DISCLAIMER: DxD does not belong to me~
Garith Gremory(Riz-kun): Our protagonist with red hair. Have slender, sexy legs and equally erotic back.
Hippolyta (Polly-tan): Garith's first [EVIL PIECE] and [QUEEN], who is also a princess, paradoxically enough. While doesn't look like it, she grooms herself very often.
Ulysseus(Yuri-kun): Garith's newest [BISHOP], descendant of the Homeric hero Odysseus. Oh god, the pain, oh god, make it stop, holy shiiiiiiit.
Greetings, Ajuka Beelzebub speaking.
At least, that's the title I go by nowadays…
And just like that, the bishop position in young Garith's peerage is filled. I see the small piece sign beacon fade in the Evil Piece board under his name, indicating that he used one of his Bishop pieces, and for that, a small chuckle escapes my lips. To think him of all people would be gathering [EVIL PIECES] at this fast pace, I've surely underestimate the Gremory and their charisma…
It feels more like fate, it seems. The Gremory twins, gathering the same number of pieces at the same time. Not that I'm doubting either of their potential, but it has been less than a year ever since they got their pieces and now, they're gathering them too fast for the system to compute. I just hope they're not just abusing its authority like a certain… Related individual.
While I can give him a leeway for being family and the fact that he earned those pieces, it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth and probably paints the rest of devilkin in a bad light… But then again, it's not our fault the church's system is flawed and full of loopholes like that, to drop nuns and holy maidens for such arbitrary reasons. That one's on them…
I digress. Two pieces in less than a semester, I'm impressed, even taking in account young Garith's tastes. He is smarter than he lets on, and for his choices of locations, the land of heroes among them, I am sure he picked powerful individuals to reincarnate as his servants and devils. I'm getting interested, mayhap a bit too interested, to see what kind of personnel they chose as their pieces, and what led them choose specific items for them.
A queen and a bishop for young Garith and a queen and a rook for young Rias. While I'm aware of which people the latter picked; as he is away from home and the Underworld, my natural curiosity over the older twin and his peerage only grows. Wondering what he will bring to the table and the name of Gremory. Either a shining hero… Or another hole for him to follow his degeneracy afoot…
Ah, but is not like he'll come and simply present his newest pieces to me on a silver platter. He has his objectives and priorities, and I have mine, so it is nothing but a simple idle wish.
"Hey lord Ajuka, wanna see an almost dead body?!"
"HOLY FUC-…!" And I almost fall off on my ass when, out of nowhere, the spoken devil himself appears and, worst of all, leads on a wheelchair something, no, someone who I can only describe as a human-shaped mummified maggot, bleeding and spreading waste on my pristine corridor. To not be rude to a guest, my best friend's younger brother of all people, I cough silently to disguise my gaffe and turned to young Garith and his… Companion. "I-I mean… Glad to see you back, young Garith. If I may, *CAHAM*, care to state the reason of your visit and your newest… Friend?"
"But of course, Lord Ajuka. See, Yuri-kun? He already knows we're the bestest of friends."
"Curse thy name…" The moribund answers in a raspy, hoarse voice, as if breathing was simply painful. I blink once, twice and then I was taken back by the sheer power this one holds. Sure, seeing his current predicament and discussing such feels more like a cruel jest, but even without a particular procedure, I just can sense this one holds an obscene level of magical reserves, soon making me theorize to be the main reason of this one's situation. From its bloodshot, opaque eyes, young Garith's companion turns to me, and grit its exposed teeth from its lipless mouth. We share a stare against each other, and I can't help but to draw an uneasy smile with nothing being said, if only to react neutrally to him, not to mock or pity him, it would be too cruel. The best course of action is to wait for young Garith's response.
"Anyway, lord Ajuka, please help me get Yuri-kun fixed. As you can see, he's all messed up, and only a genius such as you can wrap him up right. I might like Shishio-san but wanting him in the peerage is too much even for me." Despite his pleas, there is a mischievous grin creeping on his ever-positive face, and doubting if it holds any true malice, there is no mistake that is a request from the heart, something I can't deny for the fact that he's my godson and, well, the state this 'Yuri' finds himself in complies me to assist as I can. "By the way, he's my [BISHOP] piece, I got him not too long ago. I also got a brand new [QUEEN] piece and she's like a major hottie. Gonna show her to you someday!"
"Glad to hear you're steadily building your peerage, young Garith. Now, allow me to help this new servant of yours." I offer him a hand, and without missing a beat, the redhead allows me to carry and drive his bandaged ally to another place, paying not another blink at us.
I lead the youngster at hands elsewhere, and then put him in a cot to guide him to another, more comfortable and adequate location for healing. While at it, I take a good look at this one to have an overview of his current state: his energy supplies are absurd, no doubt about it; but his physical body is a mess of no like.
I'll have to reconstruct his nose, ears and lips and take care of his skin which has the consistency of wet paper, not unlike the bandages that bind him, muscles also inexistent due to atrophy as seen he barely reacts to stimuli. Internal organs might've also been destroyed by uncontrollable input, worst case scenario he has nerval damage which spread like poison through his whole body by his mana leylines. Fortunately, he still has all his fingers and hands despite the bleeding in them, but everything below the knees is gone, I might be able to provide some prothesis for the time being. I heard about bodies being unable to safely hold one's power, but to be this much…
On the other hand, if I'm able to help this one and instruct him to safely control his enormous power, he might become an important asset to not only young Garith's peerage, but also the whole Underworld. But for now…
"You're going to be okay, don't worry." I reach a hand for his and hold it as gently as possible, but not without tenderness. Knowing young Garith's tendencies regarding subtlety, this one is probably scared, confused, having no idea of the whys, wheres and whats. I am a total stranger to him, and this whole scenario should be alien to him, so it might not be much, but I will comfort him as I can and hope he'll allow me to help. Groans of pain and confusion escape his lipless mouth, and nothing else but a blank stare, falling onto the pillow soon after, looking at the ceiling. His heartbeat seems to settle down a bit, just a bit, but it's a step. "Please trust me. Allow me to ease your pain, and everything's going to be fine."
