The boy's siblings talked with each other. Only half-human, saying things that had no business being said in a normal household.
"But what about our money?! I don't want to live on the streets *****!" The girl said. Younger than the boy, but older than their other brother.
"That's not the problem right now. Think, even if we lost everything right now if we sell…"
"Don't you dare. I'm not selling my stuff for money. We're better than this, there ought to be something to cushion us!"
"There's no money if you don't save up." The brother shook his head, tone even but expression twisted into a glare "We'll do what we need to, nothing more. You should think about what you don't need. But that's not…"
A slap, the younger brother grunted as the older girl looked furious. He didn't flinch, however.
"...Not the problem right now." The younger brother balled his fists and tried to get his breathing in order "Right now, we need him to step forward and speak up. But he won't. He got tricked and at this point there's no point in trying to defend the old man."
"But ****** is…!"
"A victim of assault right now. Nothing else matters, that's the trick." The younger brother crossed his arms "It's all they'll need. I hope you weren't as bitchy as right now with him, because that'll only make things worse."
"Like you're one to speak, bastard." The sister pointed a long-nailed finger at him "You might think you're being clever, but I can see you shifting the blame to me."
"I know what I am, what I do." The younger brother didn't sound offended "At most, people will say we're siblings that don't get along. That's normal, usual even. You don't have to worry on that front."
"You're everything wrong with this family." The older sister crossed her arms with a huff.
The younger brother smirked.
The boy balled his fists, shaking. Still hiding below the counter as the two little monsters traded insults and put aside the boy's well being entirely.
Diodora didn't bother making up a story or preparing for any kind of argument. It'd be pointless, given how he lashed out at Sona the last time they were together. No. It'd just make things worse, because he doubted someone like her would allow for even a fraction of mischief to escape her under the current circumstances. So all he could do was protect himself with the truth.
"...And thus we're here." Diodora explained, both Sona's and Rias' peerage surrounded him. While both Stain and Genshirou remained by his side.
Miyuzuin chose to stand between Yuuto and one of Sona's Knights. Arms crossed and strongly ignoring the side glances she got from time to time. Annoyed, perhaps, but she adamantly refused to stay close to Stain. So much so that she preferred to cause herself discomfort like this.
Diodora didn't fault her. No one present wanted anything to do with Stain, not even Genshirou. And they all warily held their guards as the exorcist-shaped slime stoically stayed put while Diodora talked. Its insight was completely wasted, as no one would believe anything that came from its mouth.
No matter, Diodora would fill in the blanks with whatever it had to say. Later.
"I can back up all he said." Miyuzuin had one arm unentangled and lifted it a fraction.
"Are you sure?" The smallest of Sona's Knights asked, looking serious but a bit out of her depth.
"Absolutely everything?" Sona sounded annoyed, but couldn't disregard Miyuzuin's words just like that. Maybe because of how evident their incomplete alliance was. Or maybe because Sona's own piece showed willingness to do the same. Diodora couldn't tell.
Miyuzuin nodded, pointing with her chin at Genshirou as she crossed her arms again.
"I thought his reaction was weird, but I felt that exorcist's Balance Breaker up close. I have no doubt his Sacred Gear is the reason why he's called the 'Witch Hunter'." Miyuzuin checked for everyone's reactions, making sure the attention remained on her "All of my powers got sealed. It's really annoying."
Yeah. Diodora nodded at that. It didn't take a genius to know what something called Abhor the Witch did. But it was nice that Miyuzuin knew enough to use it as an excuse for Genshirou's strange mood. It made things easier on Diodora's part, as long as the blond himself took the hint and stayed quiet.
"A power-nullifying Sacred Gear?" Rias sounded worried, eyeing her peerage while getting a hand on her chin "That's an incredibly dangerous power. I can't believe someone like that has arrived in our town."
"Exorcists' goals are always so nebulous." Sona seemed to be trying to comfort Rias, although she didn't look 100% sure of what she was saying "It doesn't mean I'm okay with Diodora calling back his Oblex like that, but I suppose given the circumstances there was no other choice."
Diodora nodded. He half-expected Sona to ignore the testimony in favor of pursuing further punishment for him, but he felt relief that such wasn't the case.
He already knew his thoughts about the Sitri heiress had never been fair, but it dawned on him that maybe he had been way too harsh on her as a person. More than he was willing to admit.
