Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
Title: Forgotten Memories
Author: The Rogue Shadow
Genre: PG-13
Rating: Drama/Humor
---
Chapter 10: No Escape for the Brother
Laharl
This has to be the worse moment of my life… Hm, well okay there was that one time I was caught doing that by my old man. I swear, if he plans on leaking that information out to a single soul then I'll be inheriting the throne a lot earlier than I planned on. That put aside, the situation I'm in now ranks up to a close second.
I stubbornly glare straight ahead, not bothering to look at the patronizing, yet cute vassal sitting before me.
Okay, I know I agreed to take her out to a restaurant, but how in the seven hells did she manage to make me treat her to, Réunion des Amoureux (Meeting of Lovers), the most expensive restaurant in the entire Netherworld? And what the hell does that name even mean anyway? Do I even want to know? And what's with this candlelit dinner? Why do I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't know what's going on here!
Clenching my fists, I dig my nails into my palms. The minor pain snaps me out of my thoughts and realizing what I'm doing, I loosen my grip to take a few calming breathes.
Seriously, what is it about her that's causing me to lose my cool like this? Is it the way she mischievously grins, making me think she's up to something? Her wine red eyes staring at me as a cat would a mouse? Or is it her devil may care attitude and the fact she's not bothered by any of this in the slightest? Well it's either those, or I'm just starting to fall completely and utterly in love with her. Hm… Probably not!
"C'mon, Prince. What's with the downed look? If I didn't know better then I would think that you don't really want to be here. That's not the case is it?"
She then gives me a saddened little pout that would have me fooled completely if I didn't know her better than that. In reality, she's probably grinning like no tomorrow inside that conniving little mind of hers. A woman's mind is a dangerous thing. You never know what they're scheming. I must stay on guard… Yes, I must suspect every action and motive of this little diabolical demon that has entered my life and castle. Or could it be I'm just being paranoid?
I mentally shrug at the question and gaze at the ceiling trying to regain my thoughts once again. After a few moments of silence, I notice her crossing her arms over her chest and staring at me somewhat impatiently.
"Well? Do you want to be here or not? Because you can just go ahead and leave if you're not interested. However, you're still paying my bill whether you like it or not. Heh. But feel free to leave if you want to. So what's it gonna be?"
Hm, I know better than to answer that question. No matter what I'll say, I'm certain she'll find some way to twist it against me. If I say there's no problem then she'll probably boast about how in love I am with her and how I would let her get away with something like humiliating me. If I say she's annoying me, then she'll undoubtedly use that as leverage to the opinion that I hate her. She may not look it, but she's actually quite the devious girl… then again I guess that's why I've taken a liking to her.
"It doesn't matter what I think, Etna. I already agreed to this dinner and I'm going to see it through to the very end."
Even if it kills me. Which is plausible considering I'm loosing my mind only 5 minutes into this.
"Hm, you're actually starting to sound like a more responsible ruler already. I knew I was a good influence on you!"
Thinking over her comment and deciding best not to give a response, I indifferently stare at the prices of food courses, I've never even heard of.
Jeez, this place is a little expensive… Shit, what am I talking about? This place is really expensive. Oh well, I already agreed… I wonder if there's anything that's even good. Maybe I should ask Etna. She actually seems to know what the hell this language means.
"So my endearing red-headed vassal, have you found anything you like yet?"
She pauses for a brief second as if to think and then smiles at me.
"Yup! I only want the crème del la crème. After all, I deserve it don't I?"
Che, she's purposely ignoring my questions… again.
"Yeah, whatever, Etna."
"I mean after putting up with your whining and boasting for so long, I think I deserve to choose whatever I want."
I ponder over her statement before answering in a somewhat confused manner.
"Whining? When did I ever do that?"
However instead of answering me, like any proper vassal would, she continues talking.
"Not to mention all the times I've been injured while fighting for your sake."
This time I raise my eyebrow at her proclamation.
"You've fought for my sake?"
"Then there are those times you practically confessed your love for me, even though I wasn't ready for a relationship."
"When did that one happen?"
"Really now, Prince. I've been making too many sacrifices on your account."
"Huh? Isn't that the other way around?"
"So that's why I deserve to order whatever I want!"
Rolling my eyes, I look over my shoulder, feigning boredom.
"I already said you could order whatever you want. Why must you make life so difficult for me? Surely a future Overlord, such as myself, deserves more consideration than this. I might actually die from stress before I even conquer someone else's world."
"So I really can order whatever I want? Jeez, Prince, you really are a pushover aren't you?"
Hm, I can actually feel my eye twitching and my fist clenching involuntarily. That's not a good sign… I better take some time to myself before a burst a blood vessel.
"I'm going to go wash up in the restroom. If the waiter arrives before I come back then use your judgment and order for me. If you decide to take advantage of that, then I will work you into the ground with training when we get back."
Taking her smirk as a sign of confirmation, I stand up and walk toward the demon's washroom, trying to ignore the sound of giggling coming from behind me.
"If anything, Prince. I'll be the one working you into the ground."
She's going to be the death of me…
Etna
Wow, it's way too easy to push his buttons…
Smirking to myself, I learn back in the wooden chair with my hands folded behind my head. I glance at both sides before kicking my feet on the table as well.
The hell with manners! I'm practically untouchable since I'm the Prince's vassal! Hell, even though I was just trying to annoy him, I really did earn this wonderful dinner. Speaking of which…
I raise my right arm and start snapping my fingers.
"Hey! Can I get some service in here? I've been waiting for over 10 minutes!"
One of the waiters, dressed up in a black suit, comes forth with a somewhat regal manner about him. His short blue hair and peering eyes briefly reminds me of the Prince. He gives me a smile and he pulls a notebook from his chest pocket.
"I apologize for the wait, mademoiselle."
He bows down in an apologetic manner and opens up the notebook.
"I am Leroy and I will be your waiter on this fine evening. May I take your order?"
