Disclaimer: Highschool DxD and any of its characters don't belong to me.
AN: Hello everyone, I know that I haven't updated my other story, Water's Edge for a long time. But I have been very busy for a few years due to university and ongoing thesis. I will be continuing Water's Edge as soon as I am free, though currently I am editing all my drafts and altering quite a huge amount of that story since my muse hits unexpectedly. I actually found this draft when I was cleaning my memory and decided to just publish this. I might continue this if I find any more drafts and remembered what this story is actually about xD. I didn't watch the anime during the craze and instead was stuck reading the series. Surprisingly, other than the rather fanservicy part, I found this story to be quite interesting with a lot of potentials, so that might be why I found scattered drafts for that series in my laptop.
Note that I have no beta readers or editors for any of my stories and that I am not a native English speaker nor was it my first or second language. So do excuse me for mistakes! And this is just written for fun, so no flaming please xD
Prologue
Red
Crimson likes the color of flame, blooming sunset, part of the sky in their realm of Underworld.
Like the lifeblood flowing out of that broken, twisted corpse.
He had always despised the color ever since that fateful day, the day he had been pushed far enough to make his own decisions than what his sorry excuse of a family wanted for him. Irony at its finest happening afterward, when he was engaged to a crimson haired Princess and fell hopelessly in love, starting to regain tolerance and perhaps love that cursed color back only to lose it again, mayhap despising it, even more, this time around.
"Oi! Get a hold of yourself, damn it!" A familiar voice shouted right in front of him, a vague feeling of someone grasping his shoulders and shaking him while trying to direct his unmoving frozen self out of the sight of that gruesome trauma inducing scene. It didn't help much considering the thing was in the middle of the room, which meant his companion would have to drag him out. While he was catatonic.
"No! Not my son! Please, I beg of you don't let him do this! My Lord!" Tearful glowing blue eyes plead desperately, similarly colored orbs watching the scene with no small amount of confusion and innocence that slowly turned to horror as that infernal color bloomed in form of crystalline flowers around the breathtakingly beautiful woman, followed by screams and wails of immense pain amidst sneers, jeers and mocking delight. Those beasts' eyes showing immense pleasure as they tortured and ignored the woman's pleading. An immense weight pressed down upon him, his eyes glazed and pupils contracting to mere slits, murderous intent and thought flashed through his mind as he-
"Lukrezius!" Blue… A deep pool of clear crystalline spring in a calm meadow. Focus… He told himself, somewhat hysterically, this is not the fucking time to lose yourself! FOCUS! Slowly, he managed to nod his head. Although his whole limbs felt like they have been frozen over. A cold heavy numbness as relief shone over the pair of crystalline blue staring into his own eerily glowing blue eyes.
"RHIA!" Another familiar voice roared with anguish, grief, rage, and fury rolled into one near the doorway to their back, startling the green haired man who looked panicked again upon spotting whoever both thought it was, a crimson blur slipping past them making him even more nauseous.
"Shit! Now of all this time… Damn it, Sirzechs!" Ajuka, one of his friends cursed uncharacteristically, leaving to deal with a probably more destructive problem than the half catatonic man staring blankly at the bloodstained floor.
A small thud signaling the sound of knees impacting the cold ground went ignored in favor of the enraged and grief-filled rampage in the middle of the room where a crimson colored humanoid shape was clutching desperately at a body. He wished he could have expressed that much, cried or even howled his rage to the heaven up above. But he couldn't. There was nothing but numbness as if his whole world has collapsed.
Trembling fingers curled slightly into claws as he fought to gain his- ground? Composure? A noiseless desperate sob escaping his clenched teeth.
A muffled exclamation followed by deafening cracking sounds alerted him that he had probably lost control of his demonic energy, confirmed by the sharp drop of temperature and rapidly forming frost. Crimson liquid rapidly froze over, blooming into the shape of crystalline flowers that glimmered beautifully. The haunting phenomena spread into the center where the red shrouded humanoid silhouette finally let the corpse it clutched desperately go, glowing crimson eyes watching as the beautiful crimson crystals eventually formed into a gorgeous blood mausoleum encased by a thin sheen of icy blue.
Someone knelt slowly in front of him. Small careful fingers threaded into shimmering unruly silver, gently pushing his head forward to rest on a soft and warm surface. A pair of black-clad arms latched onto the offered anchor, desperate and almost crazed.
"Thank you, Lukrezius. She would have loved this." A deep, husky voice murmured lowly, a clawed hand still encased in blazing crimson laid over his trembling shoulder. No more words were offered. Nothing could have changed what has happened.
That day, he lost another part of himself, perhaps never to be regained.
…
…
In a conference room filled with the remaining survivors of the old devil council, five figures sat leisurely above the rest, the pressure around them distinguishing them among the others. This was a turning point of their society of a whole, a meeting deciding on their new leaders and in turn, their new life.