I'm probably scaring this one even further, but its an effort. We finally reached the medical facility, and soon after, I submerge his body in the recovery fluids of a healing tank and put him in stasis for further diagnosis and treatment. As soon as the monitors were put on him though, they simply went awry with his absurd reserves of energy before short-circuiting, leaving me in awe, surrounded by broken computers and static.
Truly, young Garith just found himself a very interesting piece. I can only wonder what his other piece is like. But for now, let us take care of this hurt one. 'Yuri', huh? It does have a nice ring to it…
"Welcome home, my dear brother! I've missed you so much!" And what I was excitedly expecting yet dreading once I return home happened: appearing seemingly from another dimension, my younger twin sister Rias hugs me tightly, catching me surprise so I wouldn't ever escape her small yet firm grasp. Yep, that's the typical Gremory affection, as lovely as it is deadly!
"Yeah, I missed you too, little sister! It has been a while!" But regardless, I hug her back to return the affection, something I am quite hard to admit I missed it, even if a little. I hear steps coming closer, and while for a moment I dreaded it was that bitch Akeno, I was relieved to see our parents coming closer, mother carrying my nephew Millicas, greeting me with warm smiles. I let go off my sister to bow. "Father, mother, I've returned. Also, hello Millicas."
"Welcome home, son." Mother comes to pat me gently on the cheek as greeting while Millicas extends his tiny little hand in a handshake, which I was more than happy to comply. From afar, the Gremory patriarch nods at me in approval, and a small smile creeps on my face. Even in silence, I am grateful for his praises. "I wasn't expecting you to come so quickly, but I'm all too glad for it… Unless you did something illegal… Again."
"Heheh. Not this time, mother, not this time." I laugh in an awkward way to dodge the question that, yes, in a way I did something still illegal, but she doesn't have to know. I try to defuse the situation a bit. "Say, where's big brother Zechs? I thought he'd be the one the most eager to see me returning. Unless he's hiding somewhere like Rias did."
"You know how your brother is a busy man, his whole role as a demon lord unfortunately chips away too much time for leisure, his relationship with his siblings notwithstanding." She explains something I'm quite aware of, but still, I was half-expecting, half-dreading that anyway. How far canon is by now, anyway? Three, four years? He's probably busy with the peace treaty between the Three Factions, and mother's next words confirmed I was right on the money. "Add to that, he must put extra efforts in negotiations with the other three factions. Hostilities might be low, but any wrong move might stir another war, something your brother wants to prevent at all costs."
"Makes sense, big brother probably doesn't want to wipe out all the other races if they were to cause all that commotion." I jest, but despite her smile, Venelana starts oozing a dangerous aura which made me realized I've pushed a tad too far. I wanted to praise Sirzechs, but I think she knows better than anyone he wouldn't like it that way. Time for another defusing time. "So, uh, I wasn't staying idle either, y'know. I got myself two [EVIL PIECES] into my peerage. It might not be much for the time being, but I guarantee they're very powerful."
"Honestly, this pace is not bad for a young devil such as yourself, Riz. I presume you didn't choose them based only in their appearance." Father Zeoticus laughs, and I do the same with a slight edge on my speech. Did I leave that crude of an impression on my parents? Oh well, I don't mind.
"Not much, but she is a beauty. Here, let me show her: Hey, Princess, you may come!" I clap my hands to call for my first and most important piece, and appearing from one of the manor's quarters, there she comes: her hair lifted in a braided bun, wearing a black and red dress and matching Louboutin, plus some jewellery and flowers for decoration, stands the Amazonian princess Hippolyta, her green eyes scanning the manor from top to bottom, her expression set on neutral, contrasting the mesmerized looks of my family. Eventually, she laid her stare on me, and a sigh escapes her lips.
"Gaudy, pompous and quite flashy, I observe. Nothing less I was expecting from Garith's abode, I quip." Her voice continues to sound flat, but the weight of her words makes our surroundings a bit too silent. Oof, not a good first impression, but I guess it can only go up from here. Hippolyta turns to my parents, and arms crossed, a tilt to a side from her head. "You… No, Ye must be Garith's… Huh. Progenitors?"
"Parents." I help her cough that one.
"Parents, yes. I am honoured to me you two. Hippolyta is my name, and I'm his… [QUEEN]." A polite bow and lowered stare, at least she doesn't lack proper etiquette with strangers, considering we're also off her comfort zone. One moment for my parents to process this whole ordeal, and with her typical smile, mother approaches my [QUEEN], who lifted her arms and set her footwork as if ready to square up. A wave at her to lower her stance, and she complied despite remaining tense.
"I see, I see. My son's [QUEEN]. What a pretty girl…" A chuckle, and I see from the corner of Hippolyta's mouth a small angry twitch. Another wave to sign a very dangerous red flag, and after calming down, mother approaches her. "You look… So strong. Strong, but not brutish. Gentle, firm, and so cute. I see that he didn't cast a hypnosis spell on you either, so I can assume you are truly loyal to him. How nice. I apologize for any problem my dear son might've caused you."
