TheKaiSenpai doesn't own Highschool DxD or anything else used and/or referenced in this story. I-It's not like I enjoy your presence, b-baka!
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Chapter One: I'm… A What, Now?
[Kai]
I was… a little boy. Maybe ten years old. I don't know… why I felt this way, but I was hungry. I lived in some beat up little apartment at the outskirts of town, but even then I was gonna be Hokage someday and take that sweet hat from Hokage-jiji! I remember… I was training that day. I was gonna be super strong, so I had to train. Then… someone appeared. He was a guy with sleek black hair, and olive skin. His eyes were kinda black too, now that I think about it. I called out to him, but nothing came from my mouth. I knew he was my sensei, though. He always would be. He got younger, and my chest grew heavier. I could feel my hair getting longer, too.
The guy from before was there, but he looked younger. He also looked happier. We were fighting, and I was punching at him, letting loose with shotgun blasts! He was dodging them, weaving around with grace and skill. Of course, I thought I could still beat him! I was gonna show everyone that I'd be the best thrill-seeking huntress ever! Of course he was toying with me and smacked me flat on my ass. But he gave me his hand and helped me up, smiling. He was my teacher. Then I was older. My chest was lighter, and my hair was short again.
I raised my shield, blocking his sword. I grinned, loving this! Yes, he was my friend! He would always be here to guide me! Even if I was trapped in some game world, we'd always be side by side!
I was a child again, glancing at the boy on my right. He has black hair that stuck up in the back, like the tail of a duck. I laughed as he spoke to me, rubbing the back of my head. It seemed to annoy him, but I could see the amused glint in his eyes. He was my rival. The person I wanted to be better than with all of my heart! Hah! I'd be stronger than him, just you wait! My chest grew again, and I was face-to-face with a black-haired girl.
She had yellow eyes, and a bow on her head. She was frowning at me, but I could see it was forced. She was holding my hand, and was talking to me. I couldn't hear what she was saying, but I could feel myself blushing. Whatever it was, it was really sweet. Nobody else had ever spoken this way to me before! I really liked her, but I didn't feel the same way. I had to keep looking for my mother, after all… But still, she was my best friend. She turned into a short haired boy with a girly face.
He was arrogant and harsh on others, but I knew there was some good in him! I trusted him, and believed in him! Even if we sometimes didn't get along, we'd always fight side-by-side! We were the best of friends! Partners!
I was a young man, holding a child in my arms. It looked up at me with green eyes, and sunny blonde hair. In the medical bed was a pink haired goddess, reaching for her son. I gave the child to her, and she cooed, smiling at the little baby boy. She took my hand, and her eyes were filled with love. I realized that she only had one arm. She was my wife, the girl I had been in love with since I was a child.
I was a young woman, with wavy blonde hair. I was holding the hand of a boy with bright red hair and green eyes. He was smiling at me, dressed up in a tuxedo. I laughed, grinning. We were finally getting married. We'd been through thick and thin, and he finally proposed to me a few months ago. I was so excited; I could crush him with hugs! He was my husband, the man I'd give everything to.
I was again a young man, and holding the hand of a woman who glowed with power and beauty. She was dressed simply, but it added to her majesty. I was speechless, her skin caramel, like mine. Her hair was a dark brown, but shone like gold. I smiled, embracing her. She was my soulmate, and I'd always love her. Forever, she would be mine. Her lips moved, and she spoke to me.
"Wake up, my love…" she whispered. "Wake up…" The world started to disappear. No! No! Wait! Don't leave me! I tried to scream, but nothing came from my mouth. This couldn't be! I wanted to spend eternity with you! Please don't leave me! Yet, despite my pleas, I was met with darkness. Silence. Loneliness.
I was a child. Everyone hated me for events out of my control. They would hunt me down and hurt me when it suited them. They would sell me moldy and bad food for high prices. They would curse me, and drag their children away from me as if I were a monster. A demon.
I was a little girl. My mother had left my dad, and my dad just lost my other mom. My little sister was tired from crying. I found a picture. It was a picture of my mom and dad in front of an old house. Maybe I could find them. I picked up my sister and pulled her in a wagon. But when we found the house, I froze. I was paralyzed with fear, as beady red eyes stared back at me from the house. The eyes filled with hatred. Like… those of a demon…
I was a young man. My friends had all left me, betrayed me. I was nothing to them. When I needed them most, they spit in my face. When I needed hugs, I was beaten. When I turned to my parents, they never came. They insulted me, and hurt me, and used me as a tool. I was a tool. Someone to be used. My life had no meaning. I was a demon. I didn't deserve happiness. I didn't… I wasn't… My life… wasn't worth anything…
Killed by my son. Thrown into a pack of monsters. Impaled at the end of a sword, to save my sensei. My life had no meaning. I did not deserve to exist. So what… what would happen to me now…?
