Disclaimer.
I don't own High School DxD, or any of the other copy right stuff that may be included in this story.
I don't make any money off of it and only write this for my own enjoyment.
If criticism of religion bothers you, please don't read this story. Also, why are you reading DxD, a story which makes heroes out of devils, if criticism of religion bothers you?
"This is all my fault." Sona wearily said as she began to fully grasp the situation.
In a way it was a harsh reminder that the best intentions could sometimes have disastrous consequences. Sona knew they were headed towards a terrible and desolate future; however, she let herself believe that every step she took was the right one. But now Oasis, their sole source of information about the future, was in jeopardy because of her actions. It was a sobering testament to the uncertainty of their course and how everything could be derailed in an instant.
"How is this your fault?" Serafall questioned with clear disbelief written on her face.
"If I hadn't pushed Am-chan to help Rias then maybe none of this would have happened." Sona explained as her mind began analyzing different scenarios on how this debacle could have been avoided.
"I think there's enough blame to go around." Ambrose replied with a grim face. " I shouldn't have allowed you to convince me to get involved in their affairs. I could have refused to help Rias. And I shouldn't have ignored the possibility that... I could be related to Maō Lucifer. Regardless, I think most of the blame lays on the Gremory Clan for announcing this information without even discussing it with me. What the hell were they even thinking? I should have been the first to know!"
"Sirzechs-chan and Lord Gremory are often blind when it comes to family." Serafall awkwardly admitted with an embarrassed smile. "They probably didn't consider how this would affect you."
"They didn't consider how this would affect me? Is that suppose to reassure me?" Ambrose asked the Maō in disbelief.
"No." Serafall answered, her smile vanishing an adopting a concerned look. "But I'm certain they didn't mean any harm by it."
"Whether or not they meant any harm is irrelevant as this point." Ambrose irritably replied. "The damage has been done. Their disregard for my own wishes and lack of courtesy have threaten my most important asset. They didn't even have the decency to tell me the truth before they announced it to the world. Now I have to figure out how to salvage my business, and I have no idea how I'm going to accomplish it."
"Are… are you going to try to refute the Gremory's claim?" Sona reluctantly asked, dreading his answer. "His business and Oasis is his life's work, our key to the future. But my own future as the heiress of Sitri is entirely dependent on Ambrose becoming a Gremory."
"Honestly, I don't even know if I could successfully disprove it." Ambrose frustratingly admitted. "The only thing I have that might challenge their case is the fact that that my DNA isn't a complete match against the sample they have for Milicas. Unfortunately, presenting my DNA as evidence isn't an option."
"Why not?" Serafall curiously asked. "You said so yourself, it's not an exact match. It could be enough to convince Rosicrucianism that you're not a devil."
"I tested the sample Ms. Grayfia provided, and although it pains me to admit it, their claim is true. I am, or was, Millicas." Ambrose grudgingly explained. "While my DNA has been altered due to the Old Deus's attempt to transform me and take control of my body, the difference between the DNA sequences isn't enough to prove I'm not a devil. If anything, it proves that I'm genetically half devil. Since 'Milicas' is known to be a pure blooded devil then people will start to raise questions; they'll wonder what the other half is."
"And if they dig too deeply then it might expose the [Master Key]." Serafall concluded with a frown.
"Are there any other options available?" Sona worriedly asked, hoping to find a solution that could satisfy all parties.
"If the Gremory Clan retracted the article then this whole thing might go away. I've already tried speaking to Rias, hoping that we could reach a compromise or make some sort of agreement. She adamantly refused to even entertain the idea and wouldn't even pass on my request to her family."
"I'm not surprised." Serafall commented in an offhanded manner. "The reputation of the Gremory family took a hit when Rias essentially paid for her victory against the Phenex Clan. People have begun to question her capability to lead. If you become a member of the Gremory Clan then the criticism against Rias can effectively be silenced."
"If helping Rias was such a big deal then why was I allowed to help in the first place?" Ambrose questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"It's fine to hire help if you're peerage isn't complete." Sona uncomfortably answered. "But to that person completely and overwhelmingly win a Rating Game for you is bad form."
"However, if you're a member of the Gremory Clan then the scandal can all be swept under the rug." Serafall helpfully continued. "Despite all appearances, it would then be considered an internal clan matter."
"So the Gremory's have a vested interest in making me officially part of their Clan in order to salvage Rias's honor, which means they'll fight any attempt I make to publicly contradict their claims." Ambrose frustratingly realized.
"Have you considered.. accepting the truth, publicly becoming a Gremory?" Serafall cautiously asked.
Ambrose gave Serafall a rather dubious look which expressed his skepticism. "Why would I want that? Becoming a member of the Gremory Clan means I would lose my own independence. As I understand it, all my actions would be judged and scrutinized by Lord Gremory; who, for all intents and purposes, is a stranger to me. Worse, I would also have to defer to the heiress apparent, Rias."
