DISCLAIMER: DxD does not belong to me~.
[PARTY MEMBERS BIO]
Garith Gremory(Riz-kun): The protagonist of the story. Doesn't look like, but treasures his friends, his family and works hard. (Lvl. 87)
Hippolyta (Polly-tan): Garith's [QUEEN], getting used to her life as a devil, never lets her guard down. (Lvl. 89)
Ulysseus(Yuri-kun): Garith's [BISHOP], Feels his fingertips for the first time in the healing tank, then proceeded to cry. (Lvl. 44)
"Hello everyone! Rias Gremory here!
At least, that's the name I go by for now…
… Anyway, welcome to Agundamres Channel, your most informative, most estimated, richest Dungam Channel in the Underworld! Today, I, the super-hot, super cute heiress of Gremory, am here as a guest in the channel to celebrate Seek-chan's 2M subscribers' milestone! Yaaaaaaaaay~! Congrats, Seek-chan! For reaching that many, let's do something super special and build the X-pecial Shinuira Akatsuki Dungam garage kit! Now, this kit was bought using the money we gathered through all the views we got, so as we assemble it, never forget that this was only possible due to all of you, and this Dungam is the result of all of your love! Indeed, memories like this are the happiest of life. Now, without further ado, let's build this bad boy!
… As you can, the pieces are already coated in golden dye, so no need for spraypaint this time! But don't forget the stickers for the details, and then we have another set and then the instructions...
… Make sure to count all the pieces right and there, because if so are missing, it might ruin the whole set and experience, not to mention to be careful with the pointy ends.
… Whoooooa~! We got a new subscriber! You know what that means: Woohoo~, Dungam war time~, Dungam war time~!
W-Wait, does slot ADC connects with spot GHA or like… You must mix AD to C for… Whaaaaaa~?
W-Wait a moment, viewers… The smell of dye and the instructions are… Kinda making me dizzy…
"… And voila! There it is! Shinuira Akatsuki is here with all its golden glory! It took us… An entire hour to build it all, but I think you folks will be able to reassemble in less than that with enough love! Well, I guess our timer is up for today! I want to thank my dearest friend Seek-chan for allowing me to participate in her channel and celebrate her 2M subscribers milestone! Yay~, congrats, bestie! Okay, dear viewers, until next time, and remember, memories from here are the happiest of our lives~!"
*BEEP!*
"… And off. Nice job, Riz-kun." And I let a tired sigh as I cough and massage my tired throat, the falsetto having its strains on my chords. Seekvaira Agares, Seek-chan, approaches me with her camera and gives me a thumbs up, replaying our little video on the sidescreen. I take a look from above her shoulders, and truly, aside from the small vestiges of my scar on the forehead, I am almost undistinguishable from my sister Rias with my hair down and with pads. I don't know if I should be proud or sad for it, but it is something I guess?
"You do know people will find out soon or later that is not Rias, right?" I state, removing the pads and the bra Seek-chan handed me to help in my disguise, plus picking a moist handkerchief to clean the foundation around my face. "She's so composed and classy when not with close ones, no way she would say all those embarrassing and nerdy stuff in front of a camera, let alone make her breasts go all over the place."
"You say that like people care about stuff like that." Still with her bespectacled eyes glued to the screen, Seek-chan sighs and sits down on a nearby couch. "As long as she's cute and has big breasts, people will enjoy the view of a girl doing nerdy stuff. Moreover, is not like Ria-tan has that much of an interesting personality. (for stuff like that)"
"Hey, hey, hey. We might be friends, but you shouldn't be talking stuff like that about my sister." I warn her with a finger, and with a crimson glare from the corner of her eyes, she shrugs and returns in editing her video. I sigh and take a seat next to her. I take a glance at the model I just made and smiled. "But hey, that's a nice kit you got, Seekvaira. It took some time to reassemble, sure, but hey, that would look so cool on a stand, specially on how it glitters with the golden dye. A nice model to celebrate 2M milestone, huh?"
"I suppose." A quick and dry response as the sound of clicks and beeps emanates from her camera. I just cross-dressed as my sister dearest for your amusement and that of many other weirdos on Devitube, you could at least strike a conversation, y'know~. I feel like crying. A moment, and the beeping stops, and she opens a ghost of a smile. "You know, you look very cute in a dress. I thought you wearing a Dungam getup would look too gaudy, but you end up looking stunning."
"But of course. Don't you know who you're talking to?" I smile proudly, doing a laugh and striking a pose, laughing. "Unlike that gorilla of a sister, I have grace and tempo, plus my figure is far more athletic. Honestly, I don't know why you didn't go for me first as the guest star in your channel!"
"On second thought, I should stop complimenting you if you're going to continue to be weird like that." Her smile drops and from me, back to her screen and editing window. Hey, she's the one who starts teasing me, I'm just responding in kind. She's the weirdo. "But you have my thanks in taking part of this little special. I got some good footages from it, and honestly, I doubt Ria-tan would be as much lively as you are. Also, it's fun."
"No problem, Seekvaira." I let a small laugh. "To be honest, I'm glad we can still talk like this from time to time. Everybody seems to be so busy nowadays with heir stuff, to fool around like this… Feels nice."