I found myself waking up, groggy and confused. It smelled like shit, and a loud humming filled my ears. I was sitting in some sort of leather chair, and was dressed in brown burlap rags. As my vision cleared, I could see the people around me. They were all wearing the same things as me. I tried to remember my dream, but it was gone, faded away. Instead, I looked outside the window beside me. It looked like I was on a bus. Outside, there were fiery fields and a purple sky. My heart skipped a beat. Was I… where was I…? Hell, spoke the voice in my head. I shook off those thoughts, shuddering. I wasn't a bad person, I didn't think. And I believed in God- Agh! I winced, grabbing the side of my head. What… was that… My head just hurt right now… Panic filled my very being… No… She wouldn't…! We were… supposed to be with one another forever! She promised! She… She… She… Never trust women, insisted the voice in my head. They'll only lead you astray! I growled. Maybe… Maybe he was right… I sighed, feeling exhausted. I just… wanted to rest. I let myself stare out the window, watching the scenery. It never really changed aside from burning fields and tortured souls. So I was in hell, huh…? Eternal damnation… whoopee…
After a few hours of no success conversing with my fellow hell-mates, we came to a stop in what looked like a large city. It was pretty, actually, but still, it was hell. I sighed as I exited the bus with everyone else. A big sign hung above the bus stop saying "Welcome to Lilith, newly deceased!" I had to laugh at the sign. Well, at least the people down here had a decent sense of humor. And so far, no burning feeling. Well, this was just getting better and better. I waited in a long line with everyone else. It looked like the customs booth between countries. It was… bizarre, to say the least. I sighed as I got closer to the front. It looked like… humans were running this place. As I came to the desk I was sat in front of a blue screen.
"You might wanna smile, man," the guy behind the desk told me, pointing a camera at me. "Even if you're in hell, you don't want to be frowning on your I.D. do you?" I sighed and gave the camera a light smile. "Hey, better than nothing. You're the first guy today who's actually smiled." Flash! I stood. "Welp, you're in the system. Have a nice time in hell, man." I left out the double doors and looked around. If I didn't know any better… this looked sorta like New York City. It was messy, busy, loud, and overall unpleasant. I hated the big city. Hell, maybe this was eternal punishment. Still, I looked around my surroundings. It was a nice place, for a city. There wasn't as much obvious crime as I thought there'd be, and it was… actually fairly organized. So far I'd been surprised with my view of hell. It was pretty human like. Earth-like. I guessed it was made for the humans that came down here. Even if you were in hell, you wanted a piece of home. And since God- ow- didn't really monitor hell, there was no risk of actually being figured out that you weren't eternally suffering. I chuckled to myself. Even after death, these people still broke the rules.
I was lost in thought as I wandered the streets, I didn't notice myself run into someone. I grunted, falling back and looking up at who I'd run into. He was a fairly handsome man, with rugged features and white, European skin. He was dressed in finer clothes than mine, and was holding onto a bag of groceries. Well, they were on the ground now.
"Ahaha…" I laughed it off nervously. "Sorry, bud… I wasn't watching where I was going." The man didn't seem amused. He growled, staring me down as I picked myself back up. "Hey, hey, no need to be so hostile! I'm sorry, alright? I'll even pay for some more groceries, just gimme a little time."
"You'll pay, alright," he shouted. "Do you have any idea who I am!?" He roared. I backed up a bit, but was blocked off by other angry-looking people. The people watching the yelling were now making a circle around the man and myself. "I am Assanim Vassago! Of the Vassago family! Get on your knees and bow, low-class scum!" I frowned and placed my hands on my hips. I blinked, staring at him, before I realized something.
"Wait…" I chuckled. "Wait, your first name is… Ass?" He definitely wasn't happy. In fact, he looked livid. I think I hit a nerve. Fire raged in his hands. Well… shit.
"I'll burn you alive!" the guy roared with anger, throwing the fireballs at me. I ducked and weaved out of the way, my eyes wide. Shit! Could feel the heat off of those things! Still, they were pretty easy to dodge. Was he a demon or something? Cause… this was pretty weak. Hell, I'd faced stronger in videogames! In fact, all of his attacks seemed slow. I was evading his fireballs with ease, literally running circles around him!
