DISCLAIMER: DxD does not belong to me. All rights to Ishibumi and its respective magazines.

'Big brother Zechs is the strongest.'

'Big brother Zechs is invencible.'

'Big brother Zechs can do anything.'

'Ever since I was a kid, I always knew this: That big brother Zechs is the strongest person in the world. Mother and father would tell me stories of how, after being born, my big brother simply started to float and radiate power unlike any devil has ever seen. Maybe it was father's Gremory traits, maybe it was mother's Bael lineage, only one thing they knew for certain: Sirzechs was destined for greatness, to surpass the demon lords and become one of the strongest devils who ever lived.'

'And so, being of the champions of the Anti-Satan faction, defeating the descendants of the original Four and taking the throne as the supreme demon lord Lucifer, he marked his name in history as the hero of the Underworld. Not just that, he managed to marry his childhood sweetheart Grayfia, have a child with her and command and take care of all the Underworld affairs together with his fellow Satans. However, even with them, big brother Zechs' power has no like. Be other devils, angels, fallen angels, deities or even dragons, big brother Zechs could beat them all with no effort because he's the strongest, he's invencible, and he can do anything...'

'I've always admired him. His power, his charisma, his intelligence and his stance; there is nothing about him that is not great, and I've always dreamt of being just like him: a devil with overwhelming power, born for greatness, to surpass all expectations and become the pinnacle of our race. However... However...'

"You absolute buffoon! How many times must I repeat that lesson until you get it right! If I have to parrot this paragraph one more time, I will lose my head!"

"You grip is lacking, your stance is faltering, your blade trembles and there is no strength in your sword. Alice, if you cannot grasp the simple basics of swordsmanship, perhaps another form of combat will be better suited for you?"

"Milord, that's enough. More of that and you'll collapse. Maybe it is because you're a later-bloomer, but please, spare yourself from using too much of your power of destruction..."

"How can you forget about this song? I've taught you yesterday! Both hands on the keyboard, don't look at me, look at the sheets! One more misstep and we'll be done earlier!"

'I, Alice Gremory, despite being brothers with Sirzechs, lack any form of power or talent compared to any of my siblings...'

'I was born weak, talentless, stupid and slow. Even compared to other young devils my age, my level of power was laughable at best, and no matter how much I trained, it would never improve. Rias was a genius, a prodigy, who despite being born at the same day and under the same tutelage, exceeded at anything she would put her mind into. Rias and Sirzechs, the pride and joy of the Gremory, born with prestige and power, the future of our race... And there was me, Alice. The smudge, the scum of the clan, a joke compared to their siblings. The one who couldn't do anything, not even the simple basics.'

'From admiring, I started to resent and hate my brother and sister. What was wrong with me? Why couldn't I ever reach them no matter how much I tried? Why was I even born to begin with? I was jealous, envious of them. They could do almost anything, while I struggled to even learn our signature Power of Destruction. They recruited only the best and brighest as their peerage members, while I was denied my Evil Pieces for still not completing my training just yet. It was like if there was an impenetrable barrier between my siblings and I... And I blamed it all on them. If they didn't exist, if they weren't so blessed or strong, I wouldn't feel like that, there would be nothing wrong with me. I wouldn't be considered weak compared to them... I would be happier and normal if it wasn't for strong people like them.'

'It was what I used to think, anyway.'

'However, a few years later, I came to a realization. A realization that made me open my eyes and see the naked, harsh reality about my family, about my siblings, about myself...'

'The truth is... The truth is...'

Music is the food of the soul. Is what at least Sirzechs, a former aspiring musician, would tell his dear younger brother.

There are many ways for one to convey emotions, but few are as universal or eloquent as music, which anyone, regardless of age, gender, nationality or creed can burst into. Not everyone can paint a beautiful landscape when overjoyed, nor film an entire feature-length picture when sad; but everyone can just hum a melody or make lyrics on the spot in order to tell your current mood. That is something Alice always took by heart. Suffice to say, he always loved when his brother played for him, because they would always be happy songs, meaning Sirzechs was happy, and that in return would make him happy too.

"Hm-hm~, hm-hm-hmmmm~... Hm-hmm~..." And now we return to Alice, the runaway heir of the Gremory clan, the blade of a leaf resting on his mouth as he blows it to make it whistle a favourite song of his.

The location now is an open grove filled with nature and small animals, a small river cutting the green around him. Barefooted, the Gremory heir enjoys the cold water running around his ankles as he takes his time to admire the beautiful scenery around him and cherish a small 'me' moment. It has been just a few days since he left the seaside inn and bid his last goodbyes to Lilitifa Vepar, a beautiful devil from an extinct clan.

Honestly, he wished that he could stay a little longer and spend more time with her, after all they seemed to enjoy each other's company, and her beautiful singing voice soothed his soul to the point he could forget about his problems, if just for a night. However, complacency would sprout from those simple pleasures, and all of his actions so far in his quest would be for naught as a result. Besides, he was transpassing into Forneus territory, and he didn't wish to start a quarrel between it and the Gremory, he already did enough regarding shaming his own House.

'You're really going? Stay, if just for a while. It'll be so... Lonely.'