"Hm." She nods to my statement. It's not like I'm unaware of our position as scions of the remaining 72 Pillars, we have our own duties and chores to do if we were to inherit the names of our families. Still, we are barely into our teen years, no need to hurry in growing up, a bitter lesson I've learnt in my previous life. A moment, and turning to face her, I see a gaze from the corner of her eyes, to then turn to the camera. "Speaking of which, I heard you got yourself some [EVIL PIECES] for your peerage back in the Land of heroes. Hopefully, through savoury means. As the heir of the Gremory, you have a reputation to maintain."
"Why does everybody think I can't find a few new servants without resorting to underhanded means? I feel offended by this slander, you know!" I cross my arms and blow an indignant pout, Seek-chan turning to me with a silently amused look. "I have you know, I might be a troublemaker who likes to play pranks and frolic with cute girls, but in anything else, I'm 100% serious and within the law! All my pieces were gathered through valid, clean methods! I'm no pervert or creep to resort to low tactics for my accomplishments!"
And yes, I realize the tasteless irony of me saying that in a dress after spending like an hour or so impersonating my sister, shut up…
"Is that so? You Gremory lot sure does have this uncanny skill in finding some high-quality servants, then. I'm almost jealous." Her slightly playful tone indicates that she's not being 100% serious, but still, I guess that's only natural considering how magnetic we of the Gremory are. Although, for a future member of the Rookie Four, the Four Young Kings, she won't fall too much behind.
"You say that like we're the only clan which has formidable peerages. Brother Zechs might have the strongest famiglia among the devils, but don't sell others short. I know you'll also get a few special pieces, being the methodical and dead-serious heiress that you are." I smile, pointing a finger at her with a wink. "We, the Gremory, are only lucky and very sociable to find ourselves strong individuals and convince us to join us, so it just seems that we have some form of skill for that. Don't be jealous."
"Are you implying I'm not sociable?"
"Yes." Is it really 'implying' when it's as subtle as a bat to the face? Apparently for her, yes.
"Fair." She pouts, taking another glance of the footage of me making a fool out of myself with fake breasts and a dress. I let out a small laugh of relief for her lack of reaction, but then I retch when I feel a rabid, sudden hit to the side of my stomach, courtesy from Seek-chan's elbow. Holy shit, her frame is slender, but that one hurt! Her expression remains unchanged and focused on her screen. "I am aware that I'm not as approachable or warm as you Gremory but be more mindful in how to word it. You seem to choose only the ones which piss me off… Seriously."
"Says you." I stick my tongue out for her, and her narrowed frow indicates that she didn't appreciate that either. After a while, the hostility between us disappeared, and her pouty face turns away from me, clearly upset about my comments. I mean, she is cold, nigh unapproachable and her words sting worse than mine could ever do, but I'd be lying if I say I'm not used to it. I laugh, then extend my arms around her, a hug. "Aaaw~, did I upset little Seek-chwan~? You know that I didn't mean it, right? We're friends, friends play it like that~."
"Hush, you. Don't come closer, don't touch me, scoundrel. You think you can badmouth me just because we're acquainted, you're dead wrong." She tries to get away from me, distancing her face away from me so much it seemed she wanted to snap her head off. In the end, she ceased any resistance and let herself be hugged, a little blush on her face as she adjusts her thick glasses and I rest my chin on her shoulder. Her face is turned to her camera, but she has rosy, pink cheeks. "How I'm still your friend after all these years, I don't think even Sona-tan could answer. Be honoured for my patience, second son of Gremory."
"Same goes for you." I laugh once more, and after another low blow to the stomach, I gasp and laugh to hide the pain in my abdomen, still not letting go of our awkward hug. I guess friends have moments like that, I'm the one wearing the dress per her request, after all. Doesn't mean I'm not enjoying these moments we spend together. "I wuv yu, Seek-chan."
"I wuv yu too, Riz-kun." She responds, still not looking at me, but I can feel sincerity in her words. Yeah, we're more than the uptight heiress of the Agares and the troublemaker of the Gremory clan.
… We're friends.
"Lady Seekvaira, I'm here to inform that you have a lecture with milord Agares, and if you don't hurry, I'm afraid that you will… Oh, lord Garith." And then a new figure appears from the door leading to this room: this tall and dark pretty boy wearing a butler outfit and serious expression, only slightly taken back by seeing me next to Seek-chan, soon recomposing his composure, bowing politely to yours truly. "Glad to see you well, lord Garith. If I may, why are you wearing a dress?"
"Can't I?" I say with a nonchalant, deadpan tone. I see the butler guy's brow twitch ever so slightly, and within a second to recompose himself, he politely bows once more.
"I see. Well, I hope your current attires are of your utmost liking." He responds, clearly fed up with my response since he turned his attention to the heiress next to me, and I retract my arms away from her to have paying attention. Adjusting her glasses, Seek-chan nods. "Regardless, milady, your father, lord Agares, is waiting for you for your daily lectures. Please, do not make him wait."
