Never shame those who walk back, for it means they have a place to return.
DISCLAIMER: DxD does not belong to me.
Oh my, who is this super awesome, extremely cute, dashingly beautiful, generously bountiful young maiden in front of me? Oh wait, that's just a mirror. Hohohohoh.
Today is finally the day, the day of my release of this blank prison known as Beelzebub hospital, and I couldn't be happier about it. I, Annabelle Hellsing, shall prove the sweet taste of freedom once again, and hopefully no angry dragon shall be waiting for me to wreck my shit.
Besides reposing all the blood lost during the Conference, Beelzebub-sensei was able to reconstruct my nose and skull that were destroyed during the chaos than ensued and after, plus reconnecting all the nerves on my body so I could finally move normally. I'm good as new and prettier and more beautiful than ever, which is already a miracle by itself!
Oh, and for the Gorgon eye? Back where it belongs, fully functional too! The demon lord of Beelzebub is indeed a genius, and not only my sight but my petrification stare is back, although it still hurts to use it and the toll in it is immense. To help me with that, Beelzebub-sensei made this special black eyepatch with the symbol of the Gremory; a prototype of a sorts, it covers my eye in a way I can't use my gorgon stare indiscriminately but it's made from a material that allows me to see as if I wasn't wearing it at all, meaning I have full vision even with my covered eye and is more of an accessory than a debilitating patch.
Why did she make it instead of something more normal and convenient, like glasses or a special contact lens? Well...
'Eyepatches are cool, aren't they? It'll look rad on someone like you, and uncovering will be a shock and surprise for your enemies. Now, between the eyepatch and the contact lenses, which colour you want your eyepatch to be?'
No wonder she's considered one of the most powerful devils around, she has a mind like no other, and I respect her deeply for that. She indeed deserves the title of a Demon Lord.
I suck my own mouth, stretch my body a little and crack a knuckle or two, ready to face them as I can, as Annabelle Hellsing, Berolina Gremory's trusty Knight piece. Sigh, after all I did, after all was done, somehow I wasn't executed or put in a shallow cell, and while I'm grateful for it, the hardest part is having to face the consequences of my hubris, and honestly, I don't think I can do it without having to pause and recompose myself. So uncool for someone like me... But what I did was also uncool, so that's that. I have to face my nemesis and be better with the new chance they gave me, and for that, I have the perfect plan...
And with that, I walk outside my hospital room and walked without problems to the main hall on the first floor, holding this scarf to cover my mouth and taking deep breaths to stay focused and calm. I suck on my mouth once again, and turning a corridor I'm faced with my peerage waiting for me at the lounge. Red, who was changing some thoughts with Red Boobs2 was the first to notice and greet me, lifting a hand to wave a hello...
"Hey, Annie. I see you're okay again. With a new eye to boot, too." He chuckles to himself, and just like before I feel an ominous aura behind his smiley face too dark to ignore. I try my best to mimic his expression.
"Yep, good as new, red." I said, pointing at my left covered eye.
"I see. Good to... Know!" And he tries a swift hook when he got close enough, but I dodge that surprise attack with ease, almost dancing around his assaulting fist and taking one step away from reach. He used to be so mellow and depressing, hence why those punches from last time caught me by surprise. Now that I know best, it's quite easy to avoid those. He turns to me to try another, and with a jump I escape once again from pain. He tried again but instead was caught by China boobs and witch boobs. "I'll get you again, you damn ninja."
"You try it, dear." I wink... I mean I blink because eyepatch, but all he does after is gruff and murmur something that I'm glad I could barely hear. He calms down with a pat on the head and with that done, i turn to the Gremory sisters, the younger one coming closer to give me a bear hug. Oof~, doesn't that feel amazing, "Hey there, chief. Missed me?"
"Like you wouldn't believe, you dumb vampire! Good to see you alive and well! As expected from my dearest evil piece!" She exclaims while tears bounce off her pretty smiley face, and for all my resolution I couldn't help but to feel a bit bad. They really missed me, those stupid devils... And I'm one of them, for what's worth. Red boobs 2 comes closer to me and pats my head, her beautiful but ever stoic face shining a ghost of a smile.
"Glad to see you well, Annabelle Hellsing. After your own misadventures before and during the conference, it pleases me to see that you haven't lost your edge, as both a dhampyr and a knight. Allow me to grace you with some spoiling." She ruffles and plays with my head in a very comfortable way, as if she's trying to reassure me of something. I know she won't attack me or send me to my death, but it's good to be sure. I pull the crimson scarf around my neck and nod back when Red boobs let go off me and I nod back.
"Thanks a lot, Nemesis-san. As always, you're both physically and mentally charming. Nero-san is sure a lucky guy." I grin, and she stops with her ruffling to blush a little and turn her purple gaze elsewhere. Typical, she might be older than me, but she still carries the heart of a maiden, such moe. I mentally slap myself a few more times and adopt a more serious and respectful approach. "That aside, I'm really glad to be back, and I'm honoured to have you accepting me despite my previous actions. You truly are a Gremory, Nemesis-san."
