DISCLAIMER: DxD doesn't belong to me, all rights reserved to Ishibumi and its respective magazines.
If there's a word, a single word, to describe miss Latia Astaroth, an old acquaintance of mine, that word would be, undoubtably...
'Overwhelming'.
Our first meeting took place when we were quite young, a small gathering planned by our dear relatives to strengthen the bonds between the Gremory and Astaroth and perhaps to help both Rias and I socialize a little more and broaden our circle of friends. I remember being enchanted by her graceful stance and cute face, being just as radiant as my dear sister if not more. But before I could say anything, she spoke to me:
"Brother of the Maouh? I'm unimpressed, completely."
And that sentence alone was enough to bring me to tears, completely, for the entire day...
On our second try, we managed to hold what one could call a 'normal conversation', and while Rias could hold a mutual yet distant respect for Lacchan, we were able to create something quite deeper. Unfortunately, it wasn't something that could be called a 'friendship', not at all...
"Dear Alice, I shall invite you for some tea at my abode. It'll have some snacks and coffee as well, so please be sharp."
"It seems that devil history has caught your interest. May I suggest this book about the Exodus of the Alastor clan of Extra devils? Or the economy of our Lilith capital?"
"I recall Lord Sirzechs' nickname for you, 'Akkun', was it? In respect, I shall call you such from now on as well, and in return, you can call me 'Lacchan'. No objections to that, have you?"
"I scheduled a whole day for us to enjoy each other's company today, including some excellent restaurants nearby and a study section for Rating Games. Come, let us not slip on the clock now..."
It's not like I hated her, far from that, those weren't bad activities at all and I did manage to have some fond memories of her, and among all the other devils my age, she was the closest I had to call a 'friend', big brother Zechs and Lord Ajuka even jesting that their friendship would take a massive step after our wedding and they couldn't wait for that to happen...
But alas, like everyone else I knew, as I started to become aware of my own shortcomings and faults and she became more and more determined to expand the reaches and influence of her clan, Lacchan and I parted ways after a few years of 'friendship', the last I heard from her was that she went to the Human realm in order to gather her Evil Piece members.
Latia Astaroth is an intense and overwhelming young heiress, indeed, but she's also determined, strong and wise, almost as much as Rias, and I admire her for that. In my fruitless years of training, tutelage and self-hatred, I realized how fortunate for us to part ways, otherwise her scorn and hatred for me and my weaknesses and faults would surely drive me deeper and darker into a bottomless pit. I admire her as a friend and peer, and I wish her the best, but just like everyone else, I also wished to never see her again, or at least tto have become someone worthy of being her 'childhood friend'...
Never thought I would meet her like that, at this moment. Fate surely likes to play with people, or mayhap my luck streak has yet to pull its last cards on me. Just my luck...
It has been just a few days since Alice's encounter with the death god Zagreus, but unfortunately he already got used to the same scenario he would face in his wake. That being a pearly white ceiling as he lays on top of a soft bed...
His body is still a bit sore due to his clash against Hades' son, and the few bandages all over him indicates that such was more intense than he anticipated. But he couldn't complain, it was a miracle that he was alive, all things considered, as facing a grim reaper, even as a high-class devil, was a 50/50 death sentence, perhaps a bit higher considering the level the one he faced is.
But now, his biggest problem wasn't the vendetta the death God probably has with him, oh no. Now, he was in a position that he really didn't want to be; that being the guest/prisioner in the Astaroth's human abode, a small mansion reigned by an old acquaintance of his: Latia Astaroth. Every day he would wake up, see that same blank ceiling, and sigh in defeat knowing that he was still there, for better or for worse.
It was only natural, after all. After the Zagreus Incident, Latia warned her security about the events that transpired in her territory, and in order to avoid further problems, Alice was forced to stay within the Astaroth mansion so that the place could be throughoutly monitorized in order to avoid similar situations, as well as secure his departure. Such would take a few days, and in the meantime, he would have to stay there to recover from his injuries as well as to safely return in his journey; although Alice wanted to get out of there as soon as possible regardless if he bumps into another god wanting his skin...
Another day, another day. Yawning a little and scratching his eyes to get rid of the sleepiness in them, the Gremory heir picks the small set of white shirt and pants resting on a nearby chair to change from his pajamas, his expression and moroseness indicating that he wasn't all that excited for the day, not at all. It was a normal sight of Alice Gremory, yes, but particularly today, among all the others day since his stay in the Astaroth manor, he seems worse than ever in his stance.