I inwardly smile at his gesture, but I just cross my arms in front of my chest and stare at the waiter.
There's something familiar about him. His posture, his eyes, and his voice seem all too familiar. Then there's the fact that his French is accent is practically perfect. Practically no demon in the Netherworld even knows about the French language, let alone uses it. But for him, it's as if he were brought up in it. I find it hard to believe that a demon with this level of culture has been unheard of.
"Hmph, well Leroy, you've got some nerve to make a lady, such as myself, wait so long."
He gives a small bow to me before looking back up with an apologetic smile on his face.
"I assure you, mademoiselle, it shall not happen again. I shall swear it on my life!"
I half-heartedly wave off his comment, still smiling to myself.
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever."
Looking at the menu, I go by my limited knowledge of French and try to pick out something good.
Lucky for me, the king had helped me learn the French language. Granted it had only been a while, I'm grateful he took his time from his own schedule to help me learn. It's quite the seductive language… Hm, I better try it on the Prince on these days.
Giggling to myself, I look up to find Leroy still waiting for me order.
"Oh, right! I'll have the… Soupe de Courges et de Pomme (soup), a slice of your Camembert (cheese), and a glass of Bordeaux wine."
The man raises his eyebrow at my mention of wine, but decides not to say anything about it.
"And for the gentleman who was with you?"
I put my finger to my chin before grinning mischievously.
"Get him some Escargot (snail) and Pain Perdu (sweet bread made from stale bread)."
He smirks at my order for the Prince and jots down our orders without any complaint.
"As you wish, mademoiselle. I shall be back with your orders shortly."
He turns to leave but comes face to face with the Prince, who apparently finished washing up. They both stand staring at each other for what seems to be a good 2 minutes. Laharl then squints his eyes and walks closer toward the French waiter and addresses him in a suspicious tone.
"Hey… do I know you?"
The waiter with clearly some panic in his eyes turns around quickly and heads in the opposite direction.
"No, I don't believe so. Please excuse me, for I must take the orders of the other tables."
The Prince stands still, taking a moment to think, before his eyes widen and then hardens to a glare at the back of the retreating waiter.
"What a minute, you bastard! What the hell are you doing here! I thought I told you to leave me the hell alone! And you tell me that my manners are lacking! I'm going kill you!"
The waiter then turns around and gives a grin to me, before breaking into a dash and jumping through the swinging doors, leading to the kitchen. Before Laharl could go jumping after him though, he was stopped by a red Dragon with her arms spread out, blocking his way.
"I'm sorry, Young Master. But only employees are allowed beyond this point."
"Why you!"
He attempts to burst through the door but is then lifted up by the arms of the dragon. While thrashing about, the Prince yells his fair share of obscenities and threats to the waiter who barely escaped the Prince's wrath.
I smile to myself, tracing the edge of the empty wine glass.
"He's such a kid at times."
I stare at his back while trying to get to the kitchen, until he finally manages to calm down and walk towards our table in a defeated and irritated manner.
"Damn him… He's really becoming irritating lately. The hell does he think he is stalking me like this?"
Raising my eyebrows, I feel the need to comment on this. However the Prince saw this and before I could say anything embarrassing, he quickly changes the subject.
"So Etna, I trust you ordered for me already?"
I give him a mischievous grin and he returns it with a confused look.
"Do I even want to know? Probably not…"
"So Prince! What's next after the dinner? Do we have any plans or something? Cause I've been cooped up in this castle for too long. I was thinking maybe we could to some resort or anywhere relaxing. You know, to get away from it all?"
He gives me a disbelieving look and leans closer, talking in a quiet voice.
"What, do you think I'm made out of money or something? I may be royalty but even I have my limits when it comes to spending…"
I bite my lower lip and look at him with a sad look in my eyes. I raise my voice slightly to get the attention of the other demons dinning here.
"So that's how it is, huh, Prince!"
His eyes widen and he looks around, noticing all the unwanted attention of the demons gazing at us.
"You gave me promises of a better life and made me your vassal, but it was all to get into my pants wasn't it!"
The Prince, clearly not expecting this, stutters slightly embarrassed by what I was saying.
"What the hell!"
"And to think… what will I say when our child is born and starts asking for Daddy. What do I tell him then? That his Daddy was an arrogant Prince who used and discarded me for a one night stand? That's pretty cruel and irresponsible for a future Overlord!"
I look out of the corner of my eyes to see most of the female demons whispering among themselves.
"How horrible!"
"Completely irresponsible…"
"She's pregnant at that age?"
"That's pretty reckless of him…"
"Maybe having him as a successor isn't such a good idea anymore."
"Right! What can we say about the future of our Netherworld if it's the hands of someone like him?"
He spins around and glares at the tables he heard talking behind his back.
"It's a damn lie! I never even touched her!"
However instead of silencing them up, it only encouraged to gossip and rumor some more.
"And now he's denying it!"
"The future is looking pretty bleak now."
"I think we need to talk to her Majesty about this."
"Yeah, she needs to straighten that boy out."
The Prince covers his face with his hands, out of embarrassment or anger I don't know, and then drops them to glare at me.
"You're pretty damn cruel, Etna… I do not need this kind of unwanted attention at all. If I agree to your stupid demands, will you tell these idiots that it was just a joke?"
"You had me for a joke? Is that it?"
Before the women had another chance to start a chain of talking and doubt for the future, Laharl stands up, pushing away his chair and looks me in the eyes.
"Damn it! Fine! I'll take you on your stupid vacation! But don't you think this is over yet…"
"Oh, Prince! You mean you will marry me? That's wonderful! I won't have to murder you in your sleep after all!"
The women, upon hearing the news I announced, seemed to quiet down, temporarily satisfied with these turn of events. Laharl however gives me an incredulous look and slinks further into his chair.
