the aid of their familiars. As for the wagers - as I said before, Lord Anders and Milcom are vying for the hand of the beautiful Rias Gremory, who I am told is in a happy relations.h.i.+p with Mr. Eärendil. However, that's not the only hand at stake. If Mr. Eärendil loses this match, he will be betrothed to the beautiful Lady Fomina, who has taken quite the interest in the young man!" the announcer said.

A loud cry of boo's erupted from both the men and the women in attendance; obviously, no one thought much that. Elizaveta, however, continued to stare at the portcullis.

"In addition to that, Mr. Eärendil has also agreed to wager his stake in the Phoenix Fortune that he had won from Lord Riser. The judge informed me that Lord Anders and Milcom also wanted Mr. Eärendil to stake the peerage he won from Lord Riser as well!" the judge cried out to another round of cheers.

-o-

"Oh, no…," Mihae said, gulping.

"Did… did he stake us as well?" Marion asked, her heart sinking. They had just gotten settled with Elros - and now they might be s.h.i.+fting again.

"Let's… let's hear it out before jumping to conclusions," Isabela said. The announcer continued.

-o-

"However, Mr. Eärendil refused that wager. What is it that he said, judge?" the announcer asked the judge who sitting next to him. To the surprise of the announcer, the judge wasn't even paying attention to the three on the field. All he did was stare at the portcullis as if mulling something over. However, he heard and replied.

"Quote: 'You bet the lives of your families. I consider those girls mine,'" the judge answered. Several in the crowd cheered, while just as many aww'd.

-o-

The girls smiled wide as they heard that.

"He's so sweet," Xuelan said in admiration. Riser had bet their lives without giving it a single thought; Elros, meanwhile, refused to even consider it unless the contestants bet their own loved ones.

"Extremely sweet," Mihae agreed, her heart happy and soaring again. She admonished herself for thinking for a second that Elros would bet them so easily. He wasn't that kind of person.

"Well, Elros does know exactly what to say. That much is evident," Bürent said happily. She made a mental note to prepare an extra special feast for him with Marion. Looking sideways at her friend, she saw Marion was thinking the same thing. Both of their eyes traveled to Rias who was smiling wide at what she heard as well.

"I can't believe we even considered that he'd risk us," Isabela said warmly. She didn't want to leave him so quickly after meeting him.

'What a loving man,' Yubelluna thought happily. She felt her confidence in his win rise even further; he wouldn't let Rias get away from him as well - they were madly in love with each other, after all.

-o-

"Continuing with the wagers - Lord Anders and Bastion have bet their own wealth as well. Should Mr. Eärendil win this match, his wealth is going to increase immeasurably so - placing him comfortably as one of the wealthiest men in the Underworld!" the judge said. Everyone cheered at that; large wealth transfers were a favorite amongst the people;. Seeing someone rise from nothing, seeing another fall from grace - it was something most could get behind.

"And there is but one wager left to announce - and this is on the heads of Lord Anders and Bastion. Mr. Eärendil requested that should he win this match Lord Anders and Bastion not be allowed to vie for the hand of Lady Rias again. To that effect, he chose to stunt them entirely. Should the Lords lose, they will hereby be banned from partic.i.p.ation in any Duel or Rating Game henceforth!" the announcer yelled. There was a pause before the cheer erupted again.

-o-

"The new kid doesn't f.u.c.k around," a Devil seated a few rows in front of the Gremory's said.

"Seriously. He's not content in just beating these guys… he wants to take their livelihoods. f.u.c.king love this guy!" his friend said excitedly.

"This is gonna be epic," a girl said to her friend who nodded vigorously.

"Looks like Elros intends to put these matters to rest once and for all," Venelana said.

"I'm surprised they took the wager. If he wins, they're done," Akeno said.

"Good. Maybe after Elros wins this match, these guys will learn to back off once and for all," Rias said fiercely. Akeno and Venelana looked at each other and smiled before turning back to the stadium.

-o-

"This match… this match is going to be one for the history books, folks - that much I can a.s.sure you. In his last match against Lord Phoenix, Elros Eärendil put on what I - indeed, many of us - consider to be one of the greatest showings in the history of the Underworld. Never has one man taken on an entire peerage and come out on top in such a stomping manner. The match we have today, however… Should Mister Eärendil pull off a win, he will not only jump multiple spots in rank - and be amongst the Top Five - but he will cement his legacy as one of the most fearsome men to everDuel. You won't want to miss a second of this. Now ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for Elros Eärendil!" the announcer roared.

The stadium exploded with the force of a bomb as a ma.s.sive cheer and stomping went around. Bastion and Anders scoffed; the cheer was much louder than the one that they had received.

The portcullis began to thunder as the chains creaked and the gates opened.

-o-

Elros kept an impa.s.sive face as he walked out, the robe billowing behind him as he did so. Unlike last time, he didn't measure each step. His knew his opponents and they knew him; the Devil world at large knew about him as well. Theatrics wouldn't be of much use here; that said, the frown he wore had some people talking. He heard several Devils commenting on his demeanor - how he appeared so serious as opposed to Anders and Bastion who wore c.o.c.ky smirks.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the man to beat! Many of you will scoff at me for saying such a thing, but I hope that the three compet.i.tors have a plan to deal with him! Mr. Eärendil is full of surprises as we saw last time - am I the only one who remembers those wings?! I daresay not!" the announcer yelled, eliciting more cheers and applause.

"Well, lowborn? Ready?" Anders asked as he rested his hand on his knees, licking his lips as he prepared to spring. Elros didn't spare him a glance as he continued to look straight ahead, making sure all three were in his field of vision.

"Cat got your tongue?" Elizaveta asked eyes narrowed. Still, no response.

'Hmmm…,' Elizaveta thought as she prepared to strike as well.

"Ok, I am told that the dimensional barrier is lowered. BEGIN!" the announcer roared. The crowd gave one more clamorous cheer before settling in for the match, excitement etched on everyone's face.

-o-

"Michael, Azazel - good to see you," Sirzechs said as he greeted the two arriving dignitaries. They had done a considerable amount of glad-handing hours before the event had even begun; now it was time to sit back and enjoy it with the rest of the Devils.

"Greetings, Sirzechs. h.e.l.lo, Zeo, Lady Gremory, children," Michael greeted, wearing his usual serene smile.