Exiting his guest room, he takes a small walk to a particular room in his routine, his eyes gazing at the morning sun that wasn't as harsh on his devilish presence anymore illuminating the marble-like white walls and hall and scarlet carpet, a staple of a devil's noble house. He would meet and see some butlers and maids walking around and greet them as he could, receiving a respectiful bow in response and some giggles from the female staff. The place wasn't unlike the Gremory's own castle, although a bit smaller in scale, but the air was just as noble. It feels somehow nostalgic for him, in a good way.
Eventually, he reached the destinied place, and with a deep sigh, he opens the massive gate leading to an open garden, tiled marble floor and a small glass dome above his head. In the heart of it all, stood a small tea table with a sit for two, a porcelain jar with two equally elegant white teacups with golden details and a small silver set of plates where rested a few macaroons and other sugary delicacies. That wasn't what he was dreading, not at all, but the one sitting in one of the chairs: Latia astaroth, the blond-haired, almond-eyed young devil heiress who he calls a childhood friend... Sort of. Sensing his entrance, she turns her gaze to him, and blinks a few times, her gaze piercing yet calm and composed.
"Good morning, Akkun."
"G-Good morning, Lacchan."
One, two seconds. A silence heavier than the core of the Earth installed between the two devils, and with a smooth and swift hand gesture, Latia wordlessly invited him to sit with her, an invitation the Gremory struggled with yet eventually accepted it as there was no other choice. Pursing his lips, with trembling brows, Alice walked as stagnant and choppily as a robot to his seat and sat there, taking a small sip from the teacup out of courtesy. Now, it was a half-minute of total silence, small gasps of hesitation coming from him as he opens and closes his mouth like a fish, and she remains quiet to wait for any subject to pop up...
What to talk about, honestly? Alice was suffering from a lack of topics that wouldn't turn things awkward. They already talked about the cursed Khaos Brigade, a recent group of terrorists that has been causing some ruckus among their world, not only for the likes of the Underworld, which goals or members are unknown, but apparently the god Zagreus had a part of, and probably lord Hades as well; they already talked about the reasons behind her appearance in the human world, not only to care for the Astaroth territory there as his uncle and cousin manage the Underworld section, but to also find possible candidates for her Evil Pieces, european myths being just as rich; they already talked about Mordred Pendragon, her only Evil Piece for now and knight, a lively youth who was the same age as them, and despite appearances, would refer to herself as a 'male' and whose objective was to find 'a certain someone'; they already (begrungingly) talked about his reasons to be far away from his own house; they talked about idle subjects like the weather and the taste of the tea. Certainly, the silence between them was expected.
However, if there was something that Latia would always talk about was, undoubtly...
"Akkun... Won't you return to your Household?"
And his response was always, undoubtly...
"No, I won't. Not now."
And the conversation dies there, like always. It's not like they hated each other, and the Astaroth heiress indeed has a soft spot for her 'childhood friend', but to think she would become a runaway like that, without further explanations; she wonders if he entered what they call a 'rebellious phase'. If so, she should do something about it before he does something he would regret for the years to come. She never thought him of all people would have a phase like that, though...
Alice, on the other hand, was always glad of how considerate and kind Lacchan was. He would answer her, and after a few seconds of silence, she would totally forget about it and enjoy her snacks and drinks. For all the lack of conversation between them, he was glad he respected his privacy, but honestly, the silent judgement she would lay on him actually feels a lot heavier than anything else, really. Always composed, always quiet and dignified; there were no breaches or leeways in her stance, and for that, she was always so hard to read, specially for a dumb person like him. What was she thinking? Was she mad? Concerned? Or just disgusted by his indignant and ungrateful actions? He couldn't tell, but as always, his thoughts would shift for the worst. It's not like his reasons would make any sense for anyone but himself...
"I bet Lord and Lady Gremory are worried sick about your whereabouts, to say nothing about Lord Sirzechs and dear Rias."She takes a rather quick sip from her tea, and for that sentence almost make Alice choke on his. No build-up nor suspense, she just dropped that bomb on him like nothing and continued to eat her breakfast, but still aware of how much her words affected him. From almost burning his lap with camomile, the Gremory lad lowered his head. "I understand having a phase and causing ruckus is the peak of adolescence, but please be aware that your reckless behaviour is also affecting people who love you. You should take their feelings into consideration as well, Akkun."
