Beware My Power Chapter 52: Battle Royal

A long week came and went, and the Battle Royale was suddenly upon them. Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki gathered in the garden, just as they had done every day for the past week. They talked about what had happened in Death Valley, the fight with Mazikeen, Elros's disappointment, and how they might correct the situation. Looking to her side, Rias saw Akeno was still the most despondent. She always reacted the worst when Elros couldn't talk to them. Still, it was unbearable this time, knowing that he was actively avoiding her - avoiding them. She began to miss her meals, forcing Rias to ensure that she was alright.

"Has anyone heard from him this past week?" Tsubaki asked, taking off her gla.s.ses to rub her eyes.

"Bürent, Bella, and Marion all said he was training," Rias said, swirling her drink around her cup.

"So, we're the only ones he ignored?" Sona asked. Each had called and texted him hourly, to no avail.

"Looks like it. At least we'll see him today," Rias said.

"It's better than nothing," Akeno said quietly.

"He has that other duel in a few days, as well. f.u.c.king h.e.l.l," Rias said, rubbing her face. She wanted to be comfortable in his arms, giving him words of encouragement and love before the most important fight of his Devil career.

"What are we going to do?" Tsubaki asked. The four went silent for a long while. Despite asking themselves that question every moment, the answer was as elusive as ever.

"I don't know. There's one silver lining, at least," Sona said.

"What's that?" Tsubaki asked.

"He didn't actually break up with us," Sona said dully.

"Yet," Tsubaki said.

"Why the f.u.c.k would you even say that?" Akeno snarled at her.

"I just said what we're thinking. Don't f.u.c.king bite my head off for it. It wasn't my idea to go in the first place," Tsubaki said icily.

"Are you saying this is my fault?" Rias asked coolly.

"It sort of is," Sona admitted.

"You, too?!" Rias demanded.

"You can't seriously deny it, Rias. You're the one who thought of the idea. It's our fault for going along with it," Sona said.

"Hey, you wanted to learn more about him just as much as I did!" Rias shouted.

"Yeah! And look at where that got us!" Sona shouted back.

"Oh, please. You could've pulled out at any second," Rias snarled. "I didn't force anyone into this!"

"Wouldn't have had to if you didn't come up with it in the first place," Tsubaki said, rolling her eyes.

"We'll see you two at the fight," Sona said. She opened up a teleport before the situation began to deteriorate further. She and Tsubaki knew that Rias was in the right - this was just as much their fault as it was hers.

As they left, Rias felt fresh tears come to her eyes. She collapsed back on her seat, a pained look in her eyes.

"They're right. It's all my fault, isn't it?"

"It's our fault," Akeno said firmly. She wasn't prepared to let Rias go down for this alone, however it turned out.

"Hey, guys!" they heard Gasper shout from the house. "Elros's back!"

Rias and Akeno got up so quickly, they sent the tea china cras.h.i.+ng and breaking into a million pieces. They rushed to the house and saw Elros there, along with Scorn and Dominique. He was in a severely disheveled state; his breathing was ragged, his clothes torn, and cuts all over his body. Rias could've sworn that the white hair that lined his sides had spread, just a couple of inches until it reached the top. Even still, he was grinning. The grin scared Rias a little; it wasn't the usual loving or cheery smile he wore; it was mercurial and harsh and Ches.h.i.+re, the smile of someone who had discovered something no one else knew about. As his eyes fell on Gasper and Koneko, though, his old smile returned. He hugged the two close, being careful not to get them dirty.

"Hey, kiddo, little buddy! Ah, I missed you two so much," Elros said happily.

"We missed you, too," Koneko said, hugging him. "Are you alright?"

"Fighting fit, Koneko. Watch me bring the stadium down today," Elros said.

"Are you ready for the fight?" Gasper asked worriedly.

"You bet, Gasper. Keep a close eye on me today. I'm gonna… beat them down hard!" Elros exclaimed.

"Welcome back," Yubelluna said, kissing him on the cheek. "I heard from Kuroka. She absolutely loved the date."

"Good," Elros said thankfully. "Can't wait to see her at the match."

"Did you help him train, Dominique?" Mihae asked the familiar.

"Yes. Both Scorn and I did," Dominique said, smiling. Scorn let out a songlike cry and began flying above everyone's heads. They watched him in amazement; the phoenix seemed to have grown in power. The flame on its body had taken on a blueish tint, similar to Elros's own wings.

"Wow," Bürent said softly. "I've never seen such a beautiful familiar before. Well, besides Dominique."

"Thank you. But Scorn is something else entirely," Dominique said, looking up. Scorn let out another cry and landed on Koneko's head.

"He likes you," Elros said, smiling at her. Koneko smiled and petted him; the flames were no more than a comfortable warm.

"Speaking of which, you should get ready for the match. It's starting soon," Bürent said.

"c.r.a.p! You're right! I'll see you guys there!" Elros said. He gave Yubelluna and Bürent a quick kiss before rocketing to his room. The others stared in surprise at Rias and Akeno. Elros always rushed to them first, but this time, he didn't spare them a glance.

"Hey, is everything alright?" Bürent asked uncomfortably. Rias and Akeno didn't know what to say; neither was keen on telling the peerage of what had transpired. Instead, they pulled Dominique aside.

"How is he, really?" Rias asked, frowning.

"Elros is well," Dominque said.

"How did he train?" Rias asked.

"Violently," Dominique said.

"Can you gave us some better answers?" Akeno asked irately.