'I wish I could, miss Lilitifa, but I can't. Not only I'm invading other devil's territory, if I stay I might start losing the grasp of my quest. I'm dumb after all, I will start forgetting the reason I left in the first place...'

'...'

'A-Ah. Please don't cry. Hey, look, I will return someday. Then let's play another duet, and I promise I'll be better than ever when we do so, okay? Don't be sad, miss Lilitifa. I promise on my name, so... Please, smile.'

'P-Promise? You will return to play with me again?'

'Of course. That's a promise from a Gremory. I will come back, okay? Just wait... A little longer.'

'Hm... Understood. I'll be waiting for you, dear Alice. But please, don't take long...'

'Of course. Until then... Goodbye, Miss Lilitifa.'

'See you... One day, dear Alice.'

What a bittersweet farewell, with a promise that he wasn't sure he could keep. He wishes to be sure about its veracity, but for a failure like him, it was a hopeless bet. Miss Lilitifa was faring a lot better than him anyway, and regardless of their encounter, he was sure she would bring the Vepar to their former glory once again, if by small steps, but what are a few years for devils, after all?

"If I stayed, I would've brought her down as well. Only someone like me to turn a duet with with her beautiful voice into a disaster." He smiles and chuckles bitterly, tossing the leaf away and picking a book from his backpack; a magically enhanced one that allowed him to carry an entire room of furniture within such small space, yet he only used for his clothes, his sword and some books, plus small other treasures. Anybody would stop and look at a red-haired young man carrying a few luggages everywhere he goes, but not a red-haired young man with an unsuspicious backpack, they would think he was a college-student doing one final discovery trip. It wasn't far off from the truth, anyway. "Now, now... History of the Underworld, volume 1... Lucifer, the original demon lord; Lilith, the mother of us all, spawned the first devils by splitting her image into several facets, thus creating his brothers; their servants, the Extra Demons; the original 72 pillars and then the entirety of devilkin. The enemies of the indolent, selfish God from heavens above, His children and the rebellious watchers... I know that much."

Alice knew that much: the original devils, their roots, their rivalry with God and his angels, plus the disgraced sons of heavens known as the watchers, the fallen. However, dates, places, historical sites and other information would slip his mind from time to time, and thus, he would fail again and again in his lessons, earning a few slaps and losing a few tutours. Between the genesis of the Underworld and his brother's ascension to power as the new crowned Lucifer, there was a big void on the timeline in his brain.

"... And thus, Sirzechs Gremory and his companions from the anti-Satan faction came victorious against their former leaders and estabilished a new devil order in the Underworld, making sure to bring prosperity and understanding throughout their kind without bloodshed. Taking the title as Lucifer, Sirzechs became the new leader of the devils and command them to this day with a gentle hand." And with that final paragraph, Alice couldn't help but to sniff a little, drying tears of joy. No matter how many times he hears it, the history of how his brother ascended to power and became who he is today always makes him tear up. Big Brother Zechs was indeed a figure to be admired. Stopping a second to bath under the Sun above, he takes a deep breath and put his book back into his backpack, just walking to appreciate his view and his own thoughts. He picks another leaf blade and blows another whistle. "Hm-Hm-Hmmm~... Hm-hmmm~. What should I do today? Swordsmanship? Lessons in devil history? Rating Game studies? Perhaps magical training? Rias is probably studying hard as well instead of staying idle like me."

*CAW! CAW! CAW!*

"Hmm?" His attention shifts to the skies above, where he sees a few birds flying around in idle bliss. Oh, perhaps he might've reached really deep into that grove, to see those kinds so close. He tosses the blade off his mouth and instead pouts to whistle a rather unique sound. A few blows, and a rather large falcon descends and lands right on his lifted arm, Alice reaching a hand to caress its beautiful feathers. "What a beauty you are. Pretty intelligent too, if you can understand my novice falconry."

The majestic bird simply scratched its head and snuggled on his caressing fingers. It wasn't much, but Alice knew a thing or two about falconry thanks to Grayfia, who had a griffin as a familiar, and for what's worth, he could call for some birds to spoil them and admire their beauty, so powerful and imposing, not unlike his dear in-law.

As he remembers, Ravel Phenex's brothers were masters in those, her older brother even having one of those as a familiar. Another devil heiress and a real beauty too, yet she was always so polite and nice to him, unlike the third son, another genius of the Rating Game, but who would always get on Rias' nerves. He blushes a little just remembering her blond hair, her dark blue eyes and powerful aura...

"Wonder what's she up to now..." He wonders to himself, scratching the falcon on the head and then lifting his arm so that it could fly away now. The Phenex, another respectful family in the Underworld, their sons being the champions of the Rating Games due to their immortality abilities and control over the winds and flames, even other clans would have difficulty in dealing with those. The falcon hovered for a while near him, and then took flight, Alice waving his last goodbye to it. "Bye. Have a nice day, friend..."

The bird didn't respond, simply flew away, leaving just a few feathers behind... But then...

*CAW...!*

"Huh...?" From a smile, Alice's face contorted into a surprised and shocked expression as the bird he played with not a few seconds ago gnarled in an unnatural way, its entire body contorting and spasming before losing height and then falling onto the ground, his body making a nauseating splashing sound as it clashed onto the rocky floor and spreaded blood everywhere. However, as Alice noticed by the state of the corpse, it died before even hitting it. "W-What in the world...? H-How could it..."