"With that said, what are we going to do with you?" She didn't glare at him, but her sharp tone still gave him no impression that she'd just let him off the hook "That creature did devour all of those exorcists, and as I understand you simply encouraged it to do so. Will this repeat every time you find something an inconvenience?"
Diodora's impression of Sona got washed off with a frown on his part.
"I'm sorry, Diodora. It might sound unwarranted, given that you put yourself at risk to defend our town," Rias didn't let him explain himself, and something in her tone made him realize she wouldn't be defending him this time around "but Sona is right. I can't, in good conscience, let your Pawn just devour foes that you find too problematic to deal with… Let alone roam around freely and without supervision."
This… He did not expect. Then again, Rias had always been the 'motherly' kind of girl. Always looking out for her peerage, always worrying about others and trying to be kind and helpful.
Yes. If he didn't expect it, he simply had lacked enough insight on Rias as a person. Just like how he allowed himself to think ill of Sona, he had deluded himself into thinking Rias would be needlessly understanding… No. Soft-hearted enough to be easily fooled.
"I understand." Diodora didn't elaborate, and chose to look at the floor. Making himself look as passive as physically possible, without an open admission of guilt.
He waited.
"Making him have the Oblex with him at all times isn't enough either." Sona took the opportunity to push the subject "We can't just leave matters in his own hands, not when who-knows-who could randomly show up and push his hand easily."
Was that an off-handed joke about being trigger happy? Or perhaps about being weak? Maybe Diodora was being too sensitive, but something in Sona's voice didn't rub him the right way.
"The creature can't be contained." Miyuzuin added. It didn't surprise Diodora either, but he still felt resent for that.
"And can't be told apart from the real thing." Sona stated, and her peerage looked increasingly spooked as they checked Stain out.
Koneko even went as far as smelling the air, and the way her white hair almost seemed to stand as if electrified made Diodora nervous. If this girl popped out her senjutsu and checked Stain… What would be worse? Her being able to detect it that way, or not being able to?
"Koneko?" Rias turned to the little girl, worried.
The Rook didn't respond immediately. Eyes still glued on the exorcist-shaped slime.
"Koneko?" Yuuto repeated the name, getting Akeno's attention and Sona's peerage mimicked his worried expression.
"I…"
"See?" Sona cut the snowballing effect of the girl's anxiety "My point stands. We ought to cut this from the source…"
Stain reacted, its body seemingly oozing. Losing consistency.
"Stain." Diodora warned the creature, voice stern and hiding his own anxiety as the person closest to it.
Stain retained its shape and number. Though Diodora didn't know if it'd follow its instincts if push came to shove.
He didn't know. And it was the reason he'd gladly give it up… If Sona and co could guarantee that they'd kill all of its bodies, preventing its survival.
On the other hand, the same question prevented him from calling back all of Stain into one place. If the creature followed its instincts, it'd defend itself. It'd split up and hunt those that hurt it. It was intelligent and resourceful enough.
A disaster waiting to happen.
"As you can see, my control over Stain is good enough." Diodora made a point of placing a hand on the creature's shoulder. Willingly making contact to prove a point "I understand your concerns, but if you want to slay my Pawn, it'd be…"
He couldn't even find the right word for it.
"...Inconvenient."
Miyuzuin scoffed but gave Diodora a small nod. He didn't understand what that meant, but he closed his eyes. All he could hope was that she wouldn't push the issue much further. But he didn't think she'd go against her own instincts, not when they had served her so well this far.
"Why not survey them?" Akeno took the growing silence as her turn to talk "If Diodora-sama keeps the creature by his side, we can make sure it behaves properly."
"And that solves things how?" Sona gave the Queen her attention. Not wholly convinced, but far from sounding condescending.
"Diodora-sama has showed willingness to cooperate thus far, and I want to believe that he understands our concerns regarding his Stain." Akeno eyed him with a strange glint. It looked like she still didn't trust him, but spoke in such a way that her attitude was hard to read "We can all take turns, while we find a definite solution about…"
"Finding a way to trust the creature." Rias finished, closing her eyes in deep thought.
"Exactly."
Sona frowned again, and for once Diodora wholly felt the same as her.
"Even outside of Kuoh?" He couldn't help asking. How would he leave, then? How would he…?
Wait.
"Of course." Akeno smiled awkwardly "The matter is that we want to make sure the creature stays put, right?"
The others nodded, although they didn't look so sure about it.
Most wanted to kill it, probably.
"In that case, we need to make sure it doesn't do anything out of our sight. Ever." Akeno finished "I'm sorry it's such an inconvenience, but there's really not much choice aside from putting it down."