"Much better." She sighs while I turn elsewhere and giggle to myself. Between the two, I gotta say, Berolina has better social skills, but then again, that's a gross comparison altogether. Oh well, they're still very talented devils. I was about to start another topic but then I feel my collar being pushed from behind, and I have two guesses of who it is. Forcing me to turn around, there she was, my knight junior, the short-haired dark beauty with a fierce look.
"Aren't you ever so casually addressing the clan you've abandoned for selfish reasons?" She asks, picking me by the front and clashing our bodies together. Another good pair, I wonder if dragon already played with those. "As much as they treat you as an acquaintance despite your past actions, I will let you know that you're still a very much enemy to me, and no matter what, your reputation with yours truly is already tarnished. We might be of the same peerage, but I won't ever see you as a comrade."
"Kan'u, knock it off. She already did enough, so whatever grudge you have with her is your problem." Dragon was quick to intervene and slap the hand that was holding me away, Guandao Boobs letting go off me but still eyeing me with scorn. Figures, I knew some wouldn't accept me back, and hell, I don't think just saying 'oops, my bad' will solve any tension between us, as little as it is. "Besides, she already failed her mission anyway, so it's not like her pride is already on the mud and buried in crap."
Ouch, red really learnt how to give burns like this? But anyway...
"Nah, but she's right, y'know. No matter how cool or awesome I am, a screw-up is still a screw-up. I'm glad to be alive and well, but I know none of this would be possible without the devils I betrayed and turned myself from. It might not be much, but I will try my best from now on." I sigh defeated, and guandao boobs hums curiously but still not convinced. I turn my attention to the Gremories, and reaching for my pocket, I pick a small paper package and offered it to the younger one, who picked it without a problem and a confused look. "As a token of gratitude, remorse and ultimate loyalty, I present to you, Berolina Gremory, this. It might not be enough for my actions, but one day I shall recompensate for my sins."
"Awww~, you made me an apology gift? How sweet? But you didn't need to, Annie." Red boobs smiles and nods, her eyes eager to open the small white foiled paper that doesn't appear much, as everyone approached her to take a look with the exception of red who was holding Guandao boobs in place. One, two seconds pass, they open the paper and their curiosity turned into horror as Rina yelped a little and covered her mouth, making the small paper and its content fall. The sekiryuutei walked forward to see what the fuss was about, and i could hear the hollow and dry sound of something hitting the floor. I look down, and there they were...
… 28 sharp, bloodied teeth.
"A-Ah... A-A-Annie...!" Recovering a little from the shock, the younger Gremory now turns to me with trembling, watery eyes, probably waiting for me to say it was a prank or something. Instead, I pushed my scarf down and shined to her my now toothless grin, pulling my lips to show that, yes, I pulled every single one of those teeth, the trademark of a vampire, gone.
"Yep. They were mine, and now, the ones which will grow will be yours, Berolina Gremory." I said, pulling my scarf back up to hide my toothless bloody mouth. Thankfully, a vampire like me can grow back its fangs in just a few months, so I don't have to worry being toothless forever. But the main issue here is thus: these are more proof of loyalty, and I did my best. I go down on one knee to her. "Accept my pride and joy as a dhumpyr, my fangs, as a vow and stamp of my loyalty to you from now on. Those were the teeth of a traitor, and the ones which will grow back will be yours to use through me. I know it might not be enough to wash away my sins, but please, allow me to try again."
"Y-Y-You stupid dhumpyr! What the hell...?!" And red boobs foils the paper into a ball and toss it to the floor, coming closer to me to grab me by the collar and make me stare directly at her, pulling my scarf away to take a closer look at my bloody gums, pushing me away. "Why would you do this?! I already accepted you back! So what if people will look weird at me and you since you defected?! You're MY servant, and feeling sorry is enough for me!"
"Who knows? I think it's my pride as a vampire making me do stupid shit like this." I said, adjusting my collar, sucking on my gums a few times and taking a look around, the horrified gazes of my peerage peers and Guandao Boobs surprised yet subdued expression. I turned back to my King, and smiled as I could. "But that's that. It won't ever let me rest if I don't compensate you in any way, and the guilt would consume me no matter what. So there you have it, Berolina Gremory. It's a promise."
"You... You stupid, stupid dhumpyr..." Berolina dries her eyes and clenches her teeth, a mix of horror, rage and sadness stamped onto her pretty face, taking a deep breath to point at me and order. "Fine! I will keep those teeth and accept you back wholeheartedly! But the next time you ever think of defecting or doing stupid stuff like this, inform me beforehand so I can compensate my shitty leadership instead and make you change your mind! And if you ever think of doing crap like that again, I will punch the teeth out of your mouth myself!"