"I doubt they'd force you to do anything you wouldn't want to do." Sona said, trying to address his concerns. "The Gremory's are known for doting on their servants and practically spoiling their family."
"They're already using heavy handed tactics to force me to join their Clan and they did this without even discussing the issue with me. Hell, even Rias tried to force me to be her servant before we even met. Why would I expect them to change the way they treat me when they'd have legitimate authority over me as an official member of their Clan?" Ambrose quickly replied. "I have my own goals, my own mission. I've been trying to create alliances with other groups like the Yōkai and I really don't want to ask for permission for every action I take. That's not even considering the damage they could do to my plans. The Gremory Clan doesn't realize it, but they've nearly cost me one of my greatest assets without even trying. Oasis is the key to knowing the future. If we… When we stop Kokabiel and prevent another Great Celestial War then we'll essentially be flying blind to any future threats."
"At the risk of sounding cliché, allow me to play the devil's advocate." Serafall spoke up, knowing that Sona's future was also tied to Ambrose's acceptance into the Gremory Clan. "There are benefits to accepting the Gremory's offer, along with being recognized as the son of Maō Lucifer."
"For instance?" Ambrose skeptically asked.
"Well, since you like looking at the downside of things, let's start with the fact that you could be labeled a stray if you refuse." Serafall began with a teasing smile. "Then you'd have the Angels, Fallen Angels, and all the rogues trying to kill you whenever you crossed their paths."
"Once the news of the Gremory's claim begins to circulate then they're going to try to kill me anyways." Ambrose replied with a frown.
"Yes, but if you weren't a stray then you would have the protection of the Gremory Clan and Maō Lucifer." Serafall helpfully added. "None of the factions would dare attack you due to the political fallout."
"That doesn't seem to prevent Kokabiel or the Fallen Angels from attacking Rias and Sona." Ambrose quickly replied.
"Well..." Serafall trailed off for a moment in order to gather her thoughts. "If it makes you feel any better, the Devil Nation would be happy to negotiate a contract for your fertility enhancers."
"At least there's that..." Ambrose forlornly replied. "Glad to know I can still be of some use when the Great Celestial War is upon us..."
"You should also consider how this will affect your engagement with Sona." Serafall unexpectedly added.
"Onee-sama!" Sona alarmingly protested. "I asked you not to say anything."
Serafall turned to her sister and replied in a firm tone. "If he's going to make an informed decision then he needs to know everything So-tan. He need to understand his status and responsibilities as a member of the remaining 33 Pillars, as well as the consequences if he doesn't accept."
"What is she talking about?" Ambrose asked, turning to Sona with a piercing look.
Sona couldn't help but wince for a moment before she tentatively admitted. "Well… you see… the truth is that the only reason I've retained my status as heiress to the Sitri Clan was because you're the son of Maō Lucifer. If you deny the Gremory's claim then it's possible I could lose my status and become a stray devil along with you."
Ambrose gaze hardened, giving Sona a look she had never seen before.
"Serafall," He said while keeping his eyes on Sona. "Would you excuse Sona and I for a moment? We need to speak privately."
"Okay..." Serafall awkwardly agreed as Ambrose grabbed Sona's arm and lead out of the kitchen in and into the dining room before he suddenly stopped and angrily turned to her.
"When were you going to tell me?" He asked her in a harsh whisper.
"I-I didn't want my situation to influence your decision." Sona admitted with a frown. "You're already under so much pressure. If you accepted the Gremory's offer just to be with me then I fear you'd resent me for it."
"Because you'd never tried to influence my decisions before." Ambrose sarcastically replied, rolling his eyes and throwing his hands in the air in exasperation.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Sona heatedly retorted.
"All you've been doing since we came back from the future was try to influence what I do, what actions to take. Helping Rias, forming a contract with Gasper are just a few things that immediately come to mind, though I'm sure there are others. But the one time, the very first time that I suggest that we do something you don't agree with, what do you do? You left! You walked out on me because you didn't get your way!"
Sona blinked to hold back the tears that were quickly forming as the harsh but truthful words set in. "I don't always get my way. You've convinced me to do things that I normally wouldn't have agreed to before."
"Yes, I convinced you." Ambrose quickly replied. "I talked to you, reasoned with you. I didn't go behind your back and set up schemes to direct you to do what I wanted. I was always upfront and honest with you. I gave you the answers to make an informed decision, even if you didn't like what those answers were. Even when you first met me I told you everything, despite my own personal reservations, because I wanted you to know the truth. I never manipulated you. How am I suppose to make an informed decision when you hide things from me? How am I suppose to make the hard choices if you'll simply walkout on me when you don't get your way?"
As sense of overwhelming guilt moved down her throat and settled into her stomach, Sona began to truly feel completely powerless.
"I can't exactly excuse my behavior." Sona dejectedly realized as she weakly offered an apology she knew would offer no real help. "I'm sorry."