"I thought you two would be at the announcer's block," Zeo added, his eyes still glued towards the arena.

"We would be if the match kept it's original date. However, as it stands, we're freed from that particular responsibility - at least for now. Ah! Jason," Michael suddenly said. Rias and Akeno nearly snapped their necks off as they swiveled. The rest of the peerage turned as well as they took in the arrival of the new man - Jason Blood.

"h.e.l.lo, Michael. Lady Gremory, Lord Gremory," Jason said, nodding at the two before taking a seat next to Michael.

"Mr. Blood! What're you doing here?" Rias asked.

"I am here to watch Elros at Michael's behest," Jason replied as he set his eyes on his friend.

"Who are you?" Kuroka asked.

"This is Jason Blood. He's a friend of Elros - probably the one here who has known him the longest," Michael answered. With that, even more necks twisted to look at the man. Besides Rias's peerage and the Gremory's, no one knew about anyone from Elros's past.

"h.e.l.lo," Jason said solemnly, not sparing anyone a glance.

"You're a friend of Elros's?" Sona reiterated.

"I am, Miss Sitri," Jason replied.

"For how long?" Tsubaki asked.

"Hmm… I met him when he was 10 or so. A while, as it stands," Jason replied.

"Mr. Blood - be honest. What do you think his chances are of winning this match? He's up against some powerful adversaries," Xenovia wondered, uneasy as she asked. She didn't want to doubt Elros's ability, but the odds were again stacked against him.

"If he uses his ring, Elros's victory is a.s.sured. If not, I still have faith although the match might be a bit more… violent," Jason said, his mouth twitching slightly.

"Violent?" Issei asked.

"Yes," Jason replied.

"And… what do you mean by that?" Kiba inquired.

"I mean that it will be violent," Jason answered. While that didn't really explain anything, Kiba turned back to the match.

"How's Vali doing?" Azazel wondered as he looked at Kuroka. She sighed and shook her head.

"I won't say. He's alive, if that's what you're asking," Kuroka answered. Azazel nodded; he could infer the rest.

"Vali Lucifer?" Jason mused.

"Indeed. I told you about Elros's scuffle with him," Michael whispered.

"Yes. He tore his wings off if I remember correctly," Jason said as a small, sardonic smile played on his lips.

"What's so funny about that?" Kuroka asked eyes narrowed.

"Nothing, miss," Jason replied.

-o-

"He's mine!" Anders roared as he sprung into an attack as soon as the call was sounded. He rushed Elros at an astonis.h.i.+ng speed, his fist reared back as he attempted to punch him. Elros planted his feet firmly on the ground and waited for Anders to get close. As soon as the punch flew forward, Elros deftly caught it in an outstretched palm. Anders was visibly surprised that he so easily avoided the attack; the moment gave Elros the time he needed to launch is own. Drawing Anders in a bit, Elros reared his head back a bit. He thrust it forward, punis.h.i.+ng Anders with a head b.u.t.t that sent the Devil flying back. He landed at Bastion and Elizavetas feet, both of whom weren't amused by his antics.

"Get up, fool! What were you thinking?" Elizaveta snarled as she hoisted him up, gripping his hair tightly.

"I want to end this quickly so we can get to the real fight. How much trouble can one Devil offer to us three?" Anders asked, locking eyes with Bastion. They looked back at Elros who hadn't moved an inch, regarding them with a frown.

"I fear you two are not regarding him as a threat," Elizaveta sighed as she looked at her teammates.

"Of course not! He's-," was all Bastion got out when he was blindsided by a vicious attack from Elros who got tired of waiting for them to finish their conversation. Entirely unawares of his presence, Elros got between the three and smashed his ring hand into Bastion's face, sending the Devil rocketing back, his suit jacket tearing in multiple places. He deftly turned that into an elbow into Anders' jaw, sending him buffeting back as well. Elizaveta, however, managed to dodge before Elros got an attack in. She hopped back around ten feet, her eyes narrowing.

'I didn't even see him move. Is that his Demonic Power?' she wondered, priming her weapon.

-o-

"Anders and Bastion are both down, thanks to that quick a.s.sault by Elros Eärendil! I'm afraid you boys won't have much time to talk if Mr. Eärendil has anything to do about it!" the announcer yelled. The crowd cheered, happy that finally someone was doing something.

-o-

Elros began to circle his opponents, all three of whom decided to congregate together once again. They were on the defensive now as they watched his movement, none of them daring to attack lest he catches them unawares or off guard yet again. Bastion and Anders decided to pull together at last - some pride could be set aside to deal with Elros quickly.

"That was a cheap shot, b.a.s.t.a.r.d," Anders snarled as Elros continued to prowl. Elros offered to no reply.

"Well?!" Anders yelled. No reply yet again.

"We should move to end this quickly," Bastion whispered to Elizaveta.

"I agree. Shall we?" she asked, her eyes flitting between them. With c.o.c.ksure smiles, they nodded.

Suddenly, Anders smashed both of his fists together. A bright and blinding light encircled him; so bright that Elros had to cover his own eyes. He went back a few feet, putting some distance between what might come next.

-o-

"What's he doing?" Rias asked nervously as she covered her own eyes.

"I believe he's undergoing his transformation," Sirzechs noted.

The light burned for a few more seconds before it finally died down. Almost everyone gasped in shock at what stood where Anders had just a moment ago.

"What is that…," Rias asked, her hands covering her mouth in shock.

-o-

Anders hadn't moved an inch from where he initiated the transformation. He felt all eyes finally fixed on him as he underwent the change, smirking internally at the responses he elicited; one of fear. One of terror. One of shock.

Where once stood a man, now stood something far more powerful, towering, and terrifying. His height grew by at least two feet as his entire body was covered in a black obsidian kind of material. His ears elongated upwards as his face contorted into a snout. He wore a golden chain that wrapped around his body, giving it the appearance of a kind of armor. His muscles were much more defined, although looked more like a hard rocky substance as opposed to flesh. His fingers grew into talons as he primed them and snarled at Elros. Anders looked like an Anubis, Elros thought; his beady white eyes focused on him.