But it didn't stop there: just like the first, other birds started to scream in agony, contorting and spitting blood in midair before falling dead until they formed a small mount of corpses. Alice's ears also pick the sound of his surroundings, and looking around, he saw other small animals die on the spot. Squirrels, lizards, snakes, deers and foxes would fall dead from where they stood splitting blood from all of their orifices, and suddenly he feels something touch his feet. Looking down, the river where he walked was now filled with dead fish and the once clear water was running blood. He jumps away using his bat wings onto solid ground, and watched in horror as the river now runs red and the smell of death fills the place...

"This... This..."

"Death... Comes to us all one day... You can run, you can struggle, you can even delay it... But eventually, the sweet yet cold arms of demise shall embrace you... And you will die." However, his thoughts were cut by a voice coming from somewhere close. Alice sharpens his gaze and tries in vain in locate the direction where it was coming, only for his eyes to land on a small pile of dead animals, that for some reason started to move and gather into a small mount, which then pulsated like a deranged heart. Eventually, the mount became a pillar, tall and slender as such, and a small hole was open in the middle of it where the voice continued to chant. "But rejoice, because for once, death shall not reach you just yet, Alice Gremory from the Gremory house of Devils. What awaits you, however, is something much, much worse..."

"What...?" Alice couldn't understand, but he didn't have to anyway: the pillar of animals then fell onto the ground, and what stood in its place was a new figure for him: a tall, imposing, cloaked figure wearing something akin to a priest robe but with skulls instead of crosses, and carrying a large black scythe. Pulling the cloak away, it revealed its face, a golden skull adorned with jewels and pearls, a golden crowd of thorns on its head and flowers growing from its eye sockets. Alice could confirm just by looking at him, plus the deadly aura that would come from within. "A grim reaper..."

"Correct you are, dear Alice. And not just any Grim reaper, either: For I am Zagreus, the son of Hades himself, and I'm here commanded by my father to take you to his realm." The golden reaper, Zegreus, said, his pearly white skeleton feet clacking against the rock floor as he approached Alice in slow steps. Grim reapers, the servants of the god of the dead Hades from the Greek pantheon, the heralds of demise and decay, considered demigods on their own, a high-class grim reaper being far stronger than an average high-class devil. Just being this close to one makes Alice shiver and fear for his life. "I was looking for another devil heir around these grounds you see, but as I was informed, the youngest son of the Gremory ran away from home. Lo and behold, I found you here of all places, and honestly, I feel like capturing the Lucifer's younger brother would be a lot better than whoever I was previously looking for. Certainly, lady luck seems to be smiling at me..."

"Lord Hades wants what?" Alice inquired, confused. What in the world the God of the dead wants with him? As far as he knew, Hades wasn't too fond of devils or fallen angels since he saw them as simple imitations of his own creation and subordinates, so much so he would always refer to them as 'bats' or 'crows'. Plus, while he was indeed the brother of the strongest devil alive, why him and not Sirzechs or even Rias? There was something fishy going on. "I'm sorry, Lord Zagreus, what do you mind me asking why would he want anything with me?"

"I certainly do not." Laughed the skeleton prince, shouting his head back as if taking a gracious chuckle. However, before the Gremory could say anything else, he shot back forward and his stance made his skull seems that it was frowning. "But I shall not respond, for my lips are sewn shut for that matter."

"Then..."

"... If I had any lips that is. But I do not, for I am a skeleton, you see."

"..."

"Nyah hah hah hah."

Well, someone has a sense of humour.

"That aside, Alice Gremory from the Gremory clan of devils, do not resist and come with me, to the realm of the dead." And once recovered from his small hilarious reverie, Zagreus adopted a battle stance, death scythe at hand, and pointed all of his attention to the Gremory heir, a dark aura starting to ooze from his skeletal body. "My father demanded to bring you alive... But he didn't specified the conditions. Therefore, struggle, and you might lose an arm or a leg, and live to regret your decisions."

"..." Alice on the other hand, pursed his lips a little. A grim reaper, indeed a dangerous race that has 'death' written all over them. That enormous scythe probably wasn't just for show, and if were to struggle and engage, he would definitely get hurt or worse. He has never been in a real fight, and while his training were to prepare him for such, experience in either was something he did not have. It was a dangerous situation... Yet, something inside him made him utter the following words. "I'm sorry... But I refuse to go with you."

"I see. Well then, it seems that negotiations are out of the question." Sighed the grim reaper, the son of Hades. Not in a disappointed manner, mind you, but in a bored one, showing his clear unwillingness to engage nonetheless. A moment of silence, and he turns back to Alice, scythe at hand, holding the grip with both hands as a dark presence emanates from the blade. "Indeed, typical of a devil... Your arrogance and stubborness are so disgusting, it makes my stomach turn..."

"Well..."

"...If I had any, that is. But I do not, for I am a skeleton, you see. Nyah hah hah hah."

...

He seems pretty lively. Which was ironic, since he was a skeleton, you see.

Hohohohoh...