"Mother, please…" I bemoan Venelana's words still with that stupid grin on my face, now that's another bad first impression. Without uttering a word, Hippolyta nodded and seem to bow for the Gremory's matriarch, also shaking hands with Millicas's tiny palms when he lifted one for her. At my expenses, but I'm glad that they're bonding so fast without ruckus.
"Garith…" I hear my name being called, and shifting my miserable attention, I see my father Zeoticus, looking seriously at me, stance unshaken and expression hard to discern. Seeing that he caught my attention, the Gremory patriarch says nothing else… Only lifts a hand and gives me a thumbs up, face unchanged. One, two seconds, and I smile to do the same to his silent approval.
I mean… Pretty face, big breasts, smells nice, toned muscles and abs, friendly thighs and haughty personality, 'good job' indeed! She's strong too, but if I'm going to keep her, might as well get a great eye candy, which Hippolyta checks all the boxes for!
"Brother's [QUEEN]… She is a strong beauty indeed." Rias mutters under her breath, impressed yet hesitant about the lady talking to mother and nephew and getting awkwardly accustomed with the unhostile environment. Yeah, Hippolyta is the type of person you know how strong she is by looks alone, there's no denying it.
"I got a [BISHOP] too, by the way. Unfortunately, he's unavailable, but soon enough, if you want, I can present him to you. But not now, not now." I call for my little sister, and she turns to me with sparkly eyes. I will show her my second piece, but until he's recovered, better keep that nightmarish sight hidden from my sister's innocence. "How about you, Rias? Got yourself a new piece while I was away?"
"Yes. Well, in a way. You were away and we couldn't contact you for a while, so you probably don't know, but big brother Sirzechs found a person for me to take care and I hope I can eventually turn her into an [EVIL PIECE] of mine." She explains, the shine in her eyes dying a bit and then morph into sadness and hesitation. Faking curiosity and surprise, I wordlessly inquire her words, and with a sigh, she continued. "Not long ago, a devil from the Naberius clan betrayed and killed her master, going on a rampage soon after. We don't know what caused this, but she got labelled as a stray devil and left her sister behind. She was going to be executed, but big brother stepped in and took her in. She is still recovering from her trauma, but I hope I can help her."
"Hm, I see." I deadpan.
It doesn't take more than that to know she's talking about Koneko Toujou, or Shirone as she's known before that. The younger sister of the stray devil Kuroka, whom in actuality killed her master not for going power high on senjutsu but to protect her sister, who would become an experiment for artificial super devils otherwise. If I remember correctly, while Koneko becomes Rias's rook, Kuroka joins the Khaos Brigade and, I dunno, ain't she Vali's girlfriend or something? Regardless, the trauma of that event and the misconceptions of her sister's true intentions would impair her personality and make her refuse use her senjutsu due to the fear of losing herself like her sister supposedly did. Rias would help her get out of that funk, but it'd take a certain perverted red dragon to truly make her bloom and reconciliate with her heritage, race and sister.
Since I know to that extend the turn of events that led her to this point, plus all the circumstances and intricacies of the original conflict between my sister's first Rook and Kuroka, maybe I can help them fasten this process and avoid more trauma and problems that might arise. Plus, we can prevent the elder sister in ever joining the Khaos Brigade and, who knows, have her by our side since the start, pardoning her crimes and help Koneko become stronger in a faster pace…
…
… But then again, if that were to happen, then Issei wouldn't reach Balance Breaker in the nick of time, which will cause major problems in the future and even get him and perhaps Rias killed, which will snowball into massive annihilation in worst case scenario. Plus, we won't have the intel she would gather from the Khaos Brigade; and contacting and convincing the Vali Team to join us will be a lot harder, stirring the terrorists to also act faster and more efficiently and, in the worst-case scenario, grow even more dangerous and harder to control.
Sure, there must be other ways to achieve all of that and help the sisters with their issues and sins… But why take the risk? Better leave things as they are and make canon unravel as it should, who knows what else will happen if I were to pull the pin on that grenade. One thing is making my cousin feel less lonely from the years to come and helping a character from an irrelevant side-story, other is risking my neck for an uncertain future that might come all the worse for wear for everybody because I didn't play it smart. I'm sorry, biochromatic cat sisters, but I'll leave this side mission be, your chances are much better with the red dragon emperor taking the reins of your stories. After all…
… I'm not the main character.
Not in that storyline, at least.
"You truly are kind, Rias." I chuckle to myself, earning myself a blushing face from the one I call my younger sister. I peek an eye at her, and wink. "Taking care of a person whose sister is a wanted criminal, with the same potential in losing control? And to think I'm supposed to be the stupider twin, but I guess I'm just not that empathic…"
"We can't blame her for the sins of her kin, brother. Mother and brother taught us that much." She sighs, pensively. "I'm happy that you're worried about me, but I… I know for sure that she is not like that, and that one should not suffer for it. As devils, we should know… That much."
"Yeah, right you are, little sister." I reach a hand to pat her red locks in a gesture of affection, and she purrs to it, satisfied. That is not an answer from a preteen, let alone a pampered, privileged devil heiress like her, like at all. Even with like half a decade of prior and current experience I wouldn't be able to formulate that eloquent of a sentence, this young lass is just so… Overwhelming. Can't say that I'm not proud, though. "You're going to have a wonderful peerage, Rias, even with that pesky little Akeno. I'm almost jealous."