"No. I am not your familiar. I am not obligated to either of you, especially after your betrayal," Dominique said coldly. The two gulped at that.

"He told you?" Rias asked quietly.

"He did. Do not expect any answers from me. I am his familiar, not yours. Unless he tells me to, I will not divulge a single secret. Ask him," Dominique said as Scorn landed on her shoulder. The phoenix looked at Akeno and Rias with curious eyes before leaning forward and pecking their heads once each.

"Hey, Dominique! You can come with us if you'd like!" Marion called out.

"Thank you!" Dominique said, joining them.

-o-

Rias and Akeno went to his room a couple minutes later. As they knocked, they heard him say: "Enter."

"Hey," they said softly.

"You need something?" Elros asked, taking his s.h.i.+rt off. Rias and Akeno gulped as they saw the condition of his body. It was ravaged, more than they had ever seen it before. Smooth scars were now jagged; part of the tattoo on his back was cut through with a new scar. He took a drop of Phoenix Tears, and, to their relief, some of the wounds began to heal quickly. While the tattoo remained slightly distorted, his condition promptly returned to normal.

"are you, alright?" Akeno asked, stuttering. Elros looked back and took in her condition; she seemed to take it worse than Rias had. He felt the slightest twinge of sympathy for her; she was the one who let him stay over at her place for a while without questioning anything. While it wasn't much, he understood a little more about how much he meant to her - as well as the control he seemed to have over her.

"I'm well enough to fight today, and in a few days, yeah," Elros answered. Akeno felt her heart flutter; while it wasn't much, it was more words than he had said to the four of them combined in the past week.

"That's great," she said. Rias and Akeno awkwardly stared as Elros put on some new clothes before finally turning to face them.

"What?" Elros asked.

"We just wanted to say that we're-"

"Sorry. I know," Elros finished for them. "Look, this isn't the best time to talk about it, alright? Let's… just hold off."

"For how long?" Akeno asked, her lips trembling.

"I don't know. Why don't we see how Rias does in her duels?" Elros asked coldly. Rias felt a s.h.i.+ver go down her spine as he looked at her; at that moment, she knew that Elros was most disappointed in her.

"Elros, she-"

"You really want to defend her? f.u.c.king seriously?" Elros asked Akeno. Akeno gulped, looking sideways at Rias.

"Akeno, could you give us a minute?" Rias asked quietly. Akeno was still for a long while, looking between her best friend and her boyfriend. Finally, she nodded. She went up as close to Elros as she dared and gave him a little bow.

"Good luck, Elros. I know you'll win," she said before hurrying out. Elros waited until she closed the door before looking at Rias. She carefully closed the distance between them and looked up.

"What do you want to say?" Elros asked icily.

"I wanted to apologize again. For everything," Rias said. She chanced to put a hand out. When he let her touch him, Rias felt a sense of relief wash over her body. She was used to not touching him for long spells when he was on a mission. But not touching him because he avoided her was something else entirely. It delivered mental anguish she wanted to avoid, if at all possible. "For going behind your back. For making you feel like you couldn't trust me. For betting you. I really f.u.c.ked up, Elros."

She leaned forward, her head against his chest. She had done little but think over the past week. It didn't take long before she started to feel a bit of what Elros felt; the feeling of not being trusted, the sense of being used, the feeling of being treated like a p.a.w.n in someone else game. She broke out in tears again and hugged him close. She imagined him putting his arms around her and whispering comforting, loving words like he usually would, but no such thing happened.

"Yeah, you did," was all he said.

"How can I make it up to you? How can any of us? I'll do anything you tell me to," Rias said, looking up. Her hands traveled to his cheeks, feeling his skin for the first time in what felt like an age. "I'll call off the duels! I'll give Elizaveta and Barbara whatever they want, except you! I-I-I-I-I don't know! Anything! Please, just tell me!"

"Frankly, I don't know," Elros shrugged. "I didn't really give it much thought this past week. You're on your own for this, Rias. I just hope that whatever they bet was worth it. If you lose and I have to spend time with them, I'm not going to hold back." Rias gulped; she had an idea of what that meant.

"Elros, are you breaking up with me?" Rias asked, lips trembling. Elros was silent for a moment.

"I don't know," he finally said. "You lied to me about why we went to California. You dueled Maze so you could keep lying to me. You told me you need to talk about the Duels with your parents, but you never told me you accepted them, even though you could have. What else haven't you told me?"

"But you know that I love you, right?! That I trust you with my life?!" Rias asked frantically. "I never lied about that, Elros! I never lied about loving you or wanting to be with you! I know I f.u.c.ked up. G.o.d, I f.u.c.ked up so f.u.c.king badly! But I didn't lie about the important things! I… I used you and made you feel like a p.a.w.n, even though I never did that to anyone else. I'm so f.u.c.king sorry about that. I just… I thought it's what the head of the family would have to do! f.u.c.k, I sound like my dad now." Rias wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him, crying into his chest.

'I felt like how Elros feels when my dad wanted me to marry Riser so he could strike a deal with the Phoenix family. Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, Elros!' Rias thought.

"Please don't break up with me," Rias said through her tears, looking up. "Just… please just give us a couple more days to make it up to you. Please? I promise I will! I promise we will!"

"Rias," Elros suddenly said.

"Yeah?" Rias asked.

"If I find out you lied to me - about anything - then you and me? We're done. I'll leave the peerage," Elros said icily. Rias felt as though he had slapped her full force. The thought of him leaving the peerage was more than she could bear; him leaving them for weeks at a time was bad enough, but to leave permanently was something she didn't think she - or they - could recover from.

