Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

Title: Forgotten Memories

Author: The Rogue Shadow

Genre: PG-13

Rating: Drama/Humor

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Chapter 7: No Waiting for the Assembly

- Laharl -

I slowly come to consciousness and open my eyes. From the feel of it, I've been sleeping on a stone floor that has now been warmed by my body. As my eyes gain focus on the ceiling, I realize that this is one of the dungeons in the castle.

Why the hell am I sleeping here and why do I feel so peaceful and relaxed? I haven't felt this way since I was a little kid sleeping with my mother and father. And that was a long time ago...

I slightly scoff and yet at the same time, smile at that memory. Such things are not what demons normally experience, even as a child. Then again I'm no ordinary demon. Rather I'm a half human, half demon. Son of an Overlord and a witch.

Hold on... Why is it that I can feel something lying on top of me? It's so warm and...

Damn it, something tells me I'm not going to like this.

I raise my head off the ground to look and sure as hell there's a red headed girl lying on top of me with her arms around my body.

Question is who the hell...

"Etna!"

I throw my right hand over my mouth and mentally curse myself for the outburst. The last thing I need is for her to wake up and find us in this kind of position. I didn't ask for this but that's not going to stop her from pummeling me for this. For some reason, things always become my fault.

As I wonder the why's and how's, I study her peaceful face lying against my chest.

Mother always had this saying that you could tell the innocence of a person by their face when they're asleep.

Well then I guess that means Etna is pretty innocent, even after all she's been through. Though being innocent goes against the basic laws of the Netherworld, I still have to give her credit. Such a cute girl being able to tough it out despite all that she's been through.

Argh! What the hell am I thinking! Sympathy! Admiration! The pleasant feeling of her body against my own?

I blink before I once again go into a frenzy of mental curses that would drive even the foulest demon speechless.

I need to get out of here before I drive myself crazy. And seeing how I'm already talking to myself, it won't be long.

I try to use my sternest voice possible, which is odd since I have never used one before. I never had to since I'm next in line for the throne, so people usually see it my way. Or else.

"Etna... Time for you to get up."

And off of me.

"Mm... five more minutes. Okay, Armas?"

Before I could even question what she said, she snuggles her head against my chest, leaving me quite confused.

What the hell am I supposed to do in this type of situation?

It isn't much later until I hear her whimpering and feel her clenching her fists against my chest.

"Hm? A bad dream?"

I wrap my arm around her and press her close against my body. It seems to work as she begins to calm down and return to her peaceful slumber.

Why is it I'm doing this? I know I'll regret this later. She'll wake up, misinterpret it, and then it'll be hell on Netherworld for me.

I slightly make a frown, which doesn't last long since I really don't mean it. Rather it's something made out of frustration over not knowing the why's or how's of this whole deal.

Stupid arm... going against my will like this. You'll be punished later.

"I wonder what she's dreaming about though... Did it have something to do with this Aramis? Who is he to her? Is he her... boyfriend?"

I growl and clench my hand but I quickly let go once I realize what I'm doing. There's no reason to get angry over this.

"Then why am I?"

I let out a small sigh of defeat and decide to give up for now.

No way I'm going to get an answer now. Best not to jump to any conclusions.

Sighing again, I lean my head back against the stone floor.

"Why me? I never asked for this. I wake up and I find her sleeping against me like this. Now I'm stuck here, not being able to wake her up for fear of the consequences. Stuff like this isn't supposed to happen to me!"

Blinking, I realize that I can't even remember how I got here.

"Why am I here?"

I try to remember what freaking happened the best I can.

Let's see, I was taking Etna to the Assembly so she could become my official vassal, when she suddenly went missing...

Jeez, I sure panicked about that. To think, I would get all worked up like that over a demon girl. What would the people say if they knew I cared about someone else in any way? It wouldn't do anything like jeopardize my position as Overlord... but what about my reputation? I'd never be able to live that down.

I groan and I close my eyes.

I really do need to not make such a big deal about everything.

"So what happened after that? I found her in the dungeon after getting information from Ghoss and then..."

My eyes widen slightly as I remember what it was I did.

That's right, I remember now. I found the demons surrounding Etna and in the grip of rage I killed them. All of them. Brutally, sadistically. I even enjoyed it.

I put my right hand to my face and inwardly groan.

Those were my first kills. Ever.

Not quite as invigorating as I thought it would be as a kid. Sure I felt that sense of power and control I dreamed of, but looking back on it now... it makes me a little sick. All of those blood and guts.