"You shouldn't, Riz. I can see that you're also gathering powerful pieces as well." Laughs the Gremory heiress I call my little sister, seeing my Hippolyta get more and more acquaintance to my mother and nephew, but growing a bit wary when father tried to get a bit too chummy, I see that she's still not all vulnerable. Am I? I guess you can say that. Not as broken as hers gonna be, but I hope a close second. I smile as well. "You're going to need it, since you tend to get yourself in trouble a lot and neither father nor mother is going to be there to save your tail!"
"Hohohoh~, since when did my little sister learnt to talk boldly like that. I hope you're not hanging out too much with the wrong people!" A friendly pinch on the cheek and a smile that grows and grows. "You're kind, Rias. And when you're truly kind, good things come naturally to you, don't ever forget that even if we're devils by the end of the day."
"Heheh!" And in return, a smile for my pampering. I should really stop with those as grows older or else she'll be too spoiled. "You're… You're kind too, Riz."
"…" And I can just feel my face contorting into different expressions and ways, almost painfully so, and I try to hide them from the rest of my family, scratching my eyes to clean and dry them up. Man, I'm still not used to them.
Praises, that is
Feels nice to be loved.
…
"Haaaaaah~. Finally. I can go anywhere I want, but there's no place like home." I moan once burying my face on my pillows on my soft, king-sized bed after a satisfactory supper and catching up with my family. All the other places I've been in were nice and all, yes even the Amazonian prison cell because there were cute girls there, but I'll always choose home, this home, as my priority. The scent, the warmth, the illumination, is everything so nice and just the way I like, nice and tidy. I should praise and reward miss Grayfia for taking so much care for it. So, so, nostalgic.
"As expected, your quarters are just as gaudy and vain as the rest of this abode, I conclude. At least, its more pristine than I've anticipated, I gasp." A voice comes from behind me to let her observations be known, and with a side glance from the shoulder, I see my [QUEEN] Hippolyta looking around my quarters, stare darting everywhere from the massive balcony leading to a great view of the outside; to my personal archive filled top to bottom with books, restricted and otherwise; my little study table with a flatscreen plasma tv on top of it, packed with DVDs and blue rays of the Satan Rangers and Akuman Rider, the perfect marble floor and finally my massive king-sized bed, decorated with red and white sheets where I lay. Our eyes meet, and she frowns. "Extravagance does hold some form of power, I admit. However, isn't this a bit… Unbecoming, I add?"
"Vanity is a vice that only people like me can enjoy, at least now. If I can show-off, why not?" I laugh, hugging my Satan Red plushie and trying to ease the pain in my head after another [MIGRAINE] frenzy. I like showing-off, it gives me a sense of security and reality, so of course I'd want to. Once the throbbing stops, I put myself sit to face my queen dearest. "You're the one who's too rigid for your own good. I appreciate that in a warrior, but we're literally in the second most secure place in the underworld. Loose it up a bit, it won't kill you."
"Hmph." She pouts, and while cute, I can't help but to feel snuffed at. "Smiles everywhere, bright lights like stars, gentle words and a warm abode. 'Tis does display a sense of security, I observe. Nonetheless, a lingering fear does not leave my senses, I state. Surrounded by people, embraced by love and warmth, the trepidations still do not leave my body. If I were to lower my guard now, a sharp blade shall strike my back, I dread."
"C'mon, this is my room. The worst that can happen is me assaulting you…" I joke, and from her frown I see that she does not appreciate a jest, but yeah, maybe that was too far. Still... "I'm hurt, by the way. Don't you feel safe with me, don't you trust me?"
"Does anyone, I inquire?"
"…"
"…?"
…
"Hah! Good answer, sick burn! Remember me of that the next time you ask to go loose on my watch!" I laugh to cover my hurt feelings by her sharp tongue, but recompose myself to sit properly on the soft bed and signing for her to sit beside me, an invite she declined and sat instead on the chair of my study table.
A moment, and then I lower my tone.
"But I guess you're right, you know? These people, these… Devils, are such nice individuals. They love and cherish each other and show so much warmth and affection to people like me and their own servants. I'm so useless, and weak, and disappointing compared to my siblings, yet… They love me regardless. It… Doesn't make sense, right? Hahah…"
"…?"
"It's infuriating, no?" I open a sardonic smile, my lips twitching and a blank stare back my queen, who raises a confused brow. "Everyone has demons within, and when you see families that functional, that loving… You just want to tear them apart. Find any dirt within their history, create scenarios inside your head, imagine what and how they truly are, demonize them as just a cover to hide their ugly truths. People like them shouldn't exist, right? People who are nice like that, people who are happy like that… They must be hiding something, anything, that will break their façade and show me that they're not as perfect as they appear, and that I have all the reasons, all the justifications, to hate them, to resent them, and watch my back against their smiles and warm arms. I do understand you, I truly, really, do."
"…"
"But then… After a while, I realized the ugly truth: I am the one who's evil, I'm the one who's ugly." An ugly chuckle, and my eyes turn to my feet, the bitter smile still on my face. "Those people are nice and good because they simply are. Sure, they have money, power and influence, but when you have all of that and still choose to be like them… Sometimes, people are just what they appear. Alas, I discovered instead that I'm just one of those."
"…"
"In turn, I was the ugly, petty, evil one; trying to find any vestige to feel validated, justified, just in doubting them, hating them, resent them; embrace the idea that people like them don't exist, and that they're just as putrid and ugly as everyone else… When in reality, I was the one who was the worst of them all, who couldn't stand others, and hated, resented them without a reason, besides pure spite and jealousy. Stuff like that, it can break you quite badly, y'know?" I smile at her and dry a tear escaping one of my eyes. A perplexed gaze, and her face softens to my words. Getting emotional in front of a girl, so uncool. "And it was then after that I decided to become a kinder person, a better person."