"You're really too much, Etna… You're a pathological liar, you torment me almost every half hour, you make my life a living hell, and furthermore you seem to enjoy it. Jeez…"
My feelings of enthusiasm of gaining a vacation disappear at the tone of his voice. Suddenly, I can feel a tight feeling in my chest, and I find myself a little worried about where he's going with this.
I hope I didn't push him too far… I was just screwing with him… Is he starting to regret his decision to make me his vassal already? I didn't screw it up already, did I?
"But you know, Etna… I guess that's why I like you. At least it keeps things interesting… however I don't want you to pull a stunt like this ever again. The last thing I need is an uprising because of some fake, illegitimate child I had with an underage demon."
Giving a sigh of relief at his words, I settle back down and look just in time to see our order come in. I turn to the Prince, happy that he didn't want to send me away just yet.
"You know, I'm pretty sure I'm older than you are. So it would probably be you who's underage. In any case, don't worry, Prince. You have my word."
I'm just glad you didn't decide to dump me like that. I need to be more careful about pushing his buttons.
The waiter stops in front of us and I look up, noticing that this is a new waiter.
Hm, I wonder what happened to the one who served us before… I kinda liked him.
"We have some soup and Camembert for the lady, along with some Bordeaux. And for the gentleman, just as you ordered, escargot and pain perdu."
"The hell is this?"
I close my eyes and sip some of my soup, anticipating the Prince's reaction. Sure enough, it comes right in time for the smile to reach my face.
"ETNA!"
Laharl
I poke the snail again with one of my forks, watching the tips slowly prod the squishy little dead creature. Glancing up, I see Etna has already finished her soup and has moved on to the cheese. She notices my staring and holds up a slice of the cheese in front of me.
"You want some?"
"Now Etna… why would I possibly want some of your food when I have this lovely snail along with a piece of recycled bread to possibly kill the horrible taste of the slime creature."
She rolls her eyes at me and leans forward.
"I know it seems like a joke, but there are actually some people in the world who consider it to be a delicacy."
"Yeah? Well you can delicately shove this delicacy you call food up your-"
"Alright! Alright! I get the idea… Sheesh, maybe you're just too spoiled to appreciate good food."
I give a sigh and lean back in my chair, thinking her statement rather ironic.
"You're calling me spoiled? In any case, don't talk to me about how good this stuff is. I know, for a fact, that you ordered this stuff with the sole intent of pissing me off. Now if you don't mind, can you finish off your cheese and glup down your wine, so we can get the hell out of here?"
She puts on a shocked expression on her face, which I suspect was fake, but it gets harder and harder to tell with her.
"What! You want to leave after paying for a place as expensive as this?"
Standing up, she puts her hands on her hips and speaks to me in a matter-of-factly tone.
"For your information, there are still plenty of things to do here."
I inwardly groan at her determination to stay in this overly charged hellhole.
"You make it sound like we're in an amusement park… What sort of things can they possibly have that I'd be interested in?"
"Well…let's see. I've heard that Réunion des Amoureux has musicians play music of their choosing every week. The customers can then pair up and dance with each other on the floor. It just so happens that tonight is that very night."
"What! What makes you think I'd be interested in that sort of stuff?"
She gives me a smirk that reminds me to keep my guard up and suspect her motives.
There's no telling what she's planning… Especially when she's wearing a smirk on her face… It almost seems as if she's imitating me.
"Well just the fact that the winner of each weekly contest gets to put their bill on the house. In other words, you get off scot-free so to speak."
Put the bill on the house? So I wouldn't have to pay for this crap? Damn it! What do I do… My options are to either dance with Etna or be forced to pay a bundle of hell for a dead snail and stale bread… Damn her… I know she's enjoying this.
"Fine."
Not quite hearing me, she snaps out of her own world and looks at me with a confused look on her face.
"Huh?"
"I said I'll take part in your stupid dance! But it's only so I don't have to pay for stuff I didn't order."
"When did I say that I would ever dance with you? Hm?"
"What! Who else do you plan on dancing with? That old pervert across the room that's been staring at you ever since we sat down here?"
"Eww… no. Look, don't you know how this works? You have to ask me to dance."
I consider this for a moment before replying.
"I order you to dance with me."
"That's not the way you do it! C'mon, Prince… No one's ever asked me to dance before. Can you just go along with this for once? I just want to know what it feels like to be asked."
I consider saying something around the lines of 'I wonder why…' but the impulse fades as quickly as it is came.
Taking a deep breath, I look into her eyes and realize that she really does want to dance with me for whatever reason she has. I give a frustrated sigh and cross my arms over my chest in a defeated manner.
"Well, I guess it couldn't hurt…"
Probably my famous last words…
"Etna, would you do me the honor of dancing with me tonight?"
Wow, that actually came out about halfway sincere…
She gives me a smile that manages to convince me that she was actually happy I asked her.
"Why yes, Prince Laharl! I would love to dance with you."
I look at her with fake irritation, trying to ignore the embarrassment I'm feeling right now.
"So when does this dance thing start?"
"What's the matter? Eager to get on the dance floor?"
So it's back to this again… Two can play at that game.
"Not really. Just eager to leave this place. Why? Starting to have second thoughts?"
She gives a smirk and plops back down in her chair.
"The only thing I'm doubting is your ability to dance. But really, you should try to lighten up! Here, have a sip of my wine. It should relax you a bit."
I glance warily at the glass offered to me and slip my fingers across Etna's before taking the glass out of her hands. She doesn't say anything about it thankfully, so I take that as my queue to drink. With that, I take a small sip from the glass, ignoring all those thoughts about indirect kisses and such.
"It tastes kinda weird… I've never had wine before."
As soon as I say that, I'm overcome by a soothing sensation that washes over my body, relaxing it ever so slightly.
This feels kind of warm…
I hand the glass back to her, only this time we leave our hands on top of each others.
"Etna… I…"
Looking at her face, my words disappear and I realize that I might care for her more than I've let on… even to myself.
Before I can say anything however, I am interrupted by the sound of a microphone being plugged in and the tapping on it, to get our attention.