*DOOOOOOOON...!*

"Whoa...!" Too fast for Alice to react. In one second, Zagreus lifted his scythe and stuck the blade into the ground. From that point, thick branches of trees and vegetation sprouted in rapid growth, covering Alice's sight with green and another myriad of colours as the once bloodied scenario turns into a botanical paradise filled with life and flowers.

Zagreus, son of Hades, was the offspring of not just the God of the dead, but also Persephone, the Greek Goddess of Spring, flowers and vegetation. Kidnapped by Hades under the approval of Zeus, she became known as the Queen of the underworld after marrying the former, but her dominion over life remained, an ability all of her children inherited besides their father's immense strength as the ruler of the death realm. As such, being the son of death and life, Zagreus not only had the typical abilities of a Grim reaper, but also the exclusive control over life as well in the shape of vegetation.

The beginning and end of life, coexisting in a single being; that was Zagreus, the son of the unseen one and the dreaded queen.

"Dear Lilith, that was close!" The heir of Gremory cursed, finding some footing on a tree branch after that surprise offense. From the point where Zagreus stuck his scythe to the ground, an entire forest was growing, branches and trunks of trees emerging and twirling around themselves as leaves and flowers would sprout from them. So dense and erratic, for a moment he throught they would trap and immobilize him with a tight embrace, that might as well be what the god was trying to do. Reaching for his backpack and tossing it away in a random direction, he put on a small wristband and picked his training sword with one hand while running down the ever-growing forest, trying to return to the ground and in some stable footing.

"Where do you think you're going, you damned bat?!" But Zagreus, reaching for his scythe, started to climb his own creation to the encounter with the Gremory heir, ready to cut off some members and drag the devil by the hair if he needed to. There was only one way down that vegetal construction, so no matter which path he chooses, they will clash regardless. "Face me with all you got, and I'll drag you down to Hades by the skin of my teeth if I need to! IF I HAD ANY SKIN IN MY TEETH, WHICH I DO NOT, BECAUSE I AM A SKELETON, YOU SEEEEEEEEE...!"

*TING!*

"Ugh...!" And they clashed. Alice's and Zagreus' blades collided and emanated a loud ringing sound as sparkles would fly everywhere. The recoil was too much for the scum of the Gremory, as such he could feel himself levitate from the ground a little and his arm almost snap off from the rest of his body, fortunately landing a few seconds later and finding some footing to stand. The prince of the dead, however, didn't flinch as much, and started a barrage of slashes and cuts against the heir, which could only backstep and defend himself against that relentless assault. "Gh... Not as fast as master Okita, but he's very... Skilled...!"

"Giving up already, heir of the Gremory? How unsightly! You're as pathetic as they come!" Zagreus mocked, seeing the redhead retreat in loose steps. His movements were slow, brusque, unrefined and childish, as he was just flailing his sword around hoping to hit anything. Meanwhile, his scythe practically danced on his boney fingers, slashes going everywhere and ripping the air and space between them, opening a cut or two in an uncontrollable frenzy. A moment of hesitation, and Zagreus saw the perfect opportunity: he held his scythe tighter and then hit a weak spot on Alice's sword, making the devil's entire arm tremble and falter, the resulting pain snapping the grip off his hand. Now, he was completely defenseless! "Now, say goodbye to your arms and legs, heir of Gremory! Face your failures and be defeated by yours truly!"

"Curses...!" Alice grit his teeth, clenching his trembling hand and pulling it back to face the grim reaper, this one could only laugh at his futile attempt to defend himself. No weapons, and the distance between wouldn't allow him to summon any rune for magical defense. To the son of Hades, that match was over. However...

*SWING!*

*SLASH!*

"Hah?!" But as he was about to deal the final blow, Zagreus saw a silver light coming his way, but it was too late: coming like a shooting star, a sword hit him by the side of his head and dented his golden skull, the pain from the impact making him jump away and retreat a few meters away. What was that? A surprise attack? Did the Gremory heir had backup? No, it wasn't that. Shaking off his confusion, Zagreus looked forward and saw a sword dancing in the air, that same sword he slapped away from Alice's hand, a string coming from the pommel and connected to a small ring around Alice's wrist. The Gremory himself was rotating the string on his fingers and making the sword flail around before pulling it back into his grasps.

"Master Okita always says: 'a swordsman who loses its blade might as well lose an arm'. I could never hold a sword correctly, and it always escape my hands during training. I know its dishonourable to cheat like that... But until I can hold a sword like him, I shall rely on this shameful tactic." Alice sighs, adopting a better stance to fight the grim reaper and trying to remember the basics of swordsmanship, as little as they were. Zagreus let out a small chuckle.

"You know its a dirty tactic, yet continues to rely on it anyway. You godforsaken bats never change, do you?" He also adopts a better stance, and after a few seconds, they run for each other, Alice trying to find a way out and Zagreus, to drag him to his father and make him wish that he killed him.

