Chapter two! For some information on new characters introduced, take a look at the DxDFanon and search up: Ethan Hyoudou, Sylvia Lyyneheym, and Maidame Curie! Beware that there are some spoilers, but most information is missing and would be added over the course of the story!
Sona looked at Ethan in surprise, "You remember Yuuma?"
"Well, of course?" Ethan shrugged helplessly.
"And here I am thinking that you couldn't. I'm glad I told Momo that on the off-chance that you remember to deny it."
"Why? Why shouldn't he know?" Ethan demanded.
"Rias would want to explain to him fully about everything."
Ethan's face fell, "How helpful of her. I have a question though." Sona looked at Ethan, saying nothing.
"What is his Sacred Gear?"
Sona looked at Tsubaki and moved her jaw slowly from side to side, "It...seems to be just like yours. But while yours is overflowing, Issei's...it's empty, but something is there for sure. The thing that confuses me is that both you and him are almost the same. Except...his is more consuming."
"'Same?'" Ethan repeated.
"Yes. While both of you are human, both of you still have an inhuman feel."
"Really?" Sona nodded. "Ethan, back to your father. What is his name?"
"His name...Guffin, Mac."
Sona mused, "So his name is Mac Guffin...Haven't I heard that before?"
Ethan rubbed his head while giving another shrug, " I don't know why myself. I intend to find out why when I find him. Mom never took on his surname, kept her maiden one, and nicknamed him McGuffin. I've always questioned his name..."
Ethan stood, giving a sigh, "I best be going now, as late as it is. I'll see you guys later."
Ethan was lying on the couch, tapping the magic circle on the pamphlet when he heard the door open, "Hey, Issei. What's up?"
Issei only watched silently, "Hey...uh, cuz? Did you use the pamphlet you're holding?"
Ethan waved the page, "This? Yeah. So you're the devil I'm supposed to meet?"
Issei grew slightly sad, "Yes...That means, you remember the day I died then." Ethan drew a thin line with his mouth.
He quietly replied, "I tried...I really did."
Issei grabbed his shirt and held Ethan in front of his face, just breathing slowly, "Hey, I'm kind mad that you didn't manage to entirely save me."
Ethan kept his face downcast, "..."
"At least you tried. I remember clearly now now that you said you were there."
"Sorry. Not only that. I was told not to intervene."
Issei let go and shook his head, "Nah. I'm told that there was something planned for me. My death was totally out of left field. Ecchi stuff, you know?"
Ethan sat up, "And you believe...uh...who told you?"
"Tsubaki," Issei shrugged. "And I believe her. Been around you long enough to pick up some of your skills. Anyhow, what did you need?"
Ethan looked at the pamphlet, "You know...I don't know...How about your Sacred Gear?"
Issei stared at him then shook his head, "Bah, never mind. I really don't know. I can't summon anything, can't control anything...How do you know about it?"
Ethan explained to Issei about his conversation and week with Sona as Issei was being monitored by Raynare. He explained about his subspecies of Blade Blacksmith, summoning a sword in the process, and the advantages it held towards the evil supernatural.
Issei listened intently and concentrated. When Ethan finished, he set his blade down gently and carefully to avoid touching Issei.
Issei's ears popped and Ethan shouted in surprise, "OH shi-" Issei opened them to see the table under his hand turn a sickly shade of black. Issei's own wrists were now surrounded by dark gauntlets, the black miasma swirling to consume the table, along with Ethan's sword.
Ethan felt disconnected to the sword when it was swallowed up. Issei looked at the dark pulsing objects and gingerly picked them up, "These are...mine."
He glanced at Ethan, "Can we fight? We're a bit rusty for sure, but at this time of life, we may need it."
Ethan nodded and brought up a sword, feeling the holy power emanating from it and looked at Issei cautiously, "Are you sure? If we screw this up...boy Rias will be pissed."
Issei grinned, "Well, as long as you don't stab me."