"Hello, and good evening! As most of you are aware of, today is our weekly dance contest at Réunion des Amoureux! For those who haven't been here before, allow me to explain the rules. Only two people are allowed to be on the dance floor at the same time, no more, no less. You can use our professional musicians to your liking and even arrive with music sheets, ready to give to them. The dance must be no more than 10 minutes long, though I am certain a lot of you can go on longer that that. And finally, remember that whoever wins, gets to have their lovely banquet on the house along with a special surprise! The contest begins in 10 minutes. Please sign in before then."
He then walks off the stage, leaving me rather confused and irritated. It's not long until I realize I'm still holding Etna's hand and that she was still waiting for me to speak.
"Um, I think it's time to go sign in…"
I awkwardly let go of her hand, ignoring the lack of heat no longer wrapped around my own, and head to the sign up sheet, located next to the main entrance.
Hm, looks like I'm the first one.
I pick up the pen and write my name in cursive and then Etna's after my own on the number 1 line.
Would that make us the very first dancers? Hm, I wonder if she'll be okay with that. Oh yeah, we're supposed to talk to the musicians ahead of time to let them know what music we want to be played. Might as well ask her. After all, it was her idea... Though I'm only doing this so I won't have to pay for something out of my own money. Yeah… I'll keep telling myself that.
Grinning at the idea of not having to pay, I head back to where Etna is and notice that she's resting her head on the top of the table, still looking at her hand. I silently sit down in front of her, waiting for her to look up, but she doesn't.
Looks like she's lost in her thoughts… I wonder what she's thinking about…
Etna
I wonder if Laharl plans on buying me a wedding ring when we get married… It better be a big one! Oh, with it should have gold lining and a kick ass diamond in the middle. Heh, heh. That would rock! Who knows, we might have a happily ever after yet.
I lean back into my chair from my leaning position to feel the sensation of the cold stone against my neck.
Oh yeah! My pendant… It's the only link to my past. And that of Aramis's as well.
I clasp it in my hand, as if trying to reassure myself that by doing so I can protect him.
Don't worry, little brother. I'll make sure we're reunited again. In fact, tomorrow is the day it all happens. I'll meet Sid in the cemetery and kick his ass, once and for all. That bastard will finally get what's coming to him. Then maybe I'll be able to break away from Maderas and we'll be able to live safely in the castle. Maybe… Just maybe…
I begin tracing the surface of the polished table, my thoughts now moving on to a certain blue haired demon.
Come to think of it, the Prince sure has come a long way since I've first met him. He seem more patient and willing to help me out, than before. But he really needs to take better care of himself. I mean, I didn't follow him to the Dark Assembly, he might've bleed to death! No, no… I'm sure the king would've done something about it. He always seems to be there right when he's needed. Just like that time that seems so long ago…
"Hey, Etna!"
I widen my eyes and jump up a bit, caught off guard by the sudden outburst. Glancing up, I see the Prince sitting in front of me with his arms crossed over his chest and a look of impatience in his eyes.
"I've been calling your name for the past 5 minutes now. You should try to be more aware of your surroundings. You could be attacked or something and you wouldn't even know it tell you're dead on the floor."
"Oh…"
I give him a grin and lean back on the chair, swaying my tail back and forth.
"But even if I'm caught off guard, at least I have you to protect me, right?"
He looks off to the side and leans back in his chair as well.
"You know what? I'm not going to bother answer that one… though in all honesty, it should be the vassals ready to protect their mentor. Not the other way around."
I smirk, knowing he wouldn't answer me, though his words, however vague, told me what I wanted to hear.
"So, Prince… Is there any particular reason for interrupting my daydreaming?"
He pauses to think before his eyes slightly widen in remembrance of what he wanted to say.
"Oh yeah! I already signed up for that weekly dance thing you were talking about. You're still up for it, right Etna?"
I smirk slightly at the sound of challenge in his voice.
"Hmph, of course. I'm the one who suggested it after all."
"Yeah, well they need to know ahead of time what type of dance music you want to be played when we're dancing. Like if we wanted to do the tango, waltz, swing, tap, or whatever possible style you can think up. You can choose, since I'm good with any one of them."
Leaning over the table in partial shock, I stare with at him with wide eyes.
"What? You mean you actually can dance? And here I thought I would have to teach you 5 minutes before it started!"
He gives me an indignant look before crossing his arms over his chest and starts laughing.
"Hahahaha! Of course I do! It's the future Overlord's duty to know everything about everything! Including how to dance! I believe I already told you that when I first met you."
He smirks at me and I smile wistfully, remembering when we first met.
"You haven't changed one bit, since we first met, you know that Prince."
"Heh, maybe in your opinion…. But I know for a fact that you've changed quite a bit, Etna."
"Really? Why's that? Is it because I'm even cuter and sexier than before?"
Receiving nothing more than a look and raised eyebrow, I sigh to myself.
"Fine, I give up. What has changed about me?"
He looks at me like it should've been the most obvious thing in the world.
"Well for one thing you're no longer the timid, scared girl I first met. You've become stronger, more well adapted to the Netherworld. More over, you've proven that I can rely on you in any situation."
I blink slowly to myself, amazed and even happy that he would say such a thing about me.
However I still don't know where he's going with this.
"So what are you trying to say, Prince?"
He folds his arms over his chest and closes his eyes.
"What I mean to say, Etna, is…"
Slowly opening his eyes, he grins at me and I feel myself smile back.
"I can fully trust you now. I have no doubts about your loyalty to me. Well, aside from that issue between myself and my old man, I mean. That'll be settled when you can give me a straight answer about it."
Did he just say what I think he said? I've finally earned his trust?
"Prince, you… really trust me?"
"Hmph… yes, I actually do. You could've left me to die after my fight with Ethos, but instead you helped me back to the Netherworld Hospital. While I was recovering, you waited for me to get better rather than take advantage of my condition. If that doesn't prove you're loyalty, then I don't know what does."