"I won't Elros. About anything. I promise, on my life," she said earnestly.

"We'll see," Elros said coolly.

"Good luck in the fight. I love you so much." She leaned up and kissed his lips as quick as she could lest he stop her and ran out to meet up with Akeno. Elros stood rooted to the spot, looking at the door she went through. He let out a heavy sigh and looked at himself in the mirror, turning his head side to side.

"Man, what the h.e.l.l happened to me?" Elros asked, running a hand through the white streaks. He stared at his reflection and licked his lips; he hadn't tasted Rias in a week that felt like a year; still, she was sweet as ever. He loathed to admit it, especially now, but he had spent so much time with the girls since he started living in Kuoh that it felt odd to be at odds with them for such a long spell. The kiss felt good, and going into the fight without the usual love he had from them was odd; he was happy to have had it.

"They're at fault," his reflection told him. "Why even settle? Bürent, Marion, Kuroka, Yubelluna - and how many others still to come?"

"Can't think like that," Elros reminded himself.

"You already are. Lookin' for an out. You're not ready for the Ruins of Connection. Just break them off. Save yourself the trouble. h.e.l.l, leave the peerage. You've got more important things to do than go to college."

"Enough!" Elros shouted. His energy cut loose, shattering the mirror. Some of the shards cut into him, eliciting a cry of pain. He downed a few more Phoenix Tears before changing yet again and making his way to the arena.

"Hope you're ready, Phoenix, Naberius," Elros snarled as he opened the portal.

-o-

"How're you thinking of making it up to him?" Akeno asked Rias as they made their way to the arena. Rias was pleased to see that most of the men that wanted to marry her seemed to have backed off; some even tried to avoid crossing her path.

"I think each of us will have to find something. We all hurt him; me more than the others. I need to prove to him how much I love him and what he means to me," Rias said softly.

"One thing is for sure - we can't just repurchase his love. We'll each need to think up something," Akeno said.

"I think it might be best if we all thought about it ourselves. I don't want each of us trying the same thing or someone else's thing," Rias said seriously.

"Right," Akeno agreed. The two resolved to spend the next several days doing just two things: worrying about Elros and trying to figure out a way to make it up to him.

"Excuse me," a voice cut in behind them. "We're a little lost. Could you two help us a bit?"

Rias and Akeno turned around to see a beautiful raven-haired woman and a stunning orange-haired girl approaching them. The one was dressed like a Magician, with a tight white b.u.t.ton-up and a black jacket, along with black jeans. The other wore a t-s.h.i.+rt with a Lantern insignia on it that caught Rias and Akeno's eyes.

"Sure. You can just follow us. I'm Rias Gremory. This is my best friend, Akeno Himejima."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Zatanna Zatara," the magician said.

"Barbara Gordon," Barbara said, waving at the two. "Thanks a lot."

"No problem. I don't think I've seen you two before," Akeno said.

"First-timers. A Devil friend invited us, but he doesn't know we actually came. We're hoping to surprise him, actually," Zatanna said.

"How'd you get here, then?"

"Mr. Star gave us a lift. Then he and his bartender conveniently ditched us," Zatanna sighed.

"Wait - who's your Devil friend?" Rias asked, stopping.

"Elros Eärendil," Barbara said.

"Really? Elros?" Rias asked, turning around on them. "You're not kidding, are you?"

"Nope," Zatanna said. She looked at Barbara before it finally struck her. "Wait! Did you say Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima?!"

"Yeah!" the two said.

"You-you-you're Elros's girlfriends!" Zatanna exclaimed.

"Wait, wait, wait! I'm so confused right now," Rias said, rubbing her temples.

"Maybe we should get somewhere else first, ladies," Barbara suggested. They'd begun to draw stares.

"Good idea. Come with us," Akeno said. The four jogged off to their seats in the top box, where they could have some privacy.

"You know about us?" Sona asked. Akeno had quickly texted her and Tsubaki, and the two immediately joined.

"Yeah. You're Sona Sitri, and you're Tsubaki s.h.i.+nra," Zatanna said, pointing at them in turn.

"Elros hasn't stopped gus.h.i.+ng about you girls since you started dating," Barbara said, giving them a small smile. "I didn't think we'd run into you so quickly, though."

"Elros talks about us? Really?" Rias asked. All four smiled wide at the thought.

"Only to everyone he considers a friend. He's got it bad," Zatanna said, a tinge of jealousy in her voice. The others didn't notice it; their thoughts had immediately gone to Elros.

"How do you two know him?" Akeno asked interestedly.

"We go wayyyy back," Zatanna said, smiling. "I met him in SF. Think he was investigating something, and we just ran across each other. Friends ever since."

"Don't be so modest. He asked you to be his girlfriend, remember?" Barbara said with a smirk. The others' eyes darted to Zatanna, who just leaned back and sighed.

"I remember. Turned him down. Biggest regret of my life so far," she sighed.

"Why'd you turn him down?" Rias asked, surprised.

"I mean, the s.e.x was fantastic," Zatanna said, stretching a bit. "But he asked me, and right after that, he got called away on a mission. I didn't want to have to deal with that. I didn't even try to make it work, so I told him it wouldn't work. We stayed friends, but things were pretty tense up until a little while ago…"

The others were quiet as a tenseness suddenly filled the air. Zatanna was the first non-Devil friend of Elros they had met, and she had already made an impression on them. She was, in a word, stunning, and apparently intimate with Elros, far longer and far before he had ever even met them. Rias felt her heart drop.