"Are you… underestimating me?" I asked him, tapping my foot impatiently. "Cause… you're not as strong as I'd expected a demon to be." He growled, and a pair of bat wings sprouted from his back. "Well," I mumbled. "That's not fair. Eeep!" I weaved to the side as lightning struck where I'd been. "Hey! You almost zapped me with that! I coulda been killed!"
"That's the point!" Ass screamed at me, hurling more fireballs and lighting at me. He flew up into the air above me, raining down the attacks. While I was doing fine, for now, it was only a matter of time until he hit me. And I really didn't want to see if there was life after death. After… death… I needed a plan…
I snapped my fingers. "Yatta!" I exclaimed. If he had wings, maybe that meant I had wings too! With that, I could get a boost in versatility! Either that, or I'd look retarded before I got fried. Either way, it was worth a shot. I focused as I ran, trying to draw out the wings I maybe had. You look like an idiot, said the voice in my head. I know I did! I just needed time! Riiiip! Went my clothing as wings sprouted from my back. "Yes! Got 'em! Now… how the fuck do I use these…?" I frowned as I focused on the new muscles on my back. "Aaaaand flap! C'mon… flap! Flap you stupid fucking things! Gaaaaah!" I skidded to a stop as a fireball landed right in front of me. "Fly!" My wings swept downward, lifting me off the ground. It was clumsy, but I had no time! Despite my elation at getting these stupid things to work, Ass was still firing attacks at me. He looked kinda drained, though. I grinned. So whatever he was doing was tiring him out, huh?
"I'll fucking kill you, you low-class devil trash!" he shouted at me. I grinned and bent over, smacking my bare ass at him.
"Come get me, dick sucker!" I taunted him, laughing. I took off, shaking as I flew, but flying nonetheless. I grunted, dodging and weaving around his attacks as I flew backwards. It seemed that gravity didn't matter as soon as you were in the air, you just had to direct yourself. Pretty much imagine what you wanted to do, and the wings did it for you. I loved it! "C'mon bud, you aim like a Stormtrooper!" I laughed as I flipped around in the air, loving this feeling! I felt free! And naked. But mostly free! I could tell that Ass was getting tired out. His attacks were starting to fizzle and his breathing was getting ragged. I sighed, lowering myself in front of him. "Boo." He tried to growl at me.
"You think you've won, trash…?" he growled at me. Kinda. "You think you're so tough… just because you ran away like a little pussy!?" He spat at the last word, and I frowned. Rude. I crossed my arms.
"Meh, fair or not, a win is a win." I smirked and reared my hand back. "Nighty night, buster." Boom! Went the cocky asshole as he slammed into the ground. My eyes widened as I looked at my fist. Damn. Was I really that strong? I sighed and went down to him, offering him my hand. "Yo, you getting up, or what?" He glared at me, groaning in pain.
"Filthy trash…" he grumbled. "You dare to patronize me after cheating yourself a victory?" I frowned and pulled my hand back.
"Jeez, bud, I was just asking you if you wanted help," I told him. "Rude much?" I sighed and walked away, the people around us clearing me a path. I shot him a half-hearted wave. "Seeya, dork." I was stopped, however, by a tall man standing in front of me. He was a really tall guy with an intimidating stare and bright scarlet hair. His eyes were a forest-y green, though, and he was dressed in a rather nice business suit. Beside him stood a grey or silver haired woman dressed in a French maid outfit. While I normally would have made a joke about it… I could feel the power and pressure rolling off of these two. And I don't think they were actually trying, either. I hoped to God- ow- that they weren't here for revenge for that other guy. I shuddered. I would be a splat on the ground if they were.
[With The Intimidating Demon Guy]
The boy in front of the two of them seemed to be shivering, and not because it was cold. While Sirzechs was impressed with the boy's show of skill, Grayfia was less than thrilled. Leave it to her husband to give such an unassuming young man a chance. The boy looked to be around his younger-twenties, with long black hair and light caramel skin. He had dark brown eyes, and was fairly handsome. For a human, anyway. Among the devil world… he was less than average. Still, if Sirzechs wanted to do this… she was but his maid. Sirzechs, on the other hand, was thrilled. Whoever this boy was, he was skilled in combat. While the thought itself made him a bit sad, this was a great chance for himself, and more importantly, his little sister! It was no secret that his beloved little Rias-chan was on a dead-set course to marry Riser Phenex. While the guy was good looking, he was kind of a dick, in the Lucifer's opinion. He'd been trying his best to find a way to get his sister out of the marriage contract, but so far he hadn't found anything. No loopholes, no cancellations, nothing. But… he'd been formulating a plan. A very sneaky, super awesome plan. What if his little sis challenged the jerk to an unofficial Rating Game!?
