Why yes indeed, I still write real stories for this fandom. No matter how much i try, I still love dxD and I wish it well. Like always, I hope you all like this story and leave your thoughts down there. Love, Hellhound.

DISCLAIMER: DxD belongs to its respective publishers and Ichiei ishubumi. I just own the OC's and its events.

My life has been a tragedy ever since I was first conceived…

The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes for the first time was food: no people, no furniture, not even a room, just food. It took me a few years to piece things together, but in my first day into this world there was only food surrounding me. Fishes, pieces of ham, cheeses, breads and the likes, all food, not a single soul beside myself in that lonely, cold mansion. For my first year in this world, I would just consume my environment of pastries, seafood and dairies, despite the fact there was no one to lull me to sleep or take care of my needs besides the delicious dishes beside me…

During my first month then I realized: I could turn everything I wanted into food. A simple touch, or contact with the strange smoke coming from my mouth or teeth, a hard chair would turn into delicious bread, a vase would turn into dreamy shiitake mushrooms, and even the rain would turn into nutritious milk just by touching my tongue. I finally came to realize this: was I the reason why my parents were not there? The reason for my loneliness? Did I turn them into food the moment I came to this world? Was I the one… Who devoured them? Ever since I developed my sense of self, I ask myself that question…

However, life did not stop from there: One day like any other, the mansion I was born in was invaded by a group of strangers, maybe a bunch of thieves. When they were looking inside the house for treasures and money, one of them found me as a baby and seeing my abilities, took me away somewhere. From this moments, I experienced hell…

Those bunch of thieves had no mercy to a toddler like myself: Filled with greed and anger, they chop off both my legs and one arm, blinded me by one eye and removed all of my teeth and tongue so I couldn't speak or cry and have my eardrums pierced as well. Once I was rented paralyzed, semi-blind, mute and deaf, they founded their own cult with me as their center. My family apparently was the only rich one in that otherwise poor country, and so those thieves presented me as a figure of a Messiah, the savior of those less fortunate. Using a painful weapon to send electric shocks through my whole body, they would force my body to turn stones into bread, water and urine into wine and sand into cereals, their followers really buying that I was the reincarnation of some God and paid several coins in order to enter said cult and have their own share of miracles…

This hell lasted for 9 years. I would wake up with cold water onto my crippled body and be put on an altar so that the thieves, now calling themselves prophets and Kings of the New World, could start their first of three daily masses. They would pray, sing and laugh among themselves and in the end, using that same electric stick, force me to cough smoke so I could turn stones and water into bread and wine. They would also force me to cry and sell my tears as a form of holy water and the reason they left only my left arm intact was so that their followers could kiss it and pay their tributes to the cult, rinse and repeat more two times until the last nighttime mass, and then they would put me back in the cage with minimal food as possible while delighting themselves with fine food, drugs and women for the rest of the night. In one occasion or another, a kind-hearted person would try to set me free or at least befriend me or take me to the authorities, only for the said prophets to immobilize them and, using my unwilling body, turn them into food, which they would save for the festivities of the sacred day, their followers ignorant to the fact they were eating their own kin while one person would go missing…

It would all change during my 10th birthday and during the nighttime mass. Out of nowhere, our church of gathering was invaded and assaulted by people wearing silver armors and with red crosses on their chests and wearing swords that were not made out of metal or silver, but pure light. I saw the crowd trying to escape, begging for mercy and even my captors pulling their golden coins to offer their assaulters, but it was no use: by the dawn of the next day, every person who gathered inside our cult and worshipped me as a Messiah was dead, including the majority of my captors, whose mangled bodies proved that despite their claims, they were nothing more than men and for the first time since my capture, I was able to sleep peacefully…

However, my peace was short lived: One of those so-called crusaders found my moribund body fallen near the altar where I used to be worshipped, lacking most of my limbs, deaf and half-blind but still alive. You would think that those so-called Holy knights would take me in or at least comfort me as such. Unfortunately, it wasn't the case: they were actually orthodox church Holy Knights. As such, seeing me, a symbol and an idol of a belief completely different from them, they were quick to use a special magical circle to send me straight to the Underworld, or Hell and get rid of me once and for all. I can still remember that feeling, my flesh burning and being ripped off by the friction and heat my body caused as a fell into the depths of the Underworld, much more like a meteorite, finally clashing into a supernatural forest and breaking every bone in my body…

The rest of the story was actually quite funny: I spent one entire year in that hellish forest, turning whatever plant or animal in my fancy into food for sustenance. I had no arms, legs or even teeth to eat or act, not to mention that every single bone in my body was broken, so I was forced to use my own flesh as bait so that animals would come closer in the hopes of eating me. They would approach by the smell of blood and tears, eat some of my flesh and entrails and once they were relaxing feasting on my body, I would rapidly turn them into food and feast on them myself. Since I lacked teeth, I used those as bait as well, waiting other animals to munch them so that I could eat the chow they would left. That was my life during one year in that forest: being eaten and then eating, little by little regaining my energies to produce more smoke and turn larger preys into animals…

One day, I was finally found by a group of devils who were perplexed by the grown of a literal forest of food among their ecosystem. They found me eating some milk and cereal chow with some fish carcass, and approaching me, they simply blinked once, twice, and asked me…

"Hello there, little man. What's your name?"