"I see. Well then, Alivian, I thank you for the news, and you're dismissed." Seek-chan waves a hand for the butler lad, and with a smile and a bow, he dismisses himself from our quarters. Once we're alone again, Seek-chan adjusts her glasses and clothes and stands up from the sofa, while I can only crack my neck a few times.
"Is that the new Evil Piece you were talking about? The dragon guy who became your [QUEEN]? Neat." I let out a comment, whistling to myself, dusting my dress and standing next to her as the blonde gives me an aside glance. "Nice, nice indeed, having a dragon in your peerage. Even if I have princess and a Dungam pilot in mine, I think a dragon would be a nice addition."
"Hm." Another sideglance, and taking a moment to recompose herself, a see the ever so slight ghost of a smile spread on Seek-chan's lips, never a good sign. "If you're interested, I heard from an acquaintance that there were some dragons spotted in Spain. If you're lucky enough, maybe you can convince some to join your group. It's just a suggestion, though."
"Hm." I exclaim to that new piece of information, contemplating my options. Spain, huh? Well, I was already around Greece, and honestly, yours truly was ready for some cultural detour before going to the next stop the Land of Shadows, Dun Scaith, in Scotland. To know that they have dragons there too, I'm glad we were not all that hasty. "Spain… I was thinking in stopping there before going to Scotland, anyway. As long as they're not as stubborn as typical dragons, maybe I can pick myself a scaly one…"
[QUEST ACCEPTED: They might be dragons]
*OBJECTIVES: Your old acquaintance and tentative love interest Seekvaira Agares suggested a nice spot in Spain to find and recruit dragons, one of the most powerful creatures in the supernatural world. Go for the corrida and find yourself a nice giant lizard.
*FINISH MISSION:
-Increase in XP;
- New [EVIL PIECE];
- Randomly generated armament.
- Maybe a new girl to ogle for?
*FAIL MISSION:
- No new Evil Piece
- Possible death.
- Burnt to a crisp.
"Huh. Thanks for that, Seek-chan."
"Suit yourself. Who am I to refuse assistance to a friend? I would say to not try to get yourself killed, but knowing your misadventures, 'tis but an unsound request." The devil heiress shrugs to herself, and I can't help but to let a brow twitch. She's the one to talk, that silver tongue of hers, she can kill a vampire with that one. "I should be going now; father awaits me for my lectures and reunion. Unlike some people, I care for the longevity of my clan. It was a nice distraction, though."
"Hey, let me stick around, it has been a while since I saw uncle Agares." I stand and walk besides her, but then Seek-chan turns around to eye me with a nasty glare.
"Riz-kun, it would be unwise for you to meet father." A declaration that made me stop on my tracks, an awkward pout growing on my face. "I doubt he's in any hurry to see you again, specially after what you did a few months back."
"He's still angry about the wig thing, huh?"
"It's always about the wig, Riz-kun." She deadpans, and I sigh. I guess that was a line too far that I crossed regarding Lord Agares, so I can only hope that he can forgive me someday, I think I can wait a few centuries before that. Once that was done, she takes the lead to leave. "Now, away with you, my dear childhood friend. You already did what I wanted, so I need you no more, therefore, shoo, away from my sight. I have better things to do than to humour thee."
"Now, that's not the way to talk to me." I comment, and she scoffs without a second thought. Mercurial and stingy, that is my childhood friend Seekvaira, and that has only gotten worse as puberty hit, makes sense. I sigh. "Can I have the Gunpla for myself? I like that model."
"Sure, I was going to give it to you anyway." She waves a hand dismissively, but I shrug, actually very grateful, picking the golden mobile suit. "Now shoo."
"Fine." I pick my model and open the window to go away with the wind. But before that, I turn to the heiress and smile. "Thanks for the tips, Seek-chan. Do you want something from Spain from when I get back?"
"A model of Arcadia would be nice." She responds, and a silent groan escapes my lips. "I might be a Gunpla nut, but that's also a classic."
"Roger that. See ya." And with that last call, I jump from her balcony and decide to head home and get my things ready.
Evading the servants, the watchful look of the heads of this house and security, I was able to secure my Gunpla and escape back home, but not without picking a few apples to eat from their garden. I know I might incur the wrath of Lord Agares once again, but I just can't stop eating those. As always, visiting Seek-chan is so fun, besides…
[SEEKVAIRA AGARES]
[LVL. 91]
She's getting strong, so strong. I'm proud of her.
"Hey, I'm back." I announce back home, stepping inside my dearest abode to be greeted by lines and lines of maids and butlers. I greet them back with a bow, and took my way to the Gremory archives where I found the one I was expecting: lost in mountains of books, writing on a piece of parchment stood the Amazonian princess Hippolyta, my [QUEEN]. Her green orbs hiding behind glasses turn to me, and I lift a hand in a greeting. "Yo, I'm back. Seen that you have been putting your studies on schedule."