Anders opened his mouth wide and let out a murderous roar as he planted himself firmly on the ground next to Elizaveta and Bastion, both of whom smiled at the sight. Their smiles soon fell as Elros offered no response - not one of surprise, shock, terror, or fear. He barely regarded the transformation with a frown.

Bastion primed his attack next. He held a hand out at Elros. It wasn't long before a mult.i.tude of weapons suddenly began appearing in the air. They slashed, sliced, severed, hacked, chopped, pierced, thrust, and smashed through the open s.p.a.ce in front of them, giving off a menacing aura. Swords, daggers, battleaxes, hatchets, machetes, rapiers, sabers, scimitars, and every other bladed or blunt edged weapon one could think of was pointed at Elros. Still, he offered no reaction - something that unnerved Bastion greatly. He could hear the shock and awe of the crowd, yet the one person who should've been most shocked simply frowned.

Suddenly, the light overhead began to dim. Everyone turned their head up to see what was happening as the artificial light of the underworld began to lessen and lessen. Dark and stormy clouds began to circle overhead, commanded easily by Elizaveta who had her hand pointed at the sky while she looked at Elros for any hint of a reaction. It wasn't long before the low rumble of a thunder was heard and lightning flashed across the darkness. Seconds later, a downpour began in the arena, accompanied by sudden and powerful bursts of lighting leaving impressions on the ground. Finally, Elros showed a reaction - but not the one they expected.

They expected to see fear or apprehension - but all they saw was Elros lean forward, getting ready to attack once again.

"He should be trembling right now. Something isn't right," Bastion noted.

"Enough talking. Let's end this!" Anders roared as he leaped forward. His speed was suddenly encased by an impressive amount. Elros barely saw the attack coming as he felt it; a powerful fist smashed into his stomach and rocketed him back into the stadium wall.

-o-

"ELROS!" Rias roared in horror as she saw it. This was only the second time she could remember him being struck in such a way, the first by the monster that nearly killed him.

"My G.o.d," Michael whispered as he watched Anders attack. His speed and strength had increased ma.s.sively as he howled his excitement to the cheering crowd who ate it all up.

"That's gonna leave a mark," Azazel noted, frowning as well. As he turned to his side, however, he saw Jason was smiling - as though he was enjoying what just happened.

-o-

Anders reared back as he let Bastion take the next attack. As soon as Elros landed on his feet, he was off of them. Bastion sent forth countless weapons that attempted to slice or hammer Elros apart with a combination of sharp and blunt attacks. He had a difficult time avoiding them all; several he was not able to. He thanked the thought material of his robe; were he wearing anything else, the result could've been vastly different. The robe stood up remarkably well against the blunt weapons, but the sharper edges began to cut through. Elros noted with interest the cuts began to burn as well, as though they were self-cauterizing. The dance continued but suddenly got much harder for him to avoid. Elizaveta had joined in. Thunder and lighting danced towards him, keeping him on his feet. However, her attacks were much harder to avoid thanks to their speed and ferocity. It wasn't long before a particularly powerful one found its mark. Elros was struck viciously by a bolt that rocketed him backward. Bastion stopped, allowing Anders to get another several hits in, rocketing Elros back.

Anders refused to stop, however. Grabbing Elros by the face, he threw him into the air. Elizaveta followed up. A vicious lighting bolt was called down and it struck him, cratering him into the ground below.

-o-

"FOLKS, ELROS EÄRENDIL IS BEING MANHANDLED OUT THERE! THIS IS A FAR CRY FROM HIS MATCH WITH LORD PHOENIX. WHEREAS MR. EÄRENDIL HANDILY CONTROLLED THAT MATCH, LORDS ANDERS, AND BASTION AND LADY ELIZAVETA ARE A FAR BETTER MATCH UP FOR THE YOUNG DEVIL! THIS DOESN'T BODE WELL FOR HIM!" the announcer roared.

-o-

Rias and Akeno felt their tears come forth as they watched the match. Elros wasn't putting up a significant fight against the three, all of whom easily took the advantage. Anders covered the close range and powerful strikes while Bastion and Elizaveta kept themselves at a distance and peppered him with long range attacks. While Elros was back on his feet, he wasn't able to do much but dodge the attacks.

"Oh, no, no, no. Please, please, please don't lose Elros. Please. I don't want to lose you. Please… you've gotta fight back," Rias said softly as she rocked back and forth. Venelana and Zeo looked at her with a worry in their eyes. They knew how much she loved him; after all, she wouldn't give her virginity to just anyone. They gulped as they continued to watch the match, the fear evident on their face.

Yubelluna and the others were just as shocked. During their match, the tide was completely turned. Elros had dominated it all, only taking a few hits here and there. He alone stood tall while the crowd watched in awe at what he did to Riser and Ravel during the final moments of the match. However, this time, it was completely different. Anders, Bastion, and Elizaveta were in veritable control, not giving him a seconds respite.

Marion and Bürent tightly held on to each other as they watched, tears beginning to form as they saw him be buffeted left, right, and center. Mihae had buried her face in Isabela's shoulder. Isabela seemed on the verge of turning away as well. Xuelan rocked herself gently as she trembled and watched Elros get beaten down. She remembered their dinner on the beach and how peaceful and remote it all seemed now. Karlamine held on tightly to Kiba's arm as she watched, her face pale.

"Elros! Come on, you can do it!" Gasper yelled, tears beginning to form in his eyes as well. Koneko meanwhile held onto him, watching the match intently as well. Although she refused to cry - she wouldn't believe for a second that Elros would lose in such a devastating manner. Kuroka noted that and smiled, although it turned to a frown as she saw how the match progressed.

-o-

"Not so c.o.c.ky now, are you?!" Anders yelled as he kicked Elros in the right side of his body, rocketing him back. Elizaveta followed with a spear of thunder that pierced his side as well, drawing forth more blood.

"Perhaps he should've thought about this a bit further," she offered, her voice colder. This wasn't what she wanted, truth be told. She wanted to fight him one on one - to see how strong he really was. But with Bastion and Anders - both fearsome Devils in their own right - it was all too easy. She observed the man she had fallen for with a bit more distaste than before. Elros was bleeding from his mouth as his robe was littered with rips and tears and holes, blood seeping out from many of them. He struggled to get to his feet - although he did so eventually.

