Love and hate bloom among the Gremory garden. A scar bleeds at the sight of red, and five new flowers are summoned.
DISCLAIMER: Dxd doesn't belong to me~.
Tsukino Ichijou, age 16, anniversary: February 7th; the youngest child and only son of the Tsukino family, the current Sekiryuutei, the red dragon emperor, host of the Boosted Gear, the gauntlet of the red dragonic monarch and host of the red welsh dragon emperor of domination Ddraig Y Goch. The Queen of Berolina Gremory's peerage, one of the champions of the Gremory household, wielder of the transcendent Holy-demonic anti-dragon dragonic sword Ix, the oppai eater, the dragon slayer, the hero of the Vampire-Devil conference and, last but not least...
A virgin.
"HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH...! So you thought and said all that shit about feelings and whatnot, but on the decisive moment, the best you could do was to vomit on that girl?! What the hell, THAT'S FUCKING HILARIOUS...! HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH...!"
"..."
"No! NONONONONO, wait! The best part is! THE BEST PART IS! THAT SHE WAS ALREADY GIVING HER VIRGINITY TO YOU IN A SILVER PLATE, AND YOU LITERALLY BARFED ON IT! HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAHHAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAHHAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH...!"
"..."
"H-HOLY SHIT! HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH...! I CAN'T BREATHE! YOU GONNA KILL ME FOR LAUGHING SO HARD! HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAHHAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH...! WHAT AN ABSOLUTE UBER VIRGIN! HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAHHAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH...!"
"..."
"HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAHHAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAHHAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH...!"
"..."
"HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH...! Hahahahah... Hahahah... Hahah... Hah..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"That aside, you okay fam?"
"..."
"...?"
"Yeah... I guess I am." I sighed. Breathing sure is fun.
Here I am again, in the mental world of my sacred gear. Now, it was no longer a classroom or a college classroom, but an auditorium with several rows and levels of seats and a massive blank screen facing it all. The current time unknown, but for some reason the outside scenario is nighttime, covered by the massive figure of the red dragon emperor Ddraig. Yagura sits on the professor's desk while I am in the middle of the room, sitting crosslegged on the floor, looking at the ceiling with a stupid look on my face...
For some reason, despite everything that just transpired, from the mischievous sexual encounter I had with Rina, to its gross conclusion, to the fact I declared my love for her, I feel... Light. Really light. My neck is not stiff anymore, and my eyes are no longer heavy. The clutches around my chest remains, but I can breathe better now. And for that, I can only thank the fact...
... That I'm in love with Berolina.
...
"Sigh... I still sound strange to say that." I said, holding my jaw to chew on my words a few times to find the correct wait to express such. "I love Berolina Gremory; I'm in love with Berolina Gremory; I am enamored with Berolina Gremory; Berolina Gremory is the target of my utmost affection; Dai-Dai-daisuki, Berorina Gurēmorī..."
"Gosh, you're such a virgin. If there's something virgins are good at, it's to make everyone know they're virgins." And to snap me back from my lovey-dovey stupor comes Yagura, pinching one of my cheeks playfully while remembering the fact that I'm a virgin. I grunt, give me a break, why don't you? I slap that assaulting hand away and she takes a step back, laughing.
"Shut up, Yagura." I simply say, standing up from my sitting position to stretch my body a little and yawn. If she summoned me to just mess with my face, I rather just sleep soundly and recharge my energies. No need for her to be mean. "I'm not ashamed to admit that I screwed up, but despite that, I feel a lot better now. If you're going to mock me for that, I rather go back to sleep."
[PARTNER, DO NOT BE HARSH. DAME YAGURA DID NOT SUMMON YOU SOLELY TO MOCK YOUR PERFORMANCE. SHE HAS AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO GIVE TO YOU.] From outside, the welsh dragon calls for me, and our green eyes me once again. I can see from here that he really means business, and honestly, compared to Gremory Jr., he's the most serious and no-nonsense one inside my Sacred Gear just yet. I arch an eyebrow, and he seems to notice. [TRUST ME, THE REASON FOR YOUR SUMMONING IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE NOT JUST FOR YOU, BUT FOR HER AND YOURS TRULY AS WELL. LEAVE THE JEST FOR ANOTHER TIME, JUST THIS ONCE.]
"Fine then. I trust the welsh dragon, so I guess I can stay a little longer." I said, turning from the massive emerald orb looking at me to the pair of golden eyes across the classroom, who were still giving me the dirty looks and a smirk. "I'll bite: what business do you have with me, Yagura? If you're going to make me feel miserable, what part of 'I just vomited on the girl I recently discovered I'm in love with' you didn't get?"
"Nah, I wouldn't go that far either, that's a dick move even for a devil like me. Father would scold me in the afterlife if I ever pass on." She jokes, crosslegged on a row of tables and holding a hand up doing a sign with a lifted finger. Afterlife... It does make me wonder if she will be ever able to pass on, actually. I mean, I did hear Rina saying that parts of one's soul is stored in the Boosted Gear for every dead user. Makes me wonder of how much of Yagura I'm talking to right now. Before I could ask anything, she was faster to call for my attention. "But the dragon is right, I do want to talk to you, Ichijou. Quiz time. First question: how are you feeling now?"
"C'mon, Yagura..." I say with a twitching eyebrow. However, her stance made me realize that, indeed, the time for jesting was over, and even with her smiling like that, I can sense something from within. So she does mean business. "I... Actually feel okay. I don't know if its the mood, the fact I now know I'm in love with Rina, or maybe the sexual frustration giving out, but I feel a lot better if that's what you want to know."
"I see. That's nice, that's good. You're really healthy, ain'tcha? With that stamina and libido, you would definitely get a normal girl pregnant." She laughs a little under her breath, and I hide my mouth a little, embarrassed. Don't joke like that, it makes me feel a little too miserable. She holds a finger up one more time. "Okay, second question: do you mean it?"