The grim reaper pulled his scythe and then cut the air in front of him, making flowers bloom from the branch they were standing on. So many blinding colours, so many intoxicating scents, the sudden beauty before his eyes stunned the heir a little, and taking advantage of the distraction, Zagreus jumped and prepared to deal another killing blow! However, cleaning his eyes, Alice was faster, and using his stringed sword, he flails his blade against the upcoming attack, the clash being too strong for the airborne son of Hades, his body recoiling due to the impact as he hovers aimlessly in the air. Seeing the opportunity, Alice pulls his sword back and unravels his devil wings to fly and tackle Zagreus in midair, hoping to at least gain some distance and escape. Truly, the resulting clash made the God lose control and fall onto the ground on his back, not only making him lose conscious for a few seconds, but also giving Alice the opportunity to go back to the sole and regain his footing.

Once in firm footing, Alice simply turned around and ran as fast as he could. He was just lucky, he thought to himself, to face such a God and have enough reactions to escape alive. As suspected, that place was off-limits now, and he must flee as fast as he can, otherwise it was all over. Definitely Sirzechs, maybe Rias could deal with Zagreus, but not him, not the failure of the clan, he already feels himself losing stamina and running out of breath, but that didn't matter, all he needs is space and a way to escape from the God's grasp. While at it, the gears in his small mind began to turn: why would the God of the dead would want anything with him? Why would he ask his son to find a devil heir in the area, for what purpose? One thing he was sure: regarding Lord Hades' disdain for devils, it wasn't for any positive one.

"ALICE GREMORY...!"

"...!"

*SLASH!*

One second less, one second less and Alice would've been dead. From the corner of his eyes, the heir saw a shadowy figure flying at high speed among the trees and nature surrounding him, and in a blink, he saw a black flash coming closer and closer. Call it a lucky shot, call it instinct, but the redhead had no other reaction but to duck from the coming assault. Such decision saved his life, as all the trees around him and as far as the eyes could reach were cut clean down, not a single standing trunk in the wake of that offense. What was a forest filled with life was now a wasteland of bald stumps and falling leaves, tremors and crashes reverbing all over Alice's ears, making them ring as a result. He ran even more to escape the falling trees, but that same shadow appeared in front of him, and with it, a falling blade aiming at him!

*TING!*

"Uwaaah!" Another decision of last moment that saved his life: when he saw the descending blade, his instincts made him lift his own sword, and as they clashed, the force of it shot his body backwards, leaving his entire being weakened and trembling, almost making him fall. Shaking his head to get rid of the confusion, he only had the time to see the approaching shadow charging, this time closer than ever! They touch blades, and he could see from the chilling aura and skeletal structure that it was Zagreus once again, scythe at hands and emanating a deadly power.

"You know what? I can always ressurect your filthy devilish carcass after dicing your entire body and munch on your disgusting soul until I'm satisfied! No need to be careful anymore! Now, have at thee!" Shouted the grim reaper, again unleashing an endless flurry of slashes and attacks in an even closer distance this time. Alice, who wasn't able to keep up before, was rended completely hapless against him, his offense with a level of savagery never seen before and cutting his body and clothes deeper, blood splashing everywhere and with no space for a counterattack. In one second, Zagreus lifted his scythe and prepared another powerful strike, and without losing the moment, Alice let go off the grip of his sword and tried to slash the grim reaper while gaining some distance with a jump. "It won't work this time, damned bat!"

"Just this once...!" And Alice was hoping for another slash to stun the skeletal god, but the latter was even faster, and instead aimed his attack to the upcoming sword, slapping the blade away with his own and making it flail off his face. "Oh no...!"

"... And I'm not done yet!" And in another second, all Alice saw was a slash and suddenly the grasp around his hand grew looser. Not just that, the weight of the sword wasn't pulling him anymore and he hears a ringing sound of metal hitting something. His blue eyes scan the area, and all he could see was his sword, with its string cut down, falling blade first onto the ground and sticking there,immobile, as his grasping dominating hand was now just wearing a ring with a loose string. Now, he was been truly disarmed, and putting himself between him and his arm, Zagreus made sure that he wouldn't be able to reach it in time, not in this life, anyway. He approached Alice and smiled. "This is the end, Alice Gremory! I hope you're ready to face horrors worse than hell, because I, Zagreus, shall be delighted to show you nightmares that make even his skin crawl! IF I HAD ANY SKIN, THAT IS, BUT I DO NOT, BECAUSE I AM A SKELETON, YOU SEEEEEE...!"

Alice's world then stopped. Not even a second later or sooner, it just stopped. So, this is it? Is this the end? All of his life decisions that he took so far, only to end up like that? Victim of the wrath of the grim reaper? He gulps, and purses his lips and eyes. Only one moment, one moment and everything would be over. A slash from a grim reaper's scythe is never a good thing, and even if he survives the upcoming slaughter, only the unknown hell Zagreus was talking about awaits him. What should he do? What can he do? In that moment that lasted an eternity, he gathered all of his strengths, closed his eyes and then... Stopped.

And stepped forward against the grim reaper.

"HAH? ARE YOU INSANE? DO YOU SEARCH FOR AN EARLY DEATH?! SO BE IT!" Laughed Zagreus, descending his blade against the devil that apparently lost his mind and came forward against him. A single strike from his death scythe, and even a devil will be meeting its maker once cut down. One strike, and his mission would succeed, and Hades will be pleased for his accomplishment of such. Indeed, all that he needs is to reach his blade for the red-haired devil and it'll be flowers and rainbows from there, the ascension of the legend of Zagreus, the son of the unseen one and the dreaded queen!