"I suppose this is why your parents were so eager to impress me; if I don't accept the Gremory's offer then they'll be without an heir." Ambrose frustratingly muttered before his eyes suddenly grew wide. "And the Phenex Clan. Merde. [Shit.] … if I don't have a store to sell the Phenex Tear Elixir, if I fail to uphold my end of the bargain then my entire deal with the Phenex Clan can be voided. We'd lose our access to the Elixir. It could ignite a conflict between the Gremory and Phenex Clans, as well as your own Clan."
"This is getting worse by the minute." Sona anxiously thought as another complication made iteself known. "I take it this means your deal with the Yōkai is in jeopardy as well."
"Probably." Ambrose forlornly admitted before he furrowed his brow in concentration. "I need to figure out how to get ahead of this before it spirals out of control. The Yuki-onna will still need a few months in order to confirm my potions work as promised, but Lord Phenex will expect me to immediately honor our agreement at the end of the month. If I'm going to somehow find a way to secure Oasis and be able to deliver on what I promised to both the Phenex Clan and the Yuki-onna, then I have until the end of the month to solve this."
"The end of the month is in less than two weeks!" Sona alarmingly pointed out.
"Ideally, I'd like to have this wrapped up in time for my judiciary hearing." Ambrose commented as he gained a thoughtful look.
"Listen... I know we've been having problems, and I'm not sure what I can do, but... Whatever you need. Anything at all, just tell me and I'll do it." Sona promised, feeling quite helpless given the situation.
Ambrose paused and gave her a rather uncomfortable look, as if he knew she wouldn't like what he was about to say. "I have to return to France."
"You're leaving? Now?" Sona asked in astonishment as panic and a sense of abandonment set in. "Kokabiel is set to attack soon, we need you here!"
"I'm only leaving for the evening; besides, he's not attacking right now." Ambrose said as he looked at his watch. "Look, it's only 1pm in France. It's still early enough for me to contact my lawyer."
"Can't you do that over the phone?" Sona asked, secretly afraid he might not return.
"Yes, but there are a few other people I want to see." Ambrose explained with some urgency. "I have a few friends in the Rosicrucianism I can call on; people who owe me favors or who I've built a good relationship with. They might have some important information, something that could help me defend Oasis."
"Sounds like you have some powerful friends." Sona observed aloud, still feeling uncomfortable about her fiance leaving Kuoh. "No, this is something he needs to do. I just wish my heart could accept this."
"Well, maybe not powerful but definitely well connected." Ambrose explained. "One of my old professors, Euberhard Lehmann, has a veritable list of 'who's who' of Rosicrucianism. He's not politically powerful, but he has an impressive list of contacts and a good eye for talented people. He believed in a socially awkward orphan who was too smart for his own good. He saw my talent for magic, enrolled me in the accelerated learning program so I could graduate earlier. We went on archaeological and curse breaking expeditions to Egypt. He also sponsored my enrollment into the Rosicrucianism. I consider him to be a good friend."
Sona frowned for a moment, both in disappointment that he would be leaving and after being reminded there were still things about his past that she wasn't aware of. Nevertheless, no matter how much she disliked the idea of him leaving… 'Or fearing he might not come back...' Sona could see the logic behind his actions.
"You'll… you'll come back, won't you?" The traitorous part of her heart involuntarily asked.
"Of course, Kokabiel is due to attack any day now; we're at a critical junction. I'll take a potent invigoration elixir before I go so I won't need to sleep, but I should be back in time for class." Ambrose replied giving her a comforting smile. "Besides… you and I still need to work things out."
"And I do want to work things out." Sona firmly stated as she moved in close and kissed him for the first time in days. "Maō, I have missed this."
Sona molded herself to his body, her fingers brushed against the back of his neck and ran through his hair.
Just as the kiss was about to really heat up, Ambrose suddenly pulled away. "I really should get going if I'm going to get anything done. I'll see you tomorrow... We'll talk then."
"Okay." Sona breathlessly replied, though she made no move to extract herself from him. "Tomorrow."
It was a bittersweet parting, one filled with hope but also reminding her that their relationship still needed work.
"Alot of work. Though, quite honestly I can understand his grievances." Sona thought as she reflected on her past actions. "My behavior has been inexcusable and he has every right to be upset. He's always been upfront and honest with me. What ever gave me the idea that manipulating him was a good idea...?"
Suddenly Sona's eyes went wide in horror the answer suddenly came to her. So great was her epiphany, that she barely registered the blaring sound of the smoke alarm.
"FIRE!" Sona heard her Onee-sama scream as she raced through to the kitchen that was beginning to fill with smoke.
"No, no, no, no, no!" Serafall yelled as Sona watched her sister grab a flaming pan without oven mitts and rush towards the sink. "Hot, hot, hot, hot!"
Serafall quickly dropped the singed pan into the sink and turned on the water. Soon the fire was extinguished as a final plume of black smoke rose from the charred remains.
