//------------------------------// // Life 4: Dragons of the Crimson Night - Part 5 // Story: Ponyville DxD // by Naughty_Ranko //------------------------------// Part 5 It's pretty quiet in the V.I.P. room right now. Celestia and Sirzechs have transported to the field. Luna and Rias have called a ceasefire, and they won't continue the Rating Game until they've had a word with their siblings. “So, you accidentally left the microphone open, huh?” Azazel asks with a heavy dose of sarcasm. “It would appear that way,” Michael confirms in a stoic manner. “Funny,” I tell him, having my own suspicions about the matter. “Especially since there was no announcement prior to your little blunder.” The archangel shrugs. “I have no explanation for you, Discord. Maybe there was a technical glitch, or I hit the button by accident.” Azazel laughs. “Come on now. Your sense of justice was upset the moment you realized that Sirzechs and Celestia weren't being truthful about their bet with these two. Still, I didn't think you had it in you to be so sneaky about it.” “I don't know what you mean.” “Right. Right. It was all an accident. You know, if you ever fall, you can always join the Grigori. With Kokabiel locked up, I've been on the lookout for a new Fallen Angel Cadre.” Michael turns to him and, for the first time since the Rating Game was put on hold, gives him a grin. “You'd enjoy that very much, wouldn't you?” Suddenly there's the sound of somepony clearing their throat to my right. “Ahem. Excuse us for interrupting.” When I look in that direction, I can see every member from both teams that has retired so far standing there. “Oh, I thought you were still in the medical wing.” “Well,” Rarity explains, “as soon as both Fluttershy and Ms. Asia turned up, the medical team became kind of obsolete.” Asia blushes with a self-deprecating smile. “I couldn't do much to help in the Rating Game, so it was the least I could do.” “And it's much appreciated, darling. But we were wondering, if we could join you to watch the outcome of the Rating Game?” Rarity gives me that look. Good thing I'm not Spike, or I would have no defense against that. “I'm not sure what the rules say about that,” I tell her slyly while turning to Michael. “I suppose that'd be up to the judge.” He closes his eyes for a moment. “I don't see why it would be a problem. Come on in, everyone.” Azazel also nods with a wink, and I snap my talons to provide some chairs for the devils, as well as cushions for the ponies, to sit on. As they all file in, I catch Fluttershy's eye. Philomena is sitting on her back. Looks like she really took a shine to her. “Good work today,” I tell her simply. “Thank you, Discord. The rest is up to Spike now.” I nod. “He might actually win this thing.” “Oh, I know he will.” I raise my eyebrow at that. Fluttershy is not usually the kind of pony for blind optimism. “You really mean that, don't you?” “Oh, yes.” She thinks for a moment, tapping a hoof against her chin. “I don't really know where that confidence comes from, though. I guess we all knew that Spike was dependable before. But lately he seems even more so. I wonder why that is.” I begin to chuckle inwardly. So that's how it is, huh? Looks like he fully unlocked his powers. Considering his closest friends are all mares, I'd say he's got some interesting times ahead of him. “Dissy!” Suddenly a pink ball of crazy gets right up in my face. “I just realized, we forgot something super-duper-uber important, before the big battle!!!” “What, Pinkie Pie?” She just keeps staring into my eyes with a huge grin. Eventually I sigh, raising my arm to snap my talons once again. “Popcorn and chocolate milk, coming right up.” "Don't forget the whipped cream!" * * * “What do you think they're talking about in there, Ise?” Spike asks me while we sit next to each other in the town square. I look over my shoulder at the dome-shaped magical barrier behind us. After they came here, Sirzechs and Celestia entered to talk things out with Luna and Buchou. It's been several minutes now. “Beats me. Hopefully they'll settle the issue, and we can get back to it.” Spike nods. “Just so you know, I'm not gonna pull any punches.” “Neither am I.” I can't help but start thinking about Saji at this moment. I wonder if this is something that just comes with being a [Pawn], this desire to prove oneself to their master. Of course I've got my own reasons to fight on