However, as he snaps back to reality, for a just a little, Alice proved himself to be slightly faster than the God, dodging his death scythe by only a space thinner than a hairstring, and instead reached for the core of the grim reaper's body, way pass the reach of his scythe and too close for him to react! But what will he do now? His sword is out of reach, and there is no time for him to form a rune and blast Zagreus away with magic! As Zagreus pulls his scythe back to try again, Alice simply closes his hand and forms a fist.

*BAN!*, it was swift and dry, but the impact of that punch resonated throughout the entirety of the dead forest, blowing leaves away and causing the winds to change. As fast as he could, Alice aimed for Zagreus' core and gave it a quick hit. The impact alone made his arm tremble and itch, and he could feel now all of his strength being sapped from his own soul. He could've just escaped and tried again, he could've just turned around and pray that Zagreus would give up, but for some reason, he decided to stay and face the son of the God of the dead, resulting in that blow that even he didn't know if worked...

"Haaaah... hahahah... That a close one..." And Alice snapped back from his reverie when he heard a laugh coming from above him. That laugh came from the golden skeleton wearing priest's robes, and he continued to laugh as the heir's gaze lowered to see the reason behind Zagreus' sudden amusement: instead of his core, Alice had instead landed his blow on the cane of the death scythe, Zagreus being even faster to pull it to defend himself, as trying to attack Alice again would result in the blow connecting, even thought he was 50/50 sure that it wouldn't result in his defeat. Such quick thinking saved him in this match, as Alice had no more strength to react in time, and as such, Zagreus was ready to deal the final blow. "Your efforts were admirable, and for a godforsaken bat, you did well, Alice Gremory. But now, prepare to face your worst fears, as I, Zagreus, shall relish in your despair and pain to my heart's content! IF I HAD A HEART, BUT I DO NOT, BECAUSE I AM A SKELETON, YOU SEEEEEEE...!"

"..."

'A few years ago, I came to a realization. A realization that made me open my eyes and see the naked, harsh reality about my family, about my siblings, about myself...'

'The truth is... If I hate my brother and sister for their talents and strengths, I will have to hate everyone that I've ever encounter.'

'Strength, power, talents are both a gift and a curse. The weak can always become strong, the weak can always gather with others to share their stories, the weak can always blame the strong for their shortcomings and misfortunes, and never take responsibility for their own weaknesses.'

'The strong, on the other hand, shall carry the expectations and hopes of those who can't carry by themselves; the strong will always take the blame for whatever misfortune that happens, because is in their strength where it lies security and solace; the strong will always have to fight for others, for is their duty to uphold their beliefs and everyone else's.'

'If big brother Zechs was weak, the devil race would still be fighting against the heavens and the Grigori; if big brother Zechs was weak, he would've never spoke against the war that was tearing several devil clans apart; if big brother Zechs was weak... He would be just like me, hating those stronger than him, pathetically wishing for their death for making him look weak, and sulking in his own mediocrity instead of trying to improve.'

'Be born prodigies like Rias or miss Ravel's older brothers...'

'Be mutants like Big brother or Lord Ajuka...'

'Be the champions of hard work and arduous training like cousin Sairaorg or Lord Rosenkreutz...'

'Be the natural inclination of their race like lord Tannin or Master Okita...'

'Be geniuses who rely on cunning and brains to compensate normal levels of power like Miss Sona or miss Seekvaira...'

'All of them are strong in their own way, and they carry the responsibility and burdens of their power. Responsibility and burdens that I can't even begin to imagine. Responsibility and burdens of those hated and envied by the weak and in constant struggle by the strong.'

'The strong have no blame for the power they carry; the weak however, are responsible for their own shortcomings and their weakness.'

'So, instead of hating them, hating the strong... I want to understand them; I want to see the world as they see; I want to experience the same joys and sorrows they feel. I want to be just like them.'

'I want to be strong.'

*ZOOM~!*

"W-What?! What are you planning, Alice Grem-...?!"

*VOOOOOOSH~!*

"GYAAAAAAAAAAAH...!"

The power of the destruction, the inherited special ability of the Bael clan, passed down to Alice and his siblings through the marriage of his father Zeoticus with his mother Venelana.

There is a reason as to why this ability is highly treasured even among others of the 72 pillars; the reason why those who lacked like Sairaorg are ostricized while others like Magdaran and even Alice are at least tolerated for having despite their minimal control over it. A single reason, that is enough...

Destruction is the power of a true devil.

Fire can create life, keep others warm, illuminate the darkness, scare the unwanted; lightning can generate power, can produce works of arts, can be the heralds of blessings; even death itself, the ultimate fate of all living beings and dreaded by many, can comfort us, can release us from the pain only the living can experience, can help us appreciate the joys and gifts of life more, and even face it as a phase of a cycle...

Destruction, however, is ruthless, merciless, despairing and dreadful. No life comes after havoc, no joy comes after ruin, no hope comes after completely annihilation. Destruction only consumes, destruction only breaks, and for a race that revels on sins and desires, nothing more fitting than to treasure the power that can destroy any enemy, annihilate any obstacle, turn any nuinsance into dust.

