DISCLAIMER: DxD does not belong to me.
[PARTY MEMBERS BIO]
Garith Gremory(Riz-kun): Our protagonist... Kinda. Spoiled, bratty and whimsical, he lives life as he seems fit and stands above morality or tradition, a true rebel wannabe! (Lvl. 98)
Rosinante (Rosey): Garith's [ROOK] Piece, the gallant centaur who's kind, chivalrous and strong, if a bit simple-minded. (lvl. 68)
Salutations, ladies and gentlemen! The chivalrous steed Rosinante is present!
And my current predicament is thus:
Relaxing in the hot springs of Dun-Scaith, the fortress of shadow.
Oh my, oh my, oh my, so relaxing~. This is the first time I've experienced such delight, within the training grounds of several heroes in the land of shadows. True, to discover such historical landmark has turned into a 5-star resort was quick a shocking revelation, but sank into the warm, inviting waters of the springs, I have no complains about its current state. In fact, I quite like it, to be embraced and relaxing deep into the waters that slowly