"I wouldn't want it any other way." I smile as I could, and my vision was so blurry and tired I didn't react when a body from behind came closer to hug me. I took a quick glance at my side and I saw it was red, wrapping one arm around my neck in a half-hug. I reached a hand to tap his back. "Getting emotional there, red? I was wrong, you got lamer ever since that day at the courtyard from Kuoh."
"Shut up." Was his only lame response. I let myself be hugged, and more and more of my companions came closer to accept me back, a pat on the head or back, another half hug, excited name calls. In the end, I turned to Guandao boobs who was picking my teeth back and once that was done, she turned to me and offered me a bloodied tooth.
"I still distrust you, Annabelle Hellsing. But... My image of you has changed a bit. Just... A bit." She says, flipping said teeth away into a trashbin. I dunno why, but that made me happy, as little as it was. To be accepted like this feels cool, way cooler than me being a ninja, after all. Compromising like this... It's not bad, not bad at all.
Indeed, I'm Annabelle Hellsing, I'm Sayuri; I'm the daughter of the Kaguya and the Prime-minister of the Vampire Empire... And Berolina Gremory's Knight. That is who I am, and I couldn't be happier...
"By the way, Annie." Dragon dismissed his embrace and everyone took a step back to leave me some space to breathe. I turned to him and smiled, but he looked pensive a lot. "You did remember to stanch the bleeding when you removed your teeth, right?"
"..."
"..."
"Oh..." I snap. Actually, I was so focused on preparing the reveal and apologize, I didn't even think of those trivialities, but not that he mentioned, I do feel a bit lightheaded, after the adrenaline rush, and no matter how much I suck, blood just continues to flow, so much I spit a bit of it. He widens his eyes even more.
"Y-You do know you're bleeding a lot, right? Even for a vampire..."
"..."
"..."
"Y-Yeah. I think I get it now."
"..."
"..."
…
*BAM!*
"KYAAAAAAAAH, ANNIE-SAAAAAAAAAN~…!"
"YOU FUCKING STUPID DHUMPYR! TASHA! SENSEI! CALL MARY-SENSEI, QUICK!"
"DON'T YOU GO DYING ON ME, YOU STUPID VAMPIRE! YOU'RE MY KNIIGHTTTTT~…!"
"Rina, your pieces are fucking weird..."
Aw, how I missed this...
How I missed being uncool, even for a few times...
"Tea?"
"Yeah. Thank you, Lucrezia-san." And I accept the pearly white teacup from the current headmaid in the Gremory living, where the rest of my peerage was waiting for Rina to prepare her things for us to leave.
As funny at it would be, fortunately Annie did not die of bloodloss and was ultimately treated by Mary-sensei, stopping her gum bleeding and closing all the wounds in her mouth. She refused to have her teeth back or receive a denture though, so we have a fangless dhumpyr as a knight. Also, she had to pass through another small surgery since Mary-sensei broke her nose for harming herself in her territory. As expected from the Beelzebub demon lord, very scary.
"Owowow..." I see Annie put down her own teacup as she whined with her tongue out, sucking on her toothless gums and waving a hand in front of her lips. I bet even with her stitches, it might still sting a lot, drinking tea without teeth, but I can't feel pity after that stunt from before. She turns to me. "Hmm..."
"What?" I inquire. As everyone was waiting for Rina, the green-haired dhumpyr turned her attention to me and blinked a few times with her only eye exposed. She covers her mouth with her scarf and let out a small chuckle.
"Oh, nothing. You know, dragon, I gotta say, you look a lot healthier the last time I saw you. Did something good come your way?" And immediately I could feel my ears start to burn a little, and I shifted my gaze elsewhere to avoid that sight that was mocking. I hear a giggle behind me, it was Lucrezia-san. "No trying to hide from me, I'm a ninja after all. How's the harem prince thing going? I see you found yourself some really cute girls in my absence."
"Yeah, you can say that." I murmur, looking at the group who had two more additions plus all the other people we met around, most of them girls. I flash her a small grin and winked, trying also to get a reaction out of her. "What, are you afraid you might fall for me too? I think I got pretty good in it."
"Hohoh, flirty, aren't we? That's kinda disturbing." She recoils a little for my offer and makes an 'ew' sound, although she's blushing too, much for my own embarrassment. I didn't mean most of it, but by this point it almost became a habit of mine, plus it's always a joy to see their reactions as long as I don't go overboard, and that's the red line. "It seems that the red dragon's fame is rubbing on you while I was gone. You should get yourself checked, it might be contagious."
"Now, that was a rude one." I chirp, and after a moment or two we laughed at each other. "But I guess it also means I'm a lot better as myself. I feel more at ease to just play around, and that includes playing with girls. Ohoh, mayhap I have charmed you inadvertently?"