Embarrassed by the state of things, Serafall unnecessarily said with light blush. "I thought I'd surprise you both by cooking dinner."
Seeing that the disaster was in hand, and still in shock over her recent revelation, Sona didn't have the energy to reply. She simply walked past her Onee-sama and opened the wine cabinet.
"Sorry, So-tan..." Serafall said, waiting for the inevitable scolding from her sister. "Do you think Am-chan will be upset when he sees this mess?"
"He's not here." Sona said as she grabbed a glass and a bottle of wine. "He went to Europe to talk to his lawyer."
"He left us?!" Serafall alarmingly asked. "But… we need him here."
"He'll be back in time for class tomorrow." Sona said, popping the cork and pouring herself a generous helping. "But right now the problems with his business takes precedent."
"Are you upset because he's putting his business before your relationship?" Serafall worriedly asked as she watched her sister uncharacteristically pour her self a glass of wine.
"No, it's not that." Sona replied with a frown. "Oasis is important to him, and it's important for us to know what's coming."
"So, why are you drinking?" Serafall curiously asked, tilting her head to the side.
"I think… I think I'm turning into mother." Sona morosely replied before tilting the glass and emptying it in one go.
Her sister's eyes widened in surprised. "Did he say that?"
"No, I'm saying that." Sona bleakly answered as she stared at her empty glass. "Am-chan doesn't know mother that well, though he figured out why she was so nice to him."
"So why do you think you're turning into mother?" Serafall worriedly asked.
"Because I've been manipulating him when he doesn't do what I want him to." Sona sulkily replied. "I wanted him to help Rias with her Rating Game so I convinced him to accept a contract with Gaspar in order to bring them closer. I practically pushed him into accepting Riser's challenge when I found out he could actually compete in the Rating Game. And the first time we had a disagreement I abandoned him... I'm treating him just as Mother has treated Father for all these years."
Serafall frowned for a moment before grabbing the bottle and refilling Sona's glass.
"Thanks." Sona muttered before taking a sip.
"Neither of us exactly have the best role models for a healthy relationship." Serafall spoke with a sense of gentle understanding. "Mama has always bullied Daddy to do what she wants."
"Which is why father spends all his time at the hospital." Sona reflected for a moment. "How did things become so difficult? It was so much easier when it was just the two of us. Despite the horrible state of things in the future, everything was so much simpler when it was just us. Him and me versus the wasteland."
"What was it like, the future?" Serafall worriedly asked. "I know a bit about what's suppose to happen, but how does it all turn out?"
"It's terrible. The entire world is a wasteland and the only life that exists is are the monsters who inhabit it. That plot of land Am-chan is trying to save is the only place people exists. The humans there live simple lives, they were kind but also superstitious."
"More superstitious than they are now?" Serafall asked in surprised.
"Much more than they are now." Sona answered, giving her Onee-sama a serious look. "One time he and I went out on a date, they were celebrating the 500th anniversary of Oasis's founding. We dressed up as locals, though we were really tourists. It was fine at first but some how we got between a fight between the villagers. Things got crazy pretty quickly and two churches burned down that night."
"Sounds like a fun date." Serafall said with a light chuckle.
"At the time it wasn't, but looking back on it now… it was actually pretty fun." Sona wistfully replied. "Despite how horrible the future was, I find myself missing the closeness we shared. Now we're both so stressed because we're trying to make the future into something better and I feel like I'm losing him."
"So do something about it." Serafall encouraged with a smile.
"But I don't know what to do!" Sona complained.
"You know what not to do." Serafall replied with a smile.
"What?" Sona asked in confusion. "That makes no sense."
Her Onee-sama gave Sona an encouraging look. "It sounds as if you know what's bothering him… and you've also decided that you don't like the how you've been behaving lately. So… you should simply change it and everything will be better. You know what you've done wrong so admit it, address it, and promise him you won't do it again."
Though her sister could often make strange leaps of logic, Sona couldn't help but nod her head in agreement. "You know, you're right. I've been manipulative, and selfish, and that stops now. Tomorrow Am-chan and I are going to sit down, have a nice long talk, and work things out for good."
"Good, then you won't be needing this anymore." Serafall said, snatching the wine glass out of her hand before taking a drink.
"Onee-sama, don't!" Sona loudly protested as she snatched the glass away before emptying it in the sink. "I know how frisky you get when you've drank too much."
"Oh?" Serafall asked with a smile before she suddenly grabbed the entire bottle and ran out of the kitchen, laughing.
"Onee-sama!" Sona yelled as she ran after her sister.
Germany: 7 Hours Later.
The sun was beginning to set in college town of Heidelberg as Ambrose quietly walked down the sidewalk. It was a rather affluent neighborhood lined with expensive houses on his left and the river Rhine on his right. Despite the fact that he had taken a Potent Invigoration Elixir before he left, he was feeling exhausted; mentally exhausted. After being snubbed and turned away from practically every would be friend or acquaintance who might owe him a favor, Ambrose was quickly running out of options and the risk of losing everything was becoming more and more certain.