It was brilliant! The only problem was, his beloved Rias-chan didn't have a strong enough peerage to even come close to Riser's. So, Sirzechs had been looking out for any potential pieces for his sister. Imagine his surprise when he saw a fight between a lower member of a noble clan devil fighting against some new low-class devil on the streets! And the low-class devil was winning! It was astonishing to say the least. So here he was, standing in front of the boy. Who was… naked. Well, beggars couldn't be choosers.
"So you're the one who defeated this high-class devil…" Sirzechs mumbled for dramatic effect. He looked the boy over. No obvious muscle tone, but it was clear that he wasn't weak. Maybe built more for speed? Perhaps. He looked to be of Asian descent as well, something Rias-chan would definitely like! "Very good. What's your name, boy?" Sirzechs saw the boy take a deep breath, and his frightened expression melted away into confidence.
"I'm Kai!" he squeaked, before clearing his throat. "I'm Kai," the boy spoke again in a much more controlled tone. "Yourself?" Sirzechs had to grin. This kid, even in the face of overwhelming power, still had the balls to treat him as an equal. The redhead liked this guy!
"Name's Sirzechs, kid!" the Lucifer grinned, offering his hand to the smaller young man. "Say, I've got a deal for you, if you want to hear it?" Sirzechs wrapped an arm around the boy's shoulder, leading him away. Grayfia positioned herself in front of them, clearing a path.
"Well, I'm already in hell so what've I got to lose by making a deal with a devil?" the boy chuckled. While it was laced with humor, Sirzechs heard the bitterness behind it. Obviously the guy wasn't exactly happy to be in hell. Nobody who first came really was, though. They got used to it after a while, however. "Whatcha got for me, bud?"
"Well, my adorable little sister… she's kind of in a bad spot," Sirzechs started, before the young man stopped. He had a frown on his face.
"She's… not a hooker or something, right?" he asked slowly. "Sorry man, but… If she is, I gotta stop you right there… I'm no good at making people change their minds, alright?"
"What!? No!" Sirzechs shouted indignantly. His little Rias-chan!? A whore!? Over his dead body! He didn't realize the aura pouring out of him as his thoughts turned darker. He'd castrate any guy who dared to steal his little Rias-chan's virginity!
"Hey, hey, hey!" the young man shouted, shivering. The Lucifer looked down at the sweating young man. "Sheesh, bud… you can really lay on the pressure…" A few deep breaths and the boy was breathing normally again. "Man, you gotta watch that. I felt like my heart was gonna burst!" Sirzechs rubbed the back of his head, laughing sheepishly.
"Sorry, sorry," he replied. "Let's go to my mansion. There we can get you settled in on Devil Society, history, and…" The red-haired man paused. "Clothes. Definitely need to get you clothes." A circle with various runes and symbols appeared below the three of them. "Trust me, you'll love it here! After all, a friend of the Gremory household is practically family!" For a moment, before they teleported away, Grayfia could have sworn she saw the boy mouth 'family' under his breath with a concerned expression on his face. It was too late to ask, however, and they were gone with a crimson flash.
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[Gremory Mansion] [With Grayfia] [Several Days Later]
Grayfia walked down the halls of the mansion, carrying several baskets of laundry. While her husband was often at work, he would have her stay at home with his family to do chores and the like when he didn't need her by his side. She was also in charge of taking care of Millicas. He'd essentially put her on duty as a stay-at-home mother, which wasn't something she particularly minded. Her family had been born and bred to serve. At least he had the decency to respect her and treat her as an equal. She had known family who were treated worse. Her mind, then, wandered to the new houseguest that had begun frequenting the Gremory Household. At first he had been reluctant to accept the hospitality. He had said that he "didn't want to be a burden". That only lasted a day, however, and he was far from a burden.
He's gained the respect of every butler and maid in the household. Less than a burden is an understatement, Grayfia thought to herself. While the young man was as childish as could be, he was enthusiastic and insisted on helping the servants whenever he could. He cooked, he cleaned, he did whatever he could. He took directions well, and would take charge in the absence of an actual leader. All in all, he would have made a fine butler. Aside from the previously mentioned childishness. He was… almost too enthusiastic. Too cheery. It was like he was forcing himself to smile for the sake of others. Grayfia wasn't the only one to notice this. His tutors had, as well, and even some of the maids. They described him as a little too willing to learn and serve. A little too into his studies. It was like he was trying too hard to fit in. Like he felt… obligated to them. Whether it was true or not, Grayfia honestly had no idea. Perhaps he simply was just like that, an eager man to learn all that he could. Speak of the Devil, and so he would appear. The young man exited the door next to her, returning from his studies of Devil history. A soft frown marred his face, but it disappeared as soon as he spotted her. The boy, Kai was his name, was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, as well as a pair of sandals. When offered more appropriate clothes, he had declined, saying "I don't wanna waste more clothes that you guys could use instead".