"Just stay down. We'll put you out of your misery soon enough. Not until after we've had a bit more fun, however," Bastion drawled as he sent another ax at Elros. He barely dodged it before getting to his feet again. It didn't do him much good as Anders quickly elbowed him in the jaw and rocketed him back further.

-o-

"The boy is much less impressive than I initially thought," the fourth-ranked duelist proclaimed to the other three in attendance. He was an older and wizened Devil, his white hair falling to his shoulders as he observed the match with beady red eyes. He wore a white robe that cascaded to the ground, repelling dirt as he stroked his chin with a long, tan finger.

"I wouldn't call it just yet, Cimeries," the third-ranked duelist answered him. She was a stunning blonde with a kind face and full red lips. She wore a simple black dress, covered at the back by the straight hair that fell to her thighs. She observed Elros with ocean blue eyes, watching his every movement. There was something about him that seemed off to her, although she couldn't place it.

"As you wish, Lillian. But what do you two think?" Cimeries asked, turning to the second and first ranked Duelists.

"I've no opinion," the second-ranked duelist replied from the shadow.

"And you? Luke?" Lillian asked. Upon being addressed, the man gave out a beaming smile. He was an older tall and handsome blond who wore a white dress s.h.i.+rt with a black bowtie. His slate overcoat revealed a half inch of cuff. He wore matching slacks and black boots. In his hand, he swirled a wine cup as he observed the match with great interest.

"I a.s.sume you will all see the results soon enough," he answered.

"I daresay we see them now. Although you still haven't told us why you chose to appear now. No one has had wind of you for a decade," Cimeries replied.

"Well, a handsome young Devil appears in such a fas.h.i.+on - I must take an interest!" Luke said happily, drawing a scoff from the tan man.

"And you, Yama?" Cimeries asked, referring to the second-ranked duelist.

"I've no opinion. Silence," Yama replied, his voice monotone.

-o-

"If you beg us to stop, we might consider it!" Anders roared at Elros as he pummeled him harder, rocketing him at Elizaveta and Bastion who rocketed him back at Anders.

"I daresay he's barely functioning on his own recognizance, Anders," Bastion scoffed as he observed Elros. He had to admit that he was stunned by the match that Elros had requested of his own volition. To take on one of them would be a trying task; to take on all three at the same time would be d.a.m.n near impossible. It had irritated him that a lowborn Devil would ever dare to challenge him, Anders, and Elizaveta in such a manner. This was him getting even.

"I do not wish to draw this match out further than necessary," Elizaveta said as she observed his state.

"You don't find this amusing?" Anders asked with a roaring laugh that spread throughout the entire stadium.

-o-

"How dare he?!" Rias snarled.

"I'm going to tear him apart after this," Akeno growled, making a note of the three. For trying to humiliate Elros, she would have them all pay dearly.

"I think I'll help," Tsubaki added coldly as her eyes scanned the field for Elros. She saw him getting up again - surprisingly quickly, she thought.

"What… what is Elros's plan? I mean… he must've had one going in, right?" Sona asked, the worry evident in her voice. Everyone gulped as they looked at each other with uneasy eyes - did Elros even have a plan? Did his win against Riser get to his head?

"Mr. Blood? You've known him the longest. Is… what do you think?" Venelana asked as she turned to the look at the man who simply observed the match without any semblance of emotion.

"'Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first then seek to win.' I have faith in his victory. How it plays out remains to be seen," Jason said.

"How can you say that?! He's… he's not exactly putting up a fight out there!" Issei said desperately.

"The fight is never over until it's over. So long as he stands, he is in play as much as he was in the beginning," Jason answered.

"What the h.e.l.l are you even talking about?!" Issei cried out. Finally, Jason turned to look at him. As he did, Issei sat own, gulping. The stare was one that cut through him; the ice in his eyes evident. He turned back to the match without answering.

-o-

"YOU'RE BORING ME!" Anders roared as he threw Elros into the middle, forming a triangle around him with Bastion and Elizaveta on the other side.

"The same goes for me," Bastion said.

"Likewise," Elizaveta said. To her surprise, however, Elros got up, giving them all a hard look. Suddenly, Anders came up behind him and restrained his arms together, not letting him move. Bastion rolled up his sleeves and walked up to Elros and began pummeling him with punches in his stomach, drawing forth more blood from his mouth.

"Is there a reason you don't respond to us?" Bastion asked as he got a few shots in his face. Elros's head simply hung there as he regarded Bastion.

-o-

"I can't say I didn't see this coming, folks! The 18th ranked duelist versus the 12th, 9th, and 5th! I'm not sure if Mr. Eärendil's win from his last duel got to his head or what - but he is completely and totally outmatched here! All I hope for now is that those three end it quick to save the man some humiliation!" the announcer yelled, to loud jeers.

-o-

"I thought this match was gonna be fun or something. That guy isn't even putting up a fight," one Devil scoffed.

"Maybe Rias will finally see the light. This guy barely got any hits in this entire match!" another one added.

"Good thing I got odds on the three. This is about close to finis.h.i.+ng," another mused.

"Shame. He's so cute as well. Not sure how cute he's gonna be after this is finished, though," a female Devil added.

As Rias heard their comments, her Powers of Destruction began to emanate. As the people in front of her felt it, they scrambled to change seats.

"How dare they," she growled, baring her teeth. The next person to insult Elros would feel her wrath in the most painful way possible.

"Don't let them get to you, sweetheart," Venelana said soothingly.

"Do you hear how they're talking about him, mom?!" Rias asked as tears flew from her eyes. The match wasn't going at all like she hoped. If it continued, she knew her fate would be sealed. She'd rebel until the very end, she thought.

'To h.e.l.l with the wager! I'm his! And he's mine! And if those two a.s.sholes have a problem with that, I'll fight them for it!' she thought viciously.

-o-

"Let us finish this," Elizaveta said.

"Very well. I'll give you one more chance, lowborn. Is there anything you have to say before I take your woman?" Bastion asked.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Bastion. Rias is gonna be mine. See that body of hers? Mmmm… I'm going to enjoy going at it again and again and again. She'll be begging for me to split her open," Anders growled, leaning close to Elros's ear.

-o-

"I think I'm gonna be sick," Rias said as she heard them talk about her. The whole stadium heard.

"As am I," Venelana said, her own Power coming forward at hearing someone speak about her daughter like that.