"Garith…"
"I want… To be a kind, better person. I want to be a person others can turn their back to and trust. If possible… I just want to lie once, about one thing only." I sigh, and then open a smile at her once again. "I know I'm just a petty, cowardly, capricious lad, but bear with me just a bit, okay? I will… I will become someone trustworthy, someday, and be the best me that I can be. It doesn't mean much, but I'll try."
"…"
"Heheh…"
"You ponder for naught, Garith." The Amazonian princess stands from her seat and comes closer, casting a shadow upon me, her emerald eyes staring deep into mine. "Even if you are my [KING], my acquaintance, my rival, lover or otherwise… I will never fully trust you; I conclude. The only things I truly trust… are my body, my weapons and my skills. This is the life of a warrior, the life of an Amazon."
"Well, then this heart-to-heart was for naught, then." I cough, a bit annoyed for that declaration. I open my heart, and she spits on me like that, but I guess that's expected, after all, we barely know each other, I'm just the invader who crashed in front of her, killed her and turned her into my servant, makes sense to distrust me. But anyway, I smile, and take advantage of her proximity to clash my forehead on her bosom. "Oh well; I trust you, even if not wholeheartedly, either. I feel safe with you and around you, and even if you were to stab me on the back… Nothing beats getting killed by a beauty either."
"On the other hand, lowering my guard with you shall bring no lasting damage, I suppose." She puffs a sigh, a hand to pat me on the head. A sign of affection, a way to resign herself to her fate? Doesn't matter, it still feels good. I got myself a pretty, strong Amazonian princess, I'm so lucky~! I snap from the daze when she picks me by the shoulders to push me away from her breasts. "But this level of skinship is unwarranted, at least for now, I warn. I did say I will never truly trust you, but it doesn't mean it is unyielding, I state. As of now, you are a fellow warrior and companion, but it depends on you if it we become closer or not, I say."
"…" A gasp, and then a smile, a slow, trembling one at that. I really, really am starting to like this Amazonian girl, and the sudden feeling of achievement of slowly chipping away that cold exterior of her is nice, almost nauseatingly so. "Aren't you… Lowering your guard a bit too much, princess?"
"With you, not at all. Not at all." She sighs, removing her hands from my shoulders and making such a blasé pose, I wondered what she meant by that. Oh well, I can always think about it sometime else, not now, we just need to enjoy each other for a while. Ah, am I getting vulnerable as well? So uncool, but with each other, I guess some skinship is not so bad. A moment, and then she pouts. "Aren't you going to lead me to my quarters, I ask? 'Tis the reason as to why I followed you here, after all."
"Oh… Right." Now the smile becomes forced and awkward. After that little heart-to-heart, I kinda forgot as to why she was following me here in the first place. A small pitstop at my room and then show her around then to the guest's room, although she will start living here since she's my Queen at all… I wonder if she's gonna be okay here, with that personality of hers, I hope she gets along with miss Grayfia. I stand up, dust myself a little and start to guide her. "Your room is not very far from mine, actually. Since you're my [QUEEN], you'll have your own room instead of sharing it with other servants, so I hope you can…"
I stop after I hear a dull sound coming from my window, a noise of something small hitting the glass leading to the balcony. One turn there, going to the balcony, and looking down, I see a certain mermaid person emerging from the fountain of the Gremory backyard, shaking the wetness off her emerald hair to look at us with clear eyes. I take a look around and, yes, there are some fallen pebbles near my window, the ones she probably threw for this call. What is this? A call for the romance?!
As if. I'm not that delusional, but it does stir some curiosity from lil'ol'me. Unfolding my wings and signing for Hippolyta to go on without me, I descend to the lower levels and land right next to the springs to face the mermaid devil.
"Why, hello there, Miss Lilitifa. How rare of you to see you around here." I joke, forcing myself to not add 'per legal reasons' by the end of that sentence. She timidly nods, and once close enough, I try to maintain composure here as we are under the artificial moonlight. "So, how were the business? Were you able to pawn some good money from all the gold we found? I'm sorry that Hippolyta took the shield, though."
"No, no. No worries. She was the one who defeated that robot horse, she had all the rights to pick all the treasure she wanted." The mermaid shakes her head negatively, being considerate, something I can appreciate. Honestly, besides the shield, the Akhileus Aspis, Hippolyta wanted nothing else from our little loot, saying that piece of rubbish was all she needed. I dunno what a shield that couldn't even protect a hero's single weakness can be used aside from decoration, but each on their own. "And about the money… We were able to exchange a great amount of credit with that treasury. It won't… It won't be able to help the Vepar house ascend back, but it'll ease the debt we've been accumulating. By a lot."
"Is that so? Good to hear." I smile, genuinely happy to hear that. I mean, all that golden and treasure, but still in the red? What kind of monetary burden that clan holds? Yikes, I'm glad that it isn't with us. But anyway, if it helped, if just by a little, I'm satisfied. A moment under the moonlight, and getting a bit tired, I sit on the border of the fountains. I know I'll be in trouble if anyone catches me near this heiress, but it'd be also rude to live her hanging like that. So far now, I stand my ground. "Glad to help, as always."
"…"
"…?"
"I'm sorry, lord Garith." She whispers, supporting her upper half on the border of the fountain as well, a sentence which I could only tilt my head in doubt. I mean, I've a vague idea what she means by that, but better shut up and don't jump to conclusions, I know that much how things like that will get me in trouble otherwise. A peek, and she continued. "I'm sorry… For what happened between us. I mean, it startled me, it really startled me, what you said back then, but I guess we were too harsh and unfair on you. We were just kids, after all."