"What are you talking about?" Hands on hips and doing a daring expression, I ask. I have the faint idea of what she means by that, but I want to make sure of it since vague questions like that can only mean trouble.
"Of this thing you call 'love'. Do you really mean it? Are you really in love with that girl?" She snickers back, fingers still lifted in a silent pose. If I'm really in love with Berolina Gremory? It would make more sense if that wasn't the case. I don't dislike her, I do love her. She's not the best person out of my circle, so its almost illogical as to why I would fall in love with her. Yet, I do. It's almost irritating how little sense that makes.
"Yes, I am. I... Am in love with Berolina Gremory." I pout a little, feeling embarrassed. Ashamed? No, I'm not, but still, its a bit hard to admit it with a straight face. I can shower her in emissions and grope her as I want, but kissing her like we are lovers is still so hard, just imagining it makes me a bit queasy. I pinch one of my cheeks to keep myself grounded. "Nothing wrong with that, right?"
"Not really. Not for me, of course." She chuckles. What is this, a talkshow? Her stare doesn't lose any of its original shine, but I actually feel a little less uncomfortable with her around. I don't dislike this feeling. "Now, third question: do you feel bad about it?"
"...?" I arch again an eyebrow for her question, and this time I have no idea of what she means by that. To feel bad about what? Being in love? Losing the opportunity to check-in my V-card? Making a mess out of my redhead idiot? I gotta say, some of them are pretty bad on me, but otherwise I don't think so. Still, its pretty vague. "What do you mean, Yagura?"
"You know what I mean." She smiles, and I continue to stare back at her. I really don't, honestly. Regardless, I wait for her to give me an explanation, and after some time, she just sighs. "Do tell... Do you feel bad about being in love? Do you dislike this feeling? Being enamored with a busty, cute, hot redhead who wouldn't mind being turned into a cum dumpster? Do you really have feelings for her, and that makes you happy?"
"..." I close my lips, still looking at the golden glow of her orbs. Being in love... It's irritating, it's senseless, and it does make me feel sick for some reason. Yet I haven't feel this relieved in years. And I can say that word without a single twist on my tongue, for what's worth. Hah~, so this is what I've been missing. "I don't. I don't feel bad about being in love..."
"I see. Makes sense." She laughs once again, dismissing her crossed legs and instead sitting properly at the edge of her table. Her expression becomes softer, but no less malicious or mocking in a way. "Good for you, good for you~. You're being super honest for once, and that kinda makes me happy. It means you're getting stronger."
"...?" I tilt my head to a side. What does one thing has to do with another? No matter how much I try, all theese sacred gear this, evil pieces that makes my head spin. Not even asking helps matters most of the time.
"Y'know, Ichijou. Devils... Are beings of desire. Lust, violence, greed, gluttony, envy, indolence and pride, those are the sins that plague humanity at their worst, but also what fuels a devil's heart and power." She starts to lecture me. I already know that, Aria-nee told me such back in my training at Mt. Issei. Devils grow stronger when in touch with their inner desires; the more they indulge, the stronger they get. Same goes for Sacred Gears apparently. "The stronger and rawer one's desires are, the further they improve as devils. Angels have their faith, while we have our obsessions. Simple as that."
"Yeah, I guess I have the basic idea. Aria-nee already told me that." I said with a scratch on the back of my head. Yagura however lifts a second finger, and her stare becomes even softer.
"However, emotions are still emotions, and even as sins, we can turn them into our side instead of letting them consume us." She intones, a shadow lurks over her eyes, and then she winks. "Pride can force us to succeed; indolence force us to find easier ways to deal with things; gluttony has many forms to be satiated; envy and greed force us to improve and adapt; violence can be used against an even bigger violence and finally; lust... Turns love into the ultimate Power!"
"Hah...?" I still don't get any of that? Sins that have use for someone to improve? Isn't that the complete opposite of what a sin is suppose to be? But then again, I think devil culture is too alien even for me still. Yagura then puffs some smoke out of her mouth and let out a small chuckle.
"Of course, a former human like you would have a hard time understanding, specially a goody two-shoes like yourself." She chuckles again, eyes closed and puffing some smoke again while a red bump appears on my head.
[PARTNER, WHAT MISS YAGURA IS TRYING TO SAY IS THAT YOU SHOULD TURN THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE IDEA OF SIN INTO SOMETHING MORE PRODUCTIVE YET JUST AS POWERFUL.] The welsh dragon explains, and I snap a finger in realization. I see, so turn negative ideas into positive energy instead of leaving them on the minus side. Of course! That makes sense! [HONESTLY, I USED TO BELIEVE YOU WERE MORE INTELLIGENT THAN THAT...]
"Cut him some slack, Ddraig. He's still a dummy regarding those adult things. Now that he knows how to deal with them, I'm sure it's upwards from here on out... Hopefully." The redhead comments, protect from the harsh words of the red dragon, who sighs. Yagura turns her attention back to me. "And this is why I brought you here, Ichijou. Long story short, now that you're more honest regarding those feelings, I think I can give you 'that' without breaking that body of yours."
"We're playing the pronouns game again, aren't we? I'll bite again: what is 'that'?" I ask. Another gift from Yagura? The last two were quite the breakers, so I'm honestly excited to know what she has stored for me this time, and how it'll present itself. A music box was cute enough, and holding hands with her to feel her power was also nice. I wonder what will come after that. She laughs.
"Cheeky as always, huh? Can't say that I hate that in you, even more now that we're so close, literally. Very well then, I'll give you... This." She chuckles and then lifts both her pointing and middle finger in a mudra-like sign. At first, I didn't get what she meant, she probably wanted to look cool, but then I saw a small flame-like energy emerge from there, oozing a red aura that was both soothing and heavy. My left hand twitch a little. "Can you feel it? Can you feel the power coming from within? This is my present: I'll give some to you."