"I know." He sighs. She sounds harsh, but that's Lacchan for you, he supposes. Mayhap a phase? Probably, although that lingering feeling accompanied him ever since he grew some self-awareness, so it couldn't be that. And it's not like he's ignoring how his family feels, on the contrary: the reason for his departure was because he takes in consideration what his family truly feels, and to ignore that and live ignorantly to that fact would tear him to pieces. So many talented and wonderful, and there's him, the smudge, the useless, the talentless. Just existing is an insult for everything they stand for. "Lacchan... I appreciate your efforts, but that's something I have to figure it out myself. You probably have better things to do than just waste time with someone like me, so, uh, thanks for everything, but I won't be coming back to the Gremory manor... At least not now."
"Being surrounded by talented people and prodigies does not invalidates your own efforts, Akkun." She takes another sip, a soft ring echoing in that garden as she puts down her teacup and shifts her gaze to him, her clear hazel eyes reflecting her dear 'childhood friend'. "As devil heirs, it is our duty to uphold the reputation and honour of our families, yes, but no one is flawless, and for that, we have so much time to improve as such. Do not be disencouraged by people who are considered geniuses, for you have your own traits and qualities to share and improve. If you keep looking up all the time, you'll get a sore neck."
"Lacchan..." He murmurs, his gaze shifting elsewhere and his lips doing an '~' movement. He knew his brother was the strongest devil and Rias was a genius, the pride and joy of the Gremory. Trying to match them, other young and even adult devils thought it was an impossibility save a few exceptions like Seek-chan, miss Sona and cousin Sairaorg. Perhaps he was indeed being too harsh on himself, and maybe a few decades from now on, if he tries hard enough, there will be some results...
...
'Yeah, that's right. Sink in your own mediocrity, drown in the blissful ignorance that they're better than you, why even bother. Oh-boohoo, they're too talented and powerful and charismatic than me, better just shrug it off and continue to live as a failure until it catches up to me and make the Gremory crash and burn, all the hard work our ancestors went through directly into the garbage! Be like that, rot away as Roma burns, and everybody after will remember you as a failure. Just ignore all the efforts and struggles your siblings and parents pull for you and your name and continue to live idly...'
...
"..."
"...?"
"Thanks, Lacchan. I really appreciate your efforts." The Gremory heir lifts his head and smiles bitterly, taking a quick sip from his own tea and sighing a cloud of smoke soon after. He had another moment, and the clutches around his heart feel tighter than usual. For a moment, he almost let himself go, just a small moment. "But I won't return home just yet. There is a lot of things I want to discover by myself, and to be honest, if wouldn't be able to face my family at all after that little tantrum without some gain from it. Until I become wise even if just a little, it'll only be a smudge on my history, and my pride... Wouldn't let me live it down at all."
"I see. Very well, I guess it's a noble goal." She sighs finally, the small 'ufuu~' coming from her lips indicating a tired but resolute and satisfied mood. As childish as it was, his answer made her smile, and seeing how strong his will is, changing that would leave also a bad taste in her mouth. He has... Grown a little, at least. A small sip from her tea, a gesture he mimicked in the next moment. "So, how's the tea? I brewed it myself; did you like it?"
"Hm... It's delicious." Alice responds with a nod and a smile. That was a lie...
... It has been quite a while since Alice Gremory could taste anything at all.
After that, nothing but sharing each other's company with sugary goods and tea, all while idly talking about unimportant things, such as how Diodora could have amassed an entire set of Evil Pieces in such a small time or how strange was it that the tea in the human world tasted better than the Underworld's. In a moment, Alice heard that his twin sister gained a new servant, a promising young man with a mystery surrounding him. No further details were talked about, but Alice couldn't help but to feel proud that his sister was doing so well, although a surprise to nobody.
To think she had half a set done, and he has yet to get his own Evil Pieces... The differences between them were as clear as night and day. Hence, why meeting her would feel so hollow and unearned. He must get better and stronger as well. Ah, but how he missed them... They probably forgot about him, though.
The clock ticks 9am, and after a quick farewell, the duo stands up and walks to different directions. Latia to check the security of her territory and do heiress business, and Alice to train and try to improve his cardio and stance if just a little. Not as much as the Gremory's, the Astaroth territory was vast and reclusive, and walking just a little through the corridors after getting his sword, he finds himself in an open lounge not far away from his own room, this one much simpler than the one he had breakfast with, some greenery here and there an a thick and large tree in the middle of it, but just a simple courtyard for a quick and harmless picnic. For him, also a good place to be left alone and train with his sword, as the western winds blow against him...