'If he breaks up with me, is he gonna get with her? With them? I mean, they're drop-dead gorgeous,' Rias thought to herself. 'No. No. I still have a chance. I'm not gonna waste it. Don't worry, Elros. I'm gonna show you just how much you mean to me and how much I love you!'

"What about you, Barbara? Were you two…?"

"Elros and I are close, but we never really considered getting together like that. I mean, we've f.u.c.ked, but that's about it. He's just my best friend that's a boy is all," Barbara said placatingly. "He does like to make me worry like a girlfriend, though. It kind of makes me want to break his legs every other day."

"I know what you mean," Akeno sighed.

"Missions?" Barbara asked.

"Yeah. He's only had to do a few, but I can't help but consistently worry. You know how he is…"

"Savior complex?" Zatanna giggled.

"Probably a little," Tsubaki said, smiling.

"This is a ma.s.sive coincidence. I was actually planning to do some shows in Kuoh next week so he could introduce me to you guys," Zatanna said.

"This is way better. Oh, Zatanna, Barbara, these are my friends," Rias said. She introduced everyone in her peerage. Zatanna and Barbara both found Gasper, Koneko, Asia, and Mihae to be adorable, while they tried their best to keep a respectful distance from Issei; Rias was sure to inform both of them about his powers, and neither was willing to risk being stripped in such a public s.p.a.ce.

"Does he have any friends that aren't beautiful women?" Saji grumbled.

"Well, there's Luke, Michael, Odin, Thor, and Jason Blood," Momo offered.

"Ugh," Saji continued to grumble.

"Ah, you two must be friends of Elros. It's such a pleasure to meet you. I'm Rias's mother," Venelana greeted them.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Gremory," Barbara said, shaking her hand. "Wow. You're stunning."

"And you're so sweet," Venelana giggled. "Please, feel free to stay at our manor after the match. We certainly have s.p.a.ce."

"Thank you. I think we'll take you up on that," Zatanna said. She looked around and saw the seats slowly begin to fill in; this was sure to be a spectacular event.

"Wow. There's a lot of people here," Barbara said, saying what was on both of their minds.

"This event, in particular, is extremely popular. It has some of the best fighters that the Devil community has to offer," Zeoticus said.

"How do you think Elros will do?" Sirzechs asked them.

"I'm not sure what to expect, really. He's a great fighter, though, so I think he'll do well," Zatanna said.

"No doubt about that," Kuroka said as she joined. She smiled and hugged Bella and quickly fell into conversation with her, particularly about her recent date with Elros.

"He took you to Gotham?" Barbara asked as she overheard.

"Yeah. To a restaurant and then to his place," Kuroka said.

"He has a place in Gotham?" Rias asked, surprised.

"Recently bought, probably," Barbara said. "He's earned quite a bit of wealth from his first few Duels. He probably picked up a few places. Elros loves his views. When I say loves, I mean that. He's ignored me for hours just looking out at the city."

"No kidding. Too bad he hasn't bought anything in SF," Zatanna sighed.

"Looks like the announcers about ready," Mazikeen's voice suddenly cut in. Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki nearly snapped their necks as they turned to look at her. She smirked at them before sitting next to Venelana and Grayfia, who she, surprisingly, fell into easy conversation with.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Devils, Angels, Fallen Angels, and other esteemed guests - welcome to the first Duel of its kind! You're in for a treat tonight as legendary Devils duke it out in a Battle Royale to determine the best of them! Some will ascend to the top; others will fall off the rankings entirely! All I know is this - that this will be an immortalized event! Please put your hands together for our compet.i.tors!" the announcer yelled. Close to a hundred Devils emerged from several portcullises around the arena. The crowd cheered, waving banners and signs for their family members or odds-on favorites. The only ones missing were the top 10.

The 10th duelist was a beautiful bluenette. The male crowd loved her; her voluptuous figure was covered by a nearly transparent white dress. She wore a bra that left little to the imagination. In her hands, she held a large scythe. "Valentina Glinka Estes, of the Dantalion family!"

The 9th duelist looked like a samurai. He had his hair in a topknot and kept his arms inside his kimono. He scratched his beard and shook his shoulders, like a dog trying to shake off fleas. Two swords were at his side, and he had an almost bored look. "Sanjuro… Kiku! Unaffiliated as of yet, but a terrifying fighter in his own right!"

The 8th duelist was a woman that sported a valkyrie-like armor, but black in color. Her head of purple, waist-length hair was tucked under a helmet, and she licked her lips as she came out, obviously excited to fight. "Aishela, of the Furcas family!"

The 7th duelist looked a lot like Rias. She had fiery red hair, her expression just as fiery. She wore a blue robe that covered her entire body and easily wielding a spear in one hand. "Boudica, head of the Bereth family!"

The 6th duelist was a beautiful black haired woman with dark-tan skin. She wore a revealing dress as she strode out, white in color but more akin to chain than fabric. She wore a sheer drape around her face, revealing only her eyes - eyes that took in everything and revealed little. In her quiver were endless arrows; in her hands, a gorgeous bone-white bow. "Unaffiliated as of yet - Ishtar!"

-o-

"Wow. They're almost all women," Barbara said, intrigued.

"Women make up half of the top 10 and most of the top 100. Devil women can be quite fierce; it's one of the few ways to break out of their own gilded cages," Venelana said.