"Just what the hell was going on with me back then? It was almost as if I had truly lost my soul. If I even have one that is."

Che... mother's really wearing off on me. Honestly, her fairy tales of true love and souls. That's so typically human of her.

I pull my hand away from my face and look at the palm of it, covered in dried blood.

Am I even fit to hold someone as innocent as Etna so close to me like this? One so cruel and heartless as I can't be any better than those demons she's was hurt by.

I stroke the bruised marking of her face with the back of my hand, making sure to keep my anger in check.

Though, I'd never abuse her like those bastards did! The thought of it almost makes me want to kill them all over again!

I forcibly dispel any thoughts of affection towards the girl in my arm and slowly get up. It would be better if I don't get too attached to her. I can't risk her getting in danger due to her relationship with me.

I break the hug she has around me and she lets out a small whimper, but I ignore it, lifting her up in my arms. She gives a contented smile and snuggles against my chest. I let out a small 'hmph' and give a small smile.

Honestly, who does she think she is?

Looking over the remnants of the battlefield, I find my handiwork still remaining on the walls.

The bodies have already been cleaned up, along with the entrails. The blood will take much more effort of scrubbing to remove it though. And even if it would be cleaned up right now, the smell of blood would still linger.

I look back down to see her still sleeping without a care.

"Etna, I just want to let you know that I'll protect you from now on. Even if you can't hear me, just know that'll I be there for you. I promise you on my life."

With a small grunt, I start walking through the doorless entrance and up the stairs quietly.

Never again will there be a repeat of what happened today. Never again.

- Etna -

I awake slowly and noticed that I've been covered by a warm blanket. Such things are quite the luxury for someone like me, so I'll enjoy this comfort for as long as I can. After a while, I pull my arms from underneath the cloth and rub my eyes.

What a good dream... Too bad I can't remember what it was even about. All I know is that was the happiest I've been in a while.

As I look around, I can feel my dreamlike state go down the drain. Surrounding me are all sorts of weapons that don't look very friendly at all. They look as if they were used for torture.

In fact...

I look down and find that there are restraints attached to this bed, though thankfully I'm not in them.

"Jeez... what the hell is up with my luck lately? It seems that every time I wake up, I'm in some sort of compromising situation. Eh, who cares about that right now? It's high time to get out of here before something else happens."

With my mind made up, I push the blanket off of me and jump off the bed. I look at back, slightly missing its warmth, but feel more convinced to leave this place before anything happens.

I try to rush out of here as fast as I can, but my body stops suddenly as I feel the soreness of the beatings I endured because of that bastard Sid.

Damn, I'd forgotten about that till just now. If only it were a dream... If only Aramis wasn't in the hands of those loathsome freaks. But like the cruel, cold place that the Netherworld is, I am once again reminded that such things are too much to hope for. In fact, I thought I was pretty much a goner till the Prince came.

I slightly blush at the memory of my lying down next to him with my arms around his waist.

What a minute. Where is the Pri-

Before I can even finish the thought, I hear a familiar voice boom just outside my room.

"What do you mean they refuse to see me!"

I blink and smile slightly. Speak of the demon...

I walk out of the room, which is missing a fourth wall and head right, to the direction of the Prince's voice.

"You tell the Dark Assembly that if they ever want to see the light of day again, they'll hold one more session or suffer the consequences!"

After hearing his threat, I couldn't help but I grin. How typical of him. Threatening those with higher power than his own. After a few more steps of walking, I was able to see the Prince with his hands on his hips in an arrogant manner.

Ignoring the throbbing pain, I quickly run up to the Prince and hug him from behind.

"Wha!"

He turns around in my arms and raises an eyebrow.

"Um... good to see you too? I guess this means you're feeling better."

"Yup!"

I pause for a second, trying to decide how to word this.

"Uh, Prince… I just want to thank you. If you hadn't showed up when you did... I don't know what would've done without you."

His eyes seemed to darken and he looks to the floor on his right.

"It was nothing special..."

This is strange... He's not boasting in his usual manner. Something must be wrong. He's probably not feeling well about it. Probably better if I change the subject.

"So Prince what's up with all that yelling I heard earlier?"

"Oh..."

Looking down at our hug, he quickly turns his head to the assembly cage. I see his face turn a few shades red, due to anger or something else, I don't know.