"I do not suggest Ajuka being crowned despite his deceptive suitability." A man with pure white platinum silvery hair deadpanned, his voice completely bland as he shot down the suggestion with a look that said whoever dared to suggest said notion was an idiot. He wasn't wrong.
A deceptively young looking girl with her dark raven hair done in twin-tails snickered openly, her magenta eyes shining with amusement.
"Correct." Said man who was being talked about confirmed disinterestedly, finally looking up from the diagram he was perusing. "I would suggest Sirzechs if nothing else. Amongst us, he is the most suitable." Murmurs of assent followed afterward, with the crimson-haired male looking slightly abashed but honored at the subtle praise from all four of his friends.
And on it went for hours, discussions of who should become what and what they were supposed to do in their new roles, including the function of this council.
"I still think you should become the new Leviathan or Asmodeus, Lukrezius." Next to the silver-haired man, Ajuka uttered softly so only those sitting on their raised platform could hear. The others around them shifted their gazes over subtly, their eyes showing their agreement. For a while, the silveret didn't answer, his blank glowing blue gaze swept over the hall briefly, causing a sudden hush.
"While I appreciate your confidence, there are some… delicate matters I will have to monitor. And holding such a high profiled position will not be favorable." He replied, voice equally soft.
"Then I will leave your family's responsibility in Underworld be." Sirzechs finally stated, aware of his friend's plight and deciding to not push anymore. They received a slight incline of the head as a word of gratitude and that was it, deciding not to disturb the thoughtful silence of their more taciturn companion. He would tell them when he was ready, and they would be there to listen like they always did.
…
…
"Lukrezius…" A small sad voice called, resplendent unlike the usual cheer, soft, vulnerable and broken called out, stopping him in his gait abruptly. The shadows that fell over his mien hid everything except his icy cold gaze. He didn't recognize that tone, never heard it fell from her lips until today. The usually untouchable Lord Paimon felt something inside his chest constricted lightly but still refused to turn around and look into that beautiful magenta gaze. Instead, he curled his fingers inwards into his palm.
"Is there really no chance for me…? Us?"
A flash of crimson, hearty laughter and broken body, a whisper of 'I'm sorry' played within the confine of his mind at his newly wedded wife's trembling voice.
Was it that easy, moving on? He wondered, briefly thinking of Sirzechs and how he was functioning properly after the war. Could he bring himself to do it, to laugh, to smile, to have fun and be happy once again? Even if that's what mother and that woman would have wanted, what Sirzechs would have wanted him to do?
"I'm sorry, Serafall… But not today." was his only parting words, uttered in cold and unfeeling tone. Without any hesitation, Lukrezius Paimon gathered himself and continued his way out of their chamber, praying for forgiveness to those he loved, past and present as he strained himself to ignore the sudden sob echoing behind him.
I'm sorry… Perhaps one day. I'm so sorry, Serafall.
…
…
Black coat lined with silver billowed as the owner strolled briskly along a beautifully arranged hallway, servants of the Leviathan castle bowing in respect to one of their masters as he strode past into an opened bedroom door to a sitting room which held two adult raven haired devils who stood up upon his entry, "Lord Paimon." The dark haired man bowed his head respectfully.
"There is no need to be polite, Lord Sitri. We are family after all." He nodded lightly, face impassive. The woman with magenta eyes stepped forward hesitantly, her arms cradling a small bundle which was most likely his newborn sister-in-law.
"This is Sona, she was born just a few months ago. I'm sure, your new sister will be able to help take care of your daughter." The woman said, hesitant at first but gaining strength in the end. The eyes similar to his wife stared at him defiantly, as if daring him to say something, anything bad regarding both her children and her newborn granddaughter.
His expression remained unchanged and he stayed silent, choosing to head over to the interconnecting room where his chamber was, towards his lady wife.
"Come, Lu-kun, meet our daughter…" His wife beckoned, gaze hesitant, nervous and hair falling around her exhausted body like an obsidian waterfall. Cautiously, he approached, not daring to make much noise to disrupt the quiet as he seated himself beside her slight form, arm automatically pulling her into a one-armed hug. A squirming bundle of flesh was promptly shoved in front of him by his suddenly very eager lady, strained smile, forced cheers and all.
"What do you think? She looks a lot like you and is obviously so adorable, right?"
He looked down at the bundle, carefully assessing the barely developed features of their progeny. Flushed pink skin, scrunched up face, tufts of light silver hair and wondered how this… worm-like creäture looked exactly like him other than the hair. However, despite his dubious assessment, something in him shifted as he gazed down at the fragile creäture that would be completely dependent on him, on his wife.
A sharp drawn out breath he recognized as himself sounded as the baby devil opened her eyes, soft colored purple eyes looking up into his own. His icy gaze softened visibly. This was his daughter, his flesh and blood. A proof of whatever he and Serafall shared between them. Slowly, he lifted his other arm under the smaller one that was supporting the bundle.