Then I realized for the first time: I had no name. They called me the Messiah, the savior, their cashcow and other stuff, but never by a name I could call of my own. In the end, those two whose name were Ajuka and Sirzechs decided to give me one.

My name was now Soren Wein. I now had a name, I knew now whom I was.

For some reason, both men took me in and I was then considered one of their own. Thanks to my ability, which I discovered was a blessing Called Sacred Gear, which mine was called [Bonafide Sunday], I was appointed as a member of the kitchen staff of the Astaroth household, and as such, I was content to become someone, not something, of value. Thanks to culinary magic, I was able to grow my limbs back, have my eye, tongue and teeth restored, and as such, I was able to fully work as a chef in the Astaroth household. Even others members of the staff and chefs who would down on my human heritage would turn to me and praise my knowledge in food and handiness in my Sacred Gear. I was happy, I could say that I found a place where I belonged in a way despite being just a human.

However, one day. I decided to change everything…

"Lord Ajuka, I thank you about everything you did for me for most of my life until now. But I wish to quit being a servant of the Astaroth household."

"…" Despite the boldness in his words, Soren couldn't have choose a worst moment to declare such: In the middle of dinnertime, as Ajuka Beelzebub, the Demon King of the Underworld and former heir of the Astaroth clan of devils, and his parents and closes acquaintances were eating delicious dishes Soren himself prepared. There was a pause, and Ajuka, frozen in time with both the shock and surprise of Soren's sudden words, let a small piece of fish fall from his plate and into the plate. Indeed, it was a shocking moment in an inconvenient time. After a quick moment, the green haired demon lord took a glass of water for himself and sighed, turning his attention to his chef. "Well, that was sudden. Soren, I have no problem in letting you go and quit being a servant considering you did a marvelous job as a chef in the Astaroth household. I can even give you some money before you start your journey. However, while it breaks my heart having to say this, I must ask: why? Why do you want to quit working for us? Was it something we said or do? Is the payment not enough? I am curious, just that…"

"No, of course not. I have nothing against working for the Astaroth household, nothing against you either, Lord Ajuka. After all, the debt I have with you is vast considering everything you gave me and taught me…" Soren smiled shyly, winking the left red eye that was a completely functional prothesis Ajuka gave the chef to substitute the one Soren lost, contrasting with the right blue one. Also clenching the right hand that was still stinging since the chef was used not having any in the first place, Soren continued. "I wouldn't mind working for the Astaroth house until I die. But just for a while, just for a few months, I want to find my own Group and participate in the Azazel Cup."

"I see, I see. So you want to make a group so that you can participate in the Azazel Cup? That is actually a pretty cool move from you, Soren." Ajuka took another sip from his glass of water while stabbing a piece of broccoli with his fork. He turned his eyes to the blond chef though, seeing Soren adjust the blond locks hidden under a cooking hat. "You do know I always considered turning you into a devil so that you could live a lot longer, but you always refused. I can only say this is the typical hubris of a human, so even if you were to be reincarnated now, it would take years for someone like you to turn into a high-class devil and then have your own peerage. And as such, you decide to quit your job as my chef and search for a group to participate in the Azazel cup. I must say, it's almost that humans dislike thinking ahead, and I can badly say you're no different."

"Hahah…" Soren sheepishly laughed nervously to his master. He wasn't wrong, the blond chef truly refused to become a devil out of pride and maybe a bit of hubris, but now with a new perspective, he has to compensate for the lost time. However, he knew that Ajuka's words carried no weight at all, was more of a tease than anything else. Soren winked one eye, and turned to the devil King. "I'm sorry for my own hubris, Master Ajuka. But now is different. You see, they said the winner of the Azazel cup will be able to ask anything and the devils, angels and gods will try their best to make it come true. Well, you see, my wish is a bit complicated… And at the same time, not. You see, It's a woman…"

"Of course. Women, it is always women…" Ajuka rolled his eyes in mock shock and surprise, while his parents could only hide a small chuckle each. The Demon Lord could only sigh, remembering his best friend Sirzechs and his girls problems, as in, 'she is hot but at the same time the enemy and hellbend in bringing the end of devil society' kind of Girl problem. Regardless, of maybe because of it, the Lord of the flies was amused. "But this colors me surprise, Soren. You know, you could've just become a high-class devil and so on. Women love powerful guys, so you becoming a devil in the first place could've avoided this whole story. But eh, stuff like that happens."

