"Ok, we can finally have this talk." Diodora clapped his hands, looking at the three people that gathered in the guest room.
The double bed held Yuni in the center. Pale and with big eye bags from having her power constantly drained for days to keep her harmless. Two pillows let her rest her head high, while Olivia sat to her left, keeping a close eye on the girl. Genshirou stood to the opposite side. Looking rather uncomfortable with the whole situation.
"I know all of you have many questions, and with the exception of Yuni I owe you the answers…"
"I'm literally here against my will." She reminded him, still looking pissed off in spite of her physical weakness.
"You're too dangerous to be left alone." Diodora pointed out, and used his finger to point at her "Regardless, that's the reason I wanted to have you here. I believe we can come to an understanding, even if we don't end up working together."
"You'd release her?" Olivia spoke up, more tense than before.
"Sounds fake." Yuni commented.
"One thing at a time." Diodora held up his hands "There are more important things to discuss than Yuni's destiny."
"Like this guy?" Yuni herself pointed at Genshirou with her thumb.
The guy cradled his arms, still uncomfortable. Or rather, now that Diodora paid closer attention, it seemed like the blond was in deep pain. And had been bravely ignoring it thus far.
"Genshirou?"
"It's nothing, Diodora-san." The blond cringed.
Diodora gave him a good look for a moment.
"Undress."
"Huh?" Olivia reacted, her thoughts apparently interrupted.
"Take off your shirt, Genshirou." Diodora elaborated.
"I don't think that's necessary…"
"Do it." Diodora turned to his Queen "Olivia."
"I… Yes." The gray haired young woman left her place and went around the bed, making Genshirou flinch as she reached out with her hands.
Yuni had a funny expression on her face as she silently saw it all happen.
"But…"
"Don't make this harder on yourself." Olivia interrupted the blond's protest.
"Diodora-san! I'm really fine! I swear!" Genshirou tried to back off, but the Queen seized him by a hand "Diodora-san!"
Olivia ran a finger through the collar and downwards, using her strength to pop all the buttons off the cloth.
Dark tendrils extended all around Genshirou's torso and seemingly beyond that. As if he had gotten himself the whole body tattooed overnight.
Diodora sighed.
"As expected."
"You know things." Yuni tore her eyes off Genshirou.
"A whole lot." Diodora nodded "Which is what I wanted to talk about. This is a good example, I know what's happening to Genshirou. It's nothing bad."
"But it hurts…" The guy tried off, covering himself with his arms.
"Well, yes. The two Sacred Gears in your body are reacting." Diodora explained.
"To what?" Olivia dutifully asked.
"To the awakening of Vritra's consciousness." Diodora checked for their reaction, trying to see if anyone was surprised "The soul fragments of the dragon are strong enough to try to revive themselves. Piecing them together will help in that process, but even now they make themselves manifest."
"Not like I doubt you, or anything." Yuni waved her hand, obviously not believing him "But you could be spewing random gibberish right now."
Diodora nodded. This reaction was to be expected.
"This girl is a half devil, the child of lady Cleria Belial… And the exorcist Masaomi Yaegaki." Diodora's voice stayed even. He could tell the exact moment when Yuni realized he was for real, her expression hardening "Which made the Three Factions basically expunge them from history."
Yuni's frown got worse.
Only Genshirou looked surprised. But Diodora hadn't elaborated on the previous point, and he wouldn't in this one either.
He couldn't. Yuni's existence placed a question mark on this part of Diodora's knowledge. He had been filling the blanks with everything else as he studied and spent time in Kuoh.
But Yuni was different. He couldn't just come up and ask. She probably also missed some context, due to the way she'd have been raised.
No matter. He'd have to improvise.
"So that's what you're trying to say." Yuni finally spoke up "That's your deal, isn't it? You just know a bunch of important stuff."
"Are you convinced?" Diodora couldn't help sound a bit surprised.
"For all intents and purposes, I don't exist." Yuni sat up straighter "What I want to know is how. And why are you telling me all of this."
"I'm talking to all of you." Diodora replied.
"You know what I mean." Yuni showed him her teeth "That puts the reddest of flags on top of your head. Not just to me, but to everyone with half a brain."
"I know things." Diodora motioned with his hand. Thinking of how to word his next sentences "Maybe too much. How I know doesn't matter. But I need help. Next year will be crucial for the world and all the races that exist."
Then he stared at Yuni. She had known about the Khaos Brigade. She had hit them alone. Probably not for the first time.
"Spooky." Yuni commented.
"The Khaos Brigade is close to starting their plans." Diodora added "They're strong. Infiltrating is not enough. Warning the world will be too slow. I have the chance to act, and I will do so to prevent the end."
"H-Hold on…" Genshirou looked paler than before "So… There's an evil organization… Trying to destroy the world?"
"Are you surprised?" Yuni lifted an eyebrow.
"After figuring out devils aren't the enemy, might as well." Olivia muttered under her breath.
"Well, I mean…"
"Whatever your plan is, it sucks." Yuni returned her attention to Diodora "This guy can't fend for himself. Not even if you awaken the Evil Dragon King of Pure Darkness before next year. And there's not enough people—."
"We're not fighting a war, girl. We're trying to prevent one." Diodora slipped that plural shamelessly. What would they do? Back out? Yuni could, but she was his target at the moment "The Khaos Brigade is trying to start one. With weapons that can assure their victory. We just need to deny them those weapons. The Demon Lords can do the rest."
Yuni clicked her tongue.
"You have too much faith in your race."
Diodora sneered.
"I also know the true power of the current Demon Lord of Lucifer." He said "If things go my way, the Khaos Brigade is done for."
"The Crimson Satan is the strongest devil, perhaps in history." Olivia nodded "There's not much to be done in one-versus-one scenarios."