"Indeed, I have, Garith." A small yawn from hers truly, adjusting then dismissing her glasses to turn to me, removing some bangs off her face. "Truly cultured, the underworld is, I observe. I thought that you creatures of the night and sin were merely vessels for depravity and chaos, but 'tis but a rude oversimplification of a rich history, I conclude. Even compared to Themiskyra, there it seems to have no end for the knowledge of hell, even if you have been forsaken for the divine. Truly, an unforeseen, yet welcome, discovery, I say."
"Well, something we can agree on." I take a bite off one of my apples. "Knowledge is power, as they say, although I was never a fan of history. The truly good stuff is hidden in the restricted section where father studies, though. If you want, I can get a few books from it."
"Tempting, but rejected offer, I declare." She eyes me with a certain vex, and my wandering stare goes elsewhere, a bit embarrassed by her accusatory eyes. I mean, curiosity might kill the cat, but you learn just so much from Zeoticus's books, it's just too tempting! To ease the mood, I force open a smile and shrug.
"Suit yourself." Another bite, and then an idea flicked on this head of mine. She's distracted, but knowing her Amazonian nature, her instincts and reflexes are top notch. I will throw this apple at her, and if she catches it… "Hey, Hippolyta, you seem tired. Here, have an appl-…"
*STAB!*
"Eek!" But then as I threw the apple, a swift move from her wrist and the fruit gets stabbed by a pen and pinned to a nearby wall, missing me for a nail, before being split in half to fall onto the ground. Crestfallen, I face the delicious, wasted apple and pout. "Well, that was rude. You shouldn't waste food, my queen."
"Don't take me for a fool, I warn. I've made two fatal mistakes during our spar: One, I underestimated you in every regard and possibility and; two, I let my instincts guide me more than my eyes and brain. I shall not repeat them, ever again, I declare." But Hippolyta loses not a second thought, standing from her seat to come closer to me and poke me with a quill. "Thinking you can fool me more than once, not only irritates me, but your attempt at wedding is also infantile and cringeworthy. For your safety, do not try it once more, I suggest."
"You're so beautiful when you threaten me…" I sigh, a nervous smile spreading across my face as the suspended bridge effect takes its toll in my mind and heart. I'm not lying, but I once more try to disarm her by complimenting her looks. A second of silence, and she lowers her weapon, a small red tint on her cheeks and turning around to avoid facing me once more.
"State thy business, I inform. As you can see, I'm expanding my knowledge on devil's culture, and for maximum concentration, I pursue solitude." Still turned away from me, she picks the stuck pen on the wall to then sit back on her studying desk and resume her writing, from here I can see her eyes running across the pages like lightning.
"Can't a king simply visit his queen because he wants to see her cute face and sexy body? You underestimate how much of an eye candy you are." I smile and dodge a flying book on my direction, this one doing a dent a nearby pillar, killjoy as always, this temperamental Amazonian. Crisis subverted; I approach her with a more serious tone. "Jokes aside, my dear [QUEEN], I have discovered the location of our next quest: Spain, a country in southwestern Europe! I was planning in going there anyway after Greece and then maybe to Scotland, see some Bullfights e eat the local food, and now that I know there are some dragons there, it's a must-see place!"
"Spain, hm?" She blinks a few times, attracting a small interrogation from me. "I've known this name from the Themiskyra archives, but I am surprised the presence of dragons there, I observe."
"Eh? Really?"
"It took place a few centuries ago as said in our archives, some conquistadores found themselves into our beaches, and we requite their invasion in kind. Some were killed, other offered themselves as our mates, and history went on as it should, I recall. In fact, it wouldn't be wrong to say that some of their traits and culture merged with ours." She observes, now picking a laúd out of nowhere and playing some strings, staring back at me with the straightest expression. "Olé."
"Fascinating." Was my only response, Hippolyta putting down her materialized instrument and picking another book to read.
"As for your invitation, once again, the same response: Tempting, but rejected offer, I declare." That was her answer.
"Eh~? But why?" I asked with genuine confusion. She, an Amazonian, refusing to fight the strongest monsters there are in the whole world? Granted, I know she's not stupid nor overconfident enough for a suicidal assault, but not even a drop of interest? Killjoy. Instead of a response, she lifts both her hands to show me the bandages in them.
"I am not fully recovered from my spar against the Wooden Horse, as you can see. To encounter even greater foes in that state would be extremely foolish, I explain." She lowers her stance and returns to her books, adjusting the lenses of her glasses. "I might be a warrior, but a fool am I not, I conclude. I shall accompany you once fully in shape. Moreover, I shall seize the opportunity to get accustomed to the Underworld, this house and the Name that I now serve, I add. Master Grayfia and the other servants have been very helpful in that regard."
"See, didn't I say they were nice once you get to know them? I know it's hard at the beginning, but you get used to it and even start to enjoy it." I explain with a smile, and her puzzled frown indicates that what she heard might've been kinda weird since I was born into this house. Well, yes and no, when you think about it. Eeeeeh~, that aspect kinda stopped being important a few years ago, why should I bring it up so often? Maybe to keep myself sane in a way and enjoy this life to the fullest.
"Mayhap. I am cautious in my behaviour and surroundings, still." A side glance to me. "You might be my master and worth of my respect, but not my trust, not for now."