"Hm. I mean, even as a kid, I should've known better." I shrug, crossing my arms after and turning to her to shine a smile. No joke, curiosity took the best out of me at that moment, a former human like me would want to satiate that pertinent question regarding mermaids, but now I know the restraining order is not worth it. I'm glad for that. "No need to apologize, miss Lilitifa, you're not at fault at all. Almost breaking my arms was a bit too much, though."
"Y-Yes, security is a bit too rigid, considering I'm the sole heiress of the Vepar." A comment to lighten the mood a little, made me chuckle a bit. "Still. I'm sorry and thank you for helping me back in Greece. I'm… I'm grateful."
"Come, miss Lilitifa. I'm a Gremory, and we always try to help those in need." A bold statement, but not untrue. Truth to be told, I'm revelling on this sense of accomplishment, even though it was my [QUEEN] who did all the hard work but hey, who's counting the points? "Weird hearing that from a devil, no? But no worries, if you need help any other time, anytime, you can count on me… And Hippolyta."
Mostly Hippolyta, but again, who's counting the points?
"Lord Garith, I… I want to repay you!" She states, practically jumping from the waters and startling me completely. So direct and blunt, is this really the usual timid miss Lilitifa? Also, that is a bold statement, one that could warrant me another restraining order! Once she realizes her outbursts, she shyly withdraws back to the cold waters and turn to me. "I mean… Uh… After what you did to me… After you two helped me… I feel like… Like I should repay you in some way."
"This again? Being insistent is not cute at all, miss Lilitifa." I joke, and she pouts, either water or tears running down her soft and cute face. I already stated that I want no payment for this whole ordeal, I was bored anyway, and from it, not only Hippolyta got herself a new toy, I got my newest [BISHOP], so I got more than I bargained. But I feel she'll insist in that until the end of times, so better find something for her to do before it gets tiring. "But if you want to do a favour for me that much… Then, here miss Lilitifa, let's hold hands."
"Huh…?" She blushes and takes a few seconds to realization to set, and she almost explode from the heat and redness. I lift a hand for her and let a chuckle out.
"Let's hold hands. I'm not allowed to touch you if the restraining order is up, and I already touched you before during that fight with the mechanical horse. So, allow me to touch you, if just a little. It'll ease my heart knowing you're not scared anymore." I speak. Simple, but it'll answer a lot from my side, and put her frustrations at ease. Holding hands, so cliché. "I'd be okay for you to refuse, but that's all I ask. I just want to be sure, that's all."
"H-Hm… R-Right, I... I shall… Touch you." She ever so timidly lifts a hand and mirrors my stance, a palm lifted with all fingers up. Closer and closer, our palms touch, and our fingers lock, not entirely because she's still a bit nervous. Oh, slippery, wet and cold, figures. Steam practically oozes from her ears, and she avoids eye contact to me. A laugh, and we decide to look at the skies, under the starless sky of the underworld, the moon glowing brighter than ever. "Your hand… Is so warm, lord Garith."
"And yours is cold and wet, miss Lilitifa. It's kinda gross." I jest at her, but instead of hearing my affection points on her status declining, the simply giggle from her is all that comes. Her grip becomes laxer, and we finally start to enjoy each other's company for what it is. "But there is something charm to it as well. Thank you, Miss Lilitifa."
"You… You can drop the formalities." She responds. "It's not like I'm worth of praise or honorifics…"
"Very well, but only if you drop yours." I put the condition in the air, and after a while, she pouts, bites her lips, and still bright as a lamp, she sighs and nods.
"R-Right. Then… Thank you… G-Garith."
"Anytime, Lilitifa." I respond with another smile, and together, we stare at the moon above. Ain't that another moment where the theme song would be playing if this was a film? I'm in a good mood now anyway. A smack of my lips, and I start to hum. "Hmmmm~. Can you celebrate? Can you kiss me tonight? We will love… Long, long time~…"
Miss Lilitifa… I mean, Lilitifa was startled a little by my sudden singing, but were soon to accompany me by humming the same tune as I continued to idly enjoy myself with its lyrics. Good humour is indeed infectious, ain't it?
Melancholic lyrics and melodies filled that night of full moon. Lilitifa with her sweet, soothing, beautiful voice and yours truly with lyrics and an unbroken tune; the duet echoed our hearts into the darkness of the night. Little by little, I could feel a strange surge of energy inside me. The soothing tune, the calm melodies, I feel so safe and relaxed by doing so, and I hoped she could feel the same.
In that small moment, we could forget for a moment our unfortunate predicaments and enjoy even for a few hours each other in that duet made in hell. Smiles and laughs didn't leave our lips for a moment, and there were no voices, nor useless or careless words anymore, nor scorn or despair, all we wanted was to enjoy the songs that fill the night with melodies and romance, but above all else... Love.
Yes, love. The love from a song by devils under the pale moonlight…
[400 AFFECTION POINTS (Lilitifa)]
Relationship with [LILITIFA VEPAR] went from [STRANGED] to [(POSSIBLE) LOVE INTEREST]
…
Quoi?
[ANTARES ACROSS THE NIGHT SKY ARC: FINISHED.]
[NEXT ARC: BLOODY DUEL, PRIMERA ESPADA AND BAILE ÁTHA FHIRDHIA]
ACHIEVEMENTS UNLOCKED:
-[COSMOS DENIAL]: Deliberately avoid messing with and reinstall proper canon.
-[DIAGON ALLY]: Recruit your first [BISHOP] piece.
-[THERE IS STILL A LONG WAY TO GO]: Complete your first [SIDEQUEST]
-[A RAIN OF LIGHT AND SHADOW]: Send an ally to fight for the first time.