"Okay then... First, Kata training, and then some swings, plus the usual 100-slashes for the standard training, then I can try... Some more advanced techniques." Alice planned to himself. Being under the care of his 'childhood friend' Latia plus the fact he was recovering from his previous fight against Zagreus, let alone defeated him fairly, put the Gremory heir in a good mood, he should take advantage of that and maybe improve on his abilities before the usual moroseness and melancholy takes over again. He snaps his neck a few times, makes a stance and begins with his training. "Let us commence. And one swing, and then...!"
*DON!*
"Hyah...!"
"Hey, small fry. You're in the way." But before he could swing the first set, Alice feels a hard boot kicking his back, promptly launching forward and making him lose balance to kiss the grass. Standing and spitting some dirt stuck on his lips, the Gremory heir turned around to see a certain someone standing right behind him, a sword at hands and a daring frown against him. It was Mordred, Latia's first and only pawn. She lifts a leg and steps on his back, teasingly pushing him down the ground and stopping him from getting up. "Who said you can use this spot to do whatever the hell you want? This is my turf, you daft punk."
"S-Sorry." He murmurs, an uneasy smile drawing on his lips as Mordred still pushes him down. The blond-haired, green-eyed knight of Latia, at first she looked approachable and amicable, but since their first encounter up to now, there wasn't a single meeting between the two devils that didn't end up in pain: from sucker punches to forcing him to be under her foot, Alice was always certain that he was in her blacklist for some reason. "I'm sorry... Miss Mordred..."
"It's 'Sir' Mordred to you. Must I always remind you that?" She spits, forcing more and more weight onto his back until Alice was practically kissing the earth. Another interesting thing about her: for some odd reason, Mordred only responded and called herself with male pronouns and titles, no 'miss' or 'lady' unless you want her thick, leathery size-9 between your eyes, although she would kick you regardless for the fun of it. Alice didn't understand, and looking at her, you couldn't label her anything but a pretty, if not a little boyish, young lass around his age. No response from him unless you count his flailing arms and blows in the dirt as something resembling an answer. "Listen here, small fry. I own this place when boss Latia ain't around, and if you think you can just skiddadle around here without paying your tributes to me, you're sorely mistaken, and I'll remind you of the 'sore' part as much as I need to. Did I make myself clear? Tap once if you understand."
And this time, an answer: a single tap on the ground. Satisfied, Mordred lifted her foot on him and saw him pathetically emerge from the dirt, mouth filled with earth and grass and even some worms, his crimson hair now tinted with brown and green. The knight let out a small chuckle, kneeling on the floor to knock the pommel of her blade onto the redhead's scalp.
"Gremory, eh? That makes you the same vein as that Lucifer bigshot boss always talks about." She opens a grin, still hitting Alice with her sword until it started to hurt a lot. "I must say, I'm not impressed. Maybe devil genes are just really unfair if him and a small fry like you are related in any way."
"Heheheh. Sir Mordred is not the first one to think that." Alice regardlessly smiles bitterly to the knight, who stops on her assault and simply clicks her tongue, standing up to begin her own training session. She's not the first nor the only one to think that, and won't be the last either; so he's used to those, anyway; it doesn't affect him anymore. "Big Brother Zechs is just in another level. I don't even think... I deserve to share the same surname as him, or even Rias for that matter."
There was a beat between them.
"Whatever..." Mordred sticks her tongue out, instead focusing on her greatsword and swings, not paying a second sight at the heir. "I'll train over here, and you do whatever over there. Cross that line, and I'll hit you."
"Understood." Picking his own sword, Alice nodded dumbly at the blonde's back and resumed his own training, taking care as to not step inside her circle and incur her wrath in any way. Latia have this person as a knight? She must be very strong, if her encounter against Zagreus was any indication. Taking a quick look at her, her stance with the sword was also impeccable, and he could see a small crimson aura surrounding the lass as her swings and thrusts became more and more intense. She was indeed a swordsman if he could say it himself, although she lacks the grace from the likes of Kiba or master Okita, being more on the brute side.
"I'll poke your eyes out if you keep staring, small fry."