"She has beautiful eyes." He smiled then, a slight quirk of his lips but a smile nonetheless.
The look of tearful relief on Serafall's face went right into his conscience and it made him think of what exactly his lady wife had expected his reaction being, having hidden herself and her pregnancy away from him until the labor to which he was immediately informed and promptly rushed over from wherever the hell –literally- he was stationed in. He knew that he hasn't been the best lover, partner, husband to her, but he didn't think he'd be so cruel as to reject his own child. A soft sigh escaped his lips. This was perhaps why his mother-in-law who was usually fearful and wary of him suddenly went into a fierce mama-bear mode in the next room.
Serafall was an affectionate woman even at her worst, while he was a complete opposite. He had pondered for centuries upon what exactly the woman was thinking when she, for the first time decided to be a faithful law-abiding and obedient subject to the council and agreed to a ridiculous decree for them to be married. The answer to his question gradually became clearer the longer they lived together, and perhaps he had been too blinded by the past to see it.
He shifted his gaze from his newborn daughter to his wife, taking in her uneasy fidget, subtle tremble, nervous chewing of her lips and the waver in her normally sparkling eyes. This was what she had been reduced to, in front of him. The normally cheerful, self-confidence and loud personality were nothing more than a shadow of her former self. Timid, insecure and so delicately fragile.
"You don't have to try so hard…" Lukrezius leaned down, carefully placing a soft kiss on the forehead of the woman who has tried so hard, so desperately to the point of torturing herself.
The woman who has borne you a child.
She looked understandably stunned, wide-eyes staring at him as if she didn't believe what he had done. With another exhale, he dropped the arm on her shoulder to her waist, pulling her exhausted form closer to his body to which she responded by burying her head into his neck. Expertly ignoring the dampness on his skin where she placed her head, her softly trembling body and the soft muffled sobs.
Perhaps this time, it was his turn to try.
"Thank you."
…
…
"Are you sure you are alright, Sera? He did not mistreat you, did he?" Lady Sitri murmured worriedly as she henned over her eldest daughter, the men conversing quietly in the sitting area, probably on official matters. It was a few hours after Serafall gave birth to her beloved daughter, her little bundle of treasure, her blessing. And at her own mother's words, the female Satan was again reminded of her place in her own husband's heart.
For as long as she had remembered, she has been in love with the man that was her husband. From the very first time when she had seen that lonely figure, that small fragile smile, and haunted gaze. She didn't know why, but she had been drawn to him from that moment on, wishing and always hoping that he would notice her and her feelings, and perhaps returning it. And when the opportunity to get to know him better came knocking, she didn't even hesitate.
Lukrezius Dantalion Paimon, former heir to Dantalion Clan of the 72 Pillars, currently the Head of Paimon Clan and unofficial Satan title holder. Beautiful, deadly, cold, aloof, regal with all the power and authority that earned him his current post. She allowed herself to sneak a glance at him from the wide open doorway.
He was a striking man, towering over her slight frame with messy glistening silver hair that shone under the light, framing the fair aristocratic face and sharp glowing eyes the color of frozen tundra. It was said by the Lord Zekram Bael that he bore a very close resemblance to the Father of their race, the black inverted cross emblazoned upon his brow probably didn't help his case either. Lukrezius was a beautiful man and Serafall was not the only one to notice. There was no lack of contenders for his affections amongst the two divided factions of the devils. Even now, many were still lining up in hoping to gain his favor.
Why not? This was a society ruled by strength and authority alike, and the man she was married to represent both equally. That he was probably one of the most beautiful men –probably? Serafall might be biased- in the world was also a plus point. Unlike the official Satans, Lukrezius wasn't bound by the rules of marrying just a single wife. Not that he would take another, as she knew that in his heart he only has one person occupying it.
And that person was never meant to be me.
Serafall smiled bitterly to herself. She was his one and only wife, she was the one who bore him a child, not that woman who was long dead. Shouldn't she be satisfied with this much?
"Oh, Sera…" Her mother sighed softly, shifting closer for a hug. The Leviathan buried her face into the crook of her mother's neck, feeling like a child all over again as she sought comfort in her mother's warm embrace. One she had craved from the man she loved, one he had never given her, until now. Just having a taste of it made her craved more. She was a devil, was it so wrong for her, a creäture that represented human sins to be selfish? To succumb to greed? To want more?
But was it even possible, for him to give her more? What she wanted from him… Even if he didn't give her his heart, then even a bit of his attention?
She was Serafall Leviathan, one of the strongest female devils and arguably woman in existence, the wife of one of the most sought after devils in the underworld. Many admired, envied and paid special attention to her.