As long as the descendants of Bael have such power, regardless of their position, regardless of their control, regardless of their mastery, they'll always be the heralds of havoc and destruction in their wake.

This includes... Even Alice Gremory, the scum of the Gremory house. Before Zagreus could unleash the final blow onto the Gremory heir, a small rune formed on his knuckles, the same location where his fist was touching the grim reaper's death scythe. It was enough to distract the son of Hades, who looked curiously down to see that red rune grow brighter and brighter, emanating a powerful force. When he saw a pitch black erratic aura forming there, he tried to snap back and deal the killing blow, but it was too late: from Alice's fist, a small and sudden stream of power of destruction emerged: and with it, complete ruin ensued. Zagreus was quick to turn the fist away from his core, but not enough as his death scythe was completely destroyed by that blow, taking with it his upper robes and part of his shoulder, leaving his upper skeletal body exposed as he was blasted away by the sheer force behind that blow.

Neither Zagreus or Alice knew, but that was the result of one of Alice's bad habits. The Power of destruction was known as a powerful blast that annihilates everything in its path: Rias could create either a stream or a blast; Sirzechs could shape his into small spheres of pure chaos and turn his body into destruction itself; and despite his novice training, Millicas could shoot his as small erratic destruction pulses not unlike a shotgun. Alice, on the other hand, has only enough power for the initial blow of his own, and usually the blast once shot would lose power and height until it was nothing more than a small and slow cloud of ruin. If Rias', Sirzechs' and Millicas' were like bullets, Alice's was more like a flamethrower ignating and then shutting down immediately, having not enough fuel to cause territorial damage nor enough force to go too far. Truly, a disgrace.

But, in that small moment, in that small yet decisive moment, it was enough. For the first time in Alice's life, it was enough. He was content...

"You... You...!" And still frozen with a fist lifted that was now touching nothing, Alice turns his gaze forward, seeing the damage his bad habit caused: The son of Hades, Zegreus, no longer had the upper part of his robes, exposing his skeletal interior with a stone that served as a core of his existence, bones as golden as his skull. Supporting himself on the remaining half of his destroyed death scythe's staff, the grim reaper coughs and grunts but tries to stand tall, not even the fact that one of his arms was literally hanging by a string seem to faze him. As expected from the son of the dead God, thought Alice, he, too, was strong. "Do you... Really think... Dirty tactics like that... Will defeat me?! I am the Son of the Unseen One and the Dreaded queen, the rulers of the Underworld, a God who resides over death! Who are you compared to me?! Who do you think you are, you goddamned bat!"

"..." Alice didn't respond at first, only took a deep breath and tried to come up with the best course of action. He was tired and out of breath, and that last desperate attempt took away all of his remaining powers. He had no strength to run or escape, and even so, Zagreus seems that will pursue him despite his own deplorable state. Reaching for his sword, the Gremory heir pulls the blade off the ground and points it at him. Despite such, he smiles. "I am... A failure, I am the scum of my family. I am the one who ran away from home for not wanting to smudge the name of my clan any longer, and who wishes to, one day, be as radiant as they are. I am Alice Gremory... Who shall earn all the gifts and affection he was undeserving of since birth."

"..."

"..."

...

"You FUCKER!" Screamed in pure rage the grim reaper, one last blade coming from his staff and doing his best to charge against his tired rival, who was always ready to engage. "I shall kill you where you stand!"

And Zagreus charged with pure hatred and wrath in his core. The reason for such? He hated being bested by anyone, and furthermore, he hated being bested by a so-called 'failure'. For he was, too, a failure.

Life and death were two parts of the same coin, yet nothing more contrasting could ever exist. The King of Hades, the ruler of the dead and the tyrant monarch of the Underworld; and the maiden goddess-turned queen of the Underworld, the dreaded goddess of life, vegetation, flowers and spring. All of their children were born with the merging of such polarizing forces, and as a result... They ended up as failures. Zagreus and his siblings were born from a death god and a life goddess, as such, their opposite forces couldn't complement each other.

As a grim reaper, his powers over life prevented him from truly touch upon his powers over death, and a vegetation god, his powers over death prevented him from truly touch upon his powers over life. He was a lukewarm image of his parents, neither a full embodiment of death nor a full creator of life, hence why even Alice could stand against him, both being born failures. Despite such, he wanted to prove himself, he wanted to become just as strong as his parents and take his rightful place as their son and heir of Hades.

Being bested by a bat, one that calls himself a failure of all things... He couldn't bear it, it was too much. To hell with the mission, he wanted to kill Alice Gremory, only then the raging fire in his heart could be satisfied...

If he had any heart, that is. But he does not, because he's a skeleton, you see.

Hohohohoh...

"ALICE GREMOOOOOOOOORRRRRRYYYY...!"

*DON!*

"Gh...!"

"Huh...?" But before they could kill each other in that final clash, a beam of light came out of nowhere and attacked the son of Hades on a blind spot, blasting him away from colliding with Alice and putting the Gremory heir on the safe. Since all the trees have been destroyed, he flew far, far away, and landed far enough to not cause any harm to Alice anymore.