Buchou's behalf. So he must have his as well. This certainly isn't gonna be an easy fight. [Glad to see you're taking this seriously, partner.] Ddraig? The jewel in my Boosted Gear is glowing. [Can we talk strategy for a moment?] I glance over at Spike, but there's no indication that he's realized what's going on. He's got his eyes closed, probably mentally preparing himself for the fight ahead. [Don't worry. He can't hear us right now. I'll be blunt. There's no way you can defeat him as you are right now.] That's blunt, alright. But it doesn't really come as much of a shock. I pretty much knew, since our fight with that hydra. If I could get into Balance Breaker, it would be a different matter. [Exactly.] Oi. Ddraig! Are you serious? I want to win, but I'm not sure that I'd be willing to give up another body part for that. … Well, maybe if it was just an eye. He chuckles. [I like your resolve, but that's not what I meant. The young one has unleashed most of his potential, but his body isn't used to it yet. He's got so much raw energy that it's overflowing.] I look over at him again. I'm not that good at reading an opponent, but even I can tell the power emanating from him. So it's sort of like a leaky pipe under too much pressure? [If that's how you want to think about it, I guess that works. I've managed to collect some of his excess energy over the last few days and channeled it back into the Boosted Gear.] Oh, that's great! You really are a Heavenly Dragon! So does that mean …? [Yes, I can use it to substitute for the activation cost. Seems only fair, considering our first power transfer in the other direction unlocked his potential. But keep in mind, your body still isn't strong enough to handle the power output for long.] How long? [I can give you four minutes in Balance Breaker. After that, I'm gonna have to shut it down, or risk cutting down your already shortened lifespan. And you absolutely cannot use Divine Dividing.] Well, I'm not prepared to risk my life for a friendly match. I'm just gonna have to defeat him within those four minutes, right? Suddenly the barrier behind us dissipates, and we both stand up immediately. There's Buchou and Luna, both with a sour expression on their faces, but I can't see Sirzechs-sama or Princess Celestia. “Honestly,” Rias sighs. “I can't believe those two, making us fight for such a childish reason.” “Quite right,” Luna agrees. “I'm still of half a mind to simply call this a draw and leave them both hanging.” “Uhm, what happened?” I ask worriedly. “We renegotiated the terms of their bet,” Buchou explains. “Under different circumstances, I would have also liked to simply call a draw.” “Why didn't you?” She then gives me a smile. “Because that would have meant breaking a promise to my important servant. I gave you my permission for a duel with Spike, after all.” Buchou! You're really great. On the other hand, for some reason I still can't discern, Luna doesn't seem very happy to go forward with this. “Make it quick, Spike,” she tells my rival. “I don't want you to drag this out anymore than is necessary.” He nods, and we get back into our initial positions, Spike and I facing each other while our respective masters stand a ways behind us. Spike puts up his fists. “Ready?” he asks me. Reaching my left hand forward, I reply. “Almost. I'll just be a second. Shine forth! Over Boost!!!” Everyone is momentarily blinded by the green light from my Sacred Gear as my body becomes encased by dragon-like armor made from a red metal. [Welsh Dragon – Over Boost!!! Boosted Gear Scale-mail!] “Balance Breaker!?” I can hear Buchou's shocked voice from behind me. I told her that I still couldn't use it earlier. I'm gonna have to explain it to her later. [Remember, partner. Four minutes.] I'm gonna do it in three, just to be on the safe side, I think to myself as I charge forward. Spike is still standing in the same spot, keeping his guard up, despite the unexpected event. He's got a lot of courage, I'll give him that. “Ready or not, here I come!” I draw back my fist, but when I'm almost in front of him, the booster on my back ignites, giving me some extra speed. Spike was ready for my punch, but the sudden acceleration makes it impossible for him to follow it. “Guh!” The punch lands on his left cheek, and he spits out blood and broken teeth while whirling around. Sorry, pal. But I have to make every attack count, or I'll