Ethan took advantage of Issei talking, who smiled in return and parried the blow. Both teens struck and dodged, clashing blades few multiple times, sending sparks flying into the air. Ethan caught Issei's weapon against his own and he dragged the sword against the other, but as Issei pulled away, he gestured and the table went flying, smashing Ethan against the wall.
When he finally came to, Ethan noticed a concerned Issei kneeling in front of him, he noticed that the miasma was gone. "Eh, sorry I guess?"
"Ugh," Ethan rubbed his head as a bruise started to form, "Man, your parents will freak at this."
In my eye and in my way
In the sky so far away
Are you hiding in the grey
I am on my way to find you
In the shadow where you lay
In the darkness I'll be praying
one by one in a lonely lullaby
Dancing like a lonely feather
In the windy weather
Looking for a beacon and some clarity
Long to fly again together
And I wonder whether
We will ever find our melody
Over mountain and below the stars
Light my way so I know where you are
And find me
Anywhere and anytime I sing my song for you
My tomorrow my today
It is time for you to find your way
The mauve hair floated behind her as the teen studied her map. The feathers landed on Kuoh, spinning on the well-known Kuoh Academy. Her heliotrope eyes brightened, "Ah. A small town? I didn't expect a big stray here."
"Cao-kun~" she called and a man with a Asian cloak stepped up beside her. "It seems as if it is here."
"Right," came the reply, "However, only one problem. There are two suspects and we need one person to enter Kuoh Academy."
The female giggled, "Hah...I could do that."
"Bu-"
"Hey, I can surely handle myself. Just gather five more. We'll need a group of three for each. I'll take my call on...Kichirou. The others go for the ahh...Masaki."
"As you wish."
"Class, this is our new student, Kasumi Toudou! She came from the southern part of Hokkaido...?" Kasumi nodded and the homeroom supervisor turned, "Any questions?"
A hand rose and Kasumi pointed, "What's with the hair? Haven't I seen you before?"
Kasumi started at the question and saw the male inspect her curiously. His eyes didn't hold the same thoughts as the three boys she met at the gate, this one holds confusion and curiosity. "I...this is my normal hair. What's wrong with it?"
It now narrowed suspiciously, "Purple hair?" Kasumi became more guarded, How could he see it? Hu-I see. This is Kichirou.
"Mr. Hyoudou," the homeroom teacher coughed, "Are you sure you are seeing things correctly? It is surely auburn. Not even brown, much less purple."
The entire class turned their heads and Kichirou gained a strange look, ready to speak up but reluctantly backed down, "Must be tripping."
"'Tripping?'" the teacher repeated.
"Nothing. Not a phrase you'd use anyhow," Kichirou waved a hand. "I'd bet you'd make the new girl sit next to me, right?"
The teacher widened her eyes, "Why, yes. Kasumi, why don't you sit next to Ethan over there?"
Kasumi blinked, "Ethan?"
He answered, "Kichirou is my birth name. I'd like to think myself as a special kid considering I'm the only American in this school. So I take my name, Ethan Sakamoto. If I don't hate you instantly, Kichirou Hyoudou is acceptable."
For the first time in years, Sylvia felt afraid. Not only could Ethan easily see through the illusion, but he could now recognize her on sight. This wasn't a good thing and would certainly complicate things. This must be why this stray is a great threat.
Sylvia sat down and saw that Ethan didn't care any longer. He had put his head down and forgotten about her. The teacher didn't notice and droned on about the lessons for today. As she looked to the side, Sylvia smiled slightly at the boy already snoring lightly, "Feeble."
"Did you say something, Kasumi?" Sylvia shot her head up and shook her head.
"No! Nothing!"
"How about Ethan there?" Sylvia kicked the table and Ethan shot his head up too.
"Hrrung?" The teacher nodded and Ethan realized what had transpired. "Ugh, thanks."
Sylvia nodded and stood up just as the bell rang. Ethan reached out and grabbed her arm, "No need to turn in classwork. All work is always due the next day, also, sit down. She doesn't like students leaving right when the bell rings. New ones included."