"These fools in the Assembly think that they can just snub me off since its already closing time. They obviously have no idea of who they are dealing with! I'm the successor for the title of Overlord!"

We hear the clinking sounds of a chain and we both turn our heads to see a cage being lowered down. The Prince grins at that blue haired girl inside the cage.

"Hey Pleinair! How'd that threat work out!"

She looks at us from the cage until she was finally lowered down. As she soon as she gets out, she walks towards the two of us.

"Well, oddly enough it worked. They've decided to see you Prince, though most of the senates have already left. They'll begin the next session in about 5 minutes."

"Some already left, eh? Good that'll be less trouble for me in case they decide to oppose me."

Pleinair sighs and looks at the Prince.

"Must you always do things the hard way? Ever considered just... bribing them Prince?"

"No! They are not worthy of any items I possess, no matter how useless or weak they are! They're nothing but power hungry mongrels! Speaking of which, I better not find any of you in the Senate opposing me! It took a us a whole week before we were able to find a replacement for the weapon shop!"

She turns her head to me, then back to the Prince, smiling.

"No worries, Prince. I don't have any plans to take part in this session. However, if I may make I suggestion, I think that you should fix up your vassal to be, before going on. She does look rather hurt."

The Prince's eyes widen and stares at Pleinair.

"How did you find out about that! No... who told you she was going to be my vassal!"

She once again smiles, not really intimated by the raising of his voice. She must be used to these type of things by now.

"Let's say word gets around... but I mean it. You should really do something about all those bruises and cuts. They look rather painful."

He looks me over before breaking the hug and wrapping his arm around my shoulders. He then turns his head and talks over his shoulder.

"Good point. See you in a few Pleinair!"

He then began walking off with me. Her only response was a small wave to us.

"Uh, where are we going Prince?"

"Back to the room you woke up in, so we can fix you up."

Seeing the doubt in my eyes, he reassures me with a small squeeze on my hand.

"Trust me. There's nothing to be afraid of."

I was none too eager to go back there, what with all those weapons and possible situations, but the Prince told me to trust him. And despite lessons learned, I did trust him.

- Laharl -

She seems a little tense. Can't really think of a reason as to why she would be. Hm... Oh well.

"Well here we are!"

Stopping in front of the Netherworld Hospital, I grin to Etna. Though my only response from her was a meek smile.

"What? Don't tell me you have a phobia of hospitals?"

She blinks before widening her eyes and pointing at the said section.

"That place is a hospital? But I've read about hospitals in the human books! They're supposed to be places in which you heal and get better! Not torture the patients to death!"

After hearing that, I can't help but chuckle. And here I thought I made a big deal about things.

"Are you talking about these weapons? That's just for show, Etna. You know? Just to freak people out? Might as well have a sense of humor, if you're going to work in a place as morbid as this. Well, at least it's not the coroners."

I chuckle before walking inside. I trace the surface of an axe hanging on the wall and then look back at her with a smile.

"But honestly, we don't even use half of these things, if at all. So what do say you come in here and we'll make you good as new?"

She slightly smiles and sits down on the bed I left her on.

"Well since it's already closing time, I'll have to be the one to fix you up. Is that okay by you?"

After her nod of approval, I pulled up a chair and started looking her over. I graze my fingers off her check before gently turning her head sideways.

"Hm, the cuts I can just wrap in bandages. The bruises are a bit of a problem though. Guess I'll just have to make due with what I have..."

Pulling out some gauze, I begin to wrap it around her arm. I have to do it slowly yet firmly, so it works out best for her.

Guess that makes one more useful thing that comes from reading books on the human world.

"So... um Etna?"

She looks down and smiles at me.

"Yeah, Prince?"

"Uh... what exactly happened after I passed out?"

"Oh that..."

Hm? It looks like she's hesitating. Almost as if she's trying to decide whether or not to tell me something.

Either way, I'm not going to get an answer from her by staring at her eyes. Though, I gotta admit, I do like watching her fidget under my gaze.

I finish with the wrapping of the legs and toss the used roll. I then take out another roll of gauze, pull forward her left arm, and begin wrapping around the cuts.

"Go on..."

"Well, with no more enemies left, I was able to relax and then I began to feel toll of what my body went through, so I just laid myself beside you and lost consciousness too."

Hm, she's definitely not telling me something. Her answer was too rushed and non-challant. Should I force it out of her? ... Nah, it's much more fun if I find out myself. Sides, she's bound to have a good reason for keeping whatever it is a secret.