I stand up, overcome by a sudden wave of joy and hug Laharl with all my might, ignoring his sounds of protest.
"Thank you… Thank you so much for believing in me."
Any signs of struggle quickly die down and he awkwardly wraps his arms around my waist, returning my no longer unwanted hug.
"Yeah, no problem, Etna... Anytime…"
We stay in each other's arms for a few minutes, content in the presence of each other.
Who would've thought that we'd end up like this? Though I don't really mind at all. It feels kinda nice actually. I wonder if my parents hugged me when I was just a kid. It's been so long I can't even remember.
"Hey, Etna."
I blink, snapping out of my thoughts.
"Yeah, Prince?"
"How long are we going to stay like this?"
"Um, not sure."
"Think we should head to the dance floor yet?"
"Yeah, it's probably time."
We let go of each other and I instantly feel the warmth of our bodies pressed together fade away, missing the comforting feeling it gave me.
Laharl coughs, looking to the right to avoid eye contact with me.
Is he blushing? Heh, heh! He's probably still embarrassed about the hug. How cute…
"Um, so you never did answer my question. What kind of song do you want to dance to?"
"Oh yeah! Uh… I'm fine with anything really. Did you have something in mind?"
"Hm, I was thinking something like waltz. It's fairly simple and doesn't look half bad."
I resist the urge to roll me eyes at his reasons. Grabbing him by the shoulders, I look him in the eye, trying to be serious.
"Prince, if you want to win, you're going to need more than classic waltz. We need something passionate, something with a bit a flare to it! Like tango! That would be a good one."
"Feh! Whatever… I don't care what it is, as long as I don't have to pay for snails!"
I shake my head, somewhat disappointed by his insensitivity to something like this.
"You could at least act like you care! You could pretend that you're not going to dance with me, just so you can get a free meal! It's not like I'm someone you can use to get your way!"
Realizing I was now staring at the face of a halfway stunned Prince, I silently reprimand myself for snapping like that.
It's not like it's that big of a deal, right? But why is it that I feel his reasons to dance with me should be more than this?
The Prince sighs and rubs his head, slightly aggravated.
"You're becoming more and more stressed out lately, Etna. Maybe that vacation is a good idea after all…"
That being said, he turns around and begins walking to the dance floor, leaving me behind. Just before I start to feel depressed, he turns around looking a little pissed.
"And I never said that was my only reason to dance with you! The free meal is just a benefit, alright? Besides, it's not like I need a reason to dance with you or not."
I give a small thankful smile to him, knowing that he didn't have to say that to me.
"Hmph, vassals these days… I'll dance if I damn well please! I don't need a reason to do that. And you know why? Because I'm the going to be the next Overlord! Ahahahahahaha!"
He then turns around, his scarf whipping through the air, and starts walking through the crowd, making a beeline to the musicians.
"Heh, heh. I should've known he'd say something like that… he can be quite predictable at times. Ah well, that's just who he is! And I wouldn't have him any other way…"
Laharl
"Hey you!"
I use my fingers snap at the musician, who seemed bored enough to gouge his eyes out for fun.
Man, these guys must have no life if all they can do is wait for their turn to play. Oh well, I guess that's what they get paid for.
Finally catching his attention around the 7th snap, he looks at me, apparently having no idea who I am.
"Yes, sir? What can I do for you?"
"My partner and I are going to be the first one dancing and we've chosen the kind of song we want played. We agreed on going for tango. Got that?"
He blinks and then jots down something on his papers.
"Alright, tango it is. Do you have a specific song you want? After all, there are plenty of tango songs. There are some famous ones such as Dessauer Tango and then we have songs that have no lyrics in the whatsoever, just a good beat. So what type will it be?"
I raise my eyebrow at him, slightly confused by what he just said.
"Look, I don't care what song it is, so long as it's good, fast, and impressive enough to win this contest that's coming up."
"Not much on the refined cultural world of music, are you?"
Narrowing my eyes, I move in forward to the seemingly insignificant man.
"If you so wish, I can refine you into a pulp of blood and guts before my turn comes up and we'll be short one musician, though I'm sure we will manage. Now you listen here, if you choose a crappy song, then you're going to be sorry for screwing with me."
To emphasize my point, I grab the music stand in front of him and bend to an acute angel with my right hand, letting the papers fall down.
"Now, are we clear on this?"
The man, now clearly nervous, gulps and nods feverishly.
Heh, how pathetic. He must be quite a cowardly demon. Then again, if all he does is play music all day, I guess it wouldn't be that much of a surprise if he turned out to be a complete weakling.
"Yes, sir. Crystal."
"Good… I intend to keep my word. So for your sake, you better keep yours."
I walk back to the table Etna was sitting at for the third time that night, leaving the demon man scared out of his wits.
Hopefully this night will be over soon enough. I can't put up with much more of this.
Plopping down into the wooden chair, I look at Etna to see her grinning at me.
"Well judging by the way you sat down, I'm guessing all's well then, Prince?"
Seeing her smug as she was, I can't help but grin a little myself.
"Of course, by the time I was done talking to him, he was begging me not to kill him!"
At the thought of the memory, I allowed a look of satisfaction to pass over my face.
"What? You've even threatened the musicians? Aren't you worried we'll get kicked out or something? How are we supposed to win the contest if we're not even allowed to be in the restaurant?"
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Look, it all worked out in the end, didn't it? Besides, if he tried to make us leave… Well…"
I crack my knuckles to emphasize my point, which earns me a roll of the eyes on Etna's behalf.
"You should know by now that brute strength won't work all the time, Prince."
Giving I sigh, I feign disinterest in her little reprimand, hoping that she wasn't about to burst into lecture mode. For some reason, she always seems determined when it comes to how I should act.
"I mean, there's at least blackmail, Prince! Though I suppose I should expect it from your typically male brain. It's all fight, fight and kill, kill with you."