"Shut up and stop that. You're being a creep." She laughs and throws a pillow in my direction, which hit me but I took it in strides. I guess I really am getting really good at flirting, what do you know. "Geez, what the hell..."
"You're not the only one who grew, Annie. I busted my own ass during this semester; like hell I would calm down with you waltzing around with your werewolf girlfriend and whatever you stole from your old lady." I said with crossed arms and legs, taking a small time to take a sigh and recall the events that brought us here. I still want to punch out her fake pearly whites, but for now, I should be happy. My bloodthirst however was apparently caught up by the others, as I feel strong arms on my shoulders pushing me down the seat. It was sensei.
"Annabelle-dono, his words are harsh, but Hong Long did miss your presence during his trials and events; he, as always, just had difficulty in showing those." The warlady smiles, and with a blush on my face, I sank further into the soft sofa. The dhumpyr by the other side smiles to herself, shrugging with such a blasé pose.
"Well, well, well; that's our dear tsundoragon, after all." She laughs mockingly, but instead of ire, I just sink further and let out a grunt. Fortunately on my end, Tasha was quick to pinch both of Annie's cheeks and tease her as well.
"And you. Our kyuketsundere. Don't try to deny it." She says, and snapping from her comfort zone, the vampire slaps both hands away and pouts, also coiling on the sofa and with a rather cute blush on her face. 'Cute', a word I didn't expect to use to describe the super awesome and cool vampire-ninja hybrid that is Annabelle Hellsing.
"L-Like hell I am. Seriously..." She murmurs to herself, so much she turned her face away and pulled her scarf to cover her face. Is this the so-called 'gap moe' again? "So uncool..."
"How about some cold tea, Annie-san?" And to lighten up the moody ninja, the grim reaper picked a small teacup and offered the said black liquid to her, which she took it and sipped on it, smiling and giving a thumbs up. Good that they're getting along just fine now. On the other hand, Kan'u is still a bit wary, supporting her back on a wall like some badass cowboy and looking intensisely in our direction. Whiswain waves at her. "Would you like some tea as well, miss Guan Yu?"
"I'll pass." She responds. I take a sip of my own tea, and silence again befalls us. I take a glance with everyone around and realize how calming that is. Surrounded by cute girls and drinking tea, how relaxing and somehow familiar, it makes me feel at home, if just a little. No sound, but for this, I'm glad to be here.
Suddenly, the main door leading to the living room opens and there she comes, our King Berolina, carrying with herself a small green suitcasewith the Gremory emblem in it, a few extra luggage and being followed by her mother and father. We all stood up to walk to her, and she laughs, embarrassed.
"Sorry, guys. I was picking some new clothes back in my room. I was also saying goodbye to Fortunato, and he slapped mother in the boob again." She sighs, and taking a quick glance, we saw that, yes, aunt Alice had her chest wrapped in bandages and a smile that was showing any possible emotion except joy. Cohen-sama on the other hand hid a chuckle behind a hand and received a slap for his troubles. "Well, let's get going. We still have some school days before summer vacation, and I kinda miss mama Kyou. It feels like years ever since I saw her face."
Hah, I get it.
"Aren't you going to spare a farewell or two for your mother, Berolina?" Aunt Alice smiled to her daughter, reaching for her shoulders and shaking her a little bit. There was no malice, no second intentions, and from the younger Gremory, a blush and a tightened face. "A 'see you later', of course. If you ever need anything, don't be afraid to ask. Have a nice semester and good luck with your exams."
"Thank you, mother." Rina opens an awkward smile, and aunt Alice lightly pecks her on the cheek. Her father, on the other hand, ruffles her hair a little. By the look on her face, she looks content enough, but soon realized she was in public and shook her head to walk towards up, still blushing."S-Sorry for that. We should get going..."
"We can wait a moment or two. They're your parents, after all." I shrug, but with a shake of her head, the deal was settled. I guess she's feeling a lot more guilty than I thought, so better take things slowly. I tap her gently on the shoulder as she walks outside the mansion being followed by the headmaid carrying some of the extra weight.
"My dear servants of Gremory, evil pieces of Berolina, I wish you all the best and please, take good care of my daughter." Aunt Alice smiled and politely bowed for all of us, which we reciprocated. Even if she didn't ask, we would do that anyway, but it still feels nice to be trusted upon. She came closer and patted me on the shoulder. "Especially you, dear red dragon. I expect great things from you from now on. And as always, keep her in line."
"Will do." I nod at her, and she giggles. I would say something quite horrible right now, but due to circumstances and not feeling all that like an ass, I should avoid it.
"You all have my blessings as well, my dear cohort devils. All six of you, including you, my little ninja girl!" Cohen-sama came closer to congratulate us as well, and started first ruffling my hair and Ryuubi-sensei's. He's almost 2 meters tall, so he tops all of us. Suddenly, from under his normal arms, four more insectoid ones sprouted to pat the others on the head, and seeing those thin, black cockroach members patting my friends made me flinch, and by everyone's reaction, I'm not the only one thinking that. "As for this, I, the great demon lord of Lucifer, shall present upon you the greatest honour to be be pat in the head by yours truly! Rejoice, my kin, for you deserve it."