"Aw, c'mon~? Didn't I do enough~? I'm so harmless and cute and clumsy, there is no way for me to be a danger to anyone but myself, right~? Unless you push my buttons, then we have a problem, that is." A moment to flash her a small bit of my [KILLING INSTINCT] to see if it works, and back to my usual cheerful self. "But aside from that, I'm an as harmless and unthreatening as a flower~…"
"The maids told me what you did to them, I share."
"…"
"…"
…
"I do not condone nor condemn it, but do not try to deceive me again, I warn." A small tilt upwards to give herself a stingy posture while I keep a frozen pose of arms up in the air, sweating bullets for her accusatory tone and gaze. Those little… I thought we promised to not talk about to anyone because the repercussions of it would be catastrophic, for both sides. Fortunately, it seems that only Hippolyta is aware of it. But still, dick move. "We both know you are far from harmless, Garith. I shall not cross you, but be aware that I am attentive to your every move as well."
"Y-Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry, ma'am." And I deflate once out of the reach of her accusations. She really is hard to please and communicate, but then again, that's part of her charm I guess. Plus, she's a powerful piece and everyone seems to like her. A sigh and a shrug. "So, you're not going? That's a bummer, I would love to have a company that is not packed like a pet fish as of now, and even so, I doubt Yuri would be too reliable in a trip like that. Guess I'll be going solo on this one, o woe is me~."
"…" No reaction but a stare from the corner of her eyes, selling a neutral stance.
"Ah, just kidding, just kidding~. I don't mind going alone, so be at ease and heal your wounds as you should." I wave a hand to dismiss my fake woe, and with a huff, she turns back to her books. Cold, so cold, but I don't dislike it. "You want some souvenirs from that country, Hippolyta? Something to make you emote anything else than stoicism at least."
"No."
"…"
"…"
"I'll buy you an Arcadia model from Captain Harlock." I decide without a word of consent from her. I am in a good mood anyway, better please both her and Seek-chan, and its not like she'll refuse a present if just for face. All of my questions were answered, I had my fill of seeing pretty girls, I already have a place set to go, I have no other business here. I turn around and bid her one last goodbye. "Well then, see you around, Hippolyta. Don't go studying yourself to death now, there a lot of things more to do with us, the Gremory."
"Umuh." She nods, not even paying attention to me at all.
"Okay then, if you excuse m-…"
*BUMP!*
"Oof!"
"Nya!" And by turning around without looking, I bump into something, no, someone, as I exited the Gremory archives.
White hair, golden eyes and small stature, there she is, the nekoshou girl Koneko Toujou, or Shirone, my sister's dearest [ROOK] and the last among her race alongside her sister Kuroka. She turns to me, and seeing my figure, the little kitty girl lowers her eyes, reaching for a hand. The hand of someone I didn't notice beforehand: my sister Rias.
"Oh, hello Rias. Sorry for that, I was distracted." I smile and bow apologetically. She waves a hand indicating to pay no mind to it, and my gaze soon turns to the little one holding the brim of her skirt for dear life. I feign ignorance. "And that one must be the kitty girl brother Zechs saved from execution. How nice, planning on turning her in one of your pieces?"
"Yes, I am, brother. She is still a bit scared about living here, but I'm walking her around to get accustomed to it." Rias smiles brightly to me, lightly taping Koneko's back so that she could approach me. This is the youngest of the Nekomata sisters, the one left behind after her sister killed their master in order to protect her from the super devil project experiments, marking her to die if it wasn't for brother Sirzechs's intervention in taking her in. Now she's fated to be my sister's first [ROOK] and the cool tsundere for the protagonist Issei Hyoudou. I have… No strong feelings for her during my read, but up close like that, she is cute, as expected from the mascot. "Here, Koneko. That's my brother, Garith. He seems a bit rough, but he's very, very nice and kind. You'll definitely get along."
"Hello, Koneko. I'm your King's older brother. A pleasure." I smile as kind as I could, lifting a hand as she flinches for my sudden movements, only softening once she noticed I mean no harm for now and was just reaching for a handshake. She turns to Rias, and after a comforting nod, she returns to me and reaches her own palm.
"N-Nice… To meet y-…" But as she comes closer to touch palms, I reach for her wrist, grip it as tight as I could, even making her whimper, and pulled her closer so that our faces were practically touching, as I open a smile and narrow eyes, indicating I meant business.
"Now listen here and listen closely, Koneko. I know what your whore sister did, and while Rias and Zechs might've taken you in and accept you, don't think you'll get this privilege from me. Never forget that we've given you an opportunity to live, and we just as easily can rip that away from you if you ever walk out of line. Don't try to run away unless you want to live the rest of your life legless and armless like the maggot that you are, nor try that senjutsu garbage that made your sister a fugitive in the first place, because if you do and harm my sister in any shape or form, I will make you regret every single of your nine pathetic, worthless lives. And don't even think of relying on any other faction, Youkai or Shinto, because my brother can and will easily wipe the floor with their sorry arses, and their downfall will be all on you and you alone. Bottom line, walk out of line for even a second, and I'll make you regret ever encountering us, then sell your remains to lord Sun Wukong's restaurant. Understand?"