"Huh?" I interject for her declaration. What? Is she giving me that sort of power from her own soul? Can't she just synchronize with me or take over my body like she always does? She apparently notices my doubts since my response was... Underwhelming.
"Being the host of a Dragon sacred gear gives you more than just a top-tier divine weapon; it also slowly contaminates you with dragonic aura and properties. Anti-devil weapons have less effect on you and your senses become more acute for example, but also have some disadvantages like making you vulnerable against dragon-slaying spells and weapons, but that's not important for now." She starts with a new lecture, and having nothing else to do and with my present still pending, I sat down on the floor to hear her speak. I think I already know those things, mainly because I know my progress is not normal at all compared to others. Not to brag about it, but I do feel I can get stronger than the others in a few years. "And just like with devils, dragons are selfish, self-centered creatures that grow stronger the rawer their emotions are, like their outrage state."
"Uh-huh." I guess that makes sense. Seeing my dumb face with her lecture, she continues with it.
"However, thanks to me, your process of gaining those same dragonic traits were impaired. I can't stop those merges from happening 100%, but I can hold quite a bit." She reveals, and I close one of my eyes, a bit on the nose too about that.
"And the reason you wanted to hold my progress like that instead of letting the power flow naturally into me was...?" I trail my last word a little, hoping that she would get my cue and explain it to me. She never did. Instead, she flashed me a tired sigh and a serene smile.
"Ichijou, even I know you're not that dumb. You, more than anyone else, should know as to why I wouldn't let you tap into that kind of power so soon." She says that with calm and composure, and one of my eyes twitch a little, realization piercing me like an arrow as the gloomy sensation hovers on me. The reason why she wouldn't let me touch that power until now... I gulp hard, but my conviction doesn't falter. Not anymore. "Of course I want a MetalGreymon, but knowing you, I would instead get a SkullGreymon and unlike Taichi's, you would stay that way or worse. So I decided to hold you as an Agumon and Greymon until you were ready."
"Uh-huh, I guess that's fair. Would it be cool too if I were to become a Mugendramon, though." I sigh, following her same analogy while Yagura smiles and Ddraig let out a curious, confused hum, probably lost in between our geek-out. So he doesn't know, wonder if Senpai was instead a Pokémon fan or, worse, a SMT fan.
"That aside, since I don't need to be worrying about you throwing hissy fits left and right anymore, I will be controlling the amount of dragonic energy you'll be able to draw at once. Consider this a bonus as well as a way for us to get stronger." She says, both fingers up in that mudra-like pose again. "I'll permit the energy to flow naturally from now on, and surely you will become more dragon-like in both power and mentality, but taking your current mood, I can rest assure that it won't be an issue nor a problem. Considering how close and developed your bond with the Boosted Gear is as well, plus your own evolution as a devil, I can say you can become a WarGreymon sooner than you can imagine."
"Cool." I whisper. I don't know what else to say, that is pretty cool! So that gut feeling I got back at the conference wasn't just a spurt of the moment, I am indeed becoming mental just like a dragon, and while its a bit scary, seeing how much Yagura trusts me gives me a hell of a confidence boost!
"Also... Since you'll be facing some serious folks from now on, I will add a new thing for our deal." She continues. Another bonus? Feels nice regardless, but I hate the lingering sensation that I'm somehow cheating. "Whenever you're in a pinch or wants a even stronger boast, just shout 'katsu!'(喝) and I'll give some of my own energy and powers to you. Imagine it like Kurama giving off his chakra to Naruto, only more awesome."
"How generous." I said. I wasn't being sarcastic nor wanted to strike a nerve, but I hope she catches my cue of that deal. I know I can trust Yagura, but this deal is a bit fishy all things considered. First, she's letting me finally tap into even higher power, and now she gives me access to her own, what gives? Plus, 'Katsu' for certain victory? What a bad joke. She catches me, and let out a sigh.
"Yep, I knew you would grow a bit suspicious; you're still Ichijou, after all." She smiles. "Don't worry, I won't ask for your lifespan or a sacrifice in return. Don't think I won't measure the amount of power you'll have access to either though, since you'll probably pop like a balloon if I were to give everything at once. I'll give you just a small amount for you to get used to it..."
"Hm... And the reason why you don't want to possess my body or synchronize with me instead of that is...?"
"Because I know you're now too stupid and too prideful to want to rely on me all the time." Yagura laughs, and words die within me. A cold sweat runs down my face for her spot-on declaration, but for some reason, I couldn't help but smile. She really is messing with my head.
"Am I... Really that easy to read?" I shrug and do a blasé pose, hands in the air to fake some disinterest. It's a half-rhetorical, half-genuine doubt question, and I do want to know how easy I am in acting because that might also become a problem later on. Yagura chuckles, jumping from her table to walk towards me until we were face to face. Close enough, she taps me a little with the back of her hand, and smiles.
"Dragons in general are easy to read, specially teenage ones like yourself!" Yagura still cracks those jokes, but for some reason the smile doesn't falter from my face, in fact it turns into a cheeky grin as I slap her chest also with the back of my hand. We laughed with each other, enjoying that small moment between ourselves, and when it stopped, she regained her breath, and calmly continued. "You're strong, Ichijou, and from now on, you'll only get stronger; Both in body and heart. I know its cliche, but... I want to be next to you for all of your future achievements, because I know you can do it..."
"Yagura..." I feel a bit emotional now. Am I really strong? Regardless of what I think of myself, if she thinks I'm so, than that's okay for me. I have been miserable for too long, and even if I am lost sometimes, I just have to keep moving forward. Suddenly, she wipes her head up once again and catches my head in a half-hug, a smug grin splattered all over her face. "Whoa! Hey...!"