Sylvia sat back down slowly and wringed her wrist, He isn't normal for sure. I can feel the demonic aura on his skin, and something else. I can't quite touch it yet, but it feels Holy...but that's impossible for a devil.
She stood up again when Ethan did and left with him, "Um, excuse me, Ethan."
He turned and faced her, "What? Don't tell me that you're actually living close to where I live."
Sylvia widened her eyes but shook her head, "No, I must go to Hokkaido Street. I'm not exactly sure where that is."
He stared at the address and then chuckled, "'No.' Hah! Apparently, you live a block away from me. Follow me, I guess."
He started walking and Sylvia hung back, waiting. He turned around and raised an eyebrow, "You're not coming, Kasumi?"
"Well," Sylvia replied quietly, "Not sure if I could trust you." This caused Ethan to throw up his hands in exasperation.
"Oh you f-Fine! Up to you. If you don't want to follow me, Go straight for two blocks, take a right, three blocks left side, left, and the first house after that left turn."
Sylvia bowed and replied, "Thank you."
He grunted, "Whatever. I guess it's a good thing. I take shortcuts to my home, so if you'd do follow, you'd think I'm trying to rape you or something of that sort. Besides, I think your parents are bit of idiots to make you walk home yourself."
Sylvia started and tried to reply, "They aren't!"
He scoffed, "Any parents that makes a new kid walk home alone is stupid in my book."
Sylvia followed him the two blocks he pointed out and waved farewell at her turn. When he turned his attention forward, she allowed him to pass a few blocks and made her turn, counting off a few blocks before jumping over a fence and running past a yard to reach the other side.
She saw him turn a corner and quickly followed, shadowing him. As she stalked him, she felt an uneasy presence. Just at that moment he went around another corner and disappear. Sylvia followed and once exiting the alley, she saw him walking right towards another student. No, not even walking, sprinting. "Sigdrifa here! Intercept!"
The duo that were following her ran into the street and caught Ethan off-guard, who stepped back. Sylvia ran up behind him and drew two knives, both holy. "Step back from the student."
Ethan turned to her and back to the student, "S-Sona? What is this?"
Sona was surprised herself and shouted a warning when Sylvia thrust. Ethan barely sidestepped the strike and drew a sword from a glowing circle, the shine hidden from the flash of the sword in the streetlight, "This must be a misunderstanding!"
Sylvia didn't answer, but turned and lopped off the arm that held the sword, getting a shout from Sona and a cry of pain from Ethan. Sylvia thrust forward when the cry turned to a growl and multitudes of circles appeared behind his back, making Sylvia step back in surprise. "That was holy blades, you should ha-"
The swords flew quickly, faster than what almost anybody could perceive, but she saw them fly slowly and she deflected them accurately. A new shine attracted her attention and she jumped back as weapons flew upward from the ground.
When they vanished, she saw Ethan haphazardly wielding a sword in his left hand and the shadow behind him. Just then, she realized she was being contacted for the past few minutes, the two exorcists guarding Sona joining their fellow three to slay the Stray behind Ethan.
She saw it swing an arm down on him, easily within killing range, his anger making him oblivious to the imminent death.
Sylvia ran forward, tackling him as the limb smashed a trench into the street. She whirled to see Sona joining the fray quickly and handling the stray. She returned her attention back to Ethan and felt a sword sink into her arm. She hissed and held him down, "Ethan! This is a misunderstanding!"
"Says the bitch who attacked me first!" He retorted and an array formed in front of her. Sylvia dove to the side as the swords flew forward and gripped the stump. He howled and Sylvia put forth her most comforting tone.
"Ethan. I'll explain my actions later. Please. Stop." A demonic howl rose up behind her and calls for help came up. She cursed and hesitated. Do I reason with him or get rid of the stray now?
She didn't get much time to think and was forced to avoid a new stream of weapons, turning to see the five exorcists dodge, and Sona flying up just as the stray reared.