-LEVEL UP!-
The skill, [KILLING INTENT], has leveled up to lvl. 4!
+DEX
+INT
+LUK
"A-Ah… Ah…" And I saw her usually depressed expression shift to surprised, to horrified, to regretful and then finally to a crying mess, eyes and nose running as she tried her best to remain sane. It's not like I like doing that, but continue to smile and tighten the grip around her wrist to the point I thought I broke her bone, her yelp an indicating that I've grounded her back.
"Do. You. Understand?" I repeat, clearly my [KILLING INTENT] taking a few levels up and I expected her to foam from her mouth. In one last moment of sanity, she nods furiously to my final question.
"Y-Yes! Yes, yes, yes…! Yes…!"
"Good." And my innocent grin returns, letting go off her arm as she jets her way away from me, the farthest the better. She trips pathetically, she bemoans and crawls away from me, not caring of how pitiful she looks, the expected reaction.
"Brother, what have you done?! Koneko-chan, wai-…!" Rias exclaims in anger and surprise to Koneko's fleeing self, soon turning to run towards her fallen kitty cat, only to stop once I block her path with a hand on the wall, Koneko crawling herself out of sight still crying and blubbering. It's tragic but… Kinda funny? Rias turns to me, her blue eyes furious at her brother. "What… What did you do? What have you said? You just made her cry, what are you expecting from that, brother?"
"I was… Just making sure." I nod, dismissing my smile and turning to her, hands in pocket. Done, like I did with Akeno, this Koneko will fear messing with Senjutsu until the red dragon emperor appears to help in her baggage, then and only then I can make sure she won't try anything funny nor try to escape us. "As your big brother, I'm just making sure she doesn't end up like her sister and harm you in any way. If I can't assure that and she end up doing the same thing, I will never forgive myself."
"Even so…!"
"Rias, why do you pick such good-for-nothing Pieces, by the way?" My blunt question was enough to make her stop on her tracks and be taken back by it. It's not like I don't know what they'll become in the future, and honestly, I am expecting them to become the legends they are in the novels, but still, that's also a way to test her resolve. She pouts. "Not just that mongrel [QUEEN], but that scaredy cat girl who can't stand words… Compared to my strongest Amazonian and the descendant of the Homeric hero, brother's Strongest Queen, history's strongest swordsman and the Ragnarök-bringer just to name half of them, I don't understand how you have such faith in those… Unimpressive gits. I know for a fact you can get better people to serve you, why settle with them?"
"How dare you?" She hisses, and the avoid the weight in my heart, I turn my stare elsewhere. I seriously don't want my sister to hate me, not even by stare alone.
"It's not just curiosity. I'm also worried about your safety. If the [KING] is down, so is the rest of the peerage, yes, but if the peerage is not suited, then it's as good as having none at all." I state, coming closer and touching foreheads with her. She stops frowning when she blinks once, and when I less expected, I feel something hot running down my face. I'm crying. Huh, odd. "I don't want you getting hurt or worse, but I don't want you to hate me for looking out for you 24-7. I want to be able to lend you to capable hands, but seeing those… Useless servants, I just can't, y'know."
"Brother…" A single tear out of her pretty eyes, but it wasn't enough to shake off her will and determination. She shakes her head and cleans her face to get rid of any second thoughts, and eyes me with a frown and pout. "… I appreciate your concerns, but that's no way to talk to or about my servants! I know they don't look flashy nor impressive now compared to big Brother Sirzechs's or yours [EVIL PIECES], but I can feel the potential in them, I just can! Like hidden gems, they seem like any other pebble, but if you have patience and dedication, they will become precious!"
"Why bother when you can have the gems for the get-go? If that's not the case, you just have yourself a piece of rubbish and sore hands." I shrug, and her pout tightens. I'm testing you, dear sister, keep going! "While Sona Sitri and Seek-chan are recruiting strong and obviously powerful pieces, you keep scrapping the bottom of the barrel and choosing just those broken, hapless people who could've died if you didn't intervene. A [KING] should rely on their servants, not the other way around. Play house as you want, but be aware that those little dolls of yours will never amount to anything if they amount to anything now."
"How… How can you be so sure…?"
"Huhuh… Let's call it a hunc-…"
*BAM!*
"STOP JUDGING OTHERS'S WORTH BY YOUR DAMN INTUITIONS, BROTHER!"
The sheer volume and strength behind her voice was enough to shake the glasses of the manor and blow some pictures and furniture away. It was almost enough to blow my eardrums, but still, I remain still and smug in front of her as my little sister explodes in anger and indignation at me. That's it, that's what I wanted to see: determination, love and care for people around her. I know for a fact her pieces will become strong devils in the future, either by her guidance or the protagonist powers of the red dragon emperor, but I must make sure that even with me around, the sequel of events remain the same, with the same Rias in the novels despite me being present. I might've overdone things, but I'm glad that everything is going smoothly.
Once she calms down and notices what she just did, my little sister holds her breath and blocks her own mouth with her hands, clearly shock for her outburst. I could only smile.