"Of course, the rest is up to you! I might give you a boast, but you're the one who'll have to earn those cookies, including checking that v-card up!" Now the redhead jumps on me, hugging my head and locking her legs on the middle of my spine as I struggle to maintain balance! A flat-chested boob attack! "You're such a virgin, such an uber-virgin, Ichijou! If you die without having your v-card checked, you bet your ass I'm gonna tell the next user about the only Virgin Sekiryuutei! Ichijou, Ichijou, virgin Ichijou, VirChinjou, the Sekidoutei~, the red virgin emperor!"
"Pwah! Knock it off, Yagura! I'm not going to die a virgin!" I pull myself out of her flat embrace and turned my face elsewhere while she continues to Hug my head! Like hell I'm gonna die a virgin! I might not be senpai, but at least I want to know how it feels! I just hope I don't vomit in the midway. Feeling love is also nice. "Seriously, Yagura...!"
"I love you, y'know."
"...?" And I stop struggling at the same time she stops laughing. That last sentence was said with nothing but care and attention, so I halt my movements to hear her talk more. Still hugging my head, her embrace becomes tighter and warmer. "Yagura...?"
"I love you, Ichijou. I won't pretend that I know you more than your mother, your sisters, your peerage or that little Kamiyama chick, nor what I feel is better or stronger than the others, but I can say for sure that I love you." She whispers in my ear. This is... The first time she ever talks to me in that tone. It's warm and cozy, and even her flat chest becomes the softest pillow I ever laid my head on. "Your accomplishments, your losses, your emotions, your regrets, your sorrows, your joys and progress; I want to see all of them. I will be happy when you're happy, I'll be sad when you cry; I will console you for your losses and celebrate your victories. I will be there for you no matter what, don't you ever forget that. So never forget this feeling either; never forget that."
"Yagura." I whisper. This feeling, this power... Even if she didn't say it, I won't ever forget it. I won't forget what really matters to me, I won't forget what really matters to others. I let out a chuckle, and hug her body as well. She's warm. "Thanks, Yagura. I love you too."
"Hahah... Ew~, I don't mean it like that, you perv!" She chuckles, now bending a little backwards to push my head away from herself. From here, however, I can see that she's smiling and blushing. No malice, no snark, she's genuinely smiling. No wonder her father was Lady Rias' champion, Gremories have the best smiles... Except maybe auntie Alice's. "Hey, Ddraig, you come here too! Come hug your best partner for a change, you grumpy ol'D!"
[LADY YAGURA, YOU KNOW THAT EVEN IF I WANTED TO, INTERACT WITH HIM IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THIS MENTAL CONSTRUCTION] The dragon says with his powerful booming voice, that tone of his also indicating he was a bit on the edge too. Is this what the call the gap moe? Those massive orbs turn to me. [BUT BE AWARE, PARTNER, AS THE SPIRIT RESIDING INSIDE YOUR SACRED GEAR, I SHALL ALSO WATCH YOUR PROGRESS WITH GREAT INTEREST!]
"Thank you, Welsh dragon." I honestly said, nodding. So many expectations, so much trust, I'm starting to feel a bit sufocated by the sheer amount of pressure on my shoulders, but at the same time, this warmth is all I need right now. Would it be too much to say that I also love Ddraig?... Yeah, it would. What the hell am I thinking with that? I yawn a little, my eyelids feel a bit too heavy. I guess this is my physical body wanting some sleep. Yagura jumps off me and lands right in front of me.
"Hohoh, someone is feeling sleepy. Can't blame ya. All that activity, even for a healthy lad such as yourself, must take a hell of a toll." She laughs while I blush back. And back with the jokes and the teasing, and no matter how much I try I can't get used to it. I simply knock her head a few times with the knots of my fingers. "That's enough dopamine for a dragon for a while, no? Things will only get harder and meaner from now on, but try to keep a hang of what's really important. Dragons... Don't usually realize that until it's too late."
"Makes sense, I guess. Thank you again, Yagura." I smile at her, still with a hand hovering in front of her face until she came closer to kiss my fingers, leaving a red hot mark there. I don't feel any pain from it though, just power surging. What was the word again? 'Katsu'? Hahaha, this pun is so lame, but expected from her. I slightly bow to her, wave at the dragon outside and turned around to head back to my reality. "Well, I shall be taking my leave now. I'm tired anyway, so take care you two, I feel likei should start some development on my own, now and..."
".."
"Oh..." And when I was about to open the door and face the new challenges tomorrow would bring, I stopped dead on my tracks when I saw something, no, someone sitting next to it. On the floor, her arms resting on her knees, face looking at the nothing with no shine in her eyes, stood Ophelia-san, her usual smile gone, only left with an bitter, tired expression, small tracts of salt down her eyes. Oh, this is... I try to reach a hand for her. "O-Ophelia-san..."
"Its no use, Ichijou. She's been like that ever since what happened at the church." Yagura called for me before I could reach the sitting angel, and her face was also a bit uncomfortable. I mean, to see your own son murder your sister in cold blood like that, not even someone like Ophelia-san would be able to remain positive or even sane. She has all the rights to mourn even if that Gertrude was a bitch. Yagura sighs. "Just leave her be for now, Ichijou. This is too complicated even for me, and I think only my father would be able to pull her out of that jazz."
"..." I frown a little and look back at the fallen angel who looked so defeated and tired. I'm so used in seeing her smiling and reassuring me, her empty stare makes me uneasy in the worst way. I wish I could do something like what she has been doing for me, and all I need is a bit of courage for that. I reach a hand for her and lightly tap her fingers. No reaction. "Ophelia-san..."