"The moment they start talking about you is the moment they stop talking to you." Ambrose mused as he reached his final destination and knocked on the door.
A young woman in her early twenties dressed in a Gothic dress and adorned with too many ribbons for her short hair answered the door with a rather impatient look on her face.
"Yeah, what is it?" She briskly asked before her face twisted to an arrogant and cruel smile. "Oh, it's you."
"Have we met before Fraulein?" Ambrose asked as he tried to place a name with the face he was seeing. "From my point of view it's been centuries since I've been here. It can't be helped that I might have forgotten people I've met in passing."
"No, devil. We've never met." The girl answered as she crossed her arms and leaned against the door rail.
An awkward silence settled over the pair as Ambrose felt she was weighing and measuring him, though he didn't know for what. "I'm looking for Herr Lehmann, does he still live here?"
"Heh, not for long." The girls said as her lip curled in amusement at her own private joke. "You caught him just in time."
Without another word the girl left Ambrose at the door and made her way deeper inside. As she reached the end of the hall way, she turned and raised an eyebrow. "Well, are you coming?"
"It's impolite to enter a home without being invited." Ambrose said as stepped in and closed the door behind him.
"Well, aren't you proper?" The woman said, rolling her eyes sarcastically before walking through a door.
As Ambrose cautously followed her, he could hear her loudly talking to the room's occupant before he could even see inside. "Hey, you've got a guest."
Stepping through the door, Ambrose entered a small but comfortable library. Books and papers were strewn and scattered through out the place as if they were in the process of being hastily packed away. There, with an armful of books in his hand, was Euberhard Lehmann.
In the secluded school of the Slovenian Institute of Magic and Sorcery, Herr Professor Lehmann was one of the most popular teachers. He was very intelligent, charismatic, and held the appearance of someone in his mid-twenties. When Ambrose was a student, Euberhard Lehmann was one of the most popular teachers; botstudents and teachers admired him for his magical talents and ability to impart knowledge, while the female population often admired him for his good looks. Despite his youthful appearance, his long braided silver hair and the wisdom behind his silver eyes was a reminder that he was older than he appeared.
"Ambrose?" Euberhard rhetorically asked as he turned and set his books down, turning to face his former pupil. "I'm surprised to see you."
"If it's an unwelcome surprise I can always leave." Ambrose replied, not wanting to get into a fight with his old professor. "I've grown quite used to it today."
"Nonsense, please come in." Euberhard warmly smiled, waving off his concerns. "I'd offer you some refreshments, but as you can see things are a bit disorganized right now."
"Thank you. It's good to see a friendly face." Ambrose smiled in return as he and his old teacher shook hands.
The girl gave a rather indignant huff of annoyance before she swiftly turned and left the pair alone, stomping loudly and slamming the door behind her.
Ambrose couldn't help but raise his eyebrow at the woman's attitude.
"You'll have to forgive Walburga." Euberhard said, weakly excusing her behavior. "She doesn't really like anyone, so I wouldn't take her attitude personally."
"To be honest, I've been getting a lot of those looks today." Ambrose commented before turning away from the rude woman and giving his old professor his complete attention. "You should have seen the Dean's face when I showed up at the old school looking for you. He practically threw your address at me if only to get me out of his sight. To be honest, I had a hell of a time tracking you down. Not only did you quit teaching, but I hear you've quit Rosicrucianism as well. And now it appears you're moving in quite a hurry. Is everything alright?"
"Things aren't what they used to be." Euberhard uncomfortably explained before he thoughtfully added. "Or perhaps things are simply being revealed for what they truly are."
"Oh?" Ambrose replied, urging him to continue.
"I figured it was time for a change, given the current political climate." Euberhard said as he poured two drinks for the two of them. "Things have been a bit tense in the Rosicrucianism, the factions within have been pushing the circle to pick a side in the celestial 'tug-of-war'. Rational minds, ones that encouraged neutrality and non-involvement, used to prevail but now news of your… 'heritage' has caused nearly everyone to lose their minds. There's a group of people who've been campaigning for closer ties to the Church and Heaven, they're using this scandal to further their agenda. You've also pissed off the group of individuals who want to stay out of celestial politics; both groups have united to see that you're kicked out."
Ambrose couldn't help but close his eyes and rub his temple, fighting off a headache.
"I'm afraid your hearing has more to do with the future of Rosicrucianism than it has to do with you." Euberhard continued, sounding remorseful. "Bottoms up."
The pair clinked their glasses and took a generous swig.
"Today just keeps getting better and better." Ambrose sarcastically muttered.
"Ambrose, what happened to you? Where have you been? You disappeared for months without a word. Now, your face is suddenly plastered in every paper, announcing you as the 'Son of Lucifer'. Bah! As if they'd know anything about the real Lucifer. Tell me, what were you thinking? Why go to Japan and get yourself involved with that little devil girl?" Euberhard asked, giving him a look as if he were a student who got caught doing something foolish.