"Fools," they suddenly heard Jason say. He was shaking his head as if disappointed.

"What? What is it?" Akeno asked quickly. He offered no response, however - they all turned back to the match just as quickly.

-o-

As Elros heard Anders talk about Rias in such a manner, he felt his anger flare. He looked up at Bastion who was still a few inches shorter than him, even as he slumped. He felt Anders grab his hair to make him look at Bastion completely. The time was now, he thought.

"Well?" Bastion asked.

Elros stared at him before offering his reply. He pooled the blood in his mouth before he suddenly spat it forth, covering Bastion and making him flinch. It was all the time he needed to react. Covering the back of his head in a walled construct, he lurched back and connected with Anders snout, making him recoil in damage. He surged forward and kneed Bastion in the temple before stunning Elizaveta with a kick square in her stomach. As she rocketed back, Elros reached into his robe. A second later, he drew the bowie knife as he regarded the three getting back to their senses.

-o-

"A knife?" Yubelluna wondered.

Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki all felt as though they had been struck by a bolt of lighting. All four of them were suddenly standing as they watched the match with a sudden and renewed interest, taking the others by surprise. Jason, in particular, narrowed his eyes as he watched their reaction and listened closely to their hushed conversation as they huddled closer together.

"T-that knife," Sona whispered.

"It… no. It can't be… can it?" Tsubaki asked, gulping.

"I… don't know," Akeno said, shuddering slightly.

They all recalled the tale that they had heard from the old man in Death Valley - about Elros sneaking up on a deer and killing it in its sleep; about him standing over his father, the bowie knife in hand.

"I… what's he going to do?" Rias wondered, her heart sinking slightly.

"I don't know. But… I… what's going through his mind?" Sona asked.

"I think their comments about Rias p.i.s.sed him off. A lot," Akeno answered. They slowly turned back to the match.

-o-

Elros kept a watchful eye on the battlefield with the aid of his ring as he inched closer to Bastion who attempted to wipe the blood away.

"Why yo-," was all Bastion got out before he felt an excruciating pain.

Elros held the knife in his right hand. His thumb rested on the pommel which was pointing towards him while the point faced outwards. He plunged the knife deep into Bastion's right thigh before replanting it between his fifth and sixth rib. Both shots were perfectly placed and pierced him deeply. Holding him by his hair, Elros suddenly began to punch him square in the mouth. What bravado Bastion had was all of a sudden lost as Elros's flurry became wilder.

Suddenly, with a punis.h.i.+ng smash, he drove Bastion into the ground. Elizaveta and Anders (both of whom had recovered by now) were seemingly frozen in place as they witnessed the speed and brute force of the attack. They were about to attack when suddenly, Elros began to go wild.

Holding Bastion down by the throat with his left hand, Elros brought his right hand back and suddenly began laying into the Devil, not using the knife at all. Bastion couldn't move as he felt his jaw begin to break under the punis.h.i.+ng attacks. The crowd cheered at the ferocity of the attack. As opposed to the finesse that Elros had used last time, this time, it was absolute brute force that he employed.

As Elros laid into Bastion, he began to feel a warm liquid spray onto his face. Blood erupted from the Devils mouth as he screamed in agony at the attack, his horrifying cries wafting over the stadium. Finally, however, Elros relented and stepped off, taking a few steps back as he looked at his knuckle. He noted a few hard chips stuck there. Without emotion, he pulled out the teeth that he broken loose from Bastion's mouth and tossed them on the ground, turning his attention to Anders and Elizaveta while Bastion struggled to get up. Noting that, he brought his foot up and stamped it on the Devil's mouth, knocking out a few more teeth. He finally removed it and let Bastion get to his knees. He gave a violent cough and suddenly his hands flew to his mouth - more teeth came loose.

"What did you to me you b.a.s.t.a.r.d?" he cried out in a pained voice as he attempted to collect them from the ground. Elros side kicked him away, making him drop at least nine of the pearly whites.

-o-

Rias gulped as she saw the blood covering Elros's face. The most terrifying aspect was the look in his eye; one that betrayed no emotion, that barely regarded what he had done. She wondered if this is what the old man was talking about?

"It appears as though the tide is turning," Jason mused.

"That was… vicious," Azazel said.

"He knocked at least a third of his teeth out," Issei said as he recoiled and felt his own, making sure they were still there.

"Elros is capable of making a point when he wishes," Jason said.

"With a father like his…," Rias suddenly said. She quickly covered it up, her heart sinking as she locked eyes with Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki who all seemed worried by what she said. They were thankful that almost everyone was more focused on Elros than her.

-o-

Elros primed the knife in his hand again as he began to circle the stadium. Bastion was still struggling to get up while Elizaveta and Anders were on their toes, wondering about the next attack.

"b.a.s.t.a.r.d," Anders snarled.

"Perhaps you shouldn't have angered him for no reason?" Elizaveta suggested. She admonished herself for not finis.h.i.+ng the match sooner; she let Bastion and Anders get carried away with their fun.

"We're still m-," Anders began before he and Elizavetas eyes went wide in terror as Elros closed in. He rocketed Anders back before he grabbed Elizaveta by the throat. He managed to slice her viciously across the stomach before she rocketed back. However, that didn't stop Elros's advance. He began stalking towards her while keeping a marginal eye on Anders and Bastion with his ring.

"You wish to fight me, then?" Elizaveta asked. No reply. That put her on edge.

"Have some thunder!" she cried out, sending a few bolts at him. Green lightning rods suddenly appeared in front of Elros, drawing the lighting towards them and leaving him completely unfazed as he continued forward. The color drained from Elizaveta's face as she saw that. No one had ever blocked her attack in such a manner before.

-o-

"Why didn't he use his ring from the onset?!" Rias asked.

"Seriously! He could've avoided so much damage!" Akeno said, anger seeping through her voice.

"He likely has his reasons. He usually does," Michael said.

"Man, what's going on with him, though?" Issei asked, an unusually contemplative look on his face.

"What do you mean?" Asia asked.

"I… every time Elros fights, it's like he becomes a completely different person. There's no… smack talk. There's no fighting spirit! It's… like he just… I don't know how to describe it, guys! But you know what I'm talking about!" Issei said. The others looked at each other and gulped; they knew what Issei was trying to say.