"..." No words, she simply remains still and down. I want to hear her voice just once.
"Ophelia-san..." I repeat, tapping her fingers again. "I know I am not able to feel what you're going through right now, and I know you'll hate me if I try anything drastic, but... If there's anything I can do to make you feel any better, just ask it. Just ask it, and I'll do it. Definitely."
"..." Still no response, but at least a reaction: from her downer pose, she slowly turns her head up and blinks at me once, twice. She opens and then closes her mouth like a fish, but no words. No smile, no words, only her face looking at me. I give her a determined look.
"I will do anything to make you feel better. Trust me." I said, letting go off her and resuming my way out of this mental world. A face suddenly flashes inside my head, his face, and I grimace, teeth clenched. Yes, the source of her sorrow. "I will gladly even beat that little shit Miyama into a bloody pulp until he apologizes...!"
*TUG!*
"Don't." I was about to take my first step out of the mental auditorium, but then I feel a tug on my sleeve, and that voice called for me in a weak tone. I shift my attention downwards, and Ophelia-san was looking at me with such pitiful eyes. "Please don't, Ichijou. Rei... He's a good boy... He's a good boy. He's just lost. Please don't hurt him... He's... He's a good boy."
"..."
"Please... He's a good boy. I know he is."
...
Miyama Rei... I really, really hate you. If I ever find you again, I will make you apologize to your mother who somehow still loves you and make you kneel and beg for her forgiveness. For making Ophelia-san like that and still give her hope... You deserve nothing but hell.
"Sigh, fine. I will... Try to rationalize with him. It's useless on my side... But if that will make you feel better, I will try." I say in a tired tone, seeing her eyes gleam and her mouth tremble, a small 'thank you' being whispered. I really hate Miyama Rei, but I have no right to make Ophelia-san suffer. I will try to talk with that golden bastard, but if he comes to me, then I will take action. "Even if I hate that bastard... Ophelia-san's smile is enough for me to try."
"..." She still says nothing, but for a second, for a split second, I saw her angelic smile open again, and she let go off me to lower her head and hug her arms. No matter how different they are, or how much of a monster Miyama Rei has become, she is still his mother.
I sigh, wave a goodbye to the rest of the crew one more time and walk into the light by the other side.
I am done giving false hope to others, I'm done deluding myself like that too. When I'm out of here, I will be bolder and better, and I will listen and speak better, or at least do better than before. As the warm brightness embraced me and my eyelids started to get heavier, I hear Yagura talk to me.
"Hey, Ichijou. Y'know? You're not as lame as I thought you were."
"Huuhh... I'm sorry?"
"It's not an insult, you idiot. Take it as you will... But I think father would be proud of you."
Thanks, Yagura. You have no idea... How happy I am for hearing that...
...
Yawn. Morning already? Morning already. I peek one eye outside to look around, and I notice that at least for how I can remember, it's already daytime in the Underworld. I do feel a bit tired since Yagura summoned me from within my dreams, wonder how many hours of sleep I actually got this time...
I stand sit on the comfortable bed, yawn one more time and crack a few articulations, the only ones which could still, in my neck before scratching my eyes to get rid of the remaining sleepiness. I feel... Extra light today.
"Hm~..." I hear a soft moan right by my side, and turning my glare to that direction, I saw the source of that sound: Berolina Gremory... With a river of drool running down her mouth, her lips plastered on a stupid grin, legs spread everywhere and in a pose so chill she was almost asking to be made a joke off. I frown a little. Is this the girl I'm in love with? I really do have low standards.
Even so, I lower myself to kiss her lips and pat her on the head, making her giggle while still asleep. Yeah, I really do love this idiot King of mine.
"Good morning, Rina." I murmur to her, and yet she's still asleep. She's probably as tired as I am, if not more. This simple thought made me blush. "I should take a walk and a shower. Sage time can only take me so far into stuff like that..."
I was ready to stand up and walk to the door when I notice a small note glued to my shirt, a paper note written with red ink. Snapping it out of my clothes, I took a quick look at it and there was a message in it written in a very poor furigana:
'Don't use the door when leaving. Mom or the maids might find you, and I know this will be the end of us if that happens.'
Oh, right. Silly me, I completely forgot the chance of being caught leaving the room of miss little devil princess and being barraged with questions if I ever bump into a maid or, Lucifer forbid, the Devil Queen Alice Gremory herself. I would become history in ways I don't even want to think about, and nobody would ever shut up about it. Nice save, Rina.
But then... How should I leave? It's not like she has some sort of secret passage to the courtyard or an extra magic rune for me to use, but then I turn to the opposite direction of the door and grimace. Of course... The window, my biggest enemy since this entire thing started. My eye twitch. What's with me and heights, anyway? Sounds like a bad joke at this point... I hope Rina didn't think this through just to make me look like an idiot. She indeed became too dangerous for her own good...
*KNOCK! KNOCK!*
'Berolina-sama? It's time to wake up! Milady, your mother, is already awake!'
"Shit!" I cursed and closed my mouth so I wouldn't scream in sheer terror or surprise! No time for thinking, window time! I pecked Rina's cheek one more time just for luck and hurled myself out to the window like an absolute madman! "Dynamite...!"
Once outside, gravity pulled me like the cruel mistress she is and soon enough my body was heading towards the ground, no breaks or stops to cushion another possible deadly clash with the floor. Man, am I having bad memories regarding fall damage... I flip my body around, but myself standing in the air and once close, I clashed my feet on the ground, bend my body forward and BAM!, Fist on the floor on a three-point landing.