"T-Thanks, Cohen-sama." I murmur, thanking whatever deity devils worship for not being patted by an insect arm, and everyone just nodded out of politeness, because I don't think anyone would be grateful to be spoiled by giant cockroach hands. Except Whiswain, who fainted when she couldn't take it anymore, fortunately being caught by Ryuubi-sensei's strong arms. I don't blame her at all. Awkward, I have to diffuse the situation somehow. "We should be going right now. Thanks for your blessing, and I hope we see each other soon enough."
"Likewise." He retracts his arms and smiles kind and calmly this time, probably the softest expression I've ever seen from him. But then his eyes turn sharp, he turns around and right beside the door frame he picks a fire extinguisher and a wheeled chair for some reason. "Now, if you excuse me, I shall partake in race of the century against my dear fellow demon lord Mary... I shall show her the true power of the demon Lord of Lucifer. So long, my dear King! May the blessings of Sirzechs shine upon you!"
…
"Okay." I responded, but he wasn't anymore in an earshot, just laughing to himself while kicking a door down and flying away. What the hell happened? Maybe it is not wise to ask that for now. Aunt Alice follows suit with a cheerful jump and words of encouragement and left us alone to fend for ourselves. At least they're a happy couple, it seems. I waved at my peerage, maybe our time here is up. "Let's go."
And we all nodded, taking our way to the front door and catching up with Rina and Lucrezia-san, waiting for us at the small room leading there. Like before, there was a magical circle rune glowing in the courtyard waiting for us, but what surprised me was the small line of maids waiting for us there, the five maids who made my trip here be so... Exquisite. Rina visibly pouted even with Noin-san's typical smile.
"Have a nice trip to the human realm, Berolina-sama. Please, take care." She spoke, followed by a bow from her plus the other maids. For that Rina had nothing to say but to stick her tongue out and walk pass the older maid with the rest of her luggage, dissapearing into the light of the magical circle. Noin-san lowers her head a little, a bitter smile in her pretty face. I approach her, and she turns her gaze elsewhere. "Do not comfort me, Ichijou-sama. This is the result of my hubris, and I shall gracefully accept her scorn. This is my duty and honour as a servant of Gremory."
"Good, because I was going to say 'this is what you get', you old hag." I deadpanned. She deserves this scorn, and I deserved the sucker punch she gave me for being an asshole. She regrets her decisions and that was uncalled for, but I did it anyway. Being mocked is also a form of harm, so I can consider this also 'self-defence', no? Recovering from that, I stood up, gave her a light nod and a wink. "As expected from Noin-san: you truly are a loyal servant. Some might think this is a flaw yours, but I admire that. I know Rina will turn around someday. Unlike me, she doesn't hold grudges for very long."
"Was I supposed to feel threatened?" She darts me, and as in an anime, I can feel small sparks flying between us in our clashing stares. Once she calmed down, she adjusted her gloves and bowed to us, walking away with a tap on my shoulder. "Protect milady with your life, if you claim to love her so much."
"Gladly." I respond with confidence. Again, no need to ask.
"Also, next time, mind your activities. I do not deserve sleep deprivation for your lack of control."
…
"What...?" I asked as she vanishes from sight, and then I realized that if I think too much about it, my head might explode, so I will ignore it and shove it elsewhere in the dark corner of my brain. The four other younger maids bid their goodbyes to me and a light bow to the rest, and seeing their preference for me, Annie let out a snappy chuckle.
"Holy shit, you did manage to become popular. Guess the vanilla MC is on the rise if you of all people got quite a following." She sucks on her gums again, and one of my brows twitches as the will to punch her teeth out once she grows them back rises. Her laugh after that however calmed me down enough, and she goes first into the circle. "I think I need to keep up from now on. To be next to the red dragon, being naturally awesome is not enough, I see."
"Well, you're also pretty cool, Annie." I respond. She gives me a sideglance, pushes her scarf up and blushes, walking right into the rune and dissapearing into the light.
"Not as cool as you, Ichijou." She whispers beforehand. After that, everyone simply walked into the rune into the interdimensional train that will take us back to the human world. I was the last one remaining, taking my time to appreciate the oddly gloomy yet calm atmosphere of the underworld, who I notice is quite the opposite of what a hell is... If you ignore the two satans flying around in wheeled chairs propelled by fire extinguishers.
'EAT MY DUST, YOU FUCKING COCKROACH! YOU CAN'T FLY FOR SHIT!'
'I WILL MAKE YOU EAT THOSE WORDS AND THE TRACKMARKS ON MY CHAIR, YOU SLUTTY SLUG!'