Slightly surprised by her train of thought, I give a wry smile and lean, interrupting her little rant.
"While this is all very interesting, my endearing vassal, I think you should know that it's time to begin the dance."
As if on cue, the announcer guy, whose name I never bothered to learn, taps the microphone and clears his throat.
"Alright ladies and demons! It's time for the contest to begin! Will all contestants and their partners come forth and get ready for the dance off! That is all I have to say."
I stand up to hold my hand out to Etna in a faux, chivalrous manner. She seems to understand the gesture and grins at me, taking my hand. After helping her stand up, we head to the dance floor still holding each other's hands and thinking nothing of it.
Etna
Is it normal to be nervous? I mean, it's just the Prince right? So it shouldn't matter if we're holding hands right now and are about to dance in front of about a hundred pair of watching eyes.
I glace at Laharl, who wears an impassive look on his face, and I turn to stare straight ahead.
Damn it, who am I kidding? This is the first time I'm going to be doing such a thing with an actual partner. The king did give me lessons, but that was over 500 years ago and when I was still young.
After a small period of silence, I look at him again to see that his face still as indifferent as ever.
Damn it, would it kill him to show some hint of emotion? It's not like it's going to bite him in the ass or anything.
Turning my head to the left, I address to Laharl in a soft voice.
"Hey, you're sure you know how to dance, right?"
He turns to me and responds in an irritated tone of voice.
"For the last time, yes! And what do you mean, am I sure? I'm probably a better dancer than you!"
He pauses and looks at the expression on my face.
"Are you nervous? I mean, I don't even see what the big deal is anyway. If you're that anxious, just take a deep breath and let it go. Who cares what they think? I sure don't."
We finally arrive on the dance floor and the Prince wraps his hand around my waist. Pulling me in, he whispers into my ear.
"Just go with the flow and follow me lead. Trust me."
I grin and turn around to face him, placing my hand on his right arm, just above his bicep.
"I know I can, Prince. And that's why we're going to win."
The announcer lifts up his microphone and sticks his left arm in the air.
"Welcome to our contest! The rules are simple. You can choose any type of dance you wish, using a song you've already discussed with one of the musicians. We have a time limit of 10 minutes and after all dances have been completed, the judges will vote and shall determine a winner. And now let me introduce our first contestants, Lord Laharl and his Mistress Etna!"
While the customers and even employees clap and cheer for us, I see Laharl blink in confusion and then narrow his eyes at the announcer.
"The hell? I never wrote down those our names like that! That punk is going to get a fist in his face if he doesn't clear that up by the end of the dance."
Though slightly miffed at the title given to me, I grab Laharl's left hand with my right and give a small smile.
"Don't worry about it, Prince. Let's just try to concentrate on the dance, hm?"
He gives me a smirk and visibly relaxes, now focusing on me and the music that had begun playing.
"Hm, that's the best idea I've heard all night."
With that said, Laharl then begins moving forward with his left foot first and I move backward starting with my right. Following the timing of slow, slow, quick, quick, slow, I allow myself to get lost in the music and the air surrounding me and the Prince. As the music progresses, we move to the beat, turning and marching whenever an opportunity is presented.
Wow, he's not so bad for a lead after all. I think I could get used to this.
And so we continued dancing, often deviating from the original steps of the dance. After all, tango is meant to have improvising in there. That was one of the things the King taught me before. As we dance, I can feel myself connecting with him now. It's as if we're not dancing as one. The closeness, the twists, and twirls. All of these only proceed to help me lose myself, as the minutes wear on in the hot spotlight.
As the dance finally comes to an end, the Prince dips me in the final beat with our bodies pressing together and him leaning over me. After a brief pause of us staring into each others eyes, he then continues to bend downward until his lips finally rest across my own. Giving me what would be my very first kiss.
Holy shit! He's kissing me!
After I seemed to have gotten that fact out of the way, I relax into the kiss and then further deepen it by wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling tighter. He finally breaks it off and we stare into each other's eyes, not needing to say any words. Not a second after that though, we both snap back to reality as we hear applause, woots, and whistles at our display.
Laharl then pulls backward, allowing me to get back up on my own two feet. After I got back my sense of balance from the kiss, I then grin and proceed to wave at everyone who was cheering. I look at the Prince, whose face was reddening, probably just now comprehending what happened at how many people witnessed it.
Heh, heh. It was a good night after all. Although it's weird, all of the sudden I don't even care if we're going to win or not. Sure first place would have given me an all-expenses paid trip to the Sea of Gehenna, but…
I wrap my arm around the Prince's and rest my head on his shoulder, content with where we were.
I think I got the best prize of all…
Laharl
Shit, I can't believe I just did that in front of everyone… Though, I can't say it wasn't worth it. Heh. I wonder if she thought I was a good kisser…
I blink then forcibly shove those thoughts in the back of my head.
Of course, I was a good kisser! After all, it's my job as future Overlord to be the best at everything! And that includes kissing! Ahahahahahaha! Though, we should probably clear the dance floor now. After all, the contest isn't over yet, though after our dance it might as well be. Heh, heh!
I lead Etna back to the chairs as we sit down to watch the other contestants dance. We lean against each other with our arms wrapped around the other's body. An up beat tempo then starts playing, as the next two dancers proceed to go on with the contest.
Hm? They're playing pop? Hah! Those fools are going to need more than that after the performance Etna and I gave them.
We continue to watch each performance given, as both Etna and I come to the same conclusion that while it looked alright, it was nothing compared to our own dance.
I think tonight shall be definitely be a night to remember… Unless of course, someone were to wipe out all of our memories, but then again what are the chances of that?
Eventually the other 5 pairs finish dancing, having gone through some interesting varieties of music, and after the final round of applause, the announcer stands up for the last time.
"Thank you, Greg and Patricia for that lovely waltz! Now, is the moment you've all been waiting for! The announcement of the winners of tonight's contest! Judges?"
