Disclaimer: I do not own Diabolik Lovers or its characters; that right belongs to Rejet and their team. Nor do I own any songs used in this fanfiction; they belong to the stated artist and producing companies. I own the Original Characters (OCs) in this story, though.
Author's Note: Just, So people know, the calendar year is based on the year 2020. The lunar calendar is also for 2020. Here is the exact data: 2020 Oct 31 Sat. I did this so that it all syncs up with the storyline. All the Full Moons will occur throughout the story, 2020 Oct 31 Sat, 2020 Nov 30 Mon, 2020 Dec 30 Wed.
Song: Running up that Hill
Album: Hounds of Love
Artist: Kate Bush
Genres: New wave, Alternative/Indie, Art rock, Pop, Holiday, Folk
Length: 4:54
November 14, Saturday
[Do you wanna feel how it feels]
Shin and Carla looked around. They had grown up on the stories about this area of the Demon World. And though they'd never been there, it had interested them. Yet now they were there, the place felt and looked wrong. Color, in the ordinary sense, was not visible.
Shin felt let down as he heard it was a beautiful place. Carla, well, he was just plain disappointed. Carla could see with a glance the beauty, but it was blurred by grays and sepia. And he had no clue as to why. So he glanced at the twins. Both of whom looked sad yet resolute.
"Come, Lu, let us do this now so you can recoup."
When a slight nod was given before the twins walked off, Carla arched an eyebrow while Shin stared in confusion at what was happening.
"Let's go watch them do their thing."
At Kou's words, everyone moved in the direction the twins went, forcing Shin and Carla to follow along.
The walk wasn't long, and soon they came out of the forest to the edge of a lake. They were leaving Shin and Carla feeling as if time was displaced. But the sight that greeted them was picturesque, though it was (still) done in black, white, and sepia. But at the center of the lake, kneeling, was the twins, who were the only 'pop' of color to be seen.
Soon ripples radiated outward from the twins and were followed quickly by a strong phantom wind. Then before anyone could react (mostly Shin and Carla), the air became thick and heavy as magic burst from the girls still kneeling in the center of the lake, causing the water to burst up around them, hiding them from view. At the same time, the forest seemed to ripple as if one was looking through a puddle of water.
"Each time, it's stronger. Tch!"
The unexpected voice had the group stiffening as a small child walked to the front of the group, stopping by the water's edge.
"Chronos," Ryu said. His voice was low and showed this guest wasn't welcome there. "What do we owe the pleasure?"
000000
[I'd make a deal]
Two sharp hisses were heard as movement drew all gazes from the child to the lake's surface. Tician was carrying an unconscious Lunaria towards them.
"Hey, what happened? Why did she pass out?"
Silence met Shin's questions until a dry laugh came from the strange child, Chronos.
"Magic exhaustion. A price mixed blood who shouldn't exist pays."
"Go Fuck Yourself!"
A loud 'boom' punctuated the angry words, and where the child stood was a man in the prime of his youth. A head of thick black hair cast a shadow over a very handsome face twisted in annoyance.
"I see, Tician, you are still an ingrate to your betters."
"No, not really. Just pompous asses that do petty and unnecessary things," Tician bit back as she reached the shore. Her eyes glowed faintly. "Remember my words from our last conversation. And look now at the forest, our home."
Before Chronos (or any of them) could reply, Tician vanished in a wave of shadows. Thus leaving everyone behind with varying looks to convey their thoughts and feelings.
"Hmmmph," Chronos groused. His gaze scanned the area. "Dammit. She's growing stronger."
Without a sound, Chronos vanished, leaving the group standing in uncomfortable silence. After the magical burst, the fauna had taken on the faintest hints of natural color.
"Anyone care to explain what is going on here?" Carla asked.
"Oh, just a god having a tantrum over something they cannot control," Karlheinz said in a blaise manner. "And deals they have made that have bitten them in the ass. Ryu?"
The way Carla and Shin's eyes grew wide would have been comical if it had been under different circumstances.
"I think we shall retire for the time being," Ryu replied softly.
"Good choice. Checking on the girls should be first," Karlheinz said. "Back to the cabin. Reiji explains to our newest additions how things work."
As everyone made their way back into the forest, a sour look was given.
000000
[I'd be running up that Hill]
A soft wind blew through the clearing as several people (all taking a much-deserved break) watched as Lunaria guided Yui through a Tai Chi Kata. Their bodies pressed tightly together as they moved fluidly as one. The sight was rather addictive and hard to look away from.
"What is the purpose of this? They are two non-combatives," Shin asked.
His words had been spoken softly to avoid disturbing the two girls. Yet, Yui giggled, and Lunaria turned red.
"Self-defense," Karlheinz said as he appeared from the direction of the cabin. "And Lunaria was trained alongside Tician. she can fight and lay any of you out. Ask Tician."
"Hmmm," Tician grunted as she pushed away from the tree she'd been leaning against. "Trauma runs deep, Karlheinz. Now let's get back to practice. This time it's a group session."
Her words had Shin and Carla sharing a confused glance. At the same time, the others glared as they followed the now perky blond. None were happy at her words as they recalled the last time they had what she called a 'group session' and laid them all out in an embarrassing manner. Though they figured it would be a good show watching the Tsukinami's reaction.
When everyone left, Yui stepped away from Lunaria. She was silent as she closed her eyes.
"I don't want to be useless," Yui eventually said.
"I know. It's why I agreed to train you."
"Thank you, Lunaria," Yui said as she turned and hugged her aunt.
Lunaria returned the hug. Glad that Yui could not see her eyes. It was painful knowing she'd killed so many while being controlled by her biological uncle. Then more under her own influence during the second war. Then there was the price after each time she fought, the loss of those she loved dearly.
But Lunaria knew she'd have to fight again. It made her chest feel tight and stuffy. Her heart seemed to beat faster as the fear and shame began to surface. Lunaria knew she'd had no choice in the matter because this time there was no escape, and more than the forest safety was going to be at stake. It was like an insurmountable hill.
TBC!