Elros never partic.i.p.ated in smack talk. Bastion, Anders, and Elizaveta all seemed to have things to say, but Elros didn't partake with them. Since the match started, he hadn't said a single word. The only noises he made were grunts here and there as he suffered through their attacks.

-o-

Elros approached closer to her, his knife still primed to attack.

"You must know that drawing this out won't do you any good," Elizaveta cried out to him as she launched more attacks that he absorbed. He offered no reply, inching closer.

Elros stalked Elizaveta as a predator would stalk a prey that was backed into a corner. His movements were measured and paced, each bringing him closer to his destination. Elizaveta noted a glint in his eye - something she had only seen from him when he wished them luck after the negotiations. She suddenly remembered the feeling from that event - one of dread. As she revisited that moment, she felt it again - the dread that Elros inspired when he wanted to.

Wet from the rain, he closed the distance between them and towered over her. Elizaveta couldn't bring her hands up, stricken by the fear he struck into her heart as he offered no response save the knife that dangerously glinted in his hand. He reared it and struck it deep into her throat. He heard the shuddered breath she gave as it was precisely plunged. Drawing it back out, he brought up his leg and kicked her square in the stomach as she flew back, her fingers going to her neck. Her eyes widened in fear as a couple of her fingers slipped through. She felt her jugular artery which he had not cut - either because he did not want to or because he missed it. As she pulled her fingers back out, she saw them covered in blood.

'He… he could've killed me,' the thought suddenly struck her. If Elros had gone in half an inch further, there was a strong chance that he Elizaveta would've died on the spot, much like a human. As she saw him again, she saw the glint in his eyes and she understood.

'It was on purpose. He knew he could've killed me,' she thought. Her hand flew to her heart and grasped at it as she felt the onset of the one emotion that terrified her, that terrified everyone - fear.

Elros could smell it in the air as he prowled around. The fear was potent, permeating through the pores of his contestants. The bravado they had faded; Elizaveta was stricken by his brutality while Bastion was finally standing, blood pouring from his mouth and mixing with the bile and teeth on the ground. Anders remained the least injured, although Elros would soon see an end to that. He quickly erupted to where Anders was, appearing before him in a flash. Using his ring to create a heavy construct, he smashed Anders right in the snout, making him crumble under the pain.

"NO!" Anders roared as he felt it; his snout broke, mangled by the weight. It wasn't enough for Elros, who coated his hands in green and began viciously laying into Anders. The attack was more vicious than what he inflicted on Bastion. Elros held the transformed Anders down by the throat as he continued to pummel the elongated snout, making Anders cry out in visceral pain as it continued to crumble under the relentless fury.

Suddenly, Elros put both hands on Anders snout, holding the top and bottom. He began to force his mouth open, hearing the cracking of the hard skin as he did so. Flakes and blood began to fall off as he stretched it wider and wider. It wasn't long before a sickening snap was heard; Elros had snapped both pieces vertically in their respective directions. Anders let out a loud howl of pain as he tried to touch the broken pieces of his mouth, but doing so began to tear them off what little skin was holding them together.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?!" he roared, his voice slightly warbled as his tongue dangled and fluttered helplessly in the soft wind conjured by Elizaveta's storm. As Bastion and Elizaveta saw it, they're eyes widened in shock.

The predators very quickly became the prey.

-o-

"My word… Folks, this match just got turned on its head. Elizaveta, Anders, and Bastion held a very strong and early lead on Mr. Eärendil, but that's all changed. Mr. Eärendil has… responded to the three Devils in a very - resounding - manner. I hope these Devils have something up their sleeve, otherwise… they might very well have to fear for their very life," the announcer said, his gulp audible. While the excitement was more palpable through the air than ever, it was underlined by the horror of the attacks.

-o-

"I'm gonna be sick," a member of the audience said.

"This guy is a monster. Jeez…," another gulped as he heard Anders jaws snap.

"They… have a chance, don't they?" a younger Devil asked.

"It's still three on one," the parent answered, although their voice was faint.

-o-

Anders and Bastion reconvened at Elizaveta's side as they observed Elros. Anders was back in his human form. The damage was lessened this way, but if he tried to transform again, it wouldn't heal the damage he had suffered. He would have to tough it out, as would Bastion.

"You b.a.s.t.a.r.d!" Anders roared, about to leap. Elizaveta restrained him, however - if he tried to attack like this, Elros would surely eliminate him without trouble.

"He still hasn't said a word," she said, still caught up on that.

"It's… who the h.e.l.l does he think he is? ARE YOU TOO GOOD TO SPEAK TO US?!" Bastion yelled as another tooth fell loose. Finally, Elros opened his mouth to speak for the first time during the match. The world was silent as they listened.

"Do you speak to cattle before you slaughter them?" he asked, his voice carrying over the battlefield and the audience like a frost. The compet.i.tors felt a s.h.i.+ver go down their spines as they finally knew where they stood with Elros.

As the cattle to his butcher.

-o-

"This doesn't bode well for Miss Fomina or Messrs. Canio and Milcom," Jason mused.

"What does he mean by that? 'Do you speak to cattle before you slaughter them?'" Akeno asked. As Elros said that, a collective s.h.i.+ver went down their spines. Was that really how he thought of his opponents?

"That is how Elros fights," Jason answered.

"But… that…," Rias began, trying to find the appropriate words.

"As I mentioned during his fight against Cattleya, Elros is not fond of talking when it comes to fights. Often, countless lives rest on his shoulders. To waste a second is to condemn another life. Would you rest easy with such knowledge?" Michael asked.

Rias gulped as he asked that.

'I… haven't even spoken to him about that. About what that's like… about the impact on his mind. I… keep getting wrapped up in my own stupid things! He cares so much about me! He's getting hurt and fighting for me and what have I done for him?! I've barely offered him my time to talk about what he's going through! d.a.m.n IT! f.u.c.k! f.u.c.k!' Rias thought, her mind exploding at her own self in a furious anger. Whenever they talked, it was about how she was and what she was going through. She felt hot tears glaze her cheeks as she thought about the only time when she even attempted to talk to him was about his past - to say nothing about everything else accomplished.