"What?! Who... When...?!" Confusion fills Zagreus' skull as he tries to find rhyme or reason behind such distraction. Two shadowy figures, however, descend from the skies and land in front of him, putting on engaging stances in case he ever struggles again. "Who on Hades are you?! What are you doing?!"

"God Zagreus, son of Hades; your recent actions have put you under a watchlist since many evidences point you as a member of the Khaos Brigade! Please, come with us peacefully for interrogation!" A rather feminine voice commands the God, whose flowery eyes wide as much as they could and a shocked gasp escapes his lipless mouth. "Your position as a God shall not excuse such actions as any involvement with the terrorist group is considered a crime against the new order. You're also guilty of transpassing into Astaroth territory. If you have any reason of such, then peacefully accept my condition and we shall discuss matters more calmly."

"I do not need to give any satisfaction to a lowly bat such as yourself!" Zagreus screamed in protest, a new flame burning inside him as he jumped against the two figures with his broken scythe at hands, ready to strike! "I am Zagreus, son of Hades! Now die!"

"Mordred...!"

"On it." But faster than the God could act, another figure adorned in a silver-red armor acted faster and clashed weapons with Zagreus. The impact plus his weakened state made the skeleton prince falter, and as such, the armoured figure took advantage of it and kicked him away, also finishing the job and cutting its arm off completely! "Yeah! Get some!"

"You... Godforsaken Bats...!" Cursed the grim reaper, only to be showered by a barrage of magical blades that the first figure summoned from a demonic rune, cutting down all the remaining clothes of Zagreus and making him scream in pain and frustration. In one last attempt, Zagreus slapped his hands together, and then the small dead animals around him began to float and then clashed against his skeletal self, exploding then in a show of blood and guts.

"He's using an escaping charm! Quick, seal him!" The first figure commanded, pointing a rune for the floating mass of gore and hoping that it would stop Zagreus' escape. However, it was too late, and as such, when the seal was done, the god was far gone for them to do anything about it. The first figure sighed, frustrated. "Curses, he got away. There's no doubt now: the God Zagreus might be affiliated with the Khaos Brigade after all..."

"Well, at least it wasn't a complete waste of time. But damn, if this damage will not leave a mark on our tourism business. Maybe open a charcoal factory instead, boss?" Joked the armoured one, who received a playful slap on the back of the head. Alice, who was only seeing those events unfold from afar, could only blink in confusion, exhausted to do anything else but to listen. Standing dumbly in the middle of that chaos, he couldn't help but to wonder from where he heard that voice before, as it looked familiar, a bit too familiar. Eventually, the armoured folk spotted in among the destruction caused by the death god and walked towards him. "Oh hey, a survivor! Hey man, you're alive, right? Not that rigor-mortis bullshit going on, you're really alive, right?"

"Huh? Oh, y-yeah. I am." Alice responded, snapping a little feeling the adrenaline wear off. The armoured walked to his direction and once was close enough, the helmet collapsed sideways, revealing from inside a pretty looking girl with rebellious blond hair in a lazy ponytail, sharp face structure and bright green eyes. She appears to have fangs as well. He lifts a hand. "Hello. And yes, I am... Alive. Kinda."

"Oh, holy shit. That's great. If I were to find another dead body around these bands, she wouldn't let me live it down." The armoured lady said with a sheepish smile, something that Alice mimicked, and turned to the distant figure who was also approaching in slow steps. "Hey, chief, this one is alive and well! Gotta say, those grim reapers are sure lacking those days if they can't even kill one!"

"Mordred. If you please, I would like you to not talk about our world so close to a human. He might... Hah?"

"Oh." And when the figure of the first voice came close enough, she looked at Alice and stopped on her tracks when their gazes met, now eyes big as saucers and words dying in their throats. Alice was also left speechless when he encountered such figure, now knowing why that voice sounded so familiar...

Emerging from the blur of their distance, appears a beautiful, elegant young woman. She had almond-coloured eyes with a sharp but kind glow around them, long blond hair with blue tings at their ends and a certain noble air around her that only complemented her curviliar, well-endowed figure. Her stance was high-class, and she wore jewelry to reflect her status. However, once she locked eyes with Alice, she only gasps, masking her more extremely expressions behind a folding fan. Seeing her, Alice sighs, wondering if his luck was truly out to get him, for making him bump into her of all people.

An all acquaintance of his, the daughter of the branch family of the Astaroth clan, Latia Astaroth.

"Akkun...?"

"H-Hey, Lacchan..."

What are your thoughts? A small battle sequence in order to show the extension of Alice's own cunning and abilities, plus the type of people he'll probably meet in his journey. Of course, compared to his siblings, his abilities are nothing too special and all things considered, he is a bit lacking... Hence why he left. He is creative, and that is the conclusion he came up to cover his own shortcomings, plus a small dive into his mentality regarding his siblings, specially his adored brother.

And now... He meets an old friend, with her male/female knight to boot! Nothing but to use some loopholes to help me kinda expand his circle of... Female friends. Please, don't hate me, fate fans, just a need idea I threw. So yeah, showdown with the son of the dead God and meeting the beautiful heiress. Also, don't worry, Lilitifa is not out of the story. She is a cutie, after all.

With that out of the way, stay safe and don't forget to R&R. Hellhound going dark again!