"I… I mean… Uh, brother, I'm so sorry…"
"Rias…" But I respond by reaching for behind her head and pulling her closer so that we touch foreheads once again. She blinks in confusion, but all I can do is smile contently at her. Ah, little sister, I just love you so much. "… That's what I wanted to see: even in the face of adversity, you keep your ground and stays strong, even against your big brother. Keep that energy and rage inside your heart, boil it down and there's nothing you can't accomplish, even against such odds. If someone says they don't believe in you, just do as you did: prove them wrong, and show them who's the cute little heiress of Gremory."
"Garith…"
"At least, you have better chances with them than with this useless brother, who couldn't even break you out of that engagement." I chuckle. Yes, it is her peerage, specifically a certain red dragon emperor, who'll save her from that unfortunate predicament, and not her stupid, weak older brother… It's not like I lost it on purpose to inflate the ego of that yakitori heir of the Phenex and prevent him from getting any stronger from that point on and making my sister have a shot against him, nope, not at all, why do you ask? I smile and laugh. "Keep fighting, Rias, and never forget that your brother loves you and just wants the best for you. If that's the path you want, then I'll accept it wholeheartedly."
"Brother… I love you too." She reciprocates my affection and smiles, my feelings for her sinking in through contact as we share a laugh with one another. Another moment, but then she pushes me away, a stern expression on her face. "But what you did to Koneko was still wrong. Make sure to apologize to her when you see her again, and no more fights, understood? Otherwise, I'll be really, really angry at you!"
"Okay, okay, fine. I'll apologize to that little kitty cat girl… Someday. I'm pretty forgetful, you see." I make a hollow promise to my sister and my final words make her frown, exhaling a rather dangerous aura that makes me coldly sweat. Like miss Grayfia and Mother, she can be intimidating when she wants. We stand to each other's company, and then she sighs. "Well, I can worry about that another time. For now, unlike you, I'm gonna find myself already polished gems in Spain."
"You're leaving already?" My sister asks sadly, her face now changing into something demurer. I'm just on a roll in making my little sister have all kinds of negative emotions, ain't I? I reassure her worries with a pat on the head. "You have been here for less than a week, brother. Stay for a bit longer, please."
"I wish to, but I got a new piece of information from Seek-chan, and I can't wait to get myself a new [PIECE] for my peerage. I'm not as luck as you to wait for them to land on my lap." I joke as she pouts, but I also want to not be here when she discovers my little crossplaying with Seek-chan, imagine the tantrum she'll throw at me, and I won't have anyone to blame but myself. "I should be going now, to prepare my stuff to resume my journey. Don't worry, little sister, I will return as soon as possible with a servant you'll be envious of!"
"Uh, right then… But just you wait, I'll also get myself a servant soon that will make you jealous too!" She jokes, and despite her innocent words… Eh, I doubt that. Who's left? The swordsman pretty boy, the crossdressing vampire NEET, the perverted red dragon emperor, the dumb holy blond maiden, the dumb muscle clergywoman, and the drunkard Christmas cake Valkyrie. Heh, no, none of them are appealing to me in the slightest, but it's cute and makes me proud that she has so much confidence. "Take care, brother. I love you."
"Love you too, little sister." I touch foreheads with her one last time and bid my goodbyes, hoping for the best and ready to restart my quest!
Next stop: Spain, here I go!
…
Spain, here I am.
And…
Uh…
Hm…
Ah…
Gh…
…
…
*Tururururu~…* *CLICK!*
'Who is it?'
"Hey, Seek-chan. It's me, Garith."
'Hello, Riz-kun.'
"Yeah, hi. Uh, listen, you said to me that I can find myself some dragons here in Spain… There are no dragons here in Spain, there's only… Windmills."
'Really? Huh. Maybe the sage Friston turned them into windmills. He did it once with giants, he could be doing it again with dragons.'
"…"
'Ye done, dear? Then I will hang up, I have another lecture with father and he won't want to hear your voice. Bye, and send my regards to the hidalgo Alonso.'
*CLICK!*
"…"
*TING!*
[QUEST FAILED: They might be dragons]
*OBJECTIVES: Your old acquaintance and tentative love interest Seekvaira Agares suggested a nice spot in Spain to find and recruit dragons, one of the most powerful creatures in the supernatural world. Go for the corrida and find yourself a nice giant lizard(failed)
*REWARDS:
- Absolutely nothing.
- You got bamboozled hard.
- Fell like a fish.
- Stupid.
- Idiot.
- Retard.
- Scatterbrain.
- Loser.
- Loser.
- Loser. Loser. Loser.
Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser LoserLoser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser Loser…
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH…!"
*DON!*
"Bgwah…!"
*BAM!*
…
…
"God bless me! Sire, you do not mind what you were about, for they were only windmills? And no one could have made any mistake about it but one who had something of the same kind in his head!"
"Hush! The fortunes of war more than any other are liable to frequent fluctuations; and moreover I think, and it is the truth, that that same sage Friston who carried off my study and books, has turned these dragons into mills in order to rob me of the glory of vanquishing them, such is the enmity he bears me; but in the end his wicked arts will avail but little against my good sword!"