But why? Why wouldn't you look at me? Why didn't you notice me? I am here! I am alive! I-
"Lady Sitri," the soft tenor borderline baritone of his voice interrupted her spiral to hysteria, feeling the comforting arms around her tightened subtly.
"Lord Paimon." Serafall's mother uttered curtly, and the newly made mother herself could imagine the tight uncompromising expression her mother made as she attempted to stare the intimidating man down.
"Lord Sitri and I have come into an agreement to let you and Sona stay with my lady wife for as long as you wish." His naturally soothing voice washed over the two huddling women, unconsciously relaxing both of their tense forms. At least until the man lowered himself to sit on the edge of the bed where he proceeded to run his glove-clad fingers over Serafall's hair.
She froze, wide-eyed and tongue-tied.
This man had never really touched her this affectionately before, other than the rare nights when he sought her company. While she had been dreaming about this, now that it happened, she had no idea what she was supposed to do.
"There are some things we need to be concerned over in regards to our daughter." He started, a subtle frown marring his face. That got Serafall's attention immediately. Because anything that concerned their child took precedent. At some point, Lord Sitri had also joined them, placing one of his hand on his wife's shoulder.
"You are aware that every new pureblood devils born after the war is under close observation by the council." Lukrezius crossed his legs leisurely, folding both hands over his lap as he leaned back slightly. "As it is, the traditionalist faction currently holds more advantages. There will be a lot of meddling on their parts unless we can give enough reason or install preventive measure." Everyone in the room was aware of the underlying meaning of his words.
"A few days ago, the council issued a decree of engagement to Rias Gremory, Lord Lucifer's sister and a son of the Phenex Clan." Lord Sitri added in with a tight furrow of his brow. Serafall pursed her lips, her mind going through multiple information, discarding plans and scenarios at speed of light.
"Then, our little Sona will-"Other than Lukrezius who remained impassive, the rest of the room occupants looked worried.
"It is not necessary for you to worry about Iselia, my little wife." The Sitri family looked up, surprise and bewilderment marring their faces at the unfamiliar name and pet name.
"I-Iselia?" Serafall hunched into herself slightly when that piercing eyes turned fully towards her.
"Mn. Our daughter's name. Do you not agree?" In one uncharacteristic move, Serafall's usually taciturn and cold husband drew her into the circle of his arms, allowing her to rest her head upon his chest. It felt as if her heart had leaped into her throat. What was going on? Why is Lukrezius acting as if…
Gentle fingers combed over her tresses gently as he hummed, the low vibration echoing deep within his chest she was resting upon. She tried relaxing her body, but her mind couldn't help wondering if this would be his new way of tormenting her for what she had pulled him into. Acting as if he actually cared.
"Did you forget who I am?" He purred dangerously, a lazy undercurrent of amusement laced into his bewitching voice. "My apologies, Lord Sitri, Lady Sitri. My priority is securing our daughter and Serafall above all else. Right now if I meddle into another clan's matters, the council will be suspicious." Slowly, surely she relaxed into his hold. All kind of feelings mixing into one jumbled mess in her.
Do I finally have a chance then?
Light amethyst eyes flickered up to meet ice blue.
Have you finally look at me?
"… We understand, Lord Paimon. Please don't worry about us, I am sure we will figure something out. It is enough that you look after our Serafall." Lady Sitri bowed her head slightly, a small smile of relief etched into her elegant face.
Serafall's eyes widened in surprise as ice blue eyes shifted closer and closer towards her until she felt a small subtle pressure against her parted lips. It was brief, but gentle and held unspeakable warmth. She couldn't help it, as tears welled up on the corner of her eyes.
"Ah…" Her lips opened and closed again, unsure what she wanted to say. Like usual, her husband didn't say anything. But unlike the usual, he didn't leave, didn't turn his back on her. Instead, he held her as if she was the most precious treasure in the world, frigid eyes unfamiliarly gentle and warm.
It's alright. His eyes said. It had been so long… So long since she could actually glimpse the meaning of each of his gazes. So she closed her eyes, breathing in the fresh scent of minty frost and dark chocolate, reveling in the warmth he had finally bestowed upon her.
…
…
Lukrezius was normally a taciturn man. Very few things could truly disturb the frigid tranquility he had created for himself. And those with the chance to do so, he dealt with down to the roots without mercy. But there were always exceptions, one of them was conveniently or rather inconveniently was placed right in front of him.
It was tiny, breathing, and alive.
Most importantly, it was red.
Crimson like the sky overhead, like a blooming rose. Crimson like freshly spilled blood.
His glowing icy eyes stared fixedly at that curiously shining sea-foam green eyes as he rallied on his formidable self-control to not go on an unreasonable rampage. His wife who was as stiff and still as a statue beside him squeezed his arm tightly.
He tried to take a deep calming breath.
It was not working.