"S-Sorry." And he turns his gaze away after her deadly warning, instead trying to focus on his own training. He wasn't sure if she would actually poke his eyeballs out, but better safe than sorry with Mordred Pendragon, a knight who doesn't joke around. Alice turns to the single tree in the courtyard instead taking a deep breath and sharpening his senses to it. And thus it began. "I am one with the sword... I can sense its edges, its guard, its pommel... An extension of my body... One, two, three... One, two, three..."
And both swordsmen started their session. Concentrated on figures, elements and swings, Alice somehow could feel his sword gets a bit lighter with each swing while also taking every ounce energy as well, mimicking everything Okita ever taught him as well as picking some things Kiba would do himself, but not enough to try to copy any of his moves, he wasn't fast enough for that. From time to time, the heir takes small glimpses at the knight on the other side, who was too busy swinging her own greatsword to care, a heavy-looking, silver weapon that the devil lad could feel oozing a malevolent aura; that definitely wasn't a normal sword, not at all. He turns away before Mordred gets mad at him, and focus again on swings and slashes, his arms failing on him yet again...
"How was it again? Master's signature move, the triple-piercing thrust stand... Sandandzuki..." And taking a small break from his usual training, regaining strength, the Gremory remembers that move his master was so proud of, the Sandandzuki. A single thrust through the enemy, three attacks in it, an ultimate move that always ended in Master's victory. He saw it maybe once or twice, always a joy and amazement to do it, and he used to think he would eventually be able to copy it too... But alas, also a failure. How was it again? Feet apart in a diagonal meeting, sword on the line of sight, slightly curved position, eyes turned to the target. "Take a deep breath... Clean your mind... Feel the position of your target...Aim at the three at the same time... And then...!"
*TOK!*
A dry sound, the echo of metal touching wood. He tried his best there, eyes indeed closed, feeling the pulse of his victim, the tree in this case, and with one decisive thrust, he moved forward and poked the point of his sword on it. Opening his eyes, he saw that... Indeed, he only got his sword stuck on the tree. Swordsman, he was not, at least not a talented one such as Okita or Kiba. However, it was a start...
"Hey, small fry..."
"Hm...?" And Alice turned to the direction of that voice, however, instead of an answer, he was caught in a vicious lock by Mordred, his head entangled by her arms as any movement would tighten her grip and slowly suffocate him. It took him a while, but he stopped panicking from that surprise attack and turned to her. "S-Sir Mordred... W-W-What is going on...?"
"Your stance... It pisses me off." She scoffs, locking him even tighter in her grip and making him almost choke. "Wrong, wrong, all of it! Your arms are so stiff, your feet don't put any weight and your body doesn't move at all. What are you, a robot? If you're doing this just to piss me off, you're doing a pretty good damn job! If you're gonna screw swordsmanship that hard, might as well break an arm or two!"
"I-I didn't want to... Ugh...!" And another rude ball of air exits Alice's mouth. it wasn't a jest anymore, he would truly suffocate if that goes on! "S-S-Sir M-Mordred... I-I... Can't breathe..."
"Good. If I keep squeezing you, I might finally pop the crappiness out of you!" She grinned to herself. Alice feels some of his bones snapping from that vicious grip, and the lack of oxygen was truly making him lightheaded, his eyes turned so much he thought he could see the innards of his skull. "C'mon... C'mon... I will seriously pop you~...!"
"I... I...!" And Alice couldn't help but to pathetically tap her arms in a futile attempt to free himself. His mind was going adrift now, nothing but blankness and small spheres of light blocking his view and a dangerous sensation of numbness. He couldn't feel his toes and as if falling sleep, the heir was overtaken by an unpleasant sleepy mood... Until he felt the hard ground, and finally could breathe normally. Coughing and regaining consciousness, he saw himself fallen on the ground, drool falling from his mouth and eyes stinging and throbbing uncomfortably. He takes a deep breath, and turns to his back, where now the blonde knight was kneeling on his side again, her green eyes shining a somewhat comteptuous stare. "S-Sir Mordred...?"
"Seriously, your life on the line, and you didn't even try to hit me? What's the deal with you, small fry?" She complains, again bumping her sword onto his head. The redhead sighs heavily, and lowers his head. He finally pushes himself off the position he was previously and put himself sit on the green floor. "If you can hit me, just hit me. C'mon, man."