'It can't be easy to live with that knowledge. We laugh it off when we're fighting against someone, but… it's not funny. Every second we're wasting, someone is getting hurt because we thought we had to make a clever remark. He doesn't have that luxury,' Akeno though. In this, they were worlds apart. Elros had to make snap judgments on thousands or millions of lives; she didn't have to shoulder the responsibility.

'He's had that responsibility since he was a child. I've my families affairs, and they're not exactly easy but… this is a completely different level. Oh, Elros…,' Sona though, wiping away her own tears as she observed the match.

'The pain of his past is s.h.i.+ning through. How he's carrying himself…,' Tsubaki though, remembering what the old man told them about Elros' bearing being much like his fathers. She wondered if this is how he conducted himself?

-o-

"H-," Anders began before Elros cut him off.

"No talking," Elros said as he rushed forward, knife in hand and positioned himself between them. His arm was a blur as it went high, medium and low; horizontal and vertical; fast and slow; here and there. Before long, all of them were cut as bruised as Elros was, their blood spilling as it mingled with the rain and covered them in a gruesome red. The speed and brutality he employed left them slumped on their knees soon enough as he continued to walk around them, noting the damage he did. A few inches here and there and all three might've been a puddle on the ground. It was a while before they got their feet, looking up at him.

"We have to end this. Now," Elizaveta said.

"What's the plan?" Anders asked.

"Buy me some time," Elizaveta said as she suddenly held her hands out in front of her, palms facing each other. Elros watched as he saw electricity began to crackle between them as Elizaveta began to chant. Anders and Bastion nodded at each other before erupting forward, a newfound energy in their hearts. As c.o.c.ky as they were, they knew Elizaveta was the most powerful of the three. More weapons began to fly at Elros as Anders quickly locked hands with him and began to take a close combat approach again. Elros deftly evaded some of the weapons and began to employ more constructs to avoid the others.

"What the h.e.l.l is that green stuff?" Bastion yelled at him, getting angry that so few of his attacks were finding the mark. Elros offered no response as he quickly put Anders in a sleeper, choking him. He relaxed slightly and brought the knife to his right side and began to puncture Anders between the ribs. His terrifying cries of agony reached over the crowd as Bastion felt his will falter. He knew that Anders would be healed after the match was over, but some scars would remain - especially on his psyche. He gulped as he saw the perfect placement of each tab - between the ribs and careful to avoid any organs, yet still inflict pain.

Elros the knife in Anders side, sc.r.a.ping against the bone and nerves. He heard Anders cry out louder than before as he pulled the knife out and plunged it in his right wrist, cutting the median nerve. Anders felt an excruciating pain before he felt Elros kick him in the lower back and send him forward. He felt himself losing some feeling a few of his fingers. As he got to his feet, the bravado was all but gone as he turned to face Elros again. Elros pressed his attack and closed the distance between them quickly, stabbing Anders multiple times across the chest and stomach. Blood erupted from his mouth as it filled his lungs, splas.h.i.+ng over Elros and covering him further. Anders fell to his knees, gasping for breath as deeply as he could.

Elros turned to Elizaveta, but Bastion did a decent job in protecting her. Conjuring forth more weapons, they began to fly and swirl around Elros, although none were making it through his constructs. There were green rods, rams, beams, and boards - all of which easily took the brunt of the damage. Not a single crack was seen in them - Bastion's willpower wasn't close enough to be on par with Elros's.

Elros set his sight on Bastion and quickly rocketed towards him. Instead of hitting him, however, he overshot Bastion by a foot. Wrapping an arm around his neck, he drove the pommel of the knife into Bastions spine, making him shriek in pain as his legs buckled under the pressure of punishment.

Bastion suddenly found himself in a sitting position. As he looked down, he saw that his hands and legs were strapped in with a green material as something was lowered onto his head.

"What is this?" he roared as he tried to break free. That's when he felt a tremendous pain course through his body. He opened his mouth to shriek in terror but no sound came out.

Elros watched emotionlessly as a loose thunderbolt from the cloud overhead struck the green lightning rod he had constructed. It was attached to the electric chair he had a.s.sembled and tied Bastion down to. He saw the blood come out of Bastion's ears as horror was etched across his face.

-o-

"What the f.u.c.k?!" someone roared as he saw Bastion being electrocuted. He covered his child's eyes, sparing them the torture that Elros put Bastion through.

"He's gonna kill that guy if someone doesn't stop the match!" another Devil yelled.

"How the h.e.l.l can they not take care of a single lowborn?!" an elder Devil asked, snarling at how easily Elros took control of the match again.

-o-

Kuroka flinched as she heard Bastion's cry of pain. While she didn't see Vali's fight against Elros, she thought she had an idea of what was going through Vali's head when his wings were torn off. Elros brought the same level of brutality to this match, it seemed. His opponents were sporting multiple bruises and cuts, all likely taking significantly more damage than they antic.i.p.ated before the match began.

As she saw Elros, she noted that the pain he inflicted on others - or had inflicted upon him - seemed to barely register. He simply stood by as the thunder coursed through his opponent, not offering any semblance of guilt. It was a stark contrast from how he was when he spoke with her in private.

"The tables have definitely turned. I'm not sure how much longer this match is going to go, but I daresay that the end is just in front of us," Sirzechs said as he watched with a critical eye. Being one of the few there that knew what war was like, he connected with Elros on a different scale. He could see the signs of the pain he went through, as well as a hint of the damage he had done. As he saw the looks of horror on the audience, he knew that none of them would understand; how could they?

"Isn't Elros being a bit… cruel?" Momo asked uneasily.

"He's making a statement," Jason said.

"What statement is that?" Momo asked.

"Probably that you shouldn't f.u.c.k with him," Azazel said with a low chuckle. He was enjoying the match immensely. Elros's fighting style was varied, he thought - he could brawl if he wanted to or pick his opponents off from a distance; he could put them through the motions and just as easily immobilize them if it behooved him.

"That much is evident, I daresay," Venelana said as she held on to Rias. Looking sideways, she saw a pained expression on her daughter's face. She didn't seem to care about the pain Bastion was in, but rather the lack of regret that Elros was showing as he calmly let Bastion burn.

'There's so much pain there,' Rias though uncomfortably as she looked across Elros's bloodied features. She gulped as she thought of the next conflict they would find themselves in - where Elros wouldn't have to hold back at all.