[QUEST COMPLETED: Part of her world]
*OBJECTIVES: Miss Lilitifa, heiress of the extinct clan of Vepar, wants your help in her quest to revive her clan's dignity. Serve as her bodyguard in the human world and protect her fish ass from possible threats while exploring sites of interest. (CONCLUDED)
*REWARDS:
-Increase in XP;
- Affection Points UP(Lilitifa);
- Randomly generated armament.
[BOND LEVEL]
- Rias Gremory: MAX (Irreplaceable)
- Sirzechs Lucifer:MAX (Irreplaceable)
- Grayfia Lucifuge: MAX (Irreplaceable)
- Zeoticus Gremory: MAX (Irreplaceable)
- Venelana Gremory: MAX (Irreplaceable)
- Millicas Gremory: MAX (Irreplaceable)
- Ajuka Beelzebub: 50(Honorary Uncle)
- Okita Souji: 60(Sensei)
- Sairaorg Bael: 65(Cool cousin)
- Misla Bael: 30(Nice lady)
- Latia Astaroth: 55("Friend")
- Seekvaira Agares: 30(Fellow Dungam nut, currently strained after discovering her secret yaoi library)
- Sona Sitri: 6(Acquaintance)
- Akeno Himejima: -1,000,000(Everyday she wishes you were dead)
- Riser Phenex: 12(Loser, but respect for standing up for your sister.)
- Hippolyta: 40(Partner)
- Lilitifa Vepar: 150(Possible love interest)
The genius hero of the war horse, [ULYSSES], has joined the party!(-1 [BISHOP] EVIL PIECE)
[PARTY(EVIL PIECES)]
- King: Garith Gremory
- Queen: Hippolyta
- Bishop 1: Ulysses
- Bishop 2: [EMPTY SLOT]
- Knight 1: [EMPTY SLOT]
- Knight 2: [EMPTY SLOT]
-Rook 1: [EMPTY SLOT]
- Rook 2: [EMPTY SLOT]
- Pawn(x8): [EMPTY SLOT]
Garith Gremory stats
[NAME: Garith Gremory]
[LVL.: 83]
[RACE: Devil(High-class)]
[ALIGNMENT: Neutral Evil]
[TITLES: The Gamer(beginner); Heir of Gremory; Lucifer's little brother; Riz; Troublemaker; Queenslayer]
[CLASS: Saber-Caster-Brawler]
(SKILLS)
- POWER OF DESTRUCTION(ACTIVE): The power of destruction inherited from the Bael. The demonic power to annihilate anything it touches. (lvl. 58)
- RECOLLECTION OF MENTEPSYCHOSIS(ACTIVE): The ability to 'remember' skills and knowledge from the past life at the cost of seizures and bleeding from the nose. (lvl. MAX)
- VOID THE DEVOURER(ACTIVE): A little gift from the heart~. Don't wanna spoil the surprise.
- CHARISMA(PASSIVE): Skill inherited from the Good natured Gremory. The ability to charm and enchant peers more easily.(lvl. 96)
- GAMER'S MIND(PASSIVE): DATA LOST.
- DISCERN FOR RICHES(PASSIVE): A quest skill. The ability to discern the [TRUE VALUE] of any object or item and receive the information of anything in reach or sight, also know as [APPRAISAL]. (lvl. 83).
- MIGRAINE(PASSIVE): Brain damage. The ability to resist mental or psychic attacks(buff) at the cost of constant headaches(debuff), unabling the user to think too deeply or too much. (LVL. MAX)
- HEALING TO THE BELOVED(PASSIVE): Healing skill. Recovers health, diminishes/removes debuffs and boosts -RESOLVE- and -STR- when hugging characters with Bond Level 5 or higher. (lvl. MAX)
-FEATHERED FEET(ACTIVE): A dancing skill, graceful and quick maneuvers in the art of dancing. Might be also useful for combat. (Lvl. 99).