"I needed something done, something only a devil could do." Ambrose dissembled without going into any details. "I thought I could handle a younger, less experienced devil."
"And wound up getting engaged to her in the process." Euberhard chucked in amusement. "I think you and I have a different opinion on how to handle a devil. By the way, how did that happen?"
"Let's just say that devils hate being beaten at their own game." Ambrose answered with a self deprecating smile.
"I always warned you about getting involved with devils." Euberhard sternly reminded him, scolding him like a schoolboy. "I warned you that they bring nothing but trouble."
"Fine, I'll admit it. You were right." Ambrose replied, frustration lacing his tone. "Now quit acting like you're trying to be my father. I already have someone trying to apply for the job."
"Despite all that I've done for you, I never saw you as my son." Euberhard replied before taking on a teasing grin. "Though, maybe as a favorite nephew."
Ambrose snickered at the joke before he continued to vent his own frustrations. "The worst part is that I never saw this coming. If only they would have properly discussed this with me then I might have been able to keep it a secret. Instead, they announce it for all the realms, leaving me to be the last person to hear about it."
"You mean they didn't tell you?" Euberhard asked with surprise written on his face. "For someone who's built a reputation on being a family man, that's rather hypocritical of Sirzechs. But what do you expect from a false Maō?" He finished, his voice turning bitter at the end.
"Sounds like you know him." Ambrose commented as he studied his former professor.
"One only needs to know of his reputation to know what kind of a devil he is." Euberhard answered with a touch of harshness. "Sirzechs is an overly ambitious devil; desiring things that are far above his station and taking things he has no right to have claim. He has no regard for others."
"Sounds about right." Ambrose bitterly agreed with a nod.
"Just look at that civil war he forced onto the devils." Euberhard continued, his fast twisting in anger. "He made all those speeches about how devils need to increase their numbers. Then he ignites a civil war that not only further decimates their population but ends the lines of many noble the families.
"You really hate the guy." Ambrose commented as he carefully watched his former professor come down off his rant. "Did he do anything personally against you?"
"No, not at all." Euberhard quickly replied, dismissing the accusation. "Right now my main concern is you and what his plans for you could entail. It would behoove you to be on your guard around him; he is not to be trusted."
"If I still had my business then I might be able to something about all this." Ambrose groused, a frown marring his features. "Unfortunately, my options are rather limited with everything in jeopardy."
"Well then, it's lucky for you I happen to have this." Euberhard said with a gloating smile as he held up a manila folder.
"And what's that suppose to be?" Ambrose asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Dossiers on the three council members who'll be presiding over your hearing." Euberhard teasingly replied.
"I thought you left Rosicrucianism. How did you get that?" Ambrose asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"While I and a few like minded individuals have left, I do have a few discrete friends who are able to pass along information." Euberhard explained with a modest amount of false humility.
"And you just so happened to have that information on you?" Ambrose asked, somewhat surprised after having so many doors recently slammed in his face.
"While I was surprised to see you here, I had expected you to contact me sooner or later." Euberhard patiently explained, though he kept the folder out of reach.
"And what is this going to cost me?" Ambrose cautiously asked, knowing his professor preferred favors to actual money.
"Nothing." Eerhard smugly replied as he held the envelope out. "I already told you; the hearing is just a formality, the outcome has already been decided. The information in here is worthless… but if you want to hold onto a fool's hope then who am I to argue?"
Ambrose hesitated a moment before reaching out and snatching the folder before the offer was rescinded; though he made no move to peruse its contents.
"Go on." Ebuerhard encouraged as he refilled his glass. "I'll wait."
Setting his own glass down, Ambrose opened the folder and began to read about the three council members who would be presiding over his hearing.
"Hrm… Julian Fellows." Ambrose said aloud as he looked over his profile. "I cured his grandson of lycanthropy. I could use that to my advantage."
"Perhaps..." Euberhard dismissively replied. "But the trick to people owing you favors is ensuring that they'll still be on your side when you need them to be."
"Approaching him now would be a transparent move to gain his vote, but I could check my records and pay his grandson a visit." Ambrose said aloud as he considered his strategy
"You'd still need a majority vote in order to retain your status, and I doubt you'll get it once you see who else is on that list." Euberhard urged as he took another sip of his drink.
Turning the page, Ambrose's face turned into a scowl as he practically hissed the name of the next individual out loud. "Herr Rodolf Hess."
"He's been a thorn in your side for some time now, hasn't he?" Euberhard casually remarked with a smile. "His persistence is rather admirable."
Ambrose couldn't help but grudgingly agree.
