"Never, and I mean never in my long years as an accomplished historian and researcher have I been so confounded and worried," said Phae, sniffling as dry tears threatened to bleed from his eyes. "This 'school' is a place of unadulterated propaganda and I will not stand for you to return there."
"Surely, it wasn't that bad Phae." I groaned as I walked the halls, finally done with my first day of regular schooling, and what a trip that was. The questions presented by each teacher were boring and nonsensical and seemed like they thought I was a toddler with little to no brain function. The students consistently bugged me every free second they had with even more idiotic questions–not even to mention how outright invasive they were. I spent every free second away from class avoiding every area with more than a few students at a time. I even feigned a lack of direction when the teachers asked why I was late to class; the good old, "I'm new here and I got lost" excuse.
Now Phae was up in arms about how simple and wrong many of the subjects were. The chemistry teacher didn't know even the most basic principles of Isomerism(A crime apparently for Phae); the history teacher was given an excuse due to the supernatural influence on history; the mathematics teacher sounded as if she was born and stayed illiterate and couldn't pronounce the simplest of words. The only relief that I received from Phae's ramblings was art class as my elective since he also joined me in art as he could create the materials within the mindscape.
All of this and it doesn't even mention how on edge I've felt all day. Ever since I welcomed that devil in my home, I gained the ability to perceive them based on their scent alone(Something given to me by Ddraig's influence) and now everywhere I go I smell at least one of them close by. Especially the school thanks to it being littered with them at all places. Their scent smelled of ash and sewage and I personally now dread going to where ever those things live because without a doubt that entire plane will smell rancid.
I finally made my out of the front exit of the building, taking a deep breath of fresh air as the warm wind slapped my face. I even dared a smile, only for it to be ruined a moment later. "Hyoudou-san," called a masculine voice, although it bordered femininity. I turned in the direction of said voice, finding a blonde-haired boy–whose blue eyes carried a look of caution. "Hello, My name is Yuuto Kiba. I'm wondering if we could speak for a moment?"
I eyed him warily, the scent of a devil creeping into my nose, "Of course, and how may I help you?" I kept my tone to one of cold uninterest.
"I was asked by my club president to come to talk to you. She wishes to meet you." His voice carried as if this president's word was law and frankly, It pissed me off…
"Damnit Ddraig this dragon shit is annoying…" I thought to myself as I eyed the boy. "I assume it's to invite me to whatever club you're in?" I asked, pushing my annoying anger away.
"Perhaps, I don't know the full extent of why she asked," he said with a smirk on his face or perhaps it was a small smile.
"I'm going to go on a limb here and say that I can't refuse this sudden meeting," I asked, my own smirk falling into place.
"She would just get more…determined in a meeting if you were to do so."
I sighed, a true defeated and tired sigh, "Fine…lead the way."
I sat on a plush couch within the now-known headquarters of the "acolyte research club" better known as "An annoying pain in my ass a.k.a devils." Across from me, on another couch sat a small girl with snow-white hair, and a funny little cat pinned to her bangs. In her hand rested a book–a fantasy novel of some kind– and a sweet pastry in the other. Her eyes continually darted between the book and me with horridly hidden intent.
In the corner of the room nearest the window stood Kiba, his eyes looking out in no particular direction. As far as I know, he has completely zoned out of the room.
Another girl stood in the room at a corner closer to me and I can personally say she creeps me out the most. Her smell is a mix of the putrid devil stink and another which smelt of pleasant rosemary that had gone bad and smoke. Also, her very being, her creepy smile bordering on sultry and sadistic, made me want to run and hide.
Of course, how could I forget about the endless sound of a running shower just behind me in another room, the only thing stopping everyone from seeing its intendant would be a nearly see-through piece of curtain. Frankly, that whole thing screamed a set-up, however, I did my best not to show any reaction to it as I sat, idly wondering if I should drink the tea that rosemary girl made. Part of me told me no and I stuck by it.
A few awkward minutes passed before said the shower was turned off, another and the person taking the shower came into the room fully dressed. She had long red hair, with a beautiful figure. Her turquoise eyes never left me as she sat next to the little one on the opposite couch.
"Sorry about that, I never got a chance to take a shower before school today and I had to make due." her voice was silky and highly pampered. My first thoughts went to her being of nobility and how each of the other devils in the room seemed to deem her leader only confirmed such a theory.
"It's alright," I said coldly, however lacking any true sharpness to it to avoid offense or aggression. "May I ask why you wished to see me, Madam…"
"Oh, I'm sorry I forgot to introduce myself and the others," she said cheerily. "I'm Rias Gremory; The little one is Koneko; Akeno is the one who served tea; and, you've met Kiba. Now, I've wanted to meet you to simply welcome you to the school and was wondering if you would be interested in joining the club." Her voice carried a tone of eagerness.
"I thank you for the warm welcome, however, I have no interest in joining I'm afraid," I said with my cool tone beginning to sharpen. Her eyes widened as if she had heard some ridiculous claim.
"May I ask why?" she said with her cheery tone being replaced by quiet anger and bewilderment.
"I want to look at the other clubs the school provides before making a choice," which wasn't a lie since I was interested in the science club that I heard about. "Besides, Acolyte research doesn't fancy me as I'm more of the mind of a scientist myself. I prefer to look into real phenomena." I said, testing their reactions.
"I see," she said coldly, "Is there anything I could do to change your mind?"
As soon as those words left her mouth, I felt a stinging pain begin to envelop my forehead. "She's attempted to use some sort of charm magic against you." Phae spouted worriedly.
"Well aware," I said mentally, as I began to push away her attempt in as subtle a manner as I could manage. I observed her for a few seconds, taking in the fact that her face has donned a fake mask of friendship, before feigning ignorance of the whole ordeal, "W-well," I lied with an annoying stammer. "I will keep your offer in the forefront of my mind while I decide on my club choice."
She seemed happy with that as a triumphant smirk crept on her face, "wonderful. Well, I'm sure you're tired from your first day , so I'll let you go. Do keep my offer in mind." Those were the last words I heard from before quickly, but politely, leaving.
"That went well," Kiba said as he watched the fleeting form of Issei from the window.
"I would have preferred if he had accepted alright, however I know now that he has a power of at least mid-class strength since he was only slightly entranced with my clan trait," I said as I began to go over everything that happened today.
"I believe that using the clan trait was a bit much Rias. What if he was aware of the supernatural and became aggressive?" asked Akeno seriously as she poured herself some tea. Her suggestion did dim my mood further as that thought creeped into my mind. The thought of him being aggressive would have turned horribly if Sona's experience with his latent power was any indication.
"Well, luckily it didn't happen. Now, Koneko, did you catch anything?" I asked my cute rook. Her reaction however was not what I expected. Her whole body slumped and curled as if her whole being just stopped functioning. "Koneko?" I asked worriedly.
"He reminds me of Master Naberius." she said quietly, however her words caused even my body to shiver.
"What do you mean, Koneko?" asked Kiba since he never had the pleasure of meeting Koneko's former Family.
"He smells like chemicals and other unnatural things. His aura contains the same maniacal personality and overwhelming scrutiny. It is as if his entire being was searching for everything wrong with me and trying to fix it in some scientific way. It was scary." Her words caused Kiba to go pale.
"I know it was scary Koneko, but is there anything else about him that should be concerning?" I asked as I finished writing everything she said previously.
"There was a dragon, fire was its main affinity. Also darkness and other such things make up his soul."
At that, I began to pale…