The judge in the center, an archer, stands up and gives a warm smile to the crowd.
"We are pleased to announce that the winners are none other than the very first contestants, Laharl and Etna! We've all agreed that they've displayed an amount of fire and passion not seen for the longest time. While all other dances were perhaps better coordinated, they lacked the emotion, the feeling, that would truly make a dance great! As of such was demonstrated perfectly and the end of their dance."
She gives a small smile and nod to us, before going back to the announcement.
"So for the 1st prize, they shall get an all-expense paid trip to the Sea of Gehenna and their bill for tonight shall be paid off by Réunion des Amoureux! Congratulations you two!"
Etna and I stand up and walk over to receive our tickets to the tip I just now heard of. Waving my ticket in front of her face, I raise my eyebrow at her.
"I'm guessing this was perhaps your hidden motive in all of this?"
She then grins and flicks my forehead in a playful manner.
"No, you idiot. I really did want you to ask me to dance. This was, how you put it, a benefit of winning?"
Despite my slight irritancy at being flicked, I crack a small smile that I try my best to keep hidden.
"Che… and my bonus for winning is not having to pay for that snail you called a platter. Though I can't say it was such a bad night…"
"Of course not, after all I did receive a kiss from the successor to the Overlord of the Netherworld. After all, how many other girls can say that?"
This time it was my turn to grin, deciding not to answer her question. After thanking the archer who was still smiling at me, I turned to walk out of the restaurant; glad I didn't have to uphold any mirage of being a proper demon anymore.
"Phew, sure glad that's over with…"
Hearing footsteps sound behind me, I turn around in time to see Etna jogging up to me. With an irritated look on her face, she crosses her arms across her chest with her tail swaying back and forth.
"Hey, what's the big idea leaving me there like that?"
"Hm, it's not like I was trying to ditch you or anything… but I really can't stand being in such an 'extravagant' place. I told you before; I don't belong in those types of places… It makes me uncomfortable. I promise I didn't leave because of you."
To prove my point, I wrap my arms around her back and pull her in for another kiss. Feeling her lips break into a smile, she parts and rolls her eyes.
"Fine, I guess I can forgive you for that. Though for being a piece royalty, you sure can't handle rich, fancy places that well. Maybe you'd do better as a country boy?"
I cross my arms over my chest and smirk.
"Fat chance! There's no way, I'm giving up my title as future ruler of the Netherworld! I'm going to be the Overlord even if I have to destroy half of the Netherworld if it stands in my way."
Walking closer to me, she looks me in the eyes with a hint of mischief.
"And are there any plans for a future Queen of the Netherworld?"
Knowing what she was getting at, I grin and turn around.
"I don't know… I guess the only way you'll find out is by following me around, huh?"
She walks up to my side and links her arm with mine.
"Maybe, but I won't wait forever for an answer though. Heh, heh."
"That's fine… I don't think it'll be too hard to choose a fitting companion as ruler of the Netherworld. I already have someone in mind after all."
After beckoning the Dimensional Gatekeeper, we step through the portal and arrive in the castle where we part ways in the hallway.
Etna
Wow, what a night… hard to believe it's all coming to an end. Still, it's best that I get some time to myself now. I'm supposed to meet that bastard Sid in the Stellar Graveyard at midnight, and I don't want the Prince to get involved.
Grinning, I wave goodnight to Laharl, who was standing a feet behind me.
"Well, Prince I'm heading back to my room. You may have kissed me, but that doesn't mean you're getting me to sleep with you just yet."
Getting the hidden meaning to my words, the Prince blushes slightly, getting really flustered at the thought of it.
"W-what! You idiot! I'm not some perverted demon, you know. I'll have you know that I have dignity and high reverence for a reason. Just because we kissed doesn't mean I'm trying to get you laid."
Laughing to myself, I turn around a give a last wave goodbye.
"Sure, sure. Whatever you say, Prince."
I then break off into a mild jog, rushing to the vassal's quarters in my room.
"Wow, it's been a while since I've slept here. Tonight's no exception though…"
Grabbing some healing items and pulling out my trusted gun, I tuck them into my pocket and pull out Longinus from behind by back.
"Hey… I'm going to need your strength one more time. I hope you don't mind having to work with me again."
At my words, Longinus smiles as if I were making a big deal about it.
"The king entrusted me to you, Etna. I've deemed you a strong and dedicated spear user. You're welcome anytime you want to use my power. Though I don't know what you're getting ready to do, I trust your intentions."
I smile at its words and tuck Longinus away as well; ready to face the day I've been waiting for, ever since a week ago.
"Thanks Longinus, I won't let you down. I'm going to save my brother once and for all! That bastard Sid won't know what hit him. After that, maybe I can pick up where I left off with the Prince. Heh. I guess we'll find out, won't we…"
Clutching my pendant around my neck, I head out of my room and after 2 minutes of walking, approach the Dimensional Gatekeeper, waving to her.
"Hey, Sophie!"
"Etna! You plan on going out again? Where to this time?"
"Oh, the Stellar Graveyard… I need to meet an old friend of mine."
She gives me a skeptical look and runs her hand through her long blond hair.
"That's a pretty dangerous place if you're under leveled. Not that I don't believe you, but the monsters there are pretty high for someone who just got introduced to fighting about a week ago. Are you sure you can handle it?"
With a look of determination in my eyes, I nod to her.
"Positive. This is something I need to get done no matter what. Even if I was unprepared… I would still have to go."
She nods to me with a look of understanding.
"Just be careful, okay? You mean a lot to the Prince, whether he would admit it or not, and he'd hate it if something were to happen to you."
I give her a smile and face the opening portal.
"I know… Thanks, Sophie. I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Alright. Be safe, Etna."
I walk through the portal and find myself in an area where ground reaches towards the sky, a place where other planets falls down out of their orbit and end up here, and the blackish blue starry night covers everything like a dark blanket. I squint until my eyes adjust to the bright purple geysers of air pressure that randomly burst through the soil.