"Yeah, master Ajuka, the thing is… It's a bit more complicated." Soren pouted, and Ajuka arched an eyebrow. Who the hell that human think he is, claiming something is too complicated for the smartest devil alive? But then again, there was a reason for him to be single ever since, so maybe it wasn't his subject to judge. People, specially humans, are unpredictable.

"Okay, fine. I do admit there are things in this world that are too complex even for me, so I can't judge or blame anything on you. But to win the Azazel Cup for a shot on her, eh?" Ajuka drank another sip of water, amused but surprised by the boldness of that boy who he found completely naked and limbless almost half a century ago. "You do know that devils are not the only one competing into it, right? The heavens, the Grigori, even Gods of other pantheons and the Heavenly Dragons are participating in it. Are you sure you want to participate in it despite so little chances of winning?"

"Yes." Sharp and quick, an answer that Ajuka wasn't expecting, but couldn't be prouder of it. He saw the determination in Soren's heterochromatic eyes, and smiled to himself even after the unhesitant question. Ajuka clapped his hands once, and finishing his dish, he smiled to Soren.

"Very well, then. You're free from being a servant of the House of astaroth, and is able to take you own path from now on." Hearing such words, Ajuka could notice how the young man's eyes suddenly brighten in pure red and blue, despite the fact that it wasn't just for the sudden light coming from his enthuasiam, but from the tears that started to flow. He sniffed once, and reached a handkerchief to dry out the running salty waters from his eyes. Lord and Lady Astaroth clapped as well. Ajuka reached for his fork and took a quick glance at it, a bit sadden himself, remind himself he would lose not just a servant, but also a close acquaintance. "But, to be honest Soren, I will miss your dishes. Maybe it's because I am used to them, but yours are the most delicious delicacies I've ever tasted. I bet even my parents think that, right?"

"I'm… I'm so sorry to hear that, Lord Ajuka. But of course, to show my gratitude… I refuse to leave without saying my thanks. Sous-chefs, please bring it here!" Fighting away the hiccups, Soren sniffed once again, and so turned his attention to the door leading to the kitchen, clapping his hands and calling for his cohorts, drawing the curiosity of Ajuka. In the end, the doors were wide open, and from inside, being pushed by several kitchen assistants, an enormous cake was presented, so massive, filled to the brim with Chantilly, crimson red strawberries and soft core. Lady and Lord Astaroth gasped in surprise and shock, while Ajuka laughed under his breath. Indeed, Soren was just like that sometimes. "Here… As a token of my gratitude, and my farewell gift… I baked this cake. Don't worry, I used magic so it won't expire or rot, and the fruit will forever be ripe. I know it doesn't even come close to the much you've all done for me… But I refuse to… Let you people… Say goodbye with a bad taste in your mouth…"

"Hahah, I cant believe you just did that just to make a pun. You never change, do you Soren?" Ajuka laughed, standing from his seat and walking towards the massive towering cake that was barely touching the chandeliers above them all. In slow steps, the Demon lord was coming closer and closer until he stopped right besides a fighting Soren with a pouty face and running tears. He reached for a fork, stabbed the cake deep and ripped a small piece with a strawberry topping. He took the piece to his mouth and took a bite, smiling soon after solemnly, turning a smile to Soren.

"H-How is it, Lord Ajuka…?" Soren asked, using now his sleeves to dry out his tears, trying his best to look composed and calm but failing miserably. Ajuka sighed with a smile, and pat the smaller man on the head, taking another bite from the massive cake while the other chefs would cut pieces and distribute them to Lord and Lady Astaroth and the other servants.

"Delicious, absolutely delicious, like always." Ajuka responded. The human sniffed once again, and dried his tears once again, reaching for his hand and cling to it like a lost child. There was a mix of emotions twirling inside of him now, but above all else, he felt… Gratitude. For the opportunities the demon Lord gave him, for the new eye and limbs, to learn so much. Gratitude, there was all there is to it.