Kai's wings sprouted from his back, and he chuckled, floating around Grayfia, a fact that she found a bit amusing, but even more annoying. She supposed she understood, though. Wings were new to him, so it was quite the novelty. Still, it was incredibly annoying when he insisted on flying everywhere. "Hey there, Grayfia-san!" he spoke in a singsong voice. "Whatcha got there?"
"I'm in the process of doing the laundry," the silver-haired woman replied curtly, not batting an eye as he circled around her in the air. "How have your studies been, Kai-san?" The boy's frown returned as he seemed deep in thought.
"Pretty good," he replied. "Hey… was there really a civil war between the Devil factions?" Grayfia nodded as Kai took one of the baskets of dirty laundry from her.
"It was a long and deadly war," she replied with a touch of sorrow in her voice. "During which, my entire family was killed. I miss them dearly, but such is the nature of war…" Kai sighed, flying on his back as the basket rested on his stomach.
"That really sucks…" Kai sighed. "War… really tears things apart… Why can't people just get along, ya know?" Grayfia was a bit stunned to hear such words from the boy. As far as she knew, he'd only been rather silly and upbeat about everything around him. To hear him this serious was… odd, to say the least.
"Devils, by their very nature, are a greedy species," Grayfia replied. "We desire more and more, and respect only power. Only through force did we as Devils finally find peace, and yet even now we fight over petty things. As I had said, desiring more than what we already have."
"It's stupid," Kai responded, garnering a shocked look from the silver-haired Devil. "When all is said and done… We're all the same, aren't we? And I don't just mean Devils. I mean humans, Angels, Fallen Angels, et cetera." Kai paused. "We all have hopes and dreams. We all bleed, and have loved ones. We all would give up everything if it meant letting those precious to us live happily. Right? I mean, yeah, there'll be those few that are kinda messed up in the head, but overall, we're all pretty similar." Grayfia was taken aback by the sudden philosophy spouting from Kai's mouth. While he made a lot of good points…
"You are not the first to argue that," the woman replied, getting his attention. "And I'm quite certain you will not be the last, either. Yet a voice as radical as yours will be drowned out by the sea of complacency and fear. Devils, and other beings, are creatures of habit. We love what is known, and fear the unknown. While it's simple to speak the words you just have, it's much harder to follow through with them. To make peace with the ones you've hated for so long. Who have spilled the blood of your brethren. It's not so simple."
"I know, but…" Kai trailed off, not finishing his sentence. While the maid felt a bit bad at knocking down the young man's hopes, it was better to be realistic in this situation. True peace between the Angels, Fallen Angels, and Devils? Such was impossible to fathom. Especially if one aimed for peace between all factions, Biblical and otherwise. Perhaps it was better if Kai gave up hope on such an impossible dream. "But I'll make it happen!" spoke a voice filled with determination. Grayfia was stunned, and looked over at the grinning young man floating beside her. "You heard me! I'll be the one who brings peace to everyone! That way nobody has to live in fear of one another, and everyone can have a chance to be happy with their loved ones!" Grayfia hid an amused smile from her face. It was still an impossible dream, but perhaps it was better for him to find out for himself. She doubted that she would have any luck discouraging him, anyway. In a way, he was like her husband. Loud, and proud of it.
XXXXX
[Several Days Later]
Grayfia stood attentively by the table as the Gremory family, as well as Kai, ate. Dinners were always filled with good manners and polite conversation. That was until, however, Kai became more… familiar with the rest of the family. Good manners still resided… partially. But polite conversation had all but been thrown out the window. Kai and Zeoticus, the Gremory family head, had become quick friends. While great in theory, it only brought loudness to the normally peaceful table. Drinks were shared, laughter was heard, and old tales of excitement, romance, and grandeur abounded. However, Grayfia's eyes were not blind to Kai's little actions at the table. He obviously had some sort of formal training, given away by his correct knowledge of which utensils were used at what time, as well as several smaller manners that would be fit for higher-class society. His elbows were always off of the table during meals. He never spoke with a mouth full of food. He also knew to cut his steak as it was served, to ensure it had been cooked to his liking. Whoever Kai had been, he was not unfamiliar with formal events. He even wore "dressy clothes" as he called them to dinner.