-FLUTTERING MELODIES(ACTIVE): A musical skill, your fingers practically dance across the chords of a violin or the keys of a piano. It might not work for fighting, but the ladies do like artsy men, no? (lvl. 32)
-INTERMEDIATE SWORDSMANSHIP(ACTIVE): the evolved skill from [BASIC SWORDSMANSHIP, a myriad of others can be acquired now! Once a certain level is reached, it'll evolve into [ADVANCED SWORDSMANSHIP] and enabling new skills to be learn. (Lvl. 99)
- BASIC MAGECRAFT(ACTIVE): The bare minimum knowledge of devil's form of thaumarturgy, based on imagination and rune manipulation that is not inherited by genes. Once a certain level is reached, it'll evolve into [INTERMEDIATE MAGECRAFT] and enabling new skills to be learn. (lvl. 27)
- BRAWLER(ACTIVE): Weaponless martial arts learnt on the fly. Similar to pankration, it embodies all forms of physical armless combat with explosive punches and rapid quicks. Unlocks [BRAWLER] class. (Lvl. 34)
- KENJUTSU(ACTIVE): A swordsmanship skill focused on katanas and the eastern ways of the sword, like that of a samurai.(lvl. 65)
- SANDANDZUKI(Active): The signature move of the infamous captain of Shinsengumi's first unit, also known as Hyakkidouri. A certain-kill strike, it aims and strikes the victim's neck and shoulders for massive damage. (lvl. 1). -THE PLAYER HAS NOT MET THE REQUIREMENTS TO USE THIS TECHNIQUE YET-
- PRIVILEGE OF THE STRONG(PASSIVE): Nothing is impossible within your mind. Stats in STR, DEF, DEX, END and LUK increases 15% when feeling confident and oozing arrogance. (lvl. 57)
- EDGED SPEECH(ACTIVE): A tongue that is as sharp as a sword. Use words and mockery on foes to put them off balance and make them lose focus. Might buff then with the skill [BERSERKER RAGE, however. (lvl. MAX)
- [PLAYBOY](ACTIVE): A sub-skill of [CHARISMA]. By using the natural charm of the Gremory males and smooth yet hollow words, it is not hard for ladies to fall for your enchants and be snagged for a dangerous romance. However, do not confuse 'lust' with 'love', for the latter is much harder to grasp. It works on males too, by the way, let's be fair. (lvl. 7)
- [VIOLATION OF REASON] (Passive): A passive skill which suppresses the feeling of fear or dread for the unknown or dangerous since, hey, you only live once, boosting courage and LUK but lowering stats on INT and WIS. (Lvl. 1)
(STATS)
-STR: 270
-DEF: 252
-DEX: 703
-SPD: 360
-END: 280
-INT: 160
-WIS: 250
-CHA: 1,008,088
-LUK: 777
[EQUIPMENTS]
- ICHIMONJI-R(EQUIPPED): A replica of the famous Ichimonji line of Katanas, said to contain divine properties. A normal katana forged specially for you under Zeoticus's demand to celebrate your noble debut, near-impossible to dent, rust or break, fit to withstand the supernatural strength of a devil
- KERAUNOS(EQUIPPED): A western-styled sword made from a metal only found in Themiskyra. White as snow, it is light as a feather and easy to handle as it does not produce any sounds, reserved for only the best of the amazonian warriors.
-EVIL PIECES(x14): A mystical item created by Ajuka Beelzebub in order to solve the Underworld's natality crisis. It reincarnates being of other races(sans deities) under the servitude of a [KING, a high-class devil.
- ROYAL RIBBON(EQUIPPED): A blue ribbon miss Grayfia gave you to wrap your hair in a braid not unlike hers. It has no special properties, but it looks cute on you.
- PHENEX TEARS(x1): A healing potion made by the Phenex clan of devils. They have nigh-instantaneous healing powers when applied to wounds. A present from father as a gift in your journey.
- GREMORY COOKIES(x10): Homemade snacks made by Venelana, with lots of love poured into them. Consume for a boast in resolve and strength by feeling a mother's love in it.
- GREMORY COMPENDIUM: A book containing notes and information about locations, runes and people of interest; used to research supernatural affairs and possible peerage candidates. [THE DATA REGARDING JAPAN HAS BEEN SCRIBBLED OVER, THEREFORE UNAVAILABLE FOR RESEACH]
(TECHNIQUES)
- [INFERNO STYLE] -
Also known as [FIVE SKILLS OF ANNIHILATION CONSTELLATION](Named after constellations), it is a set of 5 techniques developed by Garith that allows him to reshape the form of his [POWER OF DESTRUCTION] to assist him in specific situations, exchanging its raw powers for versatility.
*Aquila: The meteor shower of annihilation, Garith summons a sphere of power of destruction to powder in his palms and blow it against his foes in a volley of smaller, multiple balls of destruction, much more like a machine gun. It is capable of hitting multiple targets at the same time, but due to their size, they lack the power to cause anything but superficial damage, although a right hit on spots like the eyes or throat might be decisive.
*Orion: The malevolent Shooting star, is a single, smaller sphere of power of destruction which has the power and speed of a bullet coming from the tip of Garith's pointer and middle finger. it has great precision, speed and power much more like a bullet, but its coverage is the smallest among the Inferno style, making the easiest to miss, and the recoil from it makes it harder to shoot several Ultimas without losing precision, the power behind it can also break Garith's fingers.
*Crux: The mirror Void Galaxy, is the strongest among the Inferno style, a stream of concentrated power of the destruction coming from Garith's hand, enough to pass through any defence due to its massive imput of demonic energy and shape, forming a vortex that annihilates and drills anything in its path. However, it is the most tiring technique as well, easily telegraphic and with the shorter reach, barely 2m, forcing Garith to be close to his opponent for a sure-hit sure-kill.
-[FAIRY STANCES]-
The [FIVE STAR FORMS OF DEMONIC KENJUTSU](Named after stars) are a set of techniques developed by Garith which combines his [POWER OF DESTRUCTION] inherited ability and [KENJUTSU] stances as a catalyst to bring forth the full potential of both skills, creating five techniques revolving around them:
*Sirius: The Destruction Hunting Dog, Garith draws a line of Power of destruction with a finger and twirls it with his blade to create a small vortex of annihilation energy around the blade, which he can hurl at opponents and remotely control it to some extent, taking the shape of a snake-like stream of destruction.
And that's a wrap for now. Finishing the arc in a more positive note regaerding our red prince, and he had a lot to say in those, no? I'm happy for him to develop himself a little crush, which I hope I can come up with something better in the next chapters.
Hello, there. DxD fandom. Houki Minami back with a new cpu and in a writing mood to wrap up around the loose ends of this arc, have Garith to his dear family for some rest and close some bonds with the cute mermaid, also to not involve himself with the nekoshou because, let's be honest, after his mess with Akeno and Riser, he should stay away from canon as far as possible and have fun his own way.
I close this arc with a bit of a heart to heart, but don't worry, I'll try to slow down in the subsequent chapters, considering he won't directly go to certain locations, let him enjoy his little circle back in the underworld, but going back as planned as soon as possible too.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and wait for the next arc. Greetings from Houki Minami.