"Cough, cough... Hahah..." He laughs miserably, drawing a question mark from the knight. Don't tell me he was a freaky masochist or something? Perhaps devils were kinkier than she gave credit for. Instead, he shakes his head and dusts his clothes. "Sorry to disappoint you, Sir Mordred, but... Maybe you're right, I should pay more attention to my stance. Sorry if I made you mad, I'll try my best next time..."
"..."
"...?"
"Jeez, what the hell~. Your stance wasn't even that wrong, but you're too stiff and the way you hold the sword just feels wrong, y'know. That really pisses me off." She lightly punches arm and stands up, turning away from him and walking to her spot and resuming her training. No more words or acts of violence, just a small sentence: "If you're gonna be that bad, might as well use your fists instead."
"S-Sorry." And that how that conversation ended, with a small and insignificant apology.
Nothing but a huff from the knight, and so, both restarted their training, with Mordred kicking the poor Gremory from time to time to warn him that his stance was wrong and stiff still, probably getting mad that her hints were being seemingly ignored, which wasn't his intention at at all. Perhaps she was right, Alice didn't have the cut for swordsmanship, not a single improvement ever since his self-exile from the Gremory house, and that alone... Was frustrating.
Swing after swing, thrust after thrust, the tree in front of him stood strong and immovable no matter how much he tried to damage it, every hit on it leaving nothing but a small dents on its sturdy body, and instead leaving the Gremory exhausted and sored, his whole arms burning from the sheer effort and his wrists on the brink of snapping off. Meanwhile, Mordred's own training grew harder and tougher, but she didn't seem tired at all. When he took a break to regain his breath, he continues to stare at her, Mordred being on the zone to notice his staring so not bothering to fulfill her promise of poking his eyes out. Her stance, her strength, her, uh, grace(?); they were all in synch, as expected from Lacchan's knight, she was another noteworthy devil on the arts of the sword...
Evening came, and as the Sun reached its highest, Alice decided to instead try to improve his brain, so he was now reading on the library of the Astaroth manor. So many books of so many genres and topics, Lacchan probably have read at least half of them, while he would take a literal lifetime to at least comprehend a tenth of its content. Devil history, human language and alphabet, magical lessons and many more; just thinking about it overhwhelmed him a bit and made him light on his head, but he persisted on each, reading now a study on magical runes...
"Calculation... Imagination... Inherited skills... Hmmm~...!" Alice could already feel his head throbbing trying to read even a single chapter of that book, but to not avail as it wouldn't stay in his memory for long, and trying to connect one subject to another takes a massive toll on his brain. Those were basic devil knowledge, by the way, yet he just can't keep them in place. "Rias loves this subject so much too... I can't even remember the first chapter... I fail as a brother as well to even help his baby sister..."
"Talking to yourself, Akkun?"
"Ah." And a certain voice snaps his daze away, and looking away, he finds Latia sitting right next to him, curiously peeking onto his book as she carries a small plate of sandwiches. He blinks, she blinks and jerks himself away from her gaze, a bit surprised by her sudden appearance. He calms down then. "N-Nothing at all, Lacchan. I'm just... Putting my reading up to date. Those books are a bit too hard for my head, though."
"I see." She hums, sitting down next to him and putting the plate on the table. "I heard you talking about Miss Rias as well; is there something to matter about her?"
"Not... Really." Alice admits, flipping a page and sighing with the amount of information it carried, some which would just fly over his head. "Just... Reminiscing about her a little. My bright little twin sister, I'm so proud of her. Sure, I'm not like big brother Zechs in that regard, but I like to think about her from time to time. Can you believe that? She has almost an entire peerage set at her age, and I bet all of them are highly skilled and very strong... I know one or two of them, and they're stronger than I could ever imagine. My sister is just the best in that regard, I don't doubt she'll be as strong as our brother someday..."
"Indeed, to be considered a member of the Rookie Four, the four most promising devils of her generation, is a remarkable feat, even as the sister of the Maouh." Latia commented, picking a book for herself and flipping a few pages. Alice notices that one contained advanced magical calculus and runes, something that would exploded his head if he ever tries reading even a paragraph. How she wasn't considered the fifth rookie was a surprise to him. A small moment, and a side glance to him. "Akkun, your eyes shine brighter when you talk about her. You must really love Rias if that's the case."