I wonder if this is a thing among demon lords or they're the special case.
"Hey, Ichijou. Here, here. Before you go, I have something to give you." And as I was about to go into the magical locomotive, Lucrezia-san, the remaining maid as well, waved at herself to call for my attention. All the maids I've encountered so far wanted a piece of me, a she's no different, so my fight-or-flight kicked in. I take a few seconds to recompose myself, and when I do, she pulls off her left glove, picked the small ring on her ring finger and offers it to me. "There, my own commitment ring. Take it."
"Uh, Lucrezia-san, I don't get it much. You were my ally since the beginning of those trials, and honestly, if we were to, I wouldn't have the mental strength to hurt you in any way. No reason to give me your symbol of servitude." I ask her, but she shakes her head negatively with a smile and pushes the ring in my direction, practically forcing me to take it.
"No, no, you truly deserve it. even If there was no trial, I find you worthy, no, deserving of my praises and blessings. Moreover, accept it as a gift of our... Friendship." She says, and seeing her adamant she was regarding this, I can't help but to take the ring for myself, putting in my pocket with the rest. Now I collected them all, somehow I feel like this last one was the best. She puts her glove on. "What you said a few days ago also touched my heart, and I know you'll become a fine gentleman from now on. I wish you the best, so every time you face those rings, know that you have our blessings."
"Thank... You." I murmured, probably blushing and making a tightened face, scratching my cheek, doing everything to evade the awkward feeling in my heart. Among the maids, she's definitely the most dangerous for me. I don't dislike it, but still. Before she could leave, I wave a hand at her, signing for her to get closer. "Hey, Lucrezia-san. Come here, I have also something to give you."
"Hmmm~? What is it, Ichijou?" She asks, coming closer. I put my hand in my pocket and tried to reach for something as she came closer, and once we were face to face, I lifted a fist for her and she approached it with a curious hum. "My, oh my. What an honour, to receive a prize from the red dragon emperor. I wonder what it is? But then again, our bond is enough for me."
*PECK!*
"...?!" And when she came close enough, I pulled my fist and gave her a light kiss on the cheek. Nothing major, just a light touch of lips on her soft skin, but was enough to make her recoil and look pensive at me with a hand on her cheek. It was another spurt of the moment, and I blushed until humanly, devilishly, possible, covering my mouth and looking away. This is so embarrassing, but in the end, this is a sign from me too.
"L-Like I said, Lucrezia-san. I won't waver anymore, I won't hesitate anymore; I will try to reciprocate and respond to all the love and care people give me... And I will be more open to my feelings." I respond, finally lifting a weight on my chest. "Even if I regret something, anything, I promise I will repay them in full, and be someone people are proud of."
"..." And from her, nothing. Not a single word, only a hand on her cheek and a surprised look. I waited and waited for any response, but nothing came. One, two seconds of silence, and the embarrassment took over, making me turn around and walk into the rune, not even giving her a second look.
"I-I should go now." Those were my final words to hurt as I jumped into the rune and was summoned in into the Gremory locomotive which will cut through the dimensional gap and take us home. I guess changing is a lot harder than I imagined.
"Why took you so long?" Rina asked, eating some candy in the candy trolley of the train.
"He was probably flirting with one of those cute maids." Annie laughed and fist-bumped Tasha as a silent agreement, but received a dope slap from Kan'u. She probably noticed the blushing in me, and with nothing to say, I simply sat on the couched seat and waited for the train to take us home.
The way home wasn't anything special: we ate and drank some of the candies and sodas around, played some uno and talked about school; of course, the tension between our two knights wasn't unexpected but left the trip a bit too awkward. Annie was smart enough to simply stay away from our group, probably her lone wolf side, but Rina insisted for her to stay, which the ninja complied. Whiswain even tried to make friends with her. Having her pride destroyed must've take its toll. Can't blame her...
Finally we reach home, the four-star hotel-place that sticks like a sore thumb in the middle of a typical Japanese neighbourhood. It was getting dark, and the lights on the streets started to flick. At last, home, the place where I earn the most, with new people and a prodigal one. I turn to her and signed for her. She has the key, after all.
Annie sighs, reaching for her pocket and picking said key to reach the front door. She gives me an ugly look, she probably thinks I'm doing that out of malice, but truly, I want to show her exactly that and for why she has that key. Even if her father is a vampire and her mother a ninja, I guess she can see it now. She sighs, unlocks the door and turns the knob...
"I'm... I'm home."
*POP! POP! POP! POP!*
"Gah...!"
"Welcome home, Sayuri. And you guys too!" But when we faced the darkened corridor leading to the house, suddenly the lights flicked up, and party crackers popped onto us, covering said ninja with confetti and colourful strings. When we finally could see past that commotion, we saw that everybody was here: mom, my sisters, Yoko, Ren, Sally-chan, even Mizuki-san and Annie's werewolf girlfriend.