"Be that as God will, I believe it all as you says it; but straighten yourself a little, for you seem all on one side, may be from the shaking of the fall."
…
"Ah!" And then… I snap back. I am no longer a knight of the chivalry era, but the simple heir of Gremory, laying on the soft grass and feeling the cold Spanish breeze, a feminine silhouette shielding me from the sun above us. Something hot runs down my face, and with a lick, I taste blood.
What happened… Ah, right, I ran towards the windmills in an insane rage and hit my head in one of its blades. Fortunately, I didn't reincarnate somewhere else. A hand on the wound to stop the bleeding and putting myself sat on the ground, seeing now that I'm in a barren land surrounded by thirty or forty windmills. The Spanish fields… Devoid of any real dragons, or giants, only windmills…
But I'm not alone, oh no. Right next to me, observing my wounds and offering me a handkerchief stands this… Centaur lady, meaning she has the lower half of a horse while the upper half is that of a handsome young woman of long brown hair pulled in a tail and sharp hazel eyes, the only equine things on her being her ears sprouting from the top of her head instead of sideways, wearing a white shirt and black blazer, she even has a pompous cravat tied to her collar. I shake my head and scratch my eyes a bit, but there's no mistake, she is indeed a centaur girl.
"That was quite a hit there, sire. I'm surprised you wasn't sent flying across the fields after facing those tricky windmills." She laughs as she hands me the handkerchief and I politely take the offer, using to clean the blood running from my forehead, hoping that no one scar accompanies the one that brought me to this world in the first place. "If I may, any reason as to why you tried to face those… Dragons, as you said? Even if they are in fact windmills…"
"Ah… It's… A long story, heheh…" I laugh in misery, lowering my head in shame for letting my insanity get the best out of me and making me get hurt for no reason at all. Such awful display, but she seems to take it in strides and find some enjoyment out of it. "I was tricked by a friend to come to this country looking for dragons, and in a reaction to the betrayal, I lunged myself to the illusions of grandeur, only to come harmed and crestfallen… Woe is me, for the betrayal and shame has tainted my self-Image…"
"Aw, such disconsolate predicament, I feel for thee, sire." She says in a consoling voice, and her sympathy makes me feel a bit better, but no less hurt. "You said you came here for the first time, no? While it might not the same as searching for dragons, would you like me to guide you to another event of interest in the proximities? Once in Spain, you should see a bullfight corrida and maybe it'll lighten yer mood."
"Hm… Yeah, that might work." I said, sighing and standing up to face the centaur girl who's slightly taller than me, who turned out to be quite nice and pleasant despite her handsome features. Handing her cloth back, I politely bow. "I mean, if it isn't a hassle for you…"
"Not at all, not at all. I was going to the corridas anyway to test my abilities against the minotaurs displayed." She smiles, lifting both her arms to do some shadowboxing, only now noticing that she was wearing combat gauntlets and moving in high and powerful speed. Also, did she say 'minotaurs'? She might've noticed my confusion as she turns to me. "I sense from within a presence that is not quite human, therefore I have no reason to conceal my true nature as well. As for the minotaurs, the supernatural corridas have them instead of actual bulls. The meat they provide is also quite a delicacy and serve as prizes. Still interested, sire?"
"Yes, I think I am." I nod.
"So you're allowed to ride me. Hop on, sire. To the corridas, we go." She cheerfully commanded, and with one final nod, I walked around her and sat right on the back of her lower horse half, which was surprisingly comfortable and warm. Turning around to see if I was rightly set, set, she nods and starts galloping across the windmill fields, the trout of her hooves being quite relaxing. "If I may, what is your name? I don't want to be rude and address you improperly."
"It's Garith. Garith Gremory." I respond.
"I see. Nice to meet you, sire Gremory. My name is Rosinante." She smiles, resuming her gallop. "Now, off we go."
"Yeah. Thanks, miss Rosinante." And with that, off we went away from the fields of windmills into an unknown location, where the corrida bullfights awaits, making this trip not a complete waste of time after all…
… I'm still gonna slap Seek-chan's tits once I get back.
ACHIEVEMENTS UNLOCKED:
-[WE WILL GET'EM NEXT TIME]: Fail a mission for the first time… Loser.
And that's that. A foiled mission given by a friend and a small banter with Rias, but Garith's little lone trip may not end up in a sour note… Mostly.
Hello DxD fandom, how are you? After a small hiatus from this site after dealing with some RL issues, here I am again with Garith's little adventures in the supernatural world. I was planning this arc for quite a while, and honestly, despite its size, this is just the prologue of a longer and hopefully fun arc. Nothing too serious, just a small trip to the romantic land and meeting some good faces. And maybe, during a chaotic corrida, our protag can meet a certain face who also enjoys minotaur meat… Heh.
I had fun writing this chapter so hopefully you also had fun reading it, and don't worry, garith will stop being a jackass to his sister and her peerage… But what can you do? Brotherly instinct kicks ever so slightly! Hopefully, I can stop now.
Thanks for your interest in this story and have a nice day. Greetings~.
Garith's stats are going to be updated by the end of the arc.