-o-

As the electric chair disappeared, a bloodied and blacked Bastion fell to the ground. Blood pours from his ears and nose; his tears of pain were also replaced with the substance. He twitched heavily as his jaw was open wide and seemed locked into place. The crowd went quiet as his tongue dangled out and began to move slightly, as he tried to get some words out.

"P-p-p-p-lease. No. More. I forfeit," he said as b.l.o.o.d.y tears came out even quicker. His body was immediately transported out.

-o-

"LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, I DON'T BELIEVE IT! SIR BASTION MILCOM HAS FORFEITED THIS MATCH! HE HAS BEEN TRANSPORTED OUT OF THE STADIUM, ANDERS AND ELIZAVETA TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES AGAINST THIS FORCE OF NATURE! I DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF ATTACK THAT WAS, BUT I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT!" the announcer roared as he wiped away some sweat. He couldn't ever remember seeing that level of torture in such a brazen way in his life. It must've been decades or centuries since something like that had happened, far before his time as an officiator. As his eyes traveled to Elros, he saw him turn his attention to Elizaveta. He gulped and said a short prayer for her, suffering through the pain in his head - she would need it.

-o-

As Elizaveta saw and heard what was happening, she shuddered violently. As Bastion was struggling in the chair, she saw it all happen - how Elros fixed his eyes on her while the screams went through his ears. She knew that she had to end it now otherwise she and Anders would share the same fate.

"I c-can't believe it," Anders said as he was on all fours, shuddering violently. His eyes were wide as he heard the torture that was inflicted on his teammate, his pained voice as he forfeited the match. Elros didn't want to beat them; he intended to shatter their spirit, Anders thought. Tears began to fall from his eyes as he looked up and saw Elros standing tall just a little distance away. He regretted it immediately as Elros turned to look at him, taking his sights off Elizaveta.

'Please no,' Anders thought, his fear potent. Elros picked up on it. Out of the three, the one he disliked most was Anders. The comment he made about Rias was enough to draw out his ire. No one seemed to notice that the green ring he wore seemed to be sparking constantly since Elros took control of the match again - his willpower being exercised to its max.

'It'd be so easy to kill him right now. But no… Not with Gasper and Koneko and the others watching. I'm not my father,' Elros thought as he gritted his teeth. He heard them crack slightly, drawing a little extra blood out of his gums. While he would not kill Anders, he would certainly break him before setting his sights back on Elizaveta. Ignoring her continuously charging her attack, he began to stroll tours Anders, who was still on his knees. As he walked, Elros pointed his ring finger in front of him. Anders' eyes went wide as a large Gatling gun appeared.

The green weapon was a marvel to behold, even more so than the chair and lightning rods. There were two large spoked wheels on either side that began rolling of their own accord as well as a kickstand that was currently reared back so the gun could be mobile. Countless mechanisms moved in sync with each other as the gun moved. Anders counted ten barrels that were slowly beginning to move to move as Elros stood behind the gun and began to crank it. It was a slow build until the symphony of destruction finally started. Tens to hundreds of green rounds began to erupt at a deafening sound and tore through the p.r.o.ne body of Anders. He was unable to defend as they tore through his arms and legs, his shoulders and thighs, his chest and stomach. Elros carefully burst any light that went to his head; he wanted him to feel some pain before the coup de grâce was dealt. Anders body shuddered violently from the impact which continued for several seconds until he fell back, a vacant look in his eye as his limbs twitched. A moment later, he saw Elros looming tall over him, a shadow cast over his face. Anders' eye went wide as Elros leaned down and pressed the ring to his temple. With a charged green burst of light, Anders body was removed to the dugout, eliminated.

-o-

"Folks, I can't believe it! ELROS EÄRENDIL HAS ELIMINATED BOTH ANDERS AND BASTION! THE ONLY ONE LEFT TO BEAT NOW IS ELIZAVETA, WHO ELROS HAS SEEMED TO AVOID. HOWEVER, BEING THE ONLY ONE LEFT - I'M SURE HER TURN IS COMING UP!" the announcer yelled. He let out a sigh before turning to the judge.

"What do you think, judge?" the announcer asked.

"About?" the judge asked.

"How this match is turning out," the announcer clarified.

"Hmmm… I think Messrs. Milcom and Canio and Lady Fomina overestimated their own skill and severely underestimated Mr. Eärendil. They aren't fighting a man, it seems," the judge said, a small smile playing on his lips as he observed.

"What do you mean?" the announcer asked, frowning.

"A man would've gone down by now; as would a Devil, especially with such odds. No, Mr. Eärendil is certainly not a simple man or Devil. He's a monster," the judge said. The announcer gulped before turning back to the match; the judge was right about that.

-o-

'Fools! We could've ended the match so much sooner! They just had to draw it out and anger him! Well, I can certainly see now that my initial reaction was right: he's quite the striking man. I'm going to enjoy winning this,' Elizaveta thought as she finally prepared to launch her attack. Using a small bit of her power, began raining thunder and lightning down on the battlefield, most of it absorbed by the lightning rods that Elros continued to erect to keep himself safe. Even so, he had to begin dodging as the frequency and intensity of the attacks increased.

Keeping him on his feet, Elizaveta finally let her attack loose. As Bastion and Anders held Elros off, she had begun to charge and condense all her strength into one final attack that would win the match for her. Thunder and lightning soared into her hands as it began to crash upon itself, increasing the size of the ball. She kept it small and measured for a more precise attack, forcing the energy on itself until it had the potential to cause serious devastation, all the while kept in a s.p.a.ce the size of a basketball.

Elros saw the attack coming towards him, a blinding white ball of light. He figured what the end result would be. No lightning rod would protect him from the attack and the power that Elizaveta had condensed would be difficult to block with a construct, especially in the little time he had. There was only one thing he could do, he thought. He quickly opened the pocket dimension where he kept his most valuable items and withdrew a small blue ring. Smiling, it slipped on as the attack got closer and closer.

"In fearful day, in raging night,

With strong hurts full, our souls ignite.

When all seems lost in the War of Light,

Look to the stars, for hope burns bright!" Elros said, his voice overcome by the intensity of the cackling from the light ball. Finally, the attack smashed into Elros, who was smiling sardonically all the way through.

-o-

As small as the light way, the impact seemed to be devastating. What began