Originally Diodora didn't know where Rias' [Bishop] hid, but once he got to the old school building for the first time he figured it out. The magic seal on one of the doors on the above floor that indicated the presence of Gasper couldn't be mistaken, but Diodora couldn't come up with a reason to wander around Rias' place, so he pushed no further and apologized to Rias for intruding.
He did bring stuff to the place though. Sometimes groceries, sometimes movies or comics. He had no idea what Gasper liked, or if he even checked the things Diodora left on his door or if Rias took care of those items. So he brought stuff that Rias could maybe use too. In the end, Gasper wouldn't leave that room for a reason Diodora already forgot, and he in turn wouldn't push the issue for fear of getting on Rias' bad side.
All of this to say that when Diodora got to the Occult Research Club's room, he took a moment to bring a lava lamp upstairs to then go back down where Rias' peerage waited.
"Nothing's gonna come out and attack us, right?" Genshirou looked spooked by the huge seal on the doorway. Perhaps because he was still new in this supernatural thing, or perhaps because he had more common sense than Diodora gave him credit for.
"Are you stupid? There's no way the heir of Gremory wouldn't have things under control. It'd speak poorly of the household." Olivia admonished the blond.
"Dear, please." Diodora almost died inside saying that, but it got the girl to stop in her tracks immediately.
He hoped his [Queen] wouldn't make things worse, her strange attitude already promising a few problems right off the bat, but he tried to make peace with the fact that she likely would.
"Rias, sorry for making you wait." Diodora smiled once he entered the room. Being followed by the three servants he had had with him.
Stain hung a bit farther back than Genshirou and Olivia, and took the disguise of another maid, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.
"Why did you call me out like this?" Rias looked rather worried. If she thought of the way they separated last time, Diodora had no way of knowing. But it did make things easier for him "I see you brought your [Queen] with you…"
"I came to apologize." Diodora placed a hand on his chest "The way I lashed out at you was not only completely uncalled for, but you went out of your way to try and put things in perspective. And for that, please forgive me."
Diodora bowed a bit, closing his eyes. His [Queen] behaved properly in the presence of those that weren't his servants, but Diodora didn't lower his guard. It felt like a miracle that she didn't protest his actions, but that was the reason why he explained what they were doing meeting Rias like this.
In the end, she likely didn't understand why Diodora got angry. She had been born a devil, and grew up like one. Even if she had learned from humans, the underlying logic of how things work still directed her mindset. So apologizing to her would be the right thing to do, as a dispute between devils over common sense would only speak badly of Diodora.
"There's no need for that!" Rias looked taken aback, even though her peerage didn't quite understand what was happening.
"No, no. I reflected upon my action and I see clearly now." That devils are full of shit "I've been running away from my own weakness. I can't let the past dictate how I behave, how I move forward."
The smallest of movements let him know things were working. He knew he'd have to do this, given devil etiquette, but he had had a rough time rationalizing it to actually go and do it. So this was what he came up with: Given Rias' tendency to claim people with troubled pasts, Diodora could maybe influence them into working harder and growing stronger.
Rias didn't understand. She hadn't had a rough childhood nor had she been betrayed at any point in her life. Diodora's determined expression must have looked alien to her, but Diodora really hoped it'd push through her servants' hearts.
After all, Diodora had appeared during the original's incursion to have Asia heal him to get her excommunicated. And due to the current Diodora's panic this hadn't happened. So Asia wouldn't come to Kuoh to meet Issei and the gang, leaving Rias with no healer for the battles to come.
Did he feel responsible? No.
Did he fear something happening to Rias and Sirzechs going feral due to this? Absolutely.
He wished at least Koneko would get over her trauma soon. But for this he needed to subtly apply pressure on them. By showing himself as someone going through a traumatic experience, maybe similar to theirs even, Diodora hoped they'd feel motivated to do the same.
"When my life was close to ending I wondered where I went wrong, what I did to deserve such punishment. Surely, I have been good." Diodora lied, trying to evoke the feelings he knew were there. Lying dormant somewhere both in the devils' minds and his own "But life cares for no such things. I don't think I made a mistake, happenstance made sure that it wasn't necessary. But I survived, and although I've become scarred and it won't fade away… In the end, dwelling on it won't solve anything. If I was weak, then I simply have to become strong. If I was stupid, then I simply have to grow smarter. It is the way devils do things, raising to the challenge. And I want you to know that I understand that now, and I will live up to the expectations."
Diodora took a breath.
After saying all that bullshit he felt thirsty, and he wanted nothing more than to go back to his apartment and lie on the bed all day.
The days after coming back from the Khaos Brigade had been hectic. Spending time with Genshirou, practicing his own demonic spells, and paying attention to whether things were going smoothly at home or not. In the end, Diodora didn't remember having rested that much recently. Because even if he had some spare time, he had been trying to do the cultivation trick as much as possible.
He didn't feel safe, even within these four walls and in Rias' presence. Like Shalba was lurking just outside of his sight, ready to strike Diodora down.