"Hahah. I do love Rias, she's my precious little sister. Although it wasn't always the case..." The let the words of that last sentence trail off a bit, but nothing escaped Latia's keen ears. As she expected, resent and hatred usually sprouts from siblings of the same background, specially considering the Gremory twins, and it wasn't different this time, at least for a while. She remembers a time when she resented her cousin Diodora for being chosen as the heir of Astaroth considering he wasn't exactly a model for such, even by the loose standards of the Underworld. She grew that phase not long after, and was glad Akkun did so as well, instead praising and admiring his talented twin sister. Still, some kind of negativety remains in the core of his speech, as faint as she sensed. He blinks and turns to her. "Ah, forget about that last part, you don't deserve to hear me complaining about that. Feeling jealous of my siblings, how lower can I reach."
"I bet they think the same about you, regardless." Latia added much to Alice's surprise. "The Gremory are infamous for their affection and care for everything within their circle. Servants, compatriots, family, even strangers in a good mood; your clan is indeed an anomaly among the 72 Pillars for their boundless love. You, as a devil who would normally resent and envy overachieving individuals of similar background like your siblings, instead look pass such and love and admire them dearly. I believe, no, am certain that wether you think about them right now, they love you just as much, if not more."
"..." The redhead pursed his lips. She wasn't wrong, but still. "Lacchan, it's because I love them so much I just can't go back just now. It's because of that love that I feel... So ungrateful. If I can become at least half of the devil they expect me to be, than I'll be satisfied, but until then..."
And now, there was a beat.
"It seems I won't be able to convince you to return to your family. Very well, I'll let that be..." She sighs, lowering her book to look at her dear 'childhood friend' who nodded at her, relieved. Her stare then becomes sharp. "But you won't have any issues with me assisting you in that journey, correct?"
"Hm...?" Alice snaps to face Latia now picking his book from his hands and flipping a few pages, turning to him soon after.
"You want to continue to act like a rebellious teenager in a quest for self-enlightment? I guess it's no use to try to make you turn back on your decision." She spoke. "But I will not stay idle when I can give you a hand and some hints in it. I am aware your pride won't allow me to completely control you decisions, therefore I shall simply guide you to possible and more favourable directions in order for you to improve and reach that foolish yet lofty goal. No complains about that, correct?"
"..." And a wave of bad nostalgia washes all over Alice's head. Confident and pushy, yet speaking in an interchangeable tone, there was little to no difference between the Lacchan from then and the Lacchan of now, and he was torn between being relieved yet worried about that. Like a fish, he opens and closes his move, and in the end, he can now only purse his lips in an awkward smile. There was just something about the Astaroth heiress that made him so weak to her. "I mean... Lacchan probably has better things to do than just help me, plus I won't be staying for long after all... No need to bother at all. I don't want to be a burden or anything..."
"Nonsense. More than a fellow devil heir, you're an old acquaintance that I treasure." No shame in to just call him that, while Alice blushed being considered someone precious to Latia. She's not wrong, they're 'childhood friends', but even so, it was a bit embarrassing. "To see you crash and burn as you skips around foolishly aimless without doing a thing would leave a bad taste in my mouth. Worry not, I shall not directly point you, but I refuse to let your adolescence consume you and make you take further stupid actions."
"Lacchan, you're being too blunt; it kinda hurts..." Alice miserably moans. She was not all that wrong, but no sugarcoating on that subject makes him feel even more of a fool than he already does. She apologized for that, and after another beat, the serious aura returns. She's gonna help him... Huh. "But... Hm... I mean, you have no problem... In helping me, right? I don't... Want to be a bother."
"Akkun..." She calls his name. Alice turns to her, and they lock gazes. Such sudden crash, with a certain tint on his cheeks, the Gremory heir turns away, but when she comes closer he shifts his attention back, the blushing spreading all over his face. One, two seconds of silence, she blinks. "You know me. If I thought you were a bother, a burden on my shoulders, I would've already told such. The simple fact I'm offering you that, no strings attached whatsoever, makes my feelings and intentions pretty clear, no? I hope that you comprehend how your weightless questioning hurts me, coming from you of all people."
"..." And his blushing becomes brighter, but for different reasons. Of course, he knew her already; the first words ever exchanged between them had shown him everything he could possibly know about Latia Astaroth, and questioning her on roundabout ways are definitely not painting him in a favourable light. Like said before, it's not like he hates her or anything, and wasn't improving and getting stronger and wiser his quest from the start? He was certain of one thing: the problem is undoubtly on him. Alice gulps down a lump of air, and slowly turns to Latia. "If Lacchan is okay with it... Then I will accept her help. But if you ever find me bothersome or annoying or anything, just say so... And I'll leave in an instant."