"Papa?" Innocent amethyst eyes peered up at him in concern, managing to appease him somewhat. The infamous ice prince then flicked his gaze towards the other crimson haired idiot who was his never-ending source of troubles. He had no doubt that this friend of his understood just how displeased he was with the narrowing of his eyes alone. He was proven correct when the current Satan Lucifer title holder's smile twitched and faltered for a single second.
"Why don't you go talk with Sirzechs-chan while Grayfia-chan and I introduce the children to each other?" Serafall suggested or rather, demanded softly. He'd noted that this wife of his was recently testing his boundaries, seemingly bouncing into her original personality around him and demanding things with occasional looks as if she was expecting him to lash out. He made the point of indulging her and this time was no different, folding into her wishes to be left out of the upcoming conversation.
Sirzechs nodded to the gray-haired beauty standing a bit behind him to indicate his own consent. The two well-known rivals for the seat of Satan Leviathan left without much complain, dragging the two children with them. Although Lukrezius' little princess, Iselia Paimon did pause for a moment to look at him curiously. He merely lifted a corner of his mouth slightly and gestured for her to follow her probably unhappy mother. As the large double door closed with a final-sounding thump, he turned his chilly gaze back to the renowned Crimson Satan, demand clear in that look.
"Haa… To think you will one day look at me with that kind of gaze." Sirzechs sighed, slumping down in an undignified manner in his seat. Lukrezius didn't doubt that if Grayfia was present, she would have slapped her husband at least once with her prized discipline tool. Not only did his eyes narrowed further, but the room temperature dropped sharply.
"Okay, okay!" The crimson-haired male raised his hands to placate the now irritated silver-haired devil. With a guilty frown, Sirzechs gauged Lukrezius' reaction as he said what he needed. "In regards of the council's decision to Rias' marriage. I need your help."
What in the name of Lucifer is this idiot saying?
Lukrezius was aware of the council's meddling in clans' matter, and in particular the matchmaking campaign they were pushing through with Bael Clan at the helm. He had no idea what those outdated fossils were thinking of, meddling in matters they shouldn't especially after the recently disastrous match of Bael and Vapula Clans. While he was aware that they were in high demand for strong new generations, randomly pairing off children as soon as their affinity was tested was foolish at best.
They held the belief of good breeding resulting in superior off-springs, and thus looked down upon any union between purebloods devils and those who were turned. Those who objected had very little reason to openly do so when the result of such unions presented themselves, namely the current three Super Devils which were Sirzechs, Ajuka and himself.
Even he couldn't deny that the result of his strength was from carefully arranged and selective marriages, much less Ajuka who was the most controversial of the three and certainly not even Sirzechs despite his family's fame for affections. But other than Sirzechs, few of them have a good experience during their younger years. Barring Ajuka who was a mystery on good days and downright secretive at worst, Lukrezius himself was feared as kin-killer. Not only did he kill his own mother when he was extremely young, but he also slaughtered his entire maternal family and forcefully taking over during the civil war. Strength did truly come with a price.
"I believe, what Sirzechs meant to say is something along the line of our arrangement, Luka. Stop overreacting and Sirzechs, do use your brain that isn't preoccupied with your sister." From the shadowed corner of the room, a green light lit up for a moment, indicating the arrival of another of their trio of overpowered devils.
Windswept light green hair, beautifully crafted face and clear blue eyes. This was Ajuka Beelzebub, formerly Astaroth, the final member of their infamous Unholy Trinity, the three Super Devils who wreaked unholy amount of havoc during the civil war. And by his own arrangement and the Green Satan's agreement, his daughter, Iselia Paimon's fiancé.
"Ajuka." He greeted tersely, immediately understanding what the man meant.
He, as the former heir of Dantalion Clan, has an existing marriage contract with the Gremory Clan, which was still valid until now. However, he couldn't bring himself to even see Sirzechs often after her death, how could he even stand to marry someone who would undoubtedly look a lot like that woman? There was also the matter of Serafall, who he had grievously wronged for hundreds of years. And now this idiotic almost brother-in-law of his was audacious enough to actually enact this kind of method?
"Reign in your temper, Luka. She was also Sirzechs' sister." Came the even voice of Ajuka when the temperature dropped again to the point of frost starting to form along on the walls. Among the three, Ajuka was always their enabler and mediator, Sirzechs the charismatic merry fool –in his opinion- while he, the enforcer.
"In the first place, is it not your father who chose the Phenex Clan?" Lukrezius shot back after forcibly reigning in his flaring demonic energy.
"About that…" The Lucifer laughed sheepishly.
"To choose the Phenex of all clans, I wonder what Zoeticus-dono was thinking." Ajuka sighed, giving Sirzechs who was sitting across him a look that said he wasn't buying his act. They were all aware of just how much the man was affected when his twin sister died. Now that another younger sister was born, he went into an overprotective mode, no doubt partly due to the trauma of losing one.