The sphinx-like stray growled at Sona, only to see a flash several bright objects before they struck its chest. It roared and screeched, clawing at it, but as its hands touched them, they disintegrated. Soon after, the devil's dying cries were reduced to strangled utters as it died.
Silence enveloped the street and Sona dropped down to observe Sylvia, "So I take that you are the leader of Stjarnagarm, Sylvia Lyyneheym?"
She nodded and gestured to the craters, "I had received news that a new type of stray capable of transforming to human victims at will have appeared. So I came here to handle one of few across the world." Sona turned her calculative attention to behind her and widened her eyes.
Sylvia spun, to see Ethan held back by two people. His eyes were filled with hate and anger, "Where's my compensation?"
"Your what?"
He growled to a level of inhumanity, "My compensation! I wasn't who you were looking for, yet you chopped off my arm!"
One man started to speak, "Accidents hap-"
Sylvia held up a hand and extracted a vial. Sona frowned as Sylvia walked over to the discarded arm and held it under her armpit. She poured the vial's contents onto her hand and rubbed them on the stump. When the limb was pressed onto the stump, she released her hand after a minute and Ethan stared at the replaced arm, flexing it and clenching his hand, "What was that?"
Sona answered, "Phoenix Tears. It's a rare item to come across and has very intensive healing properties." Ethan rotated his shoulder as Sona glared at Sylvia, "Where did you come across this?"
Sylvia glanced at the empty vial, "A gift from a patron of mine."
"Who is...?"
Sylvia looked uncomfortable, "I'm afraid that I cannot reveal her name yet. Unless she chooses to appear and divulge that information, it would be of better choice to stay silent."
Ethan grumbled, "Why would choosing to not answer a better choice than giving an answer?"
Sylvia giggled and glanced at the five men, "Dismissed." They vanished into the shadows instantly, "How little you know. Well, let's say I value my life. My patron makes all immortals on Earth uncomfortable and her punishments are nothing for even Hades to scoff at."
Sona gained an apprehensive look, "'Immortals?"
Sylvia shifted from foot to foot, "Well, yes. Archangels, gods, primordial gods...Anything not human and cannot die of age, really."
"Well, what a night, isn't it?"
Sylvia widened her eyes, "Don't tell me she's really..."
Everyone turned to see a slim woman strolling down the street, goldenrod eyes twinkling and brown hair swishing. Braids swinging back and forth, hands behind her back, stepping gracefully over the chasm in the streets, forcing Ethan to blink, Did she just teleport over it?
"Maidame Curie? You're here?" Sylvia exclaimed.
"Why not? Don't you like being around me?" Curie asked innocently. "No?" Her face showed hurt and she looked disappointed, causing Ethan to be shocked. However, a second glance showed her true emotions, simple teasing.
"It-it's not that! But..." Sylvia trailed off, "Are you sure that it is safe?"
"Maybe, I don't know!" came the cheerful reply and Sylvia became instantly nervous. "Pssh, don't worry my dear. It'll be fine."
Maidame Curie turned to face the war torn street and seemed to glare at the road, "Now, why don't you fix yourself up?"
Magically, the stones shook and rolled over to fill in the craters and gaps. As they stacked over each other, the road became more and more smooth until eventually, it seemed as if nothing had happened at all. As Curie smiled and thanked the road, an atmosphere of fear and obedience seemed to emit from it.
Ethan turned to see Sona fix her glasses and in the light, seemed slightly pale, "Sona?"
"Kichirou, don't you feel her power? At all?"
Ethan looked at the maid, who clapped twice and they were at Issei's home. This caused both Sona and Ethan to stare at the maid, who wandered off into the kitchen as if teleportation was a normal occurrence. "Did she just..."
Sylvia nodded tiredly, "Yes."
A second later, Curie walked out of the kitchen, "Dinner is ready for all of you!" Sona stared at Ethan who mindlessly stared back. Issei walked down the stairs rubbing his eyes tiredly just as his parents entered the living room.