"Oh, okay then."

I cut the gauze and put the roll down on the floor. I then pull out a jar that contains a substance used for healing bruises. This will definitely be useful for her.

"Alright. Now I need you to lie down on your stomach."

"Huh?"

Her eyes meet mine with a questioning look. In response, I hold up the jar in front of her.

"It's for your bruises. It'll numb the pain and help heal them. But if you don't want me applying it to you, then I guess you could always do it by yourself."

After all, I don't want to force her to feel uncomfortable. I'll treat her with respect and privacy as a vassal should be treated. I'll prove to her that I deserve her loyalty more than my father.

"It's okay. You can do it. Besides you know what you're doing."

She lies down on the mattress with her arms resting under her head. Her tail sways back and forth before finally lying down at her side.

Might as well get this thing on the road.

I unscrew the cover and dip my fingers in the gel. Deciding to start with her back, I set the container down and gently rub the gel on the areas that are bruised. As soon as I do, I hear a sharp intake of breath from Etna and her body tenses up, with her wings spreading out.

"Is everything okay? Do you want me to stop?"

She remains silent before her body relaxes once again.

"No, it's nothing. It was just a little cold is all."

Shrugging, I continue on until all the bruises have been covered. By the time I'm done, I see Pleinair waiting at the entrance of the hospital.

"They're ready to see you Prince."

I smirk and offer my hand to Etna. She takes it and I pull her up so we're at eye level.

"It's about time. Now we can finally get this show on the road. So how do you feel my vassal-to-be?"

She smiles back at me and flexes a little.

"Never better. Thanks a lot Prince. Who knew you were so good as a healer? You know, maybe if the whole Overlord thing doesn't work out, you can always fall back on your medical experience."

"Hah, hah. I'm becoming Overlord, no matter what. It's fate. Destined to happen. Just like how it was fate that I met you and that we helped each other out."

She blinks and looks at me slightly confused.

"How'd I help you out?"

"Well..."

What will I do to this girl, who woke me up? Beat her black and blue? Nah... It's no fun if the girl can't even fight back. Force her to scrub the entire castle? Nah... That's too cliché. Jeez... I'm going to have to think about this one. Well, whatever it is, I'll make sure that she'll pay.

"The truth is..."

"Well look, I'm not all gung-ho about the idea of you deciding that you want to be loyal to two separate people and I do expect you to make a decision about it eventually."

"It's..."

"Damn it! Where'd the hell did she go! I've been looking around for her for hours and I still haven't found her! I should never have let her out of my sight!"

"A..."

"It looks like I made you cry again, Etna."

"I'll have to work on that in the future..."

"I'm sorry..."

"Secret."

I grin at her disappointed reaction and toss her a spear from the wall. She manages to snap out of her own world just in time to grab the weapon in midair.

"That's just in case the senates want to disagree with anything."

She mimics my grin and holds the spear with both hands.

"Got it."

There's a small pause of silence between the two of us, knowing that a battle's coming our way. It's broken quickly though when Pleinair coughs, holds up her arm, and points at her wrist to indicate time.

"Yeah, yeah. We know. So you ready, Etna?"

"Just lead the way my Prince."

I pause for a moment before chuckling and walking on. Turning my head, I see Etna's following right behind me, willing to give it her all.

"So Prince... ever plan on telling me this secret of yours?"

"Perhaps... one day..."

She shrugs and continues following me on.

Perhaps one day...

"Etna, I just want to let you know that I'll protect you from now on. Even if you can't hear me, just know that I'll be there for you. I promise you on my life."

I'll tell you how much you've truly changed me

-

A/N: Another chapter completed! I stayed up all night on this Saturday, but it was worth it! Sorry if this was a little late for some people. Though I'm kinda glad I waited. That way I was able to see that there are some other fans on this fic out there. Of course, this won't mean that I'll be waiting 3 or 4 months next time, just to see how many reviews I'll get. Heh, heh. I'm not that shallow! (blinks) Well, actually... Nah...

I gotta admit that not too much happened in this chapter plot wise. This was kind of an information chapter, just to let you guys know where Laharl and Etna stand with each other. I was hoping for the assembly to take place this chapter, but it didn't work out. If I had put it in here, then it would be over 20 pages long. Seraph forbid I ever do something like that. (grins) Actually if it would be okay by you guys, then I could do that. Though it might delay the updating by a small bit. Looks like I'll have to move the fight between Etna and Sid for one more chapter too. Sorry! It'll be something to look forward to though. It'll have quite the plot twist, though maybe some of you already have it figured out... Eh.