Yuni furrowed her brows.
"All I ask of you is to keep in touch." Diodora got to the side of the bed, sitting and placing a hand midway between Yuni and himself "I'll support you however I can. That, and not using my peerage as scapegoats, of course."
The half disaster, half holy girl stayed silent. Deep in thoughts.
Diodora turned his attention to Genshirou.
"I'm sorry it has come to this. I wanted to keep you in the dark, safe. But this is so much greater than any of us. If…"
"I'll follow you." Genshirou sounded resolute in spite of the pain "I'll work hard… No. I'll work the hardest out of everyone! I'll become strong so we can save the world!"
Diodora couldn't help grinning. He remembered the original timeline, how Genshirou was asked for help and only hesitated due to fearing his King's punishment.
Honestly, saving the world wasn't even in his list of priorities. He'd gladly let the Alliance do their thing and stamp out the remnants of the Brigade as long as Diodora has front seats to the Old Satan Faction's demise. It only had to do with stopping Rizevim Livan Lucifer from awakening 666 incidentally.
But Genshirou needed to know none of this.
"Oh, I see. He's just stupid." Yuni complained.
"Isn't it common sense to want to save the world?! Think of everything that you have! Your family! Your friends! Your…"
"My life's been hell since the beginning." Yuni snapped at the blond "Due to those guys that couldn't keep it in their pants. Do NOT patronize me on how I should cherish my life, you imbecile."
Genshirou shut up.
"One year." Diodora took the initiative, taking the heat off of his dullard of a Bishop "Your hellish life shall last only one year more. I promise."
Yuni made a face between wanting to get angry and laughing maniacally.
"Oh, really? And pray tell why you think so? What knowledge do you have that makes you say this?"
"The Three Factions shall cease hostilities once everything is said and done." Diodora shrugged "The Khaos Brigade will suffice as a reason."
"You said you wanted to stop them." Yuni pointed out.
"I didn't say we can't take advantage of them." Diodora countered with a small grin.
"Sure, let's go with that." Yuni huffed "What makes you think the factions will actually make up and forget their grudges? The world isn't so merciful."
"Then you can stay with me until the heat dies down." Diodora smiled "You don't look like the kind of hybrid with a short lifespan, sorry if I'm being too bold. Let's join hands and build up a rapport with the Alliance. It's possible, it will happen. And the benefit…"
"Give me back my power." Yuni interrupted him "You've been kinder than any kidnapper I've ever met, sure. But I'm still in your clutches. Free me, talk to me like equals. Then, and only then, will I consider anything you've said so far."
Diodora stopped smiling.
"Well?" Yuni pressed.
"Lord…" Olivia started, looking unusually somber.
"Genshirou." Diodora ignored her "Give her back some demonic power."
"Really?" He sounded far too happy about it for Diodora's comfort "Okay!"
One of his tattoos came to life. A snake-like ink creature that shot towards Yuni in an instant, showing purple veins of pulsating power. And spooking the shit out of everyone including its host.
"Is that… Also normal…?" Yuni had her eyes wide open, halfway in a motion of leaping out of the way. Still too tired to do it, though.
"Probably." Diodora acknowledged.
"Lord." Olivia insisted "This is…"
Yuni got to her feet on top of the bed. Silencing the Queen.
Genshirou retracted his Sacred Gear.
Diodora could almost smell the tension now that the half devil had been freed from her weakness.
"Strange. This feels strange." Yuni looked at her hand, flexing her fingers "You've been nurturing him, letting him feed on my demonic power. Reckless, but if this kept going he'd probably grow strong rather fast…"
Diodora didn't like the sound of her voice.
She stared straight into his eyes.
"You're serious about this."
"As serious as I can be." Diodora stated simply.
Yuni jumped off the bed.
"Don't let her go." Olivia stated.
No one moved to stop the silver haired girl from opening the door.
"Is this your answer?" Diodora stood up but didn't make any more movements. Yuni kept staring at him, hand on the doorknob "Yuni?"
"Miyuzuin."
"Eh?" Diodora blinked.
"My name is Miyuzuin." The girl stated, a bit red on the face "Miyuzuin Yaegaki-Belial. At your service."
Miyuzuin? Miyuzuin.
Yuzuin.
Yuin.
Yuni.
"That's so freaking stupid." Diodora covered his face with a hand.
"I don't know why they named me that." The girl growled "Call me Yuzu instead."
That wasn't what Diodora was talking about, but he didn't say anything.
"Your weapons are in the kitchen." Diodora informed her.
"That's a dumb place to hide them." Yuni smiled faintly, still looking somewhat frail.
"They're still in an easy-to-access place. Just in case." Diodora scoffed.
"I don't see you using them."
"Olivia used to be an exorcist." He explained in turn.
"Seriously?" Genshirou chimed in.
The young woman's face turned completely devoid of emotion.
Diodora frowned.
"Olivia?"
The Queen stood up.
"Olivia-san?" Genshirou looked puzzled. Seeing the gray haired girl give him her back and walk towards Diodora.
"Olivia, what's wrong?" The devil insisted, now taking steps towards her.
He placed his hands on her cheeks, lifting her head a bit to look straight at her.
"Olivia, talk to me."
A single tear came from the corner of her eye.
"What's wrong?" Diodora insisted, now a bit scared.
"All of this talk… It reminded me of something." She sounded so defeated that it took Diodora by surprise. At some point, he had started thinking that she'd end up trying to make him happy. That his happiness would be shared with her, even against his will.
A chill ran down his spine.
"You promised we'd crush Heaven together."
Something moved, and all Diodora could hear were screams as Stain oozed out from the cracks in the floor, enveloping him protectively as red-hot pain snapped his consciousness out of the way.