"Which is preferred." Sona added "Even you ought to understand the dangers of your Pawn, no matter what Abe says."
Diodora sighed.
"I wholly understand the dangers Stain represents. If I could guarantee that I'd always have it under control, I would." Diodora looked at the creature, which stared back at him "But I can't. I met it when it was in good terms with the amazons, the warrior-women used it in ritualistic burials. But that's that and this is this. It'd be irresponsible of me to turn away from reality. So, if you decide that this is the way then I can't help but oblige."
"Really now?" Sona sounded marginally surprised.
"I have no ill will toward you." Diodora placed a hand on his chest "I am not that kind of person."
The two heiresses exchanged looks.
"We'll discuss this matter, then." Sona closed her eyes, caressing them below the glasses.
"Thank you for your cooperation." Rias smiled at him, but it looked very strained.
"If you find it easier on you lot, may I suggest someone coming with me starting now?" Diodora smiled wryly "I can think of no better way to make my intentions clear."
"Right now?" Rias parroted "It's a bit soon. If you stayed here for a bit…"
"I have no problem with it." Yuuto lifted his hand.
"Really?" The redhead searched the blond's eyes.
He smiled charmingly at her.
"Rest assured, there's no problem."
"Well, if Yuuto is offering…"
"Happy to have you on board." Diodora offered the Knight a hand. The young man took it.
"Please take care of me."
"Very well." Sona looked back at her peerage before speaking out for everyone present "Given the circumstances, for now this will have to do. We'll find a better way of dealing with your slime, Diodora. Don't get the wrong impression. But with that said, I thank you for your aid in protecting the town. I know you weren't obliged to."
Diodora lowered his head. No point in dragging this any further.
"Yes. Thank you, Diodora." Rias mimicked him and lowered her head for a moment "I know your Bishop was in danger, but I'll still hold your consideration in my heart."
While still having his face hidden, Diodora let a small twisted smirk out.
Then, he fueled his mental spell and showed everyone an even expression.
"Yuni." He had wanted to get her to follow too, but with his mind clearer he realized that'd only raise suspicion. So he better show everyone that he meant trickery with this "What are you going to do?"
"I'd like to get a place here." The girl answered immediately, almost by reflex "I don't think staying at your place is possible as things stand."
"Then please come with me, I'll see to it." Rias offered easily enough. Which had Miyuzuin nod at her.
She returned her gaze toward Diodora.
"See you tomorrow, I guess." She then looked at Genshirou, her expression hardening "And you, get some rest. I already told you it's important."
"I… Yes, Yuzu-san." Genshirou smiled weakly "Thanks for everything."
"Hmp."
With all of that said, Diodora turned toward the blonds. Both Genshirou and Yuuto understood he wanted to say something, so they stayed put until Diodora spoke.
"I'd like to get back to the apartment. There's things that need to be done since the last one got wrecked."
"Yes, I'll help you however I can." Yuuto smiled.
"I…"
"Get some rest, Genshirou." Diodora gave him a look.
"...Yes, Diodora-san."
"Listen, son." Diodora remembered his father saying, back in his original world "The world belongs to those who dare. You're still young, so make sure to learn how to do everything confidently. Take risks, train your gut feeling. Now's your time."
"You almost sound convincing." The boy that'd become Diodora replied flatly. This old man only taught him anything explicitly after being caught doing something wrong. Now was the time to get as many answers as possible, because in any other situation the man would viciously force the boy to figure out where he went wrong by himself "Is that something someone who just lost so much money should say?"
The man smiled.
"Ah, but you don't get it. I knew this would happen, it was a calculated risk. Still, my sponsors like gambling. So to stay in their good grace I have to make some sacrifices."
That excuse disgusted him to the core.
"So you make up an excuse about boldness?" The boy didn't hide his feelings, he knew the old man wouldn't retaliate.
"Ah, but you don't understand. I do this knowingly. I choose my battles, pick carefully my moves." The man showed him a shit-eating grin "Taking risks doesn't mean blindly jumping off a bridge hoping there's something to cushion your fall. It means making the most of the information you have, and hoping whatever blanks you have you've filled them in correctly."
The man placed a heavy hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Your brother doesn't understand this." The old man showed a face of disgust. Any agency that had any legitimacy at all would've taken custody of the children the moment they saw such an ugly expression while referring to a child "But you don't blindly charge into trouble. Stay alert, gather your knowledge. Learn to fill in the blanks."