Sylvia looked at Issei with skepticism just as Issei noticed Sona. There was a moment of terse silence before everyone spoke, "What's going on?"
"Everything!" Curie answered.
The table was silent as everyone ate. Not because of the events that were going on. Well, that's one thing, Ethan thought, But because the cooking is out of this world!
"I know. It technically is," Maidame Curie said out of nowhere, causing everyone but Ethan look at her in questioning.
Mr. Hyoudou took another bite, "Maidame Cu-"
"Please, Curie or Maidame is just fine," she cut in. She gave a smile and Mr. Hyoudou nodded.
"Okay, Maidame, how did you come across this?"
"Oh, just some magic here and there and some spices from other faraway places," she replied.
Mrs. Hyoudou leaned in, "From other countries?"
"Close, other universes." It was said as simply as if saying she was dropping by for a visit. Ethan, Sona, Issei and Sylvia became anxious but Issei's parents brushed it off as if she didn't answer so.
When the meal was finished, Issei's parent stood and left the room, announcing they would like to sleep. As they walked out, their movements were slightly unnatural, causing Ethan to look at Maidame Curie, who wore an innocent expression. "Yes?"
He shook his head, "Nothing...God?"
"Maybe, maybe not~"
Sylvia raised her hand, "Maidame Curie, what ever happened to your sister?"
There was a brief look of confusion and realization, "Ah, Jollie Curie? She's unavailable right now."
Sylvia gave a concerned look, "You mean you forced her to do something she doesn't want to?"
Maidame Curie leaned in, placing her elbows on the table as she narrowed her eyes, "Are you suggesting I've done something to her?"
"Well, y-" Sylvia caught herself and a bead of sweat ran down her temple, "Ah...no. Not at all. She's just...usually by your side even if it were for a few minutes."
"I see," Maidame Curie mused with slight satisfaction. "Also, you want to ditch that illusion of yours."
Sylvia patted herself and blinked as Ethan snapped his fingers, "Wait. This is Sylvia Lyyneheym? The idol?"
Sylvia turned away and mumbled, "Yes."
"But...What are you doing here?" Issei asked.
"And to add to that," Sona continued, "I would like to know what is your purpose here, Curie. You are obviously out of the norm."
Curie nodded, "I suppose I'll answer that. Sylvia is here because of a stray that has been noticed. Nothing else. Although whether she'll stay or not would depend on the upcoming events."
"'Upcoming?'" Sona repeated.
"Hmm? Did I say something?" Curie asked curiously. Sona opened her mouth but Ethan tapped Sona's foot cautiously and Sona dropped the subject.
Curie didn't go any further into the topic and dodged her reason for staying here. "Curie," Ethan called, "Sylvia says you're a patron. But the way she treats you says otherwise. You're really the leader, aren't you?"
Curie showed mild satisfaction, "Silly guess. No, I only support her group, but I do lead my own organization. Although...I haven't and don't plan to introduce them."
Ethan twitched and sighed. Curie gave a smile, "It is fine. You won't have any need to meet them anyways."
"...I see," he replied. "So, I'm guessing Sylvia's going to be leaving tomorrow?"
Curie shook her head, "No. She'll need to stay to work with you."
"WHAT?!" Both teens exclaimed.
Ethan stood, "I beg to differ, but we won't make a good team. I mean...she probably thinks she's too good for me, for one. But really it's the other way aroun-"
Sylvia glared at Ethan, "'Other way'? You think you're better than I? Who was the one who chopped off your arm?" Issei and Sona stayed silent, simply looking back and forth at the angry exchanges.
"Only because you had an edge! I was caught off-guard!" Ethan snapped back. "Maidame Curie! I know that you think the two of us are the Heroes of Destiny or some shit like that, but I doubt it'll work out."
Curie shook her head, smiling, "Don't worry about that now. Being heroes is too far out of your reach." She clapped her hands once, causing everyone to slowly fall asleep, Sylvia being the last as she couldn't make a retort.