Herr Rodolf Hess was a purist who held rather strong opinions about Yōkai, most particularly the dangerous ones who preyed on both humans and magicians. Initially Rodolf was quite amicable to Ambrose, publicly praising his accomplishment of curing lycanthropy. He even sponsored a bill which would have Rosicrucianism fully fund the cure at no cost to the afflicted. Ambrose had quietly refused this offer, and when Rodolf's sweet words and money didn't persuade him, Rodolf began making threats. He became even more enraged when Ambrose simply ignored his attempts to intimidate him. It was then that Rodolf began a public campaign in order to pressure Ambrose to make the potion available to Rosicrucianism, saying that more werewolves could be cured if only Ambrose wasn't so selfish to keep the cure to himself.
Despite his seemingly noble intentions to make the potion available to more alchemists, it wasn't exactly a secret that Rodolf sought the potion in order to completely eradicate all lycanthropes, including those of Clan Ferris; one of the noble warrior lycan clans who had strict rules about how a werewolf could conduct themselves. After learning Hess's plans, Ambrose secretly went to Clan Ferris in order to warn them. While initially surprised by his forthrightness, Ambrose was able to strike a deal with the lycan Clan. He swore that he would only provide his cure to those who sought it out, that it would never be forced on an individual. In turn, Clan Ferris promised not to disrupt his business and direct those who didn't want to live with the curse his way. They also agreed that the only time the cure would be forced upon an individual is if they were convicted of a crime, and even then it could only be done with Clan Ferris's approval.
Hess saw this as a betrayal, and rightfully so. In order to curtail any future attempts to gain access to the cure, both Ambrose and Clan Ferris went public with Hess's plans. Needless to say, Hess's reputation was damaged considerably and he barely managed to hold onto his council seat.
Since then, the two have remained bitter enemies.
"Hess will undoubtedly use this as an attempt to pry the recipe for the cure from me." Ambrose said with a frown, voicing his thoughts out loud.
"Or he's simply relishing the opportunity to destroy everything you've built in revenge." Euberhard added with a shrug.
"Perhaps both." Ambrose muttered before turning to the next page and gazed at the profile of the final council member who would oversee his hearing. "Signora Mariana Alighieri… I don't believe I've met her."
"You wouldn't have." Euberhard replied, still nursing his glass. "She's an old guard. A hardliner who wants the Rosicrucianism to have closer ties to the Church."
"The church and Rosicrucianism have always had a close relationship. Wasn't there a former council member who was also a Cardinal in the Vatican?" Ambrose asked, already knowing the answer.
"You mean Valper Galelei, and he was a Bishop not a Cardinal." Euberhard corrected, giving Ambrose a sharp look. "He was excommunicated ten years ago for some sort of crimes; though his crimes were never publicly stated. It was all very secret, so it must have been embarrassing for both the Church and Rosicrucianism. Whatever it was, the Circle was quick to oust him from his position as head of the council and the Church had him excommunicated. It was at this time the neutralists took over the circle. The remaining council members who wanted to retain close ties to the church were quickly silenced after Valper's exile. Mariana Alighieri was one of them and the neutralists gave her a position as Ambassador to the Vatican just to shut her up. Now she's using this hearing as a platform to make Rosicrucianism the official magical branch of the Church; effectively turning the entire circle into exorcists."
"She honestly can't expect the rest of the council to go along with that." Ambrose commented in disbelief.
"As I said, Valper's crimes were hushed up so few know the actual cause for his exile from Rosicrucianism. Meanwhile, the rabble has been shaken up by the news of your ancestry, and are demanding answers." Euberhard patiently explained.
"So in the public's eyes the Church never did anything wrong to begin with; however, they see me as some sort of infiltrator out to get them." Ambrose concluded with a frown.
"Exactly."
"This isn't good. If I'm going to retain any sort of independence from the Gremory Clan and Sirzechs then I'll need the protection." Ambrose muttered as he tried to find a solution.
"Don't forget the Grigori... And the Church... And Heaven Itself." Euberhard unhelpfully added with enthusiasm.
"There must be something I can do..." Ambrose softly said.
Euberhard didn't answer right away, but instead gave his former student a rather calculating look. "You could always attempt to ally yourself with another magical circle."
Ambrose gave Euberhard a rather incredulous look before scoffing at the very notion. "Have you forgotten? There are only two other magical circles; Grauzauberer and Golden Dawn. Need I remind you that both are headed by devils."
"Yes, and Golden Dawn is run by MacGregor Mathers, your father's [Bishop]." Euberhard added. "There are… less legitimate circles that might help you."
"What, like Hexennacht, the stray magicians?" Ambrose asked in disbelief. "They're barely considered a legitimate circle and I doubt they would have the resources or the political power to offer me any sort of protection."
Euberhard sighed for a moment before sitting down on the settee across from Ambrose. Quickly finishing his drink, he leaned in close and whispered. "You should know that I'm not the only one leaving Rosicrucianism, in fact there are alot magicians who are leaving all three magical circles."
"What, why?" Ambrose questioned, surprised by the statement.