"Which spots are guys?" Barbara asked.

"1, 2, 4, 5, and 9. I think if Mazikeen competed, though, she'd likely displace Yama, Cimerias, or Elros," Venelana said.

"He is a bit of a b.a.s.t.a.r.d," Maze mused. "Who knows? Maybe E will take care of him."

-o-

"Now, put your hands together for the most impressive Devil debut in recent years! He smashed on to the scene months ago with a victory over Riser Phoenix, Anders Canio, Bastion Milcolm, and Elizaveta Fomina - all for the hand of the love of his life, the beautiful Lady Rias Gremory," the announcer said. The crowd erupted in cheers while Rias smiled wide.

'He fought them all for me,' she thought to herself, biting her lower lip. The thought used to bring her great joy, but now it caused her no small amount of pain. 'He tried to get me out of those positions… I put him in. I'm so sorry, Elros. I won't ever be able to apologize enough. But I'm gonna make it up to you. I promise, babe. I love you so much.'

"He really loves you, doesn't he?" Zatanna asked, smiling.

"I love him way more," Rias said softly.

"Welcome, the Devil ranked fifth - Elros Eärendil!" The crowd exploded into cheers as Elros came into view. No one was louder than Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki, who screamed his name and clapped until their hands turned red. The others joined in as Elros came out, dressed in his robe. As he saw them, he waved at the box and smiled.

"Go, Elros!" Zatanna shouted happily. Elros was surprised to see her and Barbara in the box and grinned even wider. His smile quickly fell, however, as he looked around and saw Riser. Everyone's eyes trailed Elros as he walked past them and to Riser.

"Hope you're ready, pretty bird. You're not leaving here in one piece," Elros said, spitting at his feet. The two held their gaze for a long time before Riser finally buckled and walked off. The crowd jeered him.

-o-

"Wow. What was that about?" Barbara asked. Bürent filled them in on the important details. Zatanna and Barbara grew angrier and angrier with each word until they were angling to get up and kill Riser themselves.

"I'm so sorry about what happened," Zatanna said comfortingly to Yubelluna.

"Thank you," Yubelluna said, managing a small smile. "But I'm safe now. Safer than I've ever been. Elros is… so protective."

"His best quality. He loves his friends more than anything," Barbara said happily.

-o-

The announcers announced Lillian and Cimerias next. "Next up, we have the Duelist ranked second. I will introduce him as he would introduce himself: Yama."

The crowd was silent as Yama appeared, dressed to the full in his Mandalorian-like armor. He held a rifle in one hand, his faceplate going over everyone's face before settling on Elros.

"While this Duel is special, it might not hold a candle to the Duel in a few days between this legendary Devil and the legendary newcomer, Elros Eärendil! You don't want to miss that one, folks. These two thought up of something particularly special in honor of their match!"

-o-

"What does that mean?" Rias asked, frowning.

"I'm not sure. Their negotiation wasn't particularly long or anything," Akeno said, remembering how short it was.

"You guys don't know?" Barbara asked.

"Nope. In an official Duel, the particulars can't be announced until the match begins. Any conditions or bets are kept secret until then. Only the judge that oversaw the negotiation knows," Rias explained.

"I hope Elros didn't do something stupid," Barbara said.

"Oh, I'm almost certain he did," Zatanna sighed. "Ugh. If he makes us worry, I'm going to castrate him. I swear to G.o.d - oh, sorry!"

"You're fine," Venelana giggled.

-o-

"And finally… ladies and gentlemen, this man needs no introduction. He is the Duelist ranked first and considered by many to be the greatest Devil in existence. His very being is exalted, the ground he walks on ironically wors.h.i.+pped. While he has not been seen in an age, his legend has lost none of its l.u.s.ter. Welcome to the stage for the first time in recent memory, the greatest of our kind, Luke Star!"

The crowd lost it as Lucifer walked out on the stage, grandiose as ever. He blew kisses and waved to everyone.

"Thank you, thank you! Welcome one, welcome all!. Wonderful job, my dear man! A round of applause for our announcer! Without him, where would we be?!" Lucifer exclaimed, leading the crowd in a loud job-well-done for the thankless. The announcer blushed and smiled, waving at the crowd in return, bowing where appropriate.

-o-

"Luke is certainly an interesting man," t.i.tania said as she joined them in the top box.

"t.i.tania! I'm surprised you're joining us. I thought you'd be in the announcer's box," Venelana said.

"I wouldn't miss it, Venelana," she said, sitting beside the matriarch. "Besides, this is much less stuffy."

"Do you know Luke well, t.i.tania?" Zeoticus asked, pouring her some wine.

"Very well, or so I'd like to think. Certainly not as long or as well as Michael does, but enough," t.i.tania said.

"Do you think Elros has a chance against him?" Rias asked nervously.

"Not in the slightest, I'm afraid. Luke is something else entirely," t.i.tania said, smiling. "But I don't think he will use his powers to any large extent. I believe he's likely already worked something out where, if he eliminates someone, their position will remain unchanged."

"Elros has a plan for him," Mazikeen said, smirking. "Oh, he won't be expecting what E's got planned."

"Now I'm really curious," t.i.tania said, amused. "Wait… don't tell me you…"

"I might've," Mazikeen laughed. "Hey, I just want to see someone surprise him for once."