Grayfia also noticed one other thing about Kai that concerned her. Any interactions with Zeoticus' wife, Venelana, was considerably awkward. In fact, even around Grayfia herself, Kai seemed to restrain himself in such a manner to not be overly disrespectful or crude. If she didn't know any better, she'd even say he was slightly afraid of women in general. Still, it was concerning to her. Something that, given time, she would have liked to follow up on with him before he left to become a part of Rias' peerage as a gift from her brother.
"And then, and then," Kai spoke through fits of laughter. "He walks in on us doing the deed and just walks on through! Does whatever shit he came to do and doesn't give a fu- doesn't care! She was horrified!" The family head burst into laughter along with Kai. "Oh man, serves that bitch right. She ended up being a waste of time, anyways." A bitter smile appeared on Kai's face, one that did not go unnoticed by Zeoticus.
"Kai-san," the man of the house spoke up. "You've told us about quite a few of these girls you've dated. Were you with anyone when you died?" Kai winced a bit at that final word. While very accepting of the fact, it was still a sore subject with him. He claims to have died like an idiot, Grayfia thought to herself. What could he have possibly done?
"Well… kinda…" he spoke softly this time. Zeoticus frowned, but rested his hand on the boy's shoulder.
"If you want, I can help you find her," spoke the red-haired master of the house. "We have the resources. Added to that, you are practically a Gremory in all but name. Family sticks together, am I not correct?" Kai paused, looking down at his meal.
"Excuse me," Kai spoke up, gently moving his chair back and standing. His face was laced with pain. "Thank you very much for dinner, but… I apologize, my appetite has left me. I will be in the lovely room you all have let me use. Please excuse my rudeness." With that, Kai swiftly left the dining room, leaving the rest of the family at a loss for words. Grayfia, however, was in a tight spot. While she earnestly wished to comfort the boy, she couldn't go without losing face, herself. Instead, she turned to a lesser maid.
"Will you please check on our guest, Erisa?" Grayfia ordered the green haired Devil maid. The woman nodded, and left the room, following Kai. Solemn looks covered the occupants of the table, as confusion was spread through the room. Grayfia, herself, was confused. What could have possibly garnered such a reaction from a normally cheerful and happy young man?
[With Erisa]
The young maid travelled swiftly through the mansion halls, not long arriving to the quarters given to the young guest. She was one of his admirers. He'd been so kind to her, despite them never having met before. It was incredible to her the amount of kindness and respect the boy had for all peoples. To see him rush out like that… it worried her. As she came upon the door, she knocked on it.
"Kai-sama?" she requested softly. There was no answer, so Erisa knocked once more. "Kai-sama, may I enter?" She heard a loud sigh from behind the door, before it opened. What lay behind it made her almost break out in tears. Kai stood in a messy state of dress, most likely in the process of undressing. But that wasn't the worrying part. His smile was gone. No, it was replaced. Replaced by a crude imposter of a smile. He was trying, desperately, to show enthusiasm and happiness that simply wasn't there, all for her sake. It broke Erisa's heart.
"Hey there, Eri-chan…" Kai spoke in an obviously sad attempt at his normal sing-song greeting. "Whatcha need?"
"Kai-sama…" Erisa knew he needed help. She pushed her way inside, and Kai sighed once more, closing the door behind them. "What is bothering you, Kai-sama…?" she pleaded. "Everyone is quite worried about you."
"It's just…" Kai spoke for a second, as if he might reveal the issue, before dropping it. "It's nothing. I'm just… going through the motions, ya know?" Erisa wasn't sure what he meant. It must have been obvious on her face, because he laughed a little bit. For a split second, his true smile returned. Only for its imposter came to once more take its place. "I… I died, Eri-chan… I died! I failed my friends… I failed my girlfriend… Hell, I don't even know if she really loves me or not…" Erisa's heart sank. "I mean… she sent me here of all places, and doesn't even bother to tell me why…" The boy walked past her, and let himself fall face first onto the luxurious bed in his room. Erisa give him a soft look, and walked towards him before rubbing his back. What did he mean by his girlfriend had sent him here? Had she been the one to kill him?
"It's alright, Kai-sama," she whispered, storing the information away for later. It wasn't important right now. "Every new Devil goes through this revelation. I remember that I had, centuries ago. I was such a mess until Gremory-sama found me." She smiled. "I believe you can get through this, just as I had." Kai chuckled.