'Hey, what do you mean with 'even'? I was worried sick, too.' The ESPer ingrained her thoughts into my mind. Sorry, Mizuki-san. She smiles. 'Nah, I am the one who was supposed to apologize. Being such a coward to help during what was basically a war, sorry for that. Next time, I'm gonna try to help, for sure.'. Thanks, Mizuki-san, that means a lot.
"Sayuri-sama, Sayuri-sama! Desmond-sama told me to give you those pretty flowers or your return and recovery. The best flowers the vampire empire could offer!" Sally-chan, the cute miko said jumping up and down while offering a bouquet of bloody red roses to the dhumpyr together with that fak-haired werewolf lady, I don't think i ever got her name, who looked very surprised. The rest of my family simply looked at her funny, but shrugged, dismissing as a fantasy.
"Yeah, mom also left some pretty flowers for you even after all that happened. Be grateful, you idiot." Ren came also with a bouquet of flowers, those being yellow lilies, not even bothering to look at his sister in the eyes but blushing still. Man, is this a tsundere convention or what? I looked at Annie, and for the first time, she looked speechless, gazing at her pretty flowers and taking deep but discompassed breaths. In the end, she took the flowers, and hugged them tighly.
"T-Thank you... Ren... from Mom... From Dad... Thank you..." She spoke, lowering her head. The grip on those bouquets became tighter, and in the end she let out a trembling sigh and rested her head on her brother's shoulder. Ren was surprised for a moment, but then tapped her on the shoulder. "Thank you... So much."
"Shut up... Just take the present." The brother said, but from here I can see him frowning a little, his eyelids trembling and lips quivering. I guess family is family, eh? Speaking of which...
"Geez, all of that for a night of extra credit? Talk about melodramatic, reminds me of a certain someone..." Fu-nee spat, and Mi-nee slapped her right on the back of the head, making an offended face. Once everything calmed down, my sisters looked at me, and I lifted a hand in a 'hello', trying my best to hide my new scar under the jacket. "And then we have you, little bro."
"Yeah, I'm home." I said. I was expecting anything from them at this point, considering that I spent the entire Friday and weekend somewhere where they cannot reach, and I have the slightest idea that some perfume might still be around. However, instead, they simply patted my shoulder and smiled, satisfied.
"Whatever. Welcome back, little bro." Fu-nee declared. "Mom, what's today's grub? I'm starving~!"
"Look how you talk to mom, Futaba." Came a slap from Go-nee, who waved me a goodbye as he followed the rest upstairs. "Welcome back, brother. I left a list of chores you missed to do this weekend. Do it next weekend or I'll seriously hurt you."
"Oh, joy." I sarcastically muttered, but her expression didn't seem all that fazed, she just walked away with a certain soothing and relieved expression. Maybe her time at the clinic might be taking a toll on her head. I blink a few times and now see mom staring. She reaches for my hair and give it a light raffle. "Hey, mom."
"Your hair... It grew a little. I like it." She smiles. Huh, didn't even notice, but my hair did grow a bit, I hope I don't look like a delinquent or something, but if mom likes it, then there is no problem. She smiled and nodded before turning away and going upstairs. "Welcome home, Ichijou. I'm making Sukiyaki tonight. And your friends are all invited."
"Thanks." I nodded. And then the last one to come, my dear fox wife, Akabane Yoko, getting closer to look at me, then to our group, then back at me. No words, only silence, and the question comes again: do I... Do I love her? If so, as a friend, a lover, or something else entirely? Perhaps... that is not important, the important is that everyone is here, safe and sound. "Yoko..."
"Ta-dah! Safe and sound, as promised!" But Rina was the one to break the silence, coming between us to open her arms and showcase me like an attraction or something. She looks happy and proud. "See? Look at us, good as new! Maybe a few traumatic experiences that will haunt us until a certain age and a major scar or two, but we're here, we're clear and queer, as I said we would! How do you like them apples, Yoko~?!"
"..."
"Yoko...?" But the fox said nothing, she only came closer to rest herself on me, her head on my chest and holding my shirt. Not only that, Rina was caught by her other arm and pulled closer in this semi-hug. She says nothing, only sobs. The shock lasted for a few seconds, but then she murmurs, lifting her head and smiling at us.
"Welcome home."
"Yeah. We're back." I responded as everybody from the peerage came closer to share some heat. I looked back at the ninja siblings, wolf lady and Sally-chan also sharing their hug, and took a deep breath. Yeah, I'm back here, where I belong, home.
Although, I had the feeling that I never left.
"Very well, dears. You precious dragon boytoy is gone, so back to work. Chop-chop! Lady Mary won the race against Cohen, so as a reward, bake her a cake congratulating her in her achievement and make her feel at home!"
""""Yes, ma'am!"""" And the four young maids were quick to spread and do their duties like good members of the Gremory clan.