-o-

"The rules are simple: beat someone of a higher rank than you, and usurp their rank! Lose to someone of a lower rank, and your ranks will flip! Lose to someone of a higher rank, and your rank will be vacated, free to be taken! The only caveat being: if you are eliminated by Mr. Star, your rank will remain safe. The final three Duelists remaining will each receive a prize commiserate with their ranking. Third place will receive 15 Phoenix Tears and a small bit of territory; second will receive 25 Phoenix Tears and a slightly larger piece of territory; first place will receive 40 Phoenix Tears and a large piece of territory. Other prizes will be explained directly to the winners. Begin!"

As soon as the word was out of his mouth, Elros exploded with a ferocity no one had seen before. He made a beeline for Riser and in less than a couple of seconds, had him in the middle of the arena. He mounted his stomach and, his hand ensconced in a thin, imperceptible layer of green, he began to lay into him with brutal ferocity. Most of the Devils were stunned at the attack; he had moved before they had blinked. Lillian and Cimerias observed with intrigue, Yama with impa.s.siveness, and Lucifer just laughed at the sight. The duelists that filled out the top 10 also paused, wondering how Elros would play this out.

It wasn't long until blood, teeth, and muscle began to erupt from Riser's face.

"That ones for Bürent! Marion! Mihae! Xuelan! Karlamine! Isabela! Yubelluna! Koneko! Gasper! Issei! Kiba! Asia! Xenovia! Akeno! And Rias! You G.o.dd.a.m.n b.a.s.t.a.r.d! GO! TO! HEAVEN!" Elros roared as he continued to lay into him. One Devil, disgusted by the treatment of a n.o.ble by a Lowborn, tried to interrupt. He had hardly taken a step when the first elimination occurred, courtesy of Yama.

"No one interrupts him," Yama ordered. He turned his attention back to Elros, who picked Riser up by his skull and threw him into several other Devils. His wings erupted, and his arms turned into fiery pistons. He launched them at Riser, who just managed to get up; the attack exploded into him, eliminating several other Devils as collateral. Riser was about to fall down when Elros rushed him and began laying into him again. He tossed him against another Devil, sending both of them back.

"f.u.c.k YOU!" Riser screamed, launching a wild flurry of attacks at him. Elros's entire body was adorned by his own flames, which absorbed Risers, leaving Elros uninjured. Elros closed the distance between them and took Riser's head between his hands and began to squeeze. Risers screams only increased in as Elros's hands were suddenly ensconced in fire, burning his hair and skin. Riser tried to claw him off, to no avail. Elros leaned in close and heard a little cracking. A steady stream of blood poured out of Riser's nose and mouth, while his eye began to roll into the back of his head.

"This is for what you did to Isabela. Burn, you deplorable f.u.c.k," Elros whispered.

-o-

"Wow," Bürent said, shocked by the brutal attack. "I didn't think that…"

"What he did to you girls really stuck with him," Rias said. She couldn't help but smile as Elros included her name with the others.

'I know you still love me, sweetheart,' she thought.

"I thought he didn't like to talk during matches? Something about his dad?" Issei said aloud.

"Elros is nothing like his father," Akeno said in a shockingly cold tone. "It's not a bad thing if he moves away from whatever bulls.h.i.+t that b.a.s.t.a.r.d tried to fill his mind with."

"No kidding. I like this way better than when he's just quiet," Issei agreed.

"Elros!" Yubelluna suddenly shouted. Elros stopped his a.s.sault and flew over to the box, his wings gently flapping.

"What is it?" Elros asked softly. Yubelluna smiled and approached him, touching his cheek. She leaned up and kissed it before kissing his lips.

"Thank you. For everything. But you can stop now," she said quietly. "I'm with you now. I don't even want to think about him again. But I don't want to see you do that. You're so much better than he is."

"Are you sure, Bella?" Elros asked, glancing back at Riser's p.r.o.ne figure. "What he did to you... to the others…"

"I'm sure," Yubelluna said, kissing him again.

"Yeah. Just eliminate him already," Marion agreed, kissing his cheek.

"Isabela?"

"I agree with them. I think he's learned his lesson by now," she said; looking down at Riser, she was satisfied to see the burns on his face.

"You're not like him, Elros," Mihae reminded him.

"I agree with them as well," Karlamine nodded.

"So do I. You're better than he is. Don't do what he'd do," Bürent said, kissing his lips.

"You're all a lot more magnanimous than I would be," Elros said, smiling. "If that is your wish."

"Thank you," Yubelluna said, hugging him again. "I love you."

"I love you, too," Elros said, hugging her tightly and kissing her head. "Hey, Barbie, Z. I didn't think you'd actually make it."

"Yeah, yeah. Don't keep these beautiful ladies waiting! Go end his a.s.s already!" Zatanna said

"Your lips to my heart," Elros said. With one more kiss for Yubelluna, he rocketed down and smashed into Riser with a ferocious, fiery kick. Riser was immediately eliminated, and Elros, satisfied with his revenge, turned his attention to the other duelists. He saw one head for Yama; he quickly took care of him.

"No one goes for him. I'm not going to let anyone put an asterisk next to my name," Elros announced, marking his territory.

"Same goes for him," Yama said. Still, that didn't stop them from notching a few more eliminations. Elros made his way around the arena, picking off stragglers here and there. Few offered any sort of a challenge until he finally came to Lucifer, who just winked.

"I hope you have a strategy," Lucifer said.

"Oh, I do. Watch your back," Elros said, winking before going to someone else. Lucifer just looked on curiously. One Devil, looking to make a name for himself, launched himself at Lucifer. The next moment, he was eliminated.