"This might be another Bael Vapula tragedy all over again." Lukrezius agreed with Ajuka's assessment quietly. The Bael and Phenex Clan ability was just incompatible with each other. Which idiot didn't see that through?
"Well, then gentlemen. As all of us are finally here, I believe we can start discussing our plans in full." Sirzechs' smile was full of charm but his eyes were glowing red, which was a warning bell all on its own.
"Your hare-brained schemes, you meant." Lukrezius mercilessly shot down the delusional Satan, not an ounce of fear even in his heart. The three of them sitting here, who weren't powerful?
"Luka!" Sirzechs Lucifer didn't whine. But he certainly almost did.
"You two…"
…
…
"Iselia. Come over for a moment." A delicate looking five-year-old girl with porcelain skin, glowing silver hair and charming magenta shade orbs looked up from the book she was engrossed in, a curious tilt of her head at the voice she was very familiar with. Her overly strict father had never truly bothered her when it was her lesson time, so to call her over during study hour was strange in itself. Her tutor, a very sweet looking woman with kind indigo eyes smiled from across the table.
"Go on ahead, little princess. Your father must have something important to tell you." Iselia nodded obediently, her tiny body slipping off her chair with a soft murmur of excusing herself while bowing her head slightly. The Paimon princess didn't need to go far as her father was already waiting in front of the doorway, a curious something hidden behind him.
"Good afternoon, Papa." Curtsying as she had been taught, Iselia didn't bother hiding the curious glint in her eyes as she regarded the tiny hands clutching at her father's coat. Noticing her attention, the owner of said hands in contrary to what most would do didn't bother to hide longer. From behind her father's long legs stepped out a similarly tiny figure, a boy who should be around her age.
The first thing she took note of was just how thin and battered the boy was, followed by a pair of brilliant golden eyes that were glaring at her as if daring her to say anything about his appearance. Unexpectedly he also had a head of spiky gravity-defying hair the same color as hers, only a few shades darker. In fact, this boy could almost be mistaken as her brother.
"This is Vali, he will be living with us starting from today." Papa knelt to their eye-level, a hand on both of their shoulders. "Why don't you go and show him to his new room, Lia. It is next to yours." Glowing blue eyes regarded her seriously and she understood what Papa wanted her to do immediately.
"Okay, Papa… Come, Vali-san, was it? I will show you to your room. You can also take a bath and then we can have some snacks before dinner?" Iselia turned her shining eyes on her hopefully new companion, noting with some amusement how the boy went from wary to absolutely befuddled as she dragged him off while casually showing him around the places they passed.
As she had suspected, the boy was indeed very thin, and from the few subtle winces, was injured. Mn, what was the easiest method of healing Lady Misla mentioned a few weeks ago, again?
One silently listening and one chattering away, the two children leisurely made their way to the family wing of the castle, Iselia softly ordering some maids to bring in some necessities and snacks before slipping into the bathroom to prepare water for the boy to bath with. She was of course very curious about who exactly the boy was. But to her at that time, nothing was more important than making sure that he was comfortable and to make that heart-wrenching look of pain that was so similar to another pair she was familiar with disappear.
"Why?"
Flinching in surprise at the unexpected voice, she hurriedly stood up from her kneeling position by the tub.
"Ah, that was surprising. The water is ready, check to see if the temperature is to your liking, Vali-san. If not we can adjust it-"
"Why are you doing this?" Stormy golden eyes locked into her own pair, churning in confusion, wariness but there was also something else. She paused, blinked and tilted her head.
"Because you look like you need a bath and some food." It was as simple as that. To her who had lived a rather sheltered life as her family's heiress with only Sona and Rias as her sole friends, she had found it strange when she met those like Vali who looked as if his family didn't take care of him properly like all the Papas and Mamas she knew did. In fact, Vali wasn't the first one she had met. Lady Misla's son, Sai was also in this kind of condition the very first time she had met him. Her Mama had explained to her that not everyone's Papas and Mamas treated their children nicely and so, she must not be mean to them and to help them if she could.
Taking her Mama's words to heart, little Lia then decided that if their Papas and Mamas didn't want to care for them then she would help in any way she could, namely caring for them as her parents did. Vali was in a relatively worse state than even Sai though. He looked like he needed a bath and a lot of food. Some healing wasn't amiss as well. And all that, she knew she could give without difficulties. Papa did say to find him or Ajuka-nii if there was something she couldn't solve anyway.
Vali looked at her as if he was looking at something strange, a soft snort leaving his wryly smiling mouth.
"Haa... Of course, what I am expecting from a spoiled little princess." Iselia pouted at that. It sounded a lot like an insult! She wasn't spoiled! Papa would have reprimanded her if she acted like a spoiled brat. Not that Mama cared but still…
Huffing, the girl turned and was about to leave the bathroom when a soft tap on the crown of her head stopped her.
"Thank you."