The mood around here was quite brighter than before, and for some reason all of them were in high spirits. The foul vendetta between them and the red rascal dragon was apparently quenched, and for the first time since I met him, I feel the slightest tint of guilt and pity for Ichijou, considering those girls tend to be... quite vindictive.
I'm surprised I didn't hear him screaming and kicking from the other side, although they might've gagged him since I heard a lot of moans and groans, they probably broke him a little and made him wail in his own blissful agony. Knowing they settled their revenge on him... Makes me proud of them.
*KNOCK!*
"Dear Noin, you're making that face again. Behave yourself." And from my stupor, a knock on my head wakes me up, courtesy of my cohort and... old acquaintance Faust Michaelis. I touch my face to notice that I was indeed grimacing wickedly, and taking a deep breath, I stop. I let out a small 'tch' and he chuckles with a huff. "Who was the unlucky one to make you enjoy the suffering of? Mayhap the gallant red dragon? He seemed... quite acquaint with those cute apprentices of yours."
"Indeed, Faust. I both underestimated and overestimated the red dragon emperor of this generation." I huff and shrug, satisfied, as he hums curiously. "He has a long way before being considered Lord Issei's equals, as both a dragon and a man."
"Huh, like a rotten cake like you have any knowledge about how men behave."
"Mind your words, asshole. One more word and you're going to wish every day was like last year's Oktoberfest when I'm done." I grunt. This... Old coot, no shame, as always.
"..." He gives me a side glance, returns to his position, and rolls his eyes. "Bitch."
Dear Lilith, some people just ask for it, don't they?
"Oh, here comes dear Lucrezia." But before I could do anything about this old sack of perversion, he calls attention to my successor dear Lucrezia, who was walking aimlessly through the corridor and who didn't notice our presence until she almost bumped into us. She seems quite pensive too, but I can never figure what she is thinking.
"Oh, master Noin, milord Faust. Good afternoon." She says, smiling weakly, again an expression which I cannot read for the life of me. Her spirits look down, but her body does not falter. Always the odd one, dear Lucrezia. She bows to us. "Sorry for my rude state, I shall clean myself and return to my duties. I was... just giving my last goodbyes to lady Berolina and her dear peerage."
"Understood, you do that." I waved, and with one last nod, she walks away. I share glances with Faust, but she shrugs as well, probably just as clueless as I. if I who taught her all those years do not know how to read her, imagine him of all people.
"Oh, by the way, master Noin... You were right." Dear Lucrezia stops and turns to us, her smile a little brighter and her spirit a bit higher. "Ichijou... Is quite dangerous, indeed."
And then she left with no other words, leaving Faust and I to our own confusion.
I wonder if this what they call 'young love'.
Young love? Perhaps, but not for them, not at all.
Hello, DxD fandom. How are you doing? I hope safe despite everything. Here it is, the new chapter, which is, compared to the other ones, pretty actionless, pretty morose, so much it even went meta, but that aside, Annie is back with a new style and cooler than ever. Of course, people might be wary about her for now, but as we know, the calmer days are back, but the storm is forming elsewhere in Kyoto. Also, Ichijou is maturing a little, as always, and even if he walks back... Well, there's always a place for him. Hahah.
Also, for the love of me, couldn't find a way to translate the pun about Kyuketsundere, which mashes the word for vampire(吸血鬼, Kyuketsu) and Tsundere. so for now, please forgive my clumsy self trying to make a pun.
That aside, as always, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and don't forget to R&R, stay safe and sound and until next time. Greetings fom Houki Minami.
THE OJOU: Berolina Gremory.
- The deuteragonist and Ichijou's King, the heiress of the Gremory clan. She's 16 years old and her birthday is August 7th.
- Descendant of the clans of Bael, Gremory, Paimon and Alastor; making her quite a powerhouse with strong techniques only limited by her young age. Like them, of course, she has quite a big heart for her servants.
- I always imagined hair being a symbol of vanity. Thus, her long crimson hair its one of her charms and pride and a small glimpse of her personality.
- She actually inherited the worst traits of her parents, hence why neither Cohen or Alice decided to punish her at all and decided to brush it as a phase(She didn't get herself pregnant in her teens at least), considering she lost an arm already. She's still a bit awkward around them due to all the years of badmouthing, so she's trying to pay for her sins.
- She's extremely popular in Kuoh after her rebirth. She didn't bother trying to make friends during the early semester because of her desire to find the red dragon, hence she was known to be pretty, but not with a Madonna status.
- She considers Ichijou her best friend followed by Raven. Like any Gremory, she loves all of her evil pieces and beyond such her sister's, the Tsukinos and Yoko.
- Even after her feud Nemesis she would peek her and Nero having sex for 'research'. It stopped when she started to get intimate with Ichijou.
- A young lass trying to pay for her past sins and develop as a King, a devil and a person. Fortunately, she's not alone; she was never alone.