"It's been a while since I saw you do anything," Lillian said, striding up to Lucifer confidently.

"Indeed. Will you be trying your luck, my dear?" he asked.

"If you don't mind," Lillian said, activating her powers. Devils that came within a few feet of her felt a suffocating sensation like she was taking the air out of their lungs.

"Not in the slightest," Lucifer said. The smile never left his lips. Looking askance, he saw that Elros made a sudden beeline to Weyer Naberius, his fisting colliding with the Devils face.

"b.a.s.t.a.r.d! What was that for? I have no problem with you!" Weyer snarled. Elros was silent as he laid into him, his fists unrelenting as they opened up gash after gash on Weyer. A few Devils decided to help out, forcing Elros to cede his attack momentarily. He prowled around them, wondering how he could make Weyer suffer for his treatment of Kuroka and Koneko.

"Ah. Now I get it," Weyer snarled. "That girl in Gremory's peerage. That catty little bit-"

That was enough for Elros to lose it. He pounced with such speed and velocity he ended up accidentally eliminated a couple more Devils as he drove Weyer into a wall and began laying into him. Each blow knocked out some more blood or teeth.

-o-

Kuroka watched the fight intently. Elros had warned her of what he'd do, but she didn't think he would actually do it - and certainly not so publicly.

'Wow. He really doesn't care about what they think. He'd go through anything for me,' Kuroka thought. The thought made her a little guilty; would she go this far for him? She resolved that she would; she would kill for him if it came down to it.

"Does E have a problem with that guy as well?" Zatanna asked.

"Indirectly," Venelana said. She looked surrept.i.tiously at Kuroka and Koneko. "Don't worry about a thing, Kuroka, dear. Weyer will most likely run with his tail between his legs. He might head the Naberius clan, but their honor was lost long ago. Should he try to do anything..." she said in a low, dangerous tone as she patted Koneko on the head. The others were surprised to see her talk like that; usually, she was a paragon of politeness and civility. Zeo, better than anyone, knew that to get on his wife's bad side, was tantamount to death.

'I hope you don't try anything foolish, Weyer. Otherwise, I'm not sure anyone except Luke will be able to save you,' he thought.

"Thank you, Lady Gremory," Kuroka said, getting up and bowing to her. Koneko just looked between her sister and Venelana before turning back to the fight.

"You're very welcome, dear," Venelana said kindly before glaring at Weyer, who felt a s.h.i.+vering sensation.

-o-

Suddenly, he pulled Weyer close.

"You're gonna reverse what you did to Kuroka. I know the truth about her master. If it's not pulled by the time I fight Yama, I'm going to show you just how much of a curse immortality is," Elros whispered viciously. "And if any of you try to hurt her or Koneko, I'll f.u.c.king end you and yours. Understand, b.i.t.c.h?"

He threw Weyer headfirst towards Yama, who proceeded to turn him inside-out with the b.u.t.t of his rifle. With a tearful whimper, Weyer was eliminated. Yama and Elros stared each other down before launching an attack over the shoulders of the other, knocking out a Devil that was going for them.

-o-

Lucifer had made quick work of Lillian and Cimerias, both of whom only had reason to go for broke; instead, they ended up breaking. He was about to turn when he suddenly felt a painful sensation in his left shoulder. He turned to see Elros wink at him before he dodged backward, spinning a lethal-looking blade on his fingers.

"I can't believe it!" Lucifer exclaimed. "Mazikeen gave you a Demon Blade?!"

"You bet," Elros said cheerfully. "They might not eliminate you, but I know they're gonna p.r.i.c.k like h.e.l.l."

"GAH! Mazikeen! I'm cutting you off the good stuff for a month! Such a betrayal I have hardly suffered. You just guaranteed your spot in the 9th circle, my dear!" Lucifer shouted at Maze.

-o-

"Oh, wah-wah-wah," Maze laughed.

"What exactly is that?" Grayfia asked in intrigue. She had never seen anything like it.

"Demon Blade. Forged in a different circle of h.e.l.l. They're lethal to almost everything and everyone," she said. Rias looked at the blade and frowned; she knew better than most how much it hurt.

"I've never heard of something like that," Grayfia said.

"I don't think anyone in this circle has. They're deadlier than what you all are used to. Even to the user," Mazikeen said.

"What do you mean?" Venelana inquired.

"They induce a bit of bloodthirstiness. If a human got his hands on one… whew, that would not turn out well," Mazikeen said. "Last time it happened, we had a few dozen dead and some f.u.c.king hippie standing in the middle of a busy street."

"Do you think it was wise to give Elros one, then?" Venelana asked.

"He can handle it," Mazikeen a.s.sured them. "Besides, it's the only way he's gonna get a hit on him. Might as well give him whatever advantage I can."

-o-

Elros spun the blade on his finger while looking at Lucifer. Lucifer was intrigued as he saw the look of determination in Elros's eye; he really intended to give it his all to do him in. Elros pounced, laying a punis.h.i.+ng kick on Lucifer that he easily blocked.

"I will not go easy on you. Would you have it any other way?" Lucifer asked softly.

"No," Elros said. Suddenly, Lucifer felt the blade pierce his thigh. He let out a grunt of pain before pus.h.i.+ng Elros back and pulling it out. He sent the blade flying back at Elros, who only precariously caught it. He immediately rocketed back, fearing that it was a diversion. Lucifer stood in the same spot, though, smiling at Elros.