The man released the boy and fell comfortably on his TV chair.
"You're young. Consequences are but an illusion at your age. Mess up as much as you can, but diligently understand what went wrong. Which bad decisions cause which bad outcomes and why. What works with whom, what's the logic behind success and failure." The man no longer looked at the boy. And the kid knew no more answers would be gathered this time around "When the time comes… Take risks with confidence. But understand that decisions are risky only as long as you don't know enough about the context… As long as you don't know how many moving parts you can actually influence."
"Good morning there." Diodora greeted the little girl at his doorstep. Ignoring her glances behind him "Would you like to come in? Maybe grab some food?"
"Okay." Koneko walked in without waiting for Diodora. She studied Stain for a moment before dropping at the couch in the living room.
The new apartment didn't look that different from the previous one, so Diodora didn't have trouble getting used to it. He still sometimes thought he saw Olivia in the corners of his vision, but he largely felt comfortable in this new place.
"Well then, Diodora-sama." Akeno got out of one of the rooms. She had stayed the night after Yuuto, taking some stuff with her and largely just being around "I'll see you later?"
"Yes, of course. Thank you for your company." Diodora tried not to pay too much attention to her as he moved things in the kitchen. Her presence was… A bit off-putting, but he kept his eyes and hands away from temptation "Coffee?"
"No, no. Thank you very much." Akeno smiled pleasantly enough "Bye, Koneko-chan."
The little girl nodded, and Diodora heard the Queen close the door behind herself.
Diodora's hands trembled slightly.
The thing with the Star Seeker got him thinking. Even if everything went well from now on, nothing would change as long as he stayed on the defensive. Something would always come his way, ready to put his plans in disarray. How then, would he be able to put things in order? How would he get the upper hand when he'd be overpowered every single time?
Not just by the stupidly powerful Star Children, either. What about the children of the four Demon Lords? The fallen angels and the Longinus hosts? What about Rizevim Livan Lucifer? If Diodora played fair, he'd never get anywhere. Not even with the amount of time he still had.
No. He needed to cheat. And to do that, he'd have to make another mistake. Just like he did with recruiting Stain. He had to do something horrible if he wanted to have any chances of getting out of all of this in one piece.
"Here it is." Diodora offered the little girl some sweets. He gave her some space, and went to his room to retrieve a certain something from its hiding spot.
Dreaming about his father helped. Maybe he had unconsciously referred to the old man's teachings, awful as they were at being clear. Even with how he had fallen from grace due to gambling addiction.
Diodora didn't consider that man a good person, but at least he had had a good head on his shoulders at some point.
Diodora needed to take risks, he needed to be assertive. But what kind of risk? What was the most likely to give him a positive outcome? What was he willing to sacrifice for this?
"Hmm?" The little girl saw him retrieve the object, and stood up as Diodora fed it power.
Diodora opened the cube-shaped tool with both hands, a magic circle drawing itself mid-air.
"What are you…?" She didn't manage to finish, as the discrete spell pulled all of the devils within, and opened a literal hole in reality to another place.
So after thinking about it, Diodora came to a simple conclusion. The people in this world were smarter than he gave them credit to. They breathed, hoped, and dreamed… But in the end, they still could be accounted for if Diodora had enough information about them.
So, what to do? He needed power. He needed allies. Who could he come for aid?
This hadn't been his first option, but he felt the most safe doing this. It'd, at least in theory, go the least wrong if it did fail.
The light cleared, and enormous pillars extended far into the darkness above. The land looked defiled, and a sterile smell spread as far as their devil senses could tell.
Koneko looked spooked, confused. Diodora didn't blame her. He didn't attack or offer any explanation. He simply allowed the little girl to take all of it in.
The little lure.
"...!" She seemed to recognize something. Maybe the air, maybe a signal or presence. He didn't know.
He didn't care. All he could think about was that it was working, and that he'd have to put the best foot forward as this unfolded.
Koneko's shoulders tensed immensely. It was the most emotional Diodora had seen her… Ever.
He chuckled and turned around, a black cat slowly approached them both.
"Whu…" The poor little girl didn't understand. It had happened too suddenly, too fast "N-Nee..?"
"I've been waiting for you, Kuroka." Diodora showed his teeth. A big smile as he spread his arms.
The cat tilted its head.
"We don't know each other." He elaborated "But well, it can wait. Please don't mind me, I wouldn't dare intrude upon such a heartwarming reunion."
The black cat wasted no time forward.