run out of juice. Turning, I deliver a kick to his side which knocks the wind out of him. But my follow-up punch only hits air as he ducks beneath it, and then does something unexpected. Clonk! I stumble back and try to shake off the dizziness. I can't believe he head-butted me! I'm wearing armor, you know. But aside from a small scratch at his temple, he looks fine. Talk about hard-headed. Another swing and a miss for me, and he gets in close enough to take a swipe at my chest. As hard as the scale-mail is, it still leaves a scratch mark. Spike then drops and turns, swiping me off my feet with his tail. While I struggle to get up, he takes a huge gulp of air. Knowing what he's going to do, I raise my arms instinctively to protect my head. [Dragon Fire!] Being engulfed by green flame from all sides is terrifying, alright. Even through the armor I can feel the heat, but that's about it. He glowers at me as I struggle to get up. My promotion to [Rook] may have saved me, but the armor is cumbersome. Spike is used to carrying his scales around, so he's the more nimble one. He's more like a [Knight] than a [Pawn] right now. “Alright, if that's the case, then all I have to do is seal your movements. [Dress Make!]” Several linen bandages shoot up from the ground at Spike's feet and wrap themselves around his arms and legs. I also make sure to get his tail. “What the heck is this?” The more he's struggling, the tighter they become. He's using all his strength, but it looks like my new technique can hold him. “Neat, huh? I got the idea from an Egyptian mummy I met a while ago.” I can hear Rias groan behind me. Looks like she remembers our encounter with Unas. “Though I couldn't have done it without that cloth-making spell you gave me in the forest. Rarity was just as surprised as you are right now.” For some reason, he stops struggling as I approach. “Rarity?” “Yeah, I used that technique on her as well. I probably couldn't have defeated her otherwise.” Spike looks up at me in utter horror. But I don't get the sense that it's because of his impending defeat. “Rarity … got hurt … because of me?” I stop. “Huh? I guess you could put it that way, but there's a little more to it than that.” But he's not listening to me anymore. His whole body is actually shivering, and he keeps repeating the same words over and over. “I hurt Rarity. I hurt Rarity. I hurt Rarity.” I can even hear some sobs in between there. Poor guy. I'm really feeling sorry for him right now. [Partner! Finish him! Right now!] I've never heard Ddraig's voice being this alarmed before. But now I can feel it as well. There's a huge killing intent coming from the young dragon. His eyes are glowing with an intense white light. “RAAAAWWWWWWWWRRRRRRR!!!” I raise my left arm to deliver the finishing blow. [Dragon Shot!] The blast hits right where he was a moment ago, but it only leaves a smoking hole in the ground. Where did he go? “Ise! Look up!” At Buchou's words, I crane my neck to see. I don't believe it. Spike is flying! More like hovering, since he still hasn't got any wings, but he's in the air nonetheless. The ripped bandages are hanging off of his body. If he broke through with brute force, he must be at least as powerful as Twilight was during our fight earlier. Spreading his arms wide, he inhales once more, arching his whole body in the process. This looks bad. [Howling Meteor Blaze!] What seems like an enormous boulder of green flame, hurtles towards me. Luckily Ddraig activates the boosters and lifts me into the air, but I can still feel the shockwave from the impact. Are you serious right now? Looking at the ground, it made a crater ten times the size of my [Dragon Shot]. At least Buchou and Luna seem to have been far enough away as they look on stunned. If that hit me, I might actually die! “Roar!” “Oi, don't you think you're overdoing … uff!” The time for me to gather my thoughts, is cut short, as Spike charges at me in mid-air. He's not punching, he's clawing at me, managing to peel chunks of my armor off in the process. How did he suddenly get so powerful? It's like all rational thought has left him, and now there's only a raging beast left. Is this the true power of a dragon? I try to strike back while half of my helmet shatters. I know that Ddraig can replace the armor, as long as the jewel remains intact. But this is insane. I keep hitting his face, but he's not even bothering to