"I see." Rias smiled warmly at him, unaware of the mental strain Diodora had "I'm glad. When you came to us, I worried you'd crumble. That your problems would drag you down and that it'd put a toll on us as well."
Wow. Okay, Diodora supposed that was fair. Even the most kindhearted person would try to look out for their own first, even if it came from the so-called main girl in a harem anime. No, even with that it shouldn't be surprising. It was worth respecting, Diodora supposed. Having priorities and sticking to them were both traits of a good leader.
"I… Can see why you'd think that." He didn't, but that didn't matter. He just needed to put himself up in Rias' eyes "I'm sorry for putting such worries on your plate too."
"That's not what I mean at all." Rias assured him "We are both families of the Four Great Satans, it's only right that we help each other out."
"I know that's not necessarily the case." Diodora said in an ironic tone, trying not to come off as too worried about Sona's attitude.
He could almost hear Olivia clenching her fists on the hem of her skirt.
"Maybe." Rias chuckled "But I still wanted to help, and that's why you were given a place and room to figure out things by yourself."
"If it helps," Akeno spoke up "We barely noticed Lord Diodora's presence these couple of weeks."
"I had no problems whatsoever." Yuuto added.
"You speak funny." Koneko commented.
Diodora didn't know how to gauge their reactions.
It's called being sophisticated, silly child.
"Everyone…" Diodora smiled demurely "I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything." Rias smiled "You've treated my servants fairly, and I know from Genshirou-kun that it's in your nature to be kind. You just… Needed a little push."
Right. If only she knew…
"Not at all. I'm simply following your example." Was that too much lip service? Diodora could never be sure with these power-driven devils. Much less with someone as strange to them as Rias.
She just chuckled it off.
"I must admit Sairaorg asked me to help you." Rias added.
"Lord Sairaorg is far too kind as well…" Right, that guy. Diodora should probably get in contact with him sooner rather than later. Having another Longinus wielder on his side sounded like a good idea.
"He does like to look out for people that seem troubled." Rias commented almost talking to herself "He was the same with Melogale, although from what Seekvaira says, he's doing just fine."
Diodora didn't know what to think of that, in a few ways. He didn't even know that name.
Come to think of it, Sairaorg's peerage consists of troubled people too. Did adopting lost people run in the family?
"So I've embarrassed myself that badly, huh." He commented when nothing else came to mind.
"It became news rather fast, I'm afraid." Rias smiled bitterly.
"It's alright, I expected as much." Diodora actually counted on it. The poor Astaroth heir, too powerless to even get out with anyone from his peerage beside his Queen. It suited him better than having some of those girls be known to still be alive.
Necessary sacrifices, Diodora told himself.
While pretending to be moved by their words, Diodora tried to gauge the peerage's reaction to his display. He couldn't be sure how they took it, as the facade of a strong and united front persevered. Neither Yuuto nor Akeno looked any less happy than before, and Koneko's poker face made Diodora feel like she didn't really care.
Well, he couldn't expect a single talk to move their hearts. He'd have to slowly get closer to them if he wanted that change to happen. Unfortunate, but not unexpected.
What to do? Should he risk letting Rias' group go on like this, even without Asia? Did she actually make a difference in the beginning?
Hmmm… Regardless of how he remembered things happening, that last question should probably be skipped. That sounded like Diodora was inviting an accident to happen, thinking a healer wouldn't make a difference.
Anyone that had played video games ever would smack him for it.
"But don't worry. The Young Devil Gathering will come next year." Rias' expression changed. Looking more determined, almost challenging Diodora "You must hang in there for a year, but you'll get an opportunity to show everyone how resilient Diodora Astaroth really is."
Right, that arc. The one where the original Diodora met his end.
If he said he was thrilled to hear about it, that'd be a lie. But he still smiled at the redhead as if there were no problems. Ideally, he'd get what he wanted before that event happened. By that point, the Khaos Brigade would've been emboldened enough to act. And Diodora wouldn't be able to sweep whatever orders he got without getting in trouble. So he needed an escape plan before that.
Infiltrating the ranks via Stain, build friendly relationships with Rias and her peerage. Diodora had the wild idea that he could sell the most critical information to Sirzechs and the other Satans. He'd ask for protection in exchange, and would maybe fade into obscurity afterward. Enjoying a life of being a member of one of the 72 Pillars and having as much money as he wanted.
He wouldn't mind giving up inheriting the position of head of the Astaroth house… But that was just wishful thinking.
Diodora hid the fists that formed after thinking like that.
To him, giving up something that hadn't been his to begin with sounded simple. But reality didn't work like that. He wanted to go out, explore the world, build connections. Succeed. If hiding and cowering solved everything, then Diodora wouldn't have chosen to walk this path. He'd have warned Ajuka, told him that the Khaos Brigade's headquarters were located in the Land of Oz, and the main players that they'd deal with. Just to retreat and hold the fort while stockpiling power.