"Catch you in a bit, Lucy," Elros said as he moved off to find other prey. He soon got his wish as a black portal opened in front of him, and Valentina Glinka Estes locked his sword with her scythe.

"My, my," she giggled. "I can see why Liz lost to you." Elros suddenly dodged to the left, sensing Eleonora coming up behind him. The two on one quickly became a four on one Aishela, and Elizaveta joined the other two.

"Can you handle four beautiful ladies at once?" Valentina wondered.

"Easily. Can you handle just one me, though?" Elros said with a c.o.c.ksure grin. His arms suddenly engulfed in fire, and he reared to attack.

"Hot," Aishela said, smirking as the flames licked her.

"Wish you girls left me alone. I didn't get to try my strategy," Valentina pouted.

"What was that going to be?" Elizaveta asked.

"f.u.c.k him in the middle of the arena, of course. Elros should be shared," Valentina said, loud enough to be heard in the top box.

-o-

"I'm going to destroy her," Rias said, her eyes covered by her hair.

"I'm going to torture her," Akeno said, her eyes covered as well.

"I'm going to drown her," Sona added.

"I'm going to trap her in a mirror hall," Tsubaki said.

"I'm going to claw that b.i.t.c.hes eyes out!" Kuroka growled.

"I'm going to bomb her to Heaven," Yubelluna hissed.

"I'm going to… well, I think she might be more powerful than me. But I'm going to poison her drink," Bürent grumbled.

"I'm going to poison her food," Marion added hotly.

"I'm… going to be very angry with her!" Mihae added adorably.

"I'm trying to hold my laughter in," Issei whispered to Saji.

"I'm going to get away from you," Saji said, pointing behind Issei. Issei gulped as several vicious sets of eyes were now trained on him.

"I'm going to help you all exact revenge!" Issei quickly said.

"I'm almost certain we'll have to restrain them after the match is over, mother," Sirzechs whispered to Venelana.

"I'm almost certain we're going to have to restrain them now. Look," Venelana giggled.

-o-

Valentina had suddenly gone through another portal. This time, just her head popped out of one, right in front of Elros's. Before he could react, she had locked lips with him. Elros stumbled back, suddenly beset upon by the others. He suddenly exploded upwards with his flames, scorching the others, who tried to put the hot, clingy, blue flames out.

'G.o.d f.u.c.king d.a.m.n, she's hot,' Elros grumbled.

-o-

"That's it! That s.l.u.t is dead!" Rias shouted, getting up.

"I'm going to f.u.c.king slaughter her," Akeno growled, s.h.i.+fting into her battle robes.

"Calm down, ladies. You can deal with her after the match," Venelana said.

"She kissed my boyfriend, mom!" Rias exclaimed.

"Our boyfriend!" Sona reminded her. "Mom, I swear, she's dead!"

"I know she is, sweetheart," Lady Sitri said, exchanging smiles with Venelana. 'To be that young again.'

"I think that…" Lord Sitri began saying too Zeo.

"… we should stay out of this? I agree," Zeo finished lamely.

-o-

"Enjoy that?" Valentina said, licking her lips. "Plenty more where that came from."

"Best be careful after the match, Val," Elros said.

"Val?" Valentina giggled. "I like it. I'm glad we're already at the nickname stage, E."

-o-

"No shame at all!" Mihae grumbled.

"She is Elros's type, though," Zatanna said.

"Mhm," Barbara sighed. "I do wish he was a little less of a s.l.u.t."

"I dunno about that. His s.l.u.ttiness is part of his charm," Zatanna giggled.

-o-

"Leave some for us!" Aishela shouted, jutting forward and locking with Elros. She leaned in close to her face until they were almost touching,

"Beautiful," Elros whispered. Aishela blushed but kept the attack up. Elros suddenly withdrew a bit before cutting at her lance with his Demon Blade. Like a knife through b.u.t.ter, the blade cut through the lance. Aishela was shocked; that moment was all Elros needed to send her flying back.

Suddenly, Elros shot back. Sanjuro moved with blinding speed and had nearly cut Aishela down. She looked surprised by his movement and that he almost caught her off guard. The launched back and narrowed her eyes.

"I know you," she said, circling him.

"Huh," was all Sanjuro replied with. Elros saw his eyes taking in his surroundings; he seemed to be a samurai through and through. He suddenly launched a quick attack at Valentina, who only managed to deflect it. She let out a low growl as he changed his movement, beginning to go from side to side. Aishela and Valentina were shoulder to shoulder and looking at the other, wondering who would move first. Sanjuro suddenly made another slash, but this time to his side. It opened a brutal gash across a poor, pa.s.sing Devil. Blood spewed forth, which Sanjuro only narrowly avoided. The body disappeared before it fell to the ground; over the din of excitement, Elros heard someone yell for a medic. Elros eyed the samurai, who just let out a little yawn before shaking his shoulders again. He looked around the arena, smacked his lips a bit, and sauntered off, leaving a befuddled Elros, Aishela, and Valentina in his wake.

'Sanjuro Kiku…? Huh. Where've I heard that name before? And why does he look so familiar?' Elros wondered.

"You said you know him?" Elros asked Aishela.

"A samurai from the beginning of the Tokugawa Period," Aishela said.

"He looks familiar," Elros mused. His musing was cut short as he narrowly avoided a joint attack from Aishela and Valentina.

"Keep your eyes open, E," Valentina said, smirking. Elros returned the smile and went back on the offensive.