dodge or block, simply shrugging my blows off like they were nothing while he keeps swiping at me with those claws of his. “Alright, you asked for it!” I didn't want to use this, but he's leaving me no choice. “Ascalon!” The dragon-slayer sword comes out of my Sacred Gear. I only intend to give him a scratch with it. Since he's a dragon, that should put him out of commission. But as I thrust my left hand forward, his right claw surges as well, impaling itself on the blade. He's howling at an ear-splitting volume as the blood gushes from his hurt hand. There's clearly pain in his voice. Why did you have to block this one of all strikes? From the wound upward, his scales are sizzling and turning a sickly brown color. It pains me to see him like this, but at least it's over now. Crash! Or not, I think as he closes his left fist around my neck and slams both of us into the ground. As I watch incredulously, he actually closes his fist around the blade embedded in his flesh and pulls. The blade detaches from my Boosted Gear, and Spike throws it out of my reach as if it was a piece of scrap metal. But the wound has left his right arm disabled, dangling uselessly at his side. He's not even paying attention to it as he raises his left and keeps wailing on me, peeling off my armor in chunks. In desperation, I raise my right hand to his face, summoning the Sacred Gear I took from Vali. “[Divine Dividing!]” [No, partner! You can't!] I know, Ddraig. It'll cut down my lifespan. But I'm not gonna use it. I just need the distraction. Just as expected, Spike brings up his good arm to block the perceived attack. It looks like he's not totally gone. He still reacts to powerful forces like Ascalon or the [Divine Dividing]. Or maybe that's just his instincts taking over. Now that his left arm is occupied and his right injured, I lift my own left up, right in front of his face as he's growling at me. “[Dragon Shot!]” The blast connects at short range, firing right into his gaping maw. His head snaps back from the impact, and there's smoke coming from his mouth. The only thing I can hear now is my own heavy breathing. “Is it … finally … over?” “RAWR!!” Spike's head surges forward again, and his jaws snap shut around my wrist. Just how tough is he? He's like some kind of unstoppable juggernaut! [Sorry, partner. Looks like this is our limit right now.] What do you mean, Ddraig? The pressure increases as Spike bites down on the jewel and then something happens that I would never have anticipated in a million years. A crack appears along the green gem, and then it shatters. “No way!” Even as my armor disintegrates around me, I still can't believe it. The last thing I see is that dreadful purple claw, being raised, hovering above, ready to strike. Then I can feel the tingle of transportation magic surround me, and everything goes black. * * * “ISSEI!!!” I can't help but scream his name as my servant gets transported off the field, and not a moment too soon. Spike's claw flashes forward faster than even my devil eyes can see, burying itself in the ground. Surely without his armor, this would have been a fatal blow. [Rias Gremory's Pawn retires.] Spike growls at the empty space beneath him. Having been cheated out of his prey, his head slowly turns around in a reptilian fashion, fixing those glowing eyes on me. To say that I was unafraid of him, after seeing how Issei was taken out despite being in Balance Breaker, would be a lie. But I can't back down now. I have to make my stand. Concentrating my demonic energies in the palm of my hand, I begin to slowly coalesce my Power of Destruction. The dragon takes a lumbering step towards me, his battered right arm still hanging by his side like a dead tree branch. Crack! “Rawwwrr!” He screams, stumbling forward and hit by a massive amount of magical energy. But not by my hand. Even as his head moves around, my eyes focus on Princess Luna's glowing horn as well. Without hesitation, she fires off another bolt of magical energy. “Graaah!” Spike drops to his knees, a look of betrayal on his contorted face. As the transportation magic begins to envelop his body, his eyes return to normal, revealing a confused look. “What was I …?” Then he's gone. [Princess Luna's Pawn retires.] The alicorn sighs heavily and closes her eyes with an unreadable expression on her immortal face. Several moments pass in silence. “That was a cruel thing to do to