"Phaaah~! I guess I can get used to diving like that. It still hurts, though." I say to no one, jumping from my landing point to stop the pain on my kneecaps and loose up a bit. Ever since that day back in April, my landing skills could only improve, and diving headfirst is a bad idea after all. Still, the memory is still fresh inside my mind, and every time I look at a window, I can't help but cringe. To think it would become used in the long run... Sounds like a bad joke, but I can't help but laugh. "Talk about cruel irony..."
Well, I'm in the safe zone for now: nobody saw me jumping off Rina's room, and the courtyard is actually quite deserted. I can just either go back to my room, enter inside the mansion once again or take a walk around and smell the flowers. Do I feel romantic today. I guess I'm in the right mood... Huh?
"...?" Before I can decide on what to do? I feel a presence beside me, so my attention shifts to a certain direction. I can feel the smell of earth and hear some dry footsteps, and coming behind the walls is The headmaid Lucrezia Onoskelis, her hair no longer tied in a ponytail but running wild and loose, hands covered in bandages and earth and a tired expression on her lips. "Oh, Lucrezia-san."
"Hm... Oh, Ichijou-dono. Good morning." She blinks in order to look at my direction, and once on her sight she smiles like always and picks the brims of her skirt to politely bow to me, only to realize her dirty hands and laugh to herself. "Oh my, to be caught in such unsightly state by the sekiryuutei, what a shameful display of unprofessionalism. Please excuse this humble maid."
"N-No problem here, Lucrezia-san. I'm just glad to see you." I respond with a small bow and a smile, scratching my neck a little to get rid of the awkwardness. From just looking at her, I can already see what she has been up to. "So, uh, I see that you were really busy last night. Still making those flower arrangements to Nemesis-san?"
"Indeed I was. In fact, I just left them at her hospital bed at the Beelzebub clinics. Lady Mary is very kind for letting me arrange them so neatly in her room." Lucrezia-san nods to my question, blushing. I can't help but to be a little jealous, she's a pretty loyal maid. She aims her stare at me, and blinks. "How about in this lovely day? I am certain that you took... Great enjoyment with your night in Berolina-sama's room. I can only imagine what transpired there."
"Huhuhuh. 'Tis was a bad joke, how improper of a maiden such as myself." She jokes, but I wouldn't be surprised if she knew what would happen if I were to sleep in the same room as Rina. She was ordered to do so, anyway. Her orange gaze lifts upwards, and once again she giggles. "But I am curious about you coming from the heavens above, right under Berolina-sama's room. Perhaps you want to avoid further embarrassed in case of bumping into milady Alice or any of the other servants? My, daring today, aren't we?"
"Hahaha... Lucrezia-san knows about aunt Alice too much." I joked, scratching my nose a little.
"Of course. As the head maid, it is my job to know everything about my masters. That includes... You, of course, sekiryuutei." She winks at me. Of course, she is the head maid after all, knowing something less about the clan she serves is almost unthinkable from her. She even knows about Aunt Alice's teasing tendencies, talk about professional. A second of silence between us, and she reaches a hand for me, offering me her sleeve. "Now then, since you're already here, how about I take you to the dining room so we can have a fulfilling breakfast? Hold me by the sleeve though, since it'd be unsightly to hold a filthy hand."
"I... Wouldn't mind holding hands with Lucrezia-san, even if they're dirty." I admit it, blushing a little. She blinks a few times in perplexed shock, but laughs again and instead reaches for my own sleeve to pull it and lead me by it.
"Such gentleman. I'm flattered, but as a maid, I refuse to taint my masters like that." She turns her head around to face me and smile, dragging me around the mansion and leading me elsewhere. "After all, a simple maid like me is unworthy of those privileges."
"Hm... Okay." I simply say, making her lead me by the sleeve like a piece of cloth as she hums something.
From her back, I can actually take a good look at her state: her maid outfit is a bit tattered and dirty too, her loose hair goes everywhere, the boots on her feet are covered in mud and the finger pinching me has blood marks on them. While she smiles, I can see some circles around her eyes, even her voice is a bit hoarse. I bet she spent the entire night on those flower arrangements. It makes me feel a bit bad, but then again, this is the way it is.
Chained by fate, cursed by misfortune, yet she's such a nice person it makes me feel horrible about myself and how I see my own little planetarium. Not just her, Rina, Annie, even Yoko and the others are trying their best while I am still the selfish jerk who thinks he knows how life works. I know better now, yet being this silent and seeing her being so nice its getting on my nerves fast. As such, I pulled myself away and made her let go off my shirt, making her turn around and hum in confusion...
"Uhm... Lucrezia-san, may I... May I say something?" I murmur in a lower tone, not sure if I should or could continue from that point on. As an answer, Lucrezia-san's confused look became a quiet nod, urging me to continue. I am scratching the back of my head, a bit nervous, but with a tired sigh, I continue. "I just wanna say... I'm sorry."
"Hm? For what, Ichijou-dono? Ever since we met, you have been such a sweet lad, how come you're saying sorry?" She asks. She really puts me in such a high pedestal, it makes me blush a little.
"I'm sorry... For thinking such horrible things about you." I admit with a heavy breath. She is still confused.
"...?"
"I... Am a very arrogant person, Lucrezia-san. I may not look like it, but I'm pretencious, narrow-minded, self-centered and shallow. I think I know how the world works, how people work, and whoever disagrees or lives differently from me I think they're wrong." I admit. "I always assumed people would leave me no matter how much I loved them, that everyone is just as horrible and sensible as someone I knew, and that if I followed the flow and let everything has its course, I would be free from others, free from the pain and free from the darkness... But in reality, I was just afraid that everyone was as just as broken and jaded as me."
"..."