"Too far out of your reach now that is..." she mumbled then looked up in surprise, "Oh my! Did you all fall asleep in front of me? How silly of me to not notice!"
Maidame Curie smiled, "I guess it's up to me to put these children to bed."
Ethan rubbed his eyes and yawned, then felt the arm draped over his chest. He turned around and saw Sylvia sleeping beside him. "WHAT THE HELL?!"
Sylvia blinked incomprehensibly and sat up, blinking. Eventually, she got rid of the drowsiness and realized where she was sleeping, "What are you doing?"
Ethan glared, "That's the question I should ask you."
"Me? I'm the one who went to sleep and you...you took advantage of me!"
"Excuse me? This is my bed and my place to sleep on. There is a guest room, FYI-"
"-That Sona is using~" sang a voice. Ethan looked at the maid smiling at the doorway, "Get a good night's sleep?"
"Y-Yes..." Ethan hesitantly answered.
"Then it doesn't matter who sleeps where, does it?" Sylvia and Ethan glared at each other, before the former sighed and nodded. Ethan continued glaring. "Right?"
Ethan jumped and nodded vigorously as Curie's eyes glowed, "R-righto!"
Curie's eyes returned to normal and grinned, "I knew you'd agree~ Now if you're ready, breakfast is ready, so hurry it up!"
Ethan grunted and pointed to a adjacent door, "That's my personal bathroom..." He grimaced and added, "Feel free to use it."
He left and Sylvia stared after him. She got up and started to the bathroom. Upon entering, she went for the shower but as an afterthought, she locked the door. "Can't entirely trust him," she said to herself as she held her chest while the water grew warm.
Ethan, on the other hand, simply doused his hair, went for a quick change of clothes, and brushed his teeth. When finishing, he went downstairs to see his aunt smiling, "You know your older sister is very impressive."
"Sis-Curie?" Ethan asked and gained a nod.
"I never knew what she did for a living, a maid and one who could fend for herself, no less," Mrs. Hyoudou added. "Well, quickly get to school. I'll be getting some groceries. When I return, only Curie should be home."
The door quietly closed and Ethan peered into the kitchen, "Curie? Sister? Really?"
She gave a wink, "Well, a better answer than revealing who I truly am, right?"
"God?"
She gave another wink and covered her mouth, "God? How silly! How could I possibly be such a person?"
"Some form of deity then," this gained a genuine smile.
"Now we're getting somewhere." Ethan couldn't help but smile himself, realizing that she was a god, but purposefully took god for God for a pretext of denying her race. Now that he confirmed it, the number of questions why she was here was lessened by one. But that one was too small to matter.
"I'll go get Issei up," Ethan said but Curie raised a hand.
"No need. He's already left." Ethan blinked and was about to question how and why before catching the look in her eyes and grunted. He changed his question to where Sona was. Curie also stated that both she and Momo had left. This bothered him until he realized now it was only him and Sylvia. He asked again. "Now, why would I do that? It's it a bit of a coincidence that your cousin, the student council president, childhood friend, and aunt all left so you two would be alone?"
Ethan gritted his teeth and started chuckling, "I hate you."
Her face fell and she put her hands over her heart, "That was hurtful, how could you say such a hurtful comment?"
Ethan shook his head, "Fine. I'll comply what whatever cheesy story I'll have to go through."
Sylvia walked in at that time and looked at him then at Curie, "What about him having to go through?"
Ethan explained and Sylvia gained a noticeable frown, "You're joking." Ethan didn't reply, but only pointed to Curie who smiled sweetly and looked at the clock, feigning surprise that time had passed and ushered them out.
"Can't be late for school, you two have a long walk~"
They stood at the door, holding their bags, then reluctantly started walking to Kuoh Academy. Sylvia started speaking but caused Ethan to look at her with contempt. "Well, do you expect the two of us to just...walk like this for the entire way?" she snapped and Ethan shrugged. "So...about your Sacred Gear..."