Something freaky though... On Saturday morning I was able to imagine almost exactly what I wanted for the ending of this story. Does that mean, mentally, I'm almost done? I hope not. I want to continue this as long as possible. Let me know what you guys want. A quick story or a prolonged story. You guys are in a sense the true authors and I'm a puppet that does the work. (makes puppet gestures) Cool...

By the way, in case any of you are wondering, those action words within the sentences aren't my fault. FFN is becoming really against any script format, though for the love of me, I can't figure out why. It's not that big of a deal. This means that anytime I enter an asterisk, which is that star symbol, or those brackets to the right of the letter P on the keyboard, they are automatically taken out. I'll just have to settle on using parenthesis as the action thing. Which means no more sub-thoughts. (frowns) Also, they no longer allow any of those makeshift anime happy faces… (sigh) If you don't really care, then I'm sorry for the rant. I needed to let you guys know though.

So anyway, how'd I do on this one? Any complaints? As always suggestion and comments are welcome for the reviews. Though I seem to have received more comments than suggestions. Does that mean you guys are satisfied with my work so far? (grins) I hope so! Look forward to the next chapter and I'll look forward to your reviews!

Stay tuned for the next installment in Forgotten Memories, Chapter 8: No Training for the Fight!

- Response to the Reviews -

dan heron:

Wow! That was a quick review! (grins) Not that I'm complaining… Much thanks for the compliment. It's always good to hear that I'm doing a good job, since I'm not the boasting type. About the multiple stories after this, I'll think on it. Which means more than likely I will. Heh, heh. However I'm not sure where to go after this one is done. Maybe the aftermath of Disgaea, in which they recall these "forgotten memories"? We'll see! Really glad you like this one too! Look forward to the next chapter and I'll look forward to your next review!

Kitty Defender:

Lol. Cool! A new reviewer! You might be disappointed on how quickly I update, but I will try to go as fast as I can without making it… rushed I guess is the word. I'm not going to be as lazy as I was for this chapter, so I'll give the update less than two weeks. It's good to know that you like this story enough to review. Most people read and leave. (frown) Here's hoping for some more scenes on a certain couple!

redruM:

Glad to know you're loving the story! I enjoy reading the story over a few times myself, just for certain scenes. I might re-edit the first few chapters, making them longer or better in general. Always great to see more Laharl/Etna fans here! Hope you'll like the next chapter!

StitchedOblivion:

You can expect the next chapter in about two weeks. Maybe less if I can pull myself away from these Nippon Ichi games long enough. Lol. All these months and I'm still going on about them. Well it's like the game strategy for Phantom Brave says, "As any serious gamer could tell you, there's winning a game, and then there's completely and utterly defeating a game." Guess I'm going with the second. (grins) Hope to see you in the next batch of reviews!

Bella:

Lol. Wow, you got me again. (scratches head) I was actually uncertain about the spelling this time, but I was too lazy and in a hurry to pop in my Disgaea disk and check it out. Well, it's fixed now! Guess this means I'll be counting on you for any story related corrections. (grins) Hope that's okay by you,. It seems to come rather easily to you. Either that or you're purposely checking for those, just to tell me in the reviews. (sweatdrop) Probably not... Grr… you're so lucky you can do those anime face in the reviews, since I can't post them up on stories anymore. Never knew you were a fan of Laharl and Flonne as well. Then again I have no complaints on that pair either. Heh, heh. Be looking forward to your next review!

Claws-of-Death:

Thanks a bunch! The whole writer's block thing isn't so much as an issue as, well… forcing myself to actually type something. I know it sounds rather lazy of me, but on the bright side it allows for some new ideas come to mind. Best things are those that come from real life, though my life is really nothing compared to this. I'm just trying to make excuses. Heh, heh. I'll assume by end it you mean end the chapter and not the story. At least I hope so. Lol. See ya next chapter!

Goldamon X :

Pretty good? Not great? Hm… I'll have to do better next chapter. What was it too little of something? Or was it too much? The pace in which this story is moving? Heh, heh. I'm just guessing on this. As for the prolonged story, I'm hoping for that as well. I'm really getting into this business of writing, so it should continue for quite a while. This story will go on until I feel it has reached its limit. Then I'll move on to the Disgaea present time world and see it from there. It may be a trilogy, yet. (grins)