your own servant,” I say eventually. Acknowledging that I'm still here, she opens her eyes and looks at me with crushing guilt behind them. “No, Rias Gremory. T'was cruel of me to allow this duel to take place in the first place, knowing full well how unstable he was. Now I've got a taste of what it must have been like for my sister, when she banished me to the moon all those years ago.” “Unstable?” “A dragon's wrath is a frightful thing. Heed these words well, for you have your own dragon in your peerage. One day, you might face a similar decision, to turn on him, before he gets devoured by his own power. You must steel yourself for that possibility, and pray it never comes.” I'm not really sure how to respond to that. But as I calm down and analyze the situation in my head, I realize one thing. She could have just let him attack me. That would have been the strategic thing to do. But instead she took him down, preventing him from continuing on his rampage. Could it be … that she actually did it to save him, before his mind was fully gone? “You care a great deal for your servants, heir of the House of Gremory,” she tells me then. “That makes you a worthy opponent. But having seen their sacrifice, I also owe it to my own comrades to stop holding back my real strength.” Holding back? Come to think of it, I've never seen her fight, not during training nor the actual Rating Game. I shake my head. She's just trying to rattle my confidence. “I won't be beaten by mere words. Let us end this. King vs. King.” Standing tall, I summon another vortex of demonic power in my other hand. What is disturbing, is how she breaks into a smile. “Wonderful! It is such a rare occasion for me to unleash my full power. Ahahahahaha!” The artificial sky darkens even more as lightning seemingly strikes out of nowhere. The wind picks up with an icy chill, and Luna's horn begins to glow ominously as she unfurls her wings. They are no longer the deep blue from before, but jet-black. Her golden armor begins to morph, changing from something mainly decorative into seemingly indestructible obsidian. “Ahahahaha!” Her laugh sends a chill down my spine. This is ridiculous. I can't be frightened by a mere illusion. I'm a daughter of the House of Gremory! She takes a single step forward, a being of darkness through and through, and it makes me nervous. “COME, RIAS GREMORY! SHOW ME THE RESOLVE OF A TRUE DEVIL! IN RETURN, I SHALL SHOW YOU THE TRUE TERROR OF THE NIGHT!” I will my body to take a step forward as well, even as I can feel my power waning, my concentration slipping as I behold that sight. No longer the friendly mare I had a chat with at the spa, but rather a terrifying creature of the night. “LONG HAVE I WONDERED, DO DEVILS DREAM? DO THEY KNOW NIGHTMARES?” Even her voice seems to hold a quality of untold eons of cruelty, dripping with malice from between her fangs. Step by step, like an unstoppable force of nature she closes in on me, even though she's not making any indication to attack. And yet I can't stop my body from shivering. My demonic power flickers and fades like a candle in a storm as visions of my precious servants flicker in my mind. Bloody. Beaten. Unmoving. … Dead. It's this very instant that I realize the power disparity between us. She's god-class. Had she chosen to use her full power from the start, she could have annihilated us all by herself. Still she approaches, blanketing my very soul with an icy chill, and without even meaning to, I drop to my knees as she stops right in front of me. My whole body feels as cold as ice, so the hot tears, streaming down my cheeks unbidden, make themselves even more obvious. … “I … yield …” It's as if somebody else spoke the words with my own voice, since I can't even breathe right now. Her hoof touches my shoulder, and my body seizes up in fear. But when I look up, the nightmare is gone, and I see the immortal face of Princess Luna smiling at me, and somehow my fears are slowly dispelled again, even though my body is still shivering slightly. Breathing heavily, I lower my head, knowing the announcement Michael is about to make. I'm sorry, my precious servants. I've failed you all. [Rias Gremory yields. The winner is Princess Luna!] … [No.] … [I'm not gonna say it, Discord.] … [Because it sounds ridiculous, that's why.] … [Ugh, fine. The coveted title of Strongest Little Sister goes to Princess Luna!] … [There, happy now?]