"I dunno…" he mumbled. "You think I'd look good in a short skirt and blouse?" While it was a half-hearted attempt at humor, it was still an attempt. Erisa met it with a grin. "I guess… It's all just catching up with me. I'm fine for the first few days after shit happens and bam! I realize what's happened and I feel like shit. This isn't the first time. I'll get over it." He grunted as he flipped himself over, looking up at the ceiling above them. Erisa could see, however, that he would not get over it. Not soon, anyway. She had seen the same expression on Sirzech's face enough times to know that it would bother him for a long time. "Go on back, I'll be fine."
"I cannot do that, Kai-sama," Erisa spoke with a bit of authority in her voice. "I have been instructed by Grayfia-sama to care for you and ensure that you are… in a good mood. So I shall." Kai chuckled.
"Good mood, huh?" he mumbled. "Damned if that doesn't sound dirty." Erisa's face immediately lit up red, and she could feel the heat on her cheeks.
"T-That wasn't what I meant!" she squealed, waving her hands in front of her. "I-I mean not that you aren't attractive, you are attractive, it's just that I'm just a maid and you're a houseguest who's practically already family and I really look up to you and I'm just being hopeless right now so I'm going to stop talking," she blushed heavily as Kai burst into laughter. It was kind of nice, being able to make him laugh. Still, he was laughing at her embarrassment. Oh well, it was a start. His laughter died down, as well as her blush, before silence consumed them. Kai seemed to be deep in thought, but the depressed aura surrounding him was, for the most part, gone.
"Hey, Eri-chan…" Kai mumbled. "Would you… Uh… Fuck…" He sighed. "Have you ever… you know… comforted someone…?" There was a dusting of pink on his cheeks, and Erisa knew almost immediately what he meant. If anyone else had asked, the young woman would have been insulted! Kai, however, was never the best at being… tactful, so she decided to let it slide.
"Before I had died, yes," she replied with a bit of shakiness in her voice. It wasn't a life she wanted to remember. "But… as a Devil… not once." Awkward silence once more permeated the room.
"Would you…" Kai started. "Hey… please don't hate me for this but… do you wanna… I dunno… spend the night with me?" Kai wasn't looking her in the eyes. Erisa wasn't sure if it would have been better if he had been. Probably not, she'd end up stuttering and blushing like mad if their eyes had met.
"S-Sleep with you…?" she mumbled softly, trying to process the idea.
"I mean… not as, you know, lovers or anything, just…" Kai sighed, frowning. "Just… two people… you know… Taking comfort in one another. No romance, no strings, just…" He paused. "Well, maybe a little romance. I kinda like cuddling and kissing and shit like that."
"P-Possibly…" Erisa replied. Kai turned, looking her in the eyes. Oh please don't look at me like that! Erisa thought, feeling her cheeks redden once more. If you do, I'll die from embarrassment! It's already hard enough saying yes! "I… think I would like that…" The young maid took deep breaths, hoping she didn't just make a mistake. It had been forever since she truly felt loved, and she could tell that perhaps, just perhaps, for a moment, this young man could fill that void. She was so lost in her thoughts, that she was surprised to hear the click of the lights turning off. The only illumination of the room belonged to the single bright candle set at the table beside the bed. She felt strong, warm arms wrap around her, rubbing her own arms. A soft smile graced her lips as she leaned back into the man's embrace. She had missed this feeling. Safety. Warmth. Love. It had been centuries since someone had last made her feel like this.
"Shhh…" he whispered in her ear, making her shudder with anticipation. The ties of her clothes loosened, and the soft fabric of her uniform fell to the ground, leaving her bare. He pressed up against her, making her gasp and squirm with delight. "Just relax, alright? Let Kai-sama serve you, for once…" The soft whispers excited her, and she could feel herself becoming ready as she was lifted up, and laid in bed. That night, Erisa felt loved.
[The Following Morning]
Erisa was thankful that most of the housekeeping servants would not wake for a few more hours. She was dressed loosely in her uniform, as the dim lighting of the candles in the hall illuminated her. She almost seemed to glow, so smitten with joy was she. It was possibly five in the morning, so she had nothing to fear as she crept down the halls towards her own quarters. It had been a night of passion like she'd never experienced, and she was only regretful that it had ended. In truth, she'd woken up half an hour before, but had deigned to glutton herself on the feelings of love that seemed to fill the room. She had listened to the young man's heartbeat as he slept, as well as his soft snores. She'd also looked at his face. His young, innocent face that, during the day held so many troubles and fears behind a mask of cheer and joy, at night became relaxed. All of the trials and tribulations of life, washed away. He looked so at peace. So unworried about the future, as he slept. Erisa was happy she that she had met and been loved by someone like that.