Ethan continued walking and made no acknowledgement. She poked his shoulder and Ethan shot at her, "It's a subspecies, thank you very much."
Sylvia stopped and Ethan turned, "That's...amazing yet frightening at the same time."
"What?"
"Gates of Babylon? Subspecies?" she replied, impatient.
"It's not Blade Blacksmith?"
Sylvia stifled a giggle then started laughing, "Ah, I could see the mistaken identity. No, not at all,fool! The Gates of Babylon is its own Sacred Gear. It's in a league of its own!"
Ethan narrowed his eyes as Sylvia put a hand on his shoulder to steady herself. She looked up with a smile then realized who she was holding onto. She drew her hand back and turned away from Ethan, "W-we should get going now." With his back turned, she frowned, But...the Gates have vanished from humans completely years ago. How could it return now?
"Sure. Besides, I wasn't the idiot who was laughing." Sylvia blinked and looked up.
Ethan started sprinting away when he heard the quick footsteps chasing after him. She chased him for almost the whole way when he stopped and turned, pushing her between buildings.
Sylvia yelped and fought, before stopping and looking up at him. Her breathing quickened and when she felt her vulnerability, she blushed as he leaned in, "You know...I realized you may want that disguise of yours. Sylvia Lyyneheym appearing in Kuoh rather than Kasumi Toudou would raise many, many eyebrows."
Sylvia swallowed and nodded quickly and patted her face when he turned away to the entrance, What was that reaction? We're not even close to friendly, yet...
She shook her head as she closed her eyes, It was just because of the way he cornered me. A normal reaction. Nothing more.
When he turned after she tapped his shoulder and saw his nod, she felt an inkling of doubt in that statement when they started walking again. Upon entering, they both gathered many strange looks and the rumors spread not before long.
Ethan groaned and stretched as he left the gates, "Man, that was torturous! Me with you?"
Sylvia punched his arm as she pouted, "It should be the other way around!"
"And why is that?" Ethan raised an eyebrow, causing Sylvia to proceed to trying to beat him up. He pushed her away and ran at a random direction. Sylvia gave chase after, smiling slightly to herself, as the park rose into view, I haven't had this much fun in a while. I feel like a child.
But it ended the moment she saw the halberd flying right at them. She started to shout, but Ethan had already started turning, throwing himself at her. They crashed on the floor, causing Sylvia to let out an embarrassing mewl when they stopped, her on top of him. As he rubbed the gash on his head. "Damn, they don't show this in the movies-"
He spun her over as the halberd blew up the street, "-king skinned my entire arm!"
Ethan dragged her up and he stared at the weapon as he held his head, "That's a halberd?"
Sylvia raised an eyebrow, "Yes...Cao-kun said something about this particular weapon...Lü Bu?"
They both glanced up at the giant as he landed on the ground, shaking the wide area they stood on. The two humans watched the giant staring them down, who was breathing slowly before yelling at them.
Ethan backed up, "Why is he attacking us?"
Sylvia gripped his arm, "Because we are enemies you dumbass."
This caused him to frown, "But he asked, 'Are you allies?'"
"No. It went, "'Why are you antagonizing my allies?'"
The halberd was yanked out of the floor and the point was stuck at Ethan's face. Sylvia glanced back and forth as he stood fearless, blood dripping off his left arm and soaking the cobblestones. He placed one foot back just as the circles behind his back began to glow, diverting Lü Bu's attention for a mere moment.
"That for one, makes more sense. So...Lü Bu? Bring it, Flying Gener-."
Ethan hadn't finished before he flew into the fountain, making the water turn red. As Sylvia took out her shortswords, she grumbled, "I don't know whether to laugh or scoff."
AH! Finished. As you can probably tell from this chapter, not going to follow canon any time soon. Not for Ethan, that is. Issei is still going to do what he does in canon, and I will try to have all arcs coincide with DxD. For this chapter, it would be right around the time Issei meets Asia and at the end where he meets Freed.