"I-I.. I'm… I'm so glad…" He sniffed. "I thought… I thought… The tears would spoil the cake a little… I tried to… B-But they… but they wouldn't stop… I'm so sorry… if it isn't… If it isn't all that good…"

"No worries, Soren." Ajuka smiled. "Your tears made the cake even tastier, for they are sweeter than honey. Now, go walk your own path from now on… but at least pay some visit. I'm eager to eat your meals again someday…"

And so there was silence between the two. The demon lord and the saved human, now standing as equals as probably seeing each other for the last time for a long time. All the chefs, servants and even nobles present fell into silence, but suddenly they started to clap the two man, glad that Soren was leaving on a better note, and that he would start his new adventure anew…

That night, despite his heavy heart regarding having to leave his beloved master and the household he held dear for so long, Soren was glad that he was starting his new life as a free man. Despite living half a century with nothing but praise and love from his peers, devils, fellow servants and whatnot, having a new reason to live because of her fills his heart with delight as he fills his travel trunk with no sorrow, but happiness. His cookin books, some other gadgets, his chef outfit and finally a photo album with all the happy memories he had with her…

Speaking of her…

"Oh my dear, you won't believe what happened today. Lord Ajuka did accept my request to become independent. Now, I can finally start finding some allies to become my friends and help me in the Azazel cup…" the blond chef said with a smile, turning to his muse who was also smiling at him. Indeed, for a woman like her, even if all the happy memories he had were in that household and taking off would leave a permanent scar in his heart, it was all worth it for her smile, and to have her love for himself. Soren closed his trunk, and reached for his dear woman, passing his scarred, rough yet delicate hands on her cold cheek, until finally capturing her lips on a kiss and smiling to himself. "Don't worry, my love. When I finally win the Azazel Cup, we can finally be together. I might not be a devil, or even a high-class being, but I'll try my best, and make our dreams come true. You can bet on it… My dear Shuri."

And the cold body of Shuri Himejima said nothing, only continued to smile. Of course she wouldn't respond it since she was dead…

Soren would never forget the day he met her, or rather, her image: being a guest of the coronation of the Red Dragon emperor, issei Hyoudou, as one of the main cooks, he was present when he was given the right of a high-class devil. He was never too much fond of women considering his personality and estrangement to his peers, being a human working with devils, but the moment he laid his eyes on a photo of her, carried by the now General-Governor of the fallen angels Baraqiel and his daughter Akeno Himejima, he felt in love. Her glowing, pale skin, her kind, bright eyes and the entire aura surrounding her, Soren felt a completely attraction to her, like no other emotion he ever felt, and soon he discovered what it was: love. He has fallen in love with the late Shuri Himejima.

It wasn't right, it was completely deranged, it was wrong, but Soren couldn't help his heart. One day, at the middle of the night, he reached for the Himejima state and dig the grave of his beloved Shuri, finding her corpse as beautiful as the photo, completely unharmed and untouched by the rot or time, as if she was just asleep. Might've been some kind of conservation magic from baraqiel, he thought, but it didn't matter: taking the corpse for himself, Soren brought his beloved Shuri to his room and ever since, he started a relationship with the deceased sweetheart. He would talk, sleep with, feed and decorate her untaken body, always trying his best to make her happy, and in response, he wanted nothing but her smile, the soothing aura of her closed eyes and cold smile. He was happy with her, happier than he could ever be otherwise…

Of course, she being dead would create quite the uproar to his peers, no matter how close they were to him, not to mention that once baraqiel discovered the violation of his late wife's burial, he went on a rampage, claiming the head of whoever did it. Soren knew his life was at risk, either socially or even literally, but before he could succumb to despair and turn himself in, a spark of hope: the Azazel Cup.

The Azazel Cup, the massive Rating Game in which anyone could participate, and being the ultimate price everything the winner would want at the border of the impossible. Compared to anything else, what Soren could ask but to have his love accepted and undisturbed? With that in mind, fueled by his love for Shuri, he took his decision: he would gather the strongest allies, form a team, win the Azazel Cup and finally be able to express his love for Shuri to the world, and no one, not even her husband, could stop him. Yes, to be able to express his love freely without repercussion, was there a purer reason to fight?

He was Soren Wein, and his wish… Was to marry the corpse of Shuri and be happily ever after.

CHARACTER BIO:

Name: Soren Wein.

Hair color: Blond

Eye color: Heterochromia(blue/red)

Age: 68(Looks 20 thanks to culinary magic)

Nationality: unknown(probably welsh)

Race: Human.

Loyalty: House of Astaroth(former); Shuri Himejima, Team Soren(Leader)

Equipment: Bonafide Sunday(Sacred Gear; it has the ability to produce a smoke that turns anything it touches into food of his liking).

Abilities: Culinary magic.

Dream: To marry Shuri Himejima undisturbed.