Oh… He has a beautiful smile.
…
A few hours later, the adults or rather, two obnoxious mothers –in Lukrezius' opinion- were cooing over the sight of two children curled up together on the king-sized bed. It should have been alright in any case, but his little princess and her bed companion were barely dressed and the boy had his paw on her. Logically, he knew that this was done to aid the boy heal as he did request his daughter to take care of him properly but-
As expected, looking at the scene again made his heart itched uncomfortably. Was this the legendary paternal instinct Sirzechs was preaching about?
"Oh aren't they just so cute~" Serafall whisper-shouted rather excitedly, clutching at Misla Bael, a gentle looking woman with chest length chestnut brown hair and indigo eyes. The former Great Queen was one of his childhood friends and someone Lukrezius had respected greatly, so he held no reservation in extending his hand and making effort to help the woman and her son from the Bael Clan under the guise of needing a respectable Lady as a tutor for his daughter. That idiot of a clan head didn't even hesitate and directly sent her and her son over, no doubt squeezing as much benefit as he could from the labeled useless wife and heir to forge a connection with his Paimon Clan. The only one he held a modicum of respect to in that wretched Clan was Zekram Bael, the others weren't even worth mentioning.
As for Misla's son… He glanced over at the silently fuming dark haired boy glaring heatedly at Vali, his amethyst shade eyes flashing in unwillingness.
Of course, after being treated especially well by someone his age for the first time, the boy became ridiculously attached. For him who had been used to being alienated and ridiculed just because of what he wasn't born with by those around him, to have someone who wasn't his mother extending a hand towards him, perhaps Lukrezius was the closest person who could understand him the most. He sighed quietly. While he didn't mind his daughter making more friends, he would have preferred if they weren't made up of boys.
"Leave the children be, Lady Serafall. They need the rest." Misla giggled softly, pushing her pouting son over to the bed on the girl's other side. "Why don't you join them, Sairaorg? Mother has something to talk about with Lord Paimon and Lady Leviathan."
Said Lord Paimon twitched when the boy didn't even hesitate to climb into the bed before he was dragged out by his overenthusiastic wife.
Really… Women.
…
"A Lucifer? That boy is?" Misla Bael covered her mouth with her hand in shock.
Lukrezius nodded in confirmation, having no doubt about the boy's identity. It was a strange day when he felt that urge to move, to find something. It had led him to that boy, dirty, scuffed and so obviously a runaway who was abused. The stigmata on his forehead had pulsed almost painfully as soon as he locked eyes with those golden irises. That was when he realized who exactly he had found.
"But wouldn't it be bad for the boy if the council find out about him, Lu-kun?" Serafall peered at him from his side, light eyes filled with worry for a child who wasn't even theirs.
"No. I shall speak with Zekram on this matter." No one would be finding trouble after that. As for those who tried, his eyes flashed violet for a split second, he wouldn't mind reminding them of their place.
"Well if that's the case, I don't mind having another child to spoil." That was Serafall's way of agreeing. He shot her a soft smile before another sentence made him stopped cold.
"You sure work fast though, Lu-kun… To have found three harem members for Lia-chan so fast~"
What?
"My my… If it's Lia-chan, I don't mind giving Sairaorg away." Misla giggled away, sharing a conspiratory smile with Serafall.
Women…
He exhaled tiredly.
…
…
Iselia was glad that Vali had adjusted well in the time he stayed with them. Not only did the injuries he bore healed after the first night she stayed with him, but he was also not as skinny and had grown taller. They had then spent much time together, with her tutoring him on various subjects after finding out that he had no formal schooling outside of what his mother had taught him. She had discovered that Vali was in fact very smart, well more so than Rias and even Sona-nee. She didn't really have anyone to compare to other than those two, Sai and herself. But Vali learned as quickly as she did, and Lady Misla and Mama always praised her as smart, so he must be so as well! Papa had even allowed Vali to start studying together with her and Sai who had started earlier than he did.
What she was rather bewildered about was that Sai seemed to dislike Vali. It didn't help that Vali also seemed to return the sentiment. They were always gearing up to fight the moment they met no matter the place or time. It was about things she didn't quite understand too, like this instance.
"You are too close to her, you stupid dragon." Coincidentally, they discovered that Vali had a very beautiful looking set of white wings with shimmering blue lights that could talk named Albion, which was actually a dragon sealed into the armor. For some strange reason, Vali looked as if he was bracing himself from something when they found out, only loosening up when Sai merely started calling him a dragon while Papa asked if he wanted to be trained properly.
"What, jealous?" The silver-haired boy retorted with a smirk, draping his arm over her shoulders and resting his chin on the crown of her head rather deliberately. Iselia merely huffed in exasperation, well used to the two arguing over her head about one thing or the other. It wasn't as if Sai had never done this, hugging her, being overly close to the point of touching, or even sharing a bed. They've done all these before Vali had come, so she didn't understand what exactly Sai was so displeased about.