In short, yes, this is going to be written AU style, but follows canon if it makes sense at all. *whistles*
To address a bit of things, I'm being lazy, so not pushing hard for updates. Sylvia and Ethan is main pair, duh. Momo...she'll be a main supporting character alongside Maidame Curie, who will hold position #1.
About Maidame Curie, she's not going to be in a harem or pairing. That's a bit...unnatural for her. She teases, she helps the main character, but she doesn't bother with a relationship if they're not a god, hell the one time she may be teasing the god. No, I'm not making her any less OP than she currently is. She was introduced like that and will stay like that. In all appearances she's made, she is well, well, well beyond the MC's league but only uses her powers to guide them in the right direction. She knows that participating too much in major events can be detrimental to that universe, or world at least.
Reviews:
jason wu - Don't worry, as a certain Youtuber says, "'Keep 'er goin'!" Take in account criticism and even flame, but don't give up!
CyberIona - What I think so too! Also, this update is up for you!
JavaleMcGee1 - Thank you! Hoped you enjoyed this!
Red Satoshi ketchum - Whatever you say, it's not like any major characters in any anime become OP themselves *cough* IsseiNarutoTatsumiSaitamaandEveryone! *cough* Excuse me...Did I say something? Oh, did I mention Kirito, Rokuro, Yuuto, Madara(after his introduction), Rin Okumura, Gilgamesh? Yeah, definitely NOT OP!
Now to you know what! *drumroll*
Writers - all of them, from famous authors to subtle FF writers- ALL depend on the feedback from our readers. Vision Dominican brought up an interesting albeit tragically true idea:
"Lack of reviews is the greatest killer of fan fic writers out there. We at the institute wish to let the public know of how they can pitch in to save our dying writers.
1) Drop a review every other chapter. It may not seem like much, but reviews are actually what many of us want to see. That, and hits. Hits do make us happy but we don't really know if people like our story or not.
2) Visit our author page. Those kind of hits really make us happy. It's where we showcase our entourage of friends, beta readers, and stories. Some of us even tidy up with set areas for upcoming story ideas and character bios.
3) Send an email. While normally I'd prefer a review, emails are just as good. Really, it warms my heart to communicate with another reader or writer."
What you call being "too lazy to review" is what we call "a flame to the pages" as the writers. That one minute or two that you felt "too lazy" to review is another minute of creeping discouragement that all writers feel as they begin to think...
"Why am I even here…?"
"What's even the point of continuing?"
"My skills must be terrible…no one cares for my story…"
"I'll never be a good writer...I quit."
These are only a few thoughts that go through every writer's head- that go through MY head- when we put out a chapter / story with all our heart and soul within, and we sit there…and sit…and wait…and not a single person says even a word.
If you're not a writer, you have NO IDEA how much that hurts…
If you ARE a writer, then I'm sure you know just how great it feels when someone is kind enough to leave a heartwarming and encouraging review, and you read it, smiling while thinking…"Wow…fuck...I did it…"
So, why not give fellow writers the same luxury here?
Too many times I've seen epic and utterly beautiful works of literary art fall to pieces
before finally being abandoned due to the terrible discouragement that the lack of reviews can cause.
Sometimes, it is so severe that the very writer himself decides to quit, denying the world his skills of writing that I'm it would have deeply enjoyed.
So…
Just one minute, that's all it takes. Just a few gentle taps of the fingers on your keyboard, a few seconds or so of your time, and your words can SAVE a writer from a dark demise.
Do me a favor: Go find a story, ANY story, anywhere here on Fanfiction, and see if you can help it. If it has very little / no reviews at all, just check it out, and say whatever comes to mind.
And enjoy the thought in mind that you could have just SAVED that story, with just a few taps of the keyboard…
If you agree with what I have said then please copy and paste any part of this story you wish onto your profile. Modify it in any way you see fit; there is no need to use my exact words. You make it say what you want it to say.
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If you've made it this far without leaving, thank you. Drop a review please! Onward!
