Several hours later
Millicas finally woke up albeit sore and tired as he rubbed his red eyes and looked around at his surroundings.
"Huh? What happened?"
Millicas then remembered his clash with Tannin causing the devil to be fully aware and look around for the dragon king but he didn't see him anywhere.
"Oh. Guess I failed huh? Sorry, Ddraig I let us down."
[Hardly Millicas. You passed Tannin's test so I don't understand why you look like someone died.]
"Wait, I passed? I really passed?"
[Yeah, partner you did. So put your chin up and be proud after all Tannin rarely gives out recognition like that.]
At this, Millicas had the biggest smile as he got up and began jumping around in pure joy.
"Yes! Yes! I did it!"
Millicas then turned and looked up at Tannin, eager present in his crimson orbs as he was ready for the next step in his training.
"What's next Tannin-sensei?"
"For now you go home and rest up."
"Eh?"
Millicas looked at the dragon king as his head tilted to the left in confusion.
"Don't look so puzzled kid. You can't expect to put your body through what you just went through and then think it's okay to go right back to training."
Millicas looked down and pouted as the disappointment was clear in his crimson orbs.
"Like I said before Millicas. Quit looking so sad you did great I expect you back here tomorrow bright and early to continue your training."
At this, Millicas saluted Tannin as he turned around his devil wings came from his back and he took flight.
'"Bye Tannin-sensei! Thank you!"
-line break-
Millicas after flying for a few hours finally made it back home albeit very sore from his first session with Tannin.
" Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. I know I asked Tannin-san to train me but I honestly didn't expect it to be this rough."
[Hmph. What'd you expect partner? Did you honestly think that he'd go easy on you?]
"Of course not Ddraig. I just didn't expect to be this sore but I expected this much. I have to work hard to complete this training to achieve balance breaker."
Millicas opened the door only to jump in surprise and let out a 'yip' as he was met with the stern face of his mother Grayfia staring at him clearly upset.
"Ah! Mama! I-I mean Mother. Forgive me I didn't expect you to greet me at the door."
Grayfia grabbed her son's ear and lightly pinched it.
"Where have you been? I know you said you went for but it's been 8 hours since this morning."
Millicas rubbed the back of his head as he needed to come up with something as he still wasn't ready to tell his mother the truth.
"Apologies Mother. I went out today and lost track of time. I'm sorry if I worried you or Father today."
Grayfia kneeled down and hugged her son.
"I was just worried about you and what did I say about being formal dear."
"I may only be formal around company or important events or if Father brings me along. Right sorry Mama."
Millicas returned his mother's hug with an equal amount of love.
"Now go inside and get yourself cleaned up then prepare for dinner. Your Aunt Rias is home today."
At this Millicas' eyes became giant red stars of joy.
"Rias-oneechan is here! Yay!"
Millicas ran inside eager to clean himself up to see his favorite aunt/big sister.
However, Grayfia's red eyes narrowed at her son's retreating figure.
'He lied to me. Millicas has never lied to me before but he did just now plus I know he'd never get that many bruises or walk away in pain just from a run. Whatever he's lying about he must believe it to be important to keep a secret from me. I'm going to have to keep an eye on him in these next few days.'
Putting her thoughts in the back of her mind Grayfia followed her son inside to help him wash up and prepare.
-line break-
Undisclosed location
Nine figures stood in a circle their appearances covered as they were meeting over a mental communication jutsu.
"So we're all gathered again huh?"
" *sigh* couldn't this have waited till tomorrow I was right in the middle of the greatest art piece yet."
"Come on Deidara-senpai don't be like that. After all, we're all here together again! You should be happy!"
"Shut up Tobi."
"Haha! Cut him some slack Deidara after all he looks up to the greatest artist ever."
"Watch your mouth fallen angel or else I'll show you my art as well."
"Hm. I look forward to seeing you try."
"Enough. This meeting was called to inform you all that the red dragon emperor has awakened."
Everyone present was surprised at the revelation.
"So why is that a big deal?"
"You're truly clueless Hidan. Now that he's awakened he's ripe for capture plus we could make some profit if there's anything left. Who's going to be sent out to capture him?"
There was a quiet pause before the leader spoke again.
"Sasori…Deidara. Can the two of you handle this retrieval mission?"
"Of course, it'll be no problem."
"Hmph. Easy enough. I'll capture this red dragon emperor and show him wonderful art."
"Very well. I expect you to move out in a few weeks' time. This meeting is adjourned. Disperse."
With that, all the other figures dispelled the jutsu except for the last two still present.
"Are you sure that was wise Pain? We could've sent Kokabiel and Kisame?"
"Do not fret Konan everything is going according to plan and should Sasori and Deidara fail there will be other opportunities to strike but for now we wait and see."
A/N: Hey, everyone I'm back sorry for the delay and I know this is a short chapter but with this story, I'm going for a different approach so I hope you all bear with me. That being said I hope you enjoy chapter 3 of Gremory's red dragon book 1 and I'll see you all next time. Stay Phenomenal everyone. Bye!