"I... Think I know better now. It's not enough, but I know better now: I have to always remember that people's feelings are as valid as mine." I blush. Memories of all my times with my friends flooding inside my mind, their care, their jokes, and that little moment I had with Rina before we fell asleep... Love. I love her and she loves me back. I don't want her to leave, and now I know that, no matter what, she doesn't want that either. "The same way I love people... People can love me back. The same way I can be happy... People can be happy their own way. I can't read minds, nor see into the future, so I just only assume about others. And that... Makes me no different from a certain person who ruined the most precious thing I had. Well, not anymore."
"..."
"It's... A bit strange from my end, but what I'm trying to say is... I promise I will be more considerate with other people's feelings, not just mine. I will try to understand and treasure others' experiences and choices rather than brush them off as wrong. I will... Stop looking the other way, and hold on tight to people who would do the same for me." I finish with a heavy sigh. Was that all? I think so, my heart is not as heavy as it was before, and I feel quite lighter again. But even so... I need one final explanation, so I bow to her and say: "So... Lucrezia-san... I'm sorry for thinking such horrible things about you as well, how you live your life, how you cope with your own chains and struggles. I promise I'll be a better person from now on, and I will start by apologizing for all the people I wrong, even if they don't know. That's why I want to say... I'm sorry."
"..."
There was a pause. A pause that, for me, lasted an eternity. What her response will be? Acceptance since she's such a nice person, or maybe disgust because I an indeed the lowest of the low? Indifference perhaps, and we shall never speak of that again? So many expected reactions, and the wait is killing me.
One, two, one two three. No response, not yet. And then...
"You really are... A nice person, Ichijou. Perhaps a little too nice."
"Huh...?" I lift my gaze to take a curious look at her after that answer, and I saw Lucrezia-san blushing a little, her own gaze turned elsewhere. She shifts her eyes back to me, and it was then my time to turn away. "I'm... I try my best, Lucrezia-san. I know there's still a lot to cover, but thank you."
"Indeed, such a nice lad." She chuckles. I don't get what she means by that, but I let her continue. "You think you're quite selfish, but what you just said perhaps may be the most selfless and charitable words. As a devil myself, those qualities are alien to me, so excuse my current awe."
"Hahaha, Lucrezia-san is making me blush..."
"But! Keep in mind, Ichijou, that you shouldn't extend such charity and kindness at random." She interrupts me with a finger lift, her tone still sweet, but now a bit sterner. Another lecture? I don't mind. "You and me both know by experience, the world is filled with beauty and kindness, but also malice and selfishness. Please do not turn the other cheek on wickedness if the other party is not worth understanding. Be kind, but never blind to your better judgement. After all... It's okay to be a little selfish."
"I know. I know, Lucrezia-san." I respond back. Makes sense, and I know that better than anyone: everyone is entitled of their own opinions and choices, but that doesn't mean all of them are valid or even helpful. If someone is causing trouble, I will have to stop them no matter their motives because they also have no right to condemn others' lives. I know... That much. I turn back to the maid, and she is smiling.
"But still... Seeing you so gallant is making my heart race. If I knew any better, I would say I am enamored by your resolve." Hearing her words and her blush makes my own heart pump like crazy and my ears start to ooze steam. As always, this little maid knows how to push my buttons. A few seconds later though, she giggles and smiles. "I jest, of course. It seems the red dragon's heart is still suspicious of teasing. Cannot say I dislike it. Huhuhuh..."
"Lucrezia-san, a hug."
"Hm...?" She hums curiously, while I am with arms open wide and a blush on my face. Another spurt of the moment, but doesn't mean I don't want it.
"Gimme a hug, Lucrezia-san. It's a silly request, but please give me a hug." I said with a bit more conviction. Ah crap, I'm getting weak on my knees and my voice cracked a little, but still. Still confused, she opens her own arms at me.
"I would love to, Ichijou, I really would, but please think about it for a second." She says. "Look at my deplorable state: filthy on dirt, disheveled beyond belief and tired. Surely, you wouldn't sanely ask for an embrace with someone in my..."
"I don't care." I dryly say. I really don't care, I had it worse.
"Oh, I see. But even so, what if the other servants were to catch us in a hug? Pardon me, but what if Milady Alice were to take a glimpse here? That would be no end for her..."
"I don't care."
"Ohoh, aren't we bold today? Please rethink your request, perhaps a good night of sleep is what you lack in the moment..."
"Lucrezia-san, if you don't wanna hug, just tell me so." I dryly say. Her smiling face dropped for a second, and she playfully pouted at my bluntness.
"That was uncalled for, Ichijou. Don't be so rude, it breaks my heart."
"Sorry." I say miserably, lowering my hands a little, only to lift them up again. "Still, hug."
"Oh, I have no choice, right? I spoil you too much, Ichijou."
And then she comes to me and embraces me with her warm, soft body while I sink onto her skin. Ah, the form of a nice lady; she smells nice too even with all the dirt and earth on her clothes, and with my face buried in her cleavage I can't but to have my mind filled with typical teenage dreams. She locks her hands on my nape while I cross my arms around her midsection in a true hug. Eheheh... it feels nice.
But this is not all, not at all. The fact that I can ask for and hug her without an ounce of guilt or shame puts a new perspective for me. I feel at ease with that, showing affection so shamelessly, knowing she cares for me enough to do the same. Do I love her? Does she love me? It doesn't matter at all, she is nice and kind, so I should be as well for her.
To understand others and then myself, the world becomes a lot brighter and darker with that mindset. Plus, being loved like this... Feels really nice.
Heh... I guess I'm actually pretty loved.
"Lucrezia-chan, what in the world is happening here?"
"Ah." And in another second, a new voice calls for us, and as soon as it reaches my ear, I sense Lucrezia-San's hug getting looser until she was a armful of distance. I see her turn her head to a side and followed suit. "Good morning, Noin."