However, such an escapade did not go unpunished. Only two hours of sleep did she gather after returning to her own room. Then it was once more to the daily habit of showering, getting dressed, and cooking dinner for the Gremory family. Once more standing by the table to serve the whims of her masters and mistress, all the while she could not keep her eyes off of the black-haired man who shot her a passing wink every so often as he ate in silence. Such actions did not go unnoticed by Grayfia, however, and as the family returned to their duties, and Kai to his studies, Erisa was pulled aside by the head maid.
"Did he force you into anything?" was the first question the silver-haired woman asked. Erisa shook her head, remembering the cries of joy that had escaped her the night before.
"Not at all, Grayfia-sama," she replied, trying to keep a professional tone. "In fact, it was all voluntary. Not once did he do anything to me that I did not allow him." While Grayfia's face scrunched a bit at the displeasure of hearing someone else's sex life, she seemed rather relieved. "Do not worry, Grayfia-sama. This will… not become a habit." Erisa felt a bit disappointed as she spoke those words. Despite it all. The emotions. The passions. The pleasure. In the end, it was still a means of stress relief. A way for her to dispose of the burning lust inside of her, and a way for him to relieve some of the frustrations and uncertainty bothering him.
"I'm glad you've come to terms with such," the woman in front of Erisa nodded in approval. Still, even if it were to never happen again… Erisa would be reliving those moments in her head for a long time, every night she could.
XXXXX
[Kuoh Town] [Kuoh Academy] [With Issei]
Life was boring for the brown-haired pervert known as Hyoudou Issei. Well, no, that wasn't particularly true. In fact, life was very exciting, considering how many times he'd been beaten, mauled, and insulted to death by the majority of the population of Kuoh Academy. Don't get him wrong, the amount of upskirts he'd seen and cleavage he'd admired was almost admirable in his hunt for the greatest beauties of Kuoh Academy, but the amount he was picked on was starting to get old, very fast. While his two friends, Matsuda and Motohama, were thrilled to still be getting such heavenly views, Issei was a man who wanted more than to just look at those beautiful oppai! He wanted to touch them. An impossible dream? Perhaps. But a dream nonetheless! And he'd go to hell before he gave up on it!
Still, here in class, it was pretty boring. After all, it'd been almost ten minutes and there was no sign of the teacher, anywhere! It was driving him crazy! Oh well, at least it gave him more time to stare at the beautiful butt not two feet in front of him.
Issei scrambled to sit up straight as the door was kicked open. A young man dressed in a semi-formal suit walked in. He lacked a tie, and the top two buttons of his shirt were undone. His skin was a fair caramel color, or was it bronze? He also had shaggy black hair that looked like he had tried to comb it, but gave up halfway through. His hair ran down to about the small of his back, actually. Added to that, but his eyes were black too, which was kind of weird. He was also shorter than most of the class, which got the man a few strange looks. What happened to Kishimoto-sensei?
"Yo," spoke the new man. "My name is Kai. No last name. I will be your new English teacher since Kishimoto-san had described you all as… what was it? Ah, right. A pit of rabid howler monkeys fighting for the last banana." He said it with such a straight face, most of the class couldn't help but laugh, Issei included. This guy seemed pretty cool. "Now then, a few rules before we get started. Number one, phones will not be tolerated during my class. I will have particular tasks during the semester in which you may use your phones for and only for schoolwork, but all other times they are to be turned off." Grumbles rumbled through the classroom at that first rule, but who was really going to argue with this new teacher who looked sort of like a delinquent?
"Second rule," Kai continued, "there will be only two instances to make up a better score if you happen to fail one of my exams." He frowned and looked the class over. "I expect nothing but the best from you kids, so don't you dare fail any of them. And to push that a bit further, rule number three. As soon as you walk in that door," he pointed to the entrance to the classroom. "You are required to speak in English," he said in English. Issei grimaced. He could understand English fine, but speak it? That was entirely different. "Now, don't be afraid to fuck- I mean, screw up. This is a class, and I am here to teach. If you have trouble, ask me for help. But otherwise, everything that happens in this classroom will be in English. If you speak to me in any other language, you will be ignored. The only way to get me to speak Japanese will be over email, and that's because I'll be using Google Translate for that shit. Am I understood?"
"Yes Kai-sensei," replied the class. Kai frowned.
"What did I just say?" he grumbled.
"Yes teacher," everyone corrected themselves. Kai smiled, and crossed his arms.
"Good to know. Now then, first off let's start with what everyone knows, and work to the harder stuff…"