Mama and Lady Misla had merely smiled and giggled incessantly when she mentioned the boys' numerous clashes and Papa only gave her a consoling pat and a soft sigh that said he was powerless in this matter, no doubt with Mama asking him to leave them be.
"Am not! Didn't you see that you're bothering Lia?" Sai retorted forcefully, scowling so fiercely at Vali and clenching his fist.
"Lia didn't seem bothered though. Are you sure it isn't you who are bothered, musclehead?" Despite everything though, she had never heard Vali insulting Sai like other children their age did.
A few months after her 10th birthday, the three of them were all sent over to a gathering between young devils. She had introduced the two to Rias and Sona, only to find out that Rias and Sai were actually cousins. It was also during that gathering that she met a lot of other children and discovered just how mean many of them were. They had actually made fun of Sai the moment he was introduced. Not even Vali, the one who argued and fought the most with Sai said those things to him!
Due to how upset she was, her tightly controlled demonic energy went wild, shanghaiing over half of the children present to who-knows-where and terrifying almost all of the present adults. It was only with Vali's help using his sacred gear, Papa's calming influence and Ajuka-nii's help that they retrieved the suddenly vanished children. Those irritating fools had never looked at her the same way afterward.
On the downside, Papa had turned into an absolute demon king mode or a tutor-from-hell-mode excuse the pun during training. He was even stricter than usual, went as far as employing Vali's help in her training all the while instructing the boy on what to do should she ever lost control again. It turned out that his sacred gear was the perfect foil to the ability she had inherited from Papa. After being told that, Vali had looked ecstatic while Sai wilted in the corner.
But she digressed. Regardless, despite the two seeming animosities towards each other, Lia had never seen or heard Vali did or said something intentionally cruel to Sai other than taunting him in a rather playful manner. In fact, her eyes lifted slightly from the text she was skimming, taking a careful peek on Sai who was grinning as he shouted spiritedly at Vali. They seemed to be having fun.
"LIA!"
"Ah…" Was that Rias' voice?
"Quiet down, Rias! And seriously, don't run or you will fall down!" The childish no-nonsense tone of her little aunt followed not long after. Vali groaned in an aggrieved manner, slumping over her and muttering something that suspiciously sounded like 'chess-matches' and 'annoying-glasses' of all things. Lia giggled.
The look on her little aunt's face when Vali had defeated her in a chess match had been hilarious. The glasses-wearing girl had blushed, stuttered and demanded a rematch for several times with no victory under her name so far.
Sai offered her his hand as she placed her book on the glass table, pulling her up to stand –Vali and all- as they turned towards the entrance to the garden where a head of vivid crimson and eh… Two heads of black walking over quickly.
"Lia!" Rias Gremory would have bowled her over if not for Vali propping her steady from behind, peering curiously at the unfamiliar newcomer.
"Rias, Sona-nee." Iselia returned the greeting cheerfully, rather happy that her friend and little aunt had come to visit. She had taken to addressing Sona as a sister because of their rather close age, and referring her as little aunt privately.
"Good afternoon, Iselia." Her prim and proper little aunt replied, a slight smile on her face as she regarded Lia.
The crimson-haired princess grinned widely at them, gesturing enthusiastically at the new girl who was giving them a polite closed-eye smile.
"I did say that I was so jealous of you having Vali-kun and Sairaorg all to yourself, right? Well, now I won't be anymore, because I will have my own Vali or Sairaorg!" Blue-green eyes glittered in excitement. "Everyone, meet Akeno-chan!"
The new girl –Akeno-, bowed politely. "Good afternoon, my name is Akeno Himejima. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She had long black hair that was tied in a ponytail and an upturned pair of shining violet colored eyes. The girl was very pretty and polite too, she noted carefully, curious about the different kind of energy she perceived coming off the girl.
"A fallen angel?" Vali murmured into her ear softly. Lia startled slightly at that piece of information, well aware that amongst them, he would have easily recognized fallen on the spot as Papa had often sent him off to the leader of Grigori for extra lessons. Taking his hand into hers, she wrote on his palm.
'Are you sure?'
"Mn."
Oh, how curious then.
Sai, who stood beside them and was aware of their interaction murmured when Sona cut Rias' mid-tirade about how her onii-sama had allowed Akeno to stay with them and how they were going to be the bestest of friends even more so than Lia, Vali, and Sai were.
"Is that alright?"
"It should be? Well, aren't Sirzechs-nii the one allowing it?"
Of course, as the trio found out later, this wouldn't be the first time that Sirzechs or Rias for that matter bring home a rather controversial person. Not that either three had much room to talk about. But that was a story for later. For now, they were still young and while a few of them already possessed their own dreams and goals for the future, the road ahead was still long and difficult, filled with many obstacles.