I follow her gaze and now land my eyes on another figure here: a tall woman of icy cold amber stare, fair skin and short lavender silver hair in a pixie cut, a beauty mole under one of her eyes. I also notice that she is wearing the same apron the other maids use and her clothes of white buttoned shirt and scarlet skirt were filled with cute frills, and she was also wearing dark socks with dark heels. She is a real beauty too, she doesnt have a youthful appearance or a playful feature, but she has a mature aura around her and her face is at the same time adult and alluring...
Do I... Do I have a thing for older woman? I guess I do.
"Nothing much. I was just having some skinship with the red dragon emperor. He is adorable, after all." Lucrezia-San comments finally letting me go, dusting her own hands a little and turning her entire body to the mysterious new woman. Said maid let out a 'hm~' with her brows furrowed, looking at the younger maid and then to me. Lucrezia-san then turns to me and offers a hand for the other. "Ichijou, this is Noin. She was the head maid before me and another fellow servant of Gremory. She is also Nemis's and Berolina-sama's nanny from days past."
"Uh... Huh." I murmur with that new information. So, this woman of mature appearance and stance was Rina's babysitter? Neat, but she doesnt look the type that is good with children, at all. Wait, does that mean she's as old as Faust-san? She looks in her 30's as best. But then again, she is a devil. I come closer to take a light bow at her. "Nice to meet you. I'm Tsukino Ichijou, the red dragon emperor and Rina's Queen, meaning I'm also a servant of Gremory."
"The red dragon emperor, huh? Berolina-sama's Queen at that too. Well then, I suppose that introductions are in order." The older maid adjusts her sleeves and then offers a hand to me. "As Lucrezia-chan stated, I was the previous head maid of the Gremory household and Berolina-sama and Nemesis-sama's nanny. Noin is my name, Noin Abraxas..."
"Uh, yeah." I said reaching for her hand for a shake. Her aura is cold and icy, but her voice is smooth as silk, and her demeanor is mild and polite. "Nice to meet y-..."
*SLAP!*
...
Huh...?
Before I could reach her hand, that same came closer to me and in one second reached for my face to land a burning slap on me, so fast and strong, the burning sensation, the suddenness and strength of her action enough to make me turn my head around. Confusion, stun, my brain was making circles around my cranium as I hold my cheek to ease the pain and turned my attention to the assaulting maid, who was eyeing me with such a hateful stare.
"... And I hate you, Red dragon."
...
What?
Nanny Noin is not pleased by her dear Berolina's boyfriend, understandably so as well. And yes, her name is a Gundam reference.
Hello again, dxd fandom. It has been more than a month since last chapter, and for those waiting for a stable schedule, forgive me. Thing is, because of the crown disease, I wasn't able to find a good place to buy a new computer when the last one died the worst moment possible, and aside from that, I had no idea how to continue my story from after what happened last chapter... until now.
And so, let's start the Maid in Hell mini-arc that shall function as the link between the previous and next arc, and maybe have some fun with ichijou getting frisky with cute maids. As always, Ichijou's travels to the Underworld always end up messy! Take it as a breather arc.
A little note: katsu here(喝) can be translated as "Focus!" And is a form of buddhism monks to make practitioners focus in achievement enlightenment. However, t can also read as "勝", which means "victory", hence why Ichijou thinks is a bad joke. My, aren't my characters eating the punny cake.
So until next time. I will try not to take so long, and I promise it'll be a fun arc... I hope.
PS: It seems that the ff-net- is having a small bug regarding updates, so if you're looking for the next chapter but cant find it, it might be only available for now only at the app. It might be working by the time this chapter is out,but you never know.
Ikkun's friends and exquisite hobbies
[Ichijou] - Besides reading manga, cooking and playing games(inherited from his sisters, but he's not good at either), Ichijou has a liking for sewing. The reason neither his mother or sisters complain about ruined clothes is because he repairs them himself.
[Shiori] - A veteran sweet tooth, Shiori likes to have gourmet tours around popular places and taste different sweets in each region. Her favorite so far is the Kikufuku mochi from Sendai.
[Berolina] - Collecting Oppai dragon merchandise is life! She also likes to play chess a lot, but she sucks at it...
[Kurama] - When its rainy season, she likes to groom her tails so they wont go all 'FOOSH!' on her. During sunny season, she doesn't waste any opportunity to have a stroll and chill at shinto temples while reading a good book.
[Annabelle] - During her rogue phase, she discovered that fishing is surprisingly relaxing and makes your head clean for the next assassination.
[Tasha] - Not much as a hobby, but Tasha's incomes comes mostly of her playing divination and love magic for other students and miserable single ladies(its a prank and they usually work out of coincidence)
[Liu Bei] - Her job as a professor limits her time for leisure, but she usually trains in the woods during weekends and picked up the habit of reading cooking books. She also tries to read all sorts of books to broaden her repertoire.
[Whiswain] - I dunno, is playing video games a hobby? Might as well be.
[Guan Yu] - On sunny days, she likes to give The red Hare a bath and polish the blade on her Dragon crescent moon guandao.
[Serena] - As she can, she tries to visit every single theme park in Japan and help her pieces socialize. She also likes to build Garage Kit figures and has an entire storage in the Sitri household for them!
[Yagura] - There is not much to do in the mental realm of a sexually frustrated teenage boy, so her only form of entertainment is playing rock-paper-scissors with the mirror.
[Lucrezia] - Her duties as a maid limits her free time, but she does like to read a lot and even thinks of publishing her own novel one day... But writer's block is a bitch.
[Irene] - She learnt how to brew coffee as a way to help her parents to stay awake during long work journeys, so she took as a hobby trying different types of coffee beans and brewing techniques. She also likes tea.
[Raven] - A bookworm who likes to read devilish literature such as the history of the underworld and the original 72. She used to watch oppai dragon a lot, but after a certain event, she broke all of her DVDs and BDs of the series.