Yet he couldn't forgive Katerea, he couldn't forgive Shalba, and he wouldn't do it even if he could. The church members, he understood. They were in the middle of combat, Diodora could only remember a silver-haired girl with one of the Excalibur. Ajuka, too, made sense. Diodora was related to him, and his actions could cause a war to spark again. He disliked them, but he understood. They were just doing their job.
The members of the Khaos Brigade were all utterly evil. Selfish in a way that Diodora understood but couldn't appreciate. They went around wielding their power like clubs. It was all wasted on people like them, and someone had to show them.
Just like money spent awfully on the hands of those that would steal from him. Just like emotions were wasted on people that would make him feel awful.
Diodora didn't forgive. He didn't forget.
If he didn't help their dawnfall. If he wasn't directly involved in their demise… Would he stay sane? Would he be able to take it? To know things could've gone even worse for the likes of them?
No. He wouldn't be able to. Contempt tainted his mind, it eroded his common sense. He knew he should stop. Agree to the idea of giving up and seeing this fight be won by someone else. But his pride didn't let him make the call.
Diodora smirked.
"I'm actually hoping to get my reputation up before that." Diodora gave Rias' peerage another look. They still looked the same.
A shame. He'd have to rethink how involved he got with them.
"That's… A tall order…" Rias replied honestly. She was right, of course. But Diodora didn't plan on doing it in the way she imagined.
"I believe my honest feelings will break through. People will understand." Diodora chuckled.
"We will also work to help Lord Diodora anyway we can." Olivia stated, almost making Diodora jump.
"That's right!" Genshirou pumped his fists "I don't really get it, but I'll do my best too. It's all I can do."
"For now." Diodora added "And that'll be enough."
He turned and smiled at his pieces, schooling his expression as he kept wondering where he'd get the other Vritra Sacred Gears.
"For now?" Genshirou looked puzzled.
What could Diodora say that would get everyone on their good side?
Normally, being told that someone would do their best should be enough. In fact, most people wouldn't just go out and speak like that. Genshirou was someone that had a lot of gratitude, but this wouldn't usually be the case.
"Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself." Diodora covered his eyes, forcing a smile on his features "I'm doing it again, thinking big without taking into account my situation. In the future I'd like to take big leaps, maybe through Rating Games. Or maybe I'll take my cousin's approach and do research and help out in developing new technology… But for now that's not possible."
In the end, Diodora could only retreat. Not only to avoid appearing greedy. But also to get cookie points by still looking unsteady.
"It's about presentation." Akeno offered "I'm sure if you put up a good front, a lot of people will understand. It's unfortunate, but you didn't do anything wrong."
If only she was right…
"I suppose." Diodora replied neutrally "I have a lot to think about… But I'll probably host a meet up, for appearance's sake."
It was something that he had already thought about. But concentrating in building relationships with this group was more important than anyone else in the Underworld. Still, being reminded of Sairaorg made Diodora realize he couldn't just turtle in this town forever. He already had to leave to show himself in the Khaos Brigade, and he still needed to find a way to get the Sacred Gears he needed…
What to do?
"Is that so?" Rias asked neutrally, the unspoken question clear as day in her expression.
"You will be invited, of course, if I go with it." Diodora assured her "All of you, it's the least I can do for your courtesy."
"We should be free the next break." Yuuto suggested.
"Sounds like a plan." Diodora nodded.
He didn't love the idea, but having a date to work with helped in planning. If he put effort in it, maybe he'd get a couple of answers before that.
"Then we'll be there." Rias assured him.
The conversation that followed didn't really matter. Diodora made a point of making his peerage get comfortable, while talking about drinks and music with Rias. He had some context of devil culture, but he'd rather not make a mistake in that department.
The Sacred Gear thing still bothered him, however. The ritual that he knew existed was in the hands of Raynare's group, but she wouldn't be around any time soon. Plus she wouldn't have Asia to steal a Sacred Gear from. So waiting for her was probably pointless.
The other option was to look for Azazel, but a young devil like Diodora would probably never get to meet the General Governor of the fallen angels. Plus, Genshirou would get those Sacred Gear in Azazel's terms, and Diodora wasn't a fan of that.
No choice, he'd have to dirty his hands more and get help from the terrorists that caused most of his headaches. Risking the connection being strengthened, it almost made Diodora give up on the idea immediately.
But if he could get his hands on the ritual… Would he be able to get his hands on any Sacred Gear he wanted as well?
…Wouldn't that untie his fate from Issei's hands?
"Is something wrong?" Akeno asked while pouring Diodora tea. She must have recognized the twitch in his mouth "Is this not to your liking?"
Diodora took a sip instead of answering right off the bat.
"...It's delicious." Diodora assured her "Don't mind me, I just remembered something I ought to do."
"If Lord Diodora says so…"
Not good. He had to control his expression better. It'd be suspicious if he randomly emoted mid-conversation. These people weren't like Stain, completely under his control.
So he smiled.
"Rias, sorry to bother you again. I'd like to write Lord Sairaorg a letter to thank him. Do you think you could send it in my stead?"