"There are many of us who believe that both Heaven and the Underworld has no place in the affairs of Magicians. Most of us have joined the Rosicrucianism to gain some measure of independence, but things have changed… perhaps permanently."
Hiding the pit of dread that was suddenly forming in his stomach, Ambrose put on a rather teasing smile. "So what are you going to do about it? Form your own magic circle?"
"That's exactly what we plan on doing." Euberhard admitted with a satisfied grin.
"I doubt I'd have a place in your new circle if you're seeking independence from both Heaven and the Underworld." Ambrose observed aloud, curious as to why his former professor would admit such a thing.
"I'm rather high ranking in this new circle, so I'm sure I could make an exception in your case." Euberhard replied with a touch of false humility.
"Even if you are a high ranking member, I doubt you'd get much support." Ambrose commented, trying to probe for more information. "Having a devil join your circle defeats the purpose of being neutral. Besides, granting me asylum would create a tremendous amount of political pressure. I doubt your newly created circle would welcome that sort of attention."
"That depends on what you can offer." Euberhard replied with a rather roguish smile.
"I'm not giving away my cure." Ambrose firmly asserted.
"No, no, nothing like that." Euberhard dismissed with a wave of his hand. "No, you're about to come into a very unique position where you could relay... sensitive information to us."
"You want me to spy for you." Ambrose indelicately said aloud. "Euberhard, my goal is to get away from Sirzechs and the Gremory Clan, not to embed myself within them."
"It would only be for a short while." Euberhard reassuringly pressed.
"I'm on the outside now and staying on the outside is difficult enough as it is." Ambrose firmly insisted. "If I can secure my independence now then they might leave me alone. But if I spy on them and then leave then it'll be seen as a betrayal; they'll hunt me down and kill me."
"We can protect you from Sirzechs." Euberhard confidently stated.
"Not if I'm seen as a traitor." Ambrose argued. "There isn't a magic circle that ever existed who could protect a traitor from the Underworld, especially from Maō Lucifer."
"He Is Not Maō Lucifer!" Euberhard shouted with a mad look in his eye. "He and the other Maōs are pretenders and they have no place on the throne!"
Ambrose's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden outburst. "You're not talking about gaining independence, are you? You're talking about ousting the Maōs from power."
"You always were a clever student. Trust me, it's the only way to ensure they no longer meddle in Earthly affairs." Euberhard vehemently affirmed.
"And you'd leave Earth ripe for Heaven." Ambrose argued right back.
"We have plans for that." Euberhard confidently replied.
"While the populous may not hold any love for me, I still care about Earth." Ambrose emphatically stated. "I admire your desire for independence, in fact I strongly agree with you. It's unfortunate that I am, in fact, a devil otherwise you'd have me in your ranks. However, I'm not going to aid you unless I know for certain that I won't leave Earth defenseless against Heaven's indoctrination."
Euberhard gave Ambrose a rather measured look, sizing up his former pupil while he decided how much to reveal. "Tensions between Heaven and the Underworld are high right now, and another Great Celestial War is on the horizon. We plan to use this to our advantage. Aside from that, I will say nothing more."
Ambrose leaned back in his settee, taking a moment of quiet reflection and contemplation. Complete silence filled the room as Ambrose gathered his thoughts and Euberhard carefully watched him.
"If I were to help... what exactly would be in it for me?" Ambrose quietly asked after a few minutes.
Euberhard answered with a smile. "Complete autonomy and freedom to conduct your business as you see fit. Though some might grumble at first, no one can deny your knowledge of alchemy and I have no doubt your continue contributions to the world will sway even the most harshest of critics."
"And what would you expect in return?" Ambrose asked, giving his former professor a rather serious look. "I doubt the Devil Nation would just hand over state secrets, even if I am the son of... Sirzechs."
"I wouldn't expect you to know anything top secret." Eubard replied, waving off his concerns. "But devils have no real army to speak of. Their forces are fractured into peerages, small tactical squads. It is a division that we can exploit. I'm certain you can speak directly to the [Kings], find out key positions. I imagine this will be easy since most devils love to brag. You can let us know what they're protecting and where they're concentrating their forces, in addition to passing on any other information that may be relevant."
"And you can guarantee my autonomy?" Ambrose asked, looking for assurance. "I'd be free to continue my work and business unimpeded by your new circle."
"Of course." Euberhard promised with a smile. "You have my word."
"Then I suppose I have just one more question." Ambrose replied with a smile. "What's the name of this group?"
"Nilrem."
Sorry it's been awhile.
I had an unexpected death in the family at the beginning of the year.
Took a few months off to try and move pass the loss.
Then I had another unexpected death in the family…
When it rains, it pours.
So, I'm getting back in the habit of writing again and didn't want to dedicate an entire page explaining why I was silent for so long. (I hate getting an alert for a new chapter, only to see a note saying: "Hey, I'll continue this soon.)
So here's a short little chapter to keep you all going and I'll try to have another one finished this weekend.