"The Stellar Graveyard… I'm finally here. It looks so dangerous and, yet-"
"So beautiful, right?"
I snap around to find Sid standing on top of a pillar of earth, smug as ever. From what I can see, his arm had been healed up as well.
"It's been a while, Etna. How's the royal life treating you? Not too badly I hope… Heh, heh. You know, the stars in the night sky really bring out your eyes .You still look as cute as ever."
"Well if it isn't the sewer rat known as Sid. You still look as revolting as ever."
He throws his head back and laughs. Then tilting his head down, he looks at me through the black strands of his hair.
"Good to see that your sense of humor hasn't faded. I trust you kept to your end of the bargain?"
"As I'm sure you can, Sid…"
I spit his name out as if it were venom in my mouth.
"I've kept to my word. There's no one else here. Now where's Aramis?"
He grins wickedly, flashing his teeth at me. Then turning around he points to an unconscious red headed boy resting on a pillar of earth behind him.
"He was a little tired… After all, being forced to work 3 days in a row will tend to take a lot out of a kid like him. Especially under threat of torture."
I clench my fist and narrow my eyes.
"How dare you put him under those conditions! What the hell was so special that you made Aramis work on for so long?"
It's not as if I were concerned about Aramis's lack of sleep. Demons can go days without sleep and take days to sleep as well. No… what I was pissed off about is that they were forcing him to work as if he were a slave or something.
Despite my anger, Sid merely chuckles.
"Well, you see my dear Etna… We discovered that your brother had an interesting hobby. And Maderas decided it would be best if we exploited it as much as we could."
I growled, knowing full well what interests my little brother had.
Ever since he was 200 years old, he loved to take apart dead bodies, rearrange it, and animate them. He first started with a dead puppy we once found in the street and worked his way up to human bodies. I guess you could call him a necromancer in the strictest sense. He creates zombies… and if Maderas forced him to make zombies for 3 days and nights straight…
I unconsciously take a step back, not liking where this was going.
Sid smirks and jumps down from the pillar he was on, landing a few feet in front of me.
"Seems like you get the idea of where I'm going with this. That's right… 3 days worth of undead servants under our control. Our plan isn't just to take you down… we plan on taking out the entire castle, including your little boyfriend and his family as well."
As if on cue, I see hands with rotted flesh break through the ground and start to pull out their undead bodies.
"C'mon, Etna. It is the Stellar Graveyard after all. What were you expecting?"
I silently curse myself and countless zombies rise from the ground, knowing I would probably have to fight all of them.
Damn it… I'm not good at fighting off armies of demons, like the Prince… Hell, I haven't been in that many fights as well. From the looks of things, I may actually lose…
"So how do you like it, Etna? What do you think of our undead army? Did you think that you'd get your happy ending?"
He gestures to the zombies now fully emerged from the ground, waiting for the command to attack.
"Though I did manage keep my word! Not a single living being besides us three! It's time you learned what real life is about! You can't change your fate or the fate of your brother! Face it Etna, this is the end!"
Giving the command, he points forward commanding the zombies to march.
Shit… This doesn't look good. But I can't give up now! I have to live on… for myself, for my brother, and for Laharl… I won't give up!
With those thoughts, I rush into battle, hoping that everything would manage to work out in the end.
A/N: It's up! Faith and begora! It's finally up! I'm really sorry about the delay. By this point, I realize that I have a bad habit of putting off finishing the chapters I start (though I have a feeling you guys already knew). As of such, I have a proposal to hopefully make up for all of this! For every week I don't update, I'll add another 10 pages to the chapter! Crazy, huh? Well, maybe! But I do want to be able to keep my word on this! After all there's only about 5 more chapters to go!
Just so you know, I also plan on making Chapter 11 before New Year's Day! However, I also plan on making a Christmas special one-shot as well. If anyone has any requests or suggestions, I'll gladly listen! It may or may not tie into this story, so feel free to put anything out there. –grins– In any case, let me know what you thought about the chapter! Too long? Too short? Tell me and I'll fix it!
Also I'm thinking of revamping the previous chapters. To those who don't know what that means, I'm going to rewrite the chapter fixing things like plot holes, or making them longer, or what have you.
Stay tuned for the next chapter of Forgotten Memories, Chapter 11: No Remedy for the Past! Look forward to it!
Response to the Reviews
Goldamon X: I was kind of wondering if the story was too getting too long or dull. Whether it did or didn't though, it's good to know that you liked the restaurant scene. I like where you're going with that idea. –rub chin– Yes, I like that very much. Heh, heh! We'll see how things turn out. See you in a bit! Also, in case you noticed, I decided to change the ending of this chapter a bit. It'll start off from where it left off next chapter.
Xeno: Whoa now! Monkeys? That's crazy talk! CRAZY! –points accusingly– Anyways! To update at this very minutes seems a bit… well crazy. –blinks– Unless you're okay with maybe a five page chapter. Heh, heh. I'll get working on the next chapter tonight though. If I'm lucky, it'll be done somewhere between the end of this week and next. Earlier than what I stated, but such enthusiasm must be met with unhealthy updating tendencies! –Laharl style– Ahahahahahaha! Seriously though, I'll do my best to update quicker. Just remember sooner I update, sooner this story is over… then again the sooner I can start the second half of this story. Heh, heh.
Lacto3.1415: Lol. I shall always envy the ability to put in asterisks (aka star things) to indicate action. Unfortunately they seem to get automatically removed when uploading a document. (You can't even do anime faces in the chapters! The horror!) Thankfully the same doesn't apply for reviews. Heh, heh. So… Flonne, eh? –eyes glint mischievously– Yes, I think I can arrange a cameo of sort… Heh, heh, heh! It'll all work out in the end! Though I by far, had no intention to add her from the beginning. However, now that it's this far in the story, I'm not worried about the plot deviating from the original intent. So yes, I think there shall be a Flonne! –grins–