"Hmh. An acceptable answer." And she returns to her seat, adjusting her hair a little and letting a small chuckle of satisfaction leave her rosy lips, a silent sign of victory. Alice couldn't make what she meant with that, either a bad or a good response to his own?, but he was glad that it made her happy. A small moment, and a small blush spread all over Latia's delicate feactures. "But, of course, I won't ever think Akkun is a bother. After all... We're childhood friends."
"Hehehe... Yeah." Alice laughs a little, then sighs in a defeated way.
Indeed, they were 'childhood friends'.
"Well then... I guess we should start with these. I see that you're halfway done with rune magic basics." And latia shifted herself and passed the book back to Alice, who took it and started to take a quick read... Almost immediately stopping seeing all the complicated equations and words crafted there. One moment, and then Latia seemed to snap herself awake, turning to the plate of sandwiches resting next to her. "But, how rude, I forgot my main reason to come here. Serve yourself, I've prepared some sandwiches for you as a gift for your efforts and to boost your morale a little. Perhaps a bit erudite and simple, but I humbly offer them to you."
"Hm. Thanks, Lacchan." Alice nods, taking a small sandwich to himself to take a closer look. Nothing special a simple mix of lettuce, tomato, cheese and ham between two slices of triagular bread, but for what it was, it looked delicious enough, and honestly, who was he to deny food from his so-called 'childhood friend'? He nods with a smile, being really grateful for how considerate she was. "Then, I'll serve myself right n-..."
"And I'll be taking these, thank you~." But before he could take the first bite, someone else appeared and snapped the sandwich away from his hand, not only that, taking the rest of the plate as well. Alice was catatonic for a few seconds, and with a snap, he returns to reality, now seeing a fleeing sir Mordred walking away the library with a knighthood book under one of her arms and munching on a sandwich, his sandwich, between her lips. "Hm~, even a sandwich becomes gourmet stuff with boss' hands..."
"How rude. Sir Mordred, you shouldn't take someone else's meal like that." Scolded the devil heiress to her dear knight, who turned around with nonchalant eyes, mayo running on her lips as the end of the sandwich would bend downwards a little. Before it could fall, the knight practically slurped the rest into her mouth and munched on it. "Apologize to Akkun and return the plate this instant."
"Don't sweat it, boss. Sir Gremory and I are on good terms. I bet he's okay with me taking a sandwich or two from him since we're pals." And Mordred smiles, shifting her gaze from Latia to Alice, and once on her sight, the heir hesitated a little. A smile and a nonchalant gaze, yet he feels himself suffocating. "Ain't that right, small fry?"
"..."
"Ain't that right, small fry?"
"Y-Yes... I guess so." Alice sighed and resigned himself to her requests. It 'wasn't right' at all, but Alice knew that any other answer would put him in bad bloods with the Astaroth knight, and to someone close to Lacchan, that could go worst. He hears a small groan, and looking back, he saw sir Mordred... Frowning? It was just for a second though, as Latia draws her attention back.
"At least leave the plate. My share is also in there."
"Oh, my bad. There you go, boss." And Mordred turned around and put the plate back on top of the table, gulping Alice's share down her system in a clear indication that he wouldn't get it back unless he was into some unsavory kinks. All done, Mordred turns around ready to leave. "Well, I'm off to train a little more. If you need me, you know where to find me..."
"In actuality, Sir Mordred, I do need to request something for you. Something important." Latia's words halts Mordred on her tracks, and with a curious hum, the blonde turns to her. Latia adjusts herself on her seat, turns to her 'childhood friend' and signs a hand to his direction. "Please, I would wholeheartedly appreciate it if you could coach Akkun in the ways of the sword."
"Eh...?"
"Wut...?"
Indeed, luck has yet to pull its last card on the Gremory heir.
What are your thoughts? :3
Yes, after a quick hiatus duo to summer and other disasters, we're back with this story, Alice's misadventures in his little quest and now the introduction of another pair of characters that will shake his world a little: the beautiful blond heiress and his 'childhood friend' and her spunky knight who doesn't seem to keen in get to know him. All in good day's work, though. We can only wait and hope for the outcome, but hey, it's always a joy to toy with Alice...
As always, R&R, stay safe during these crazy times and until next time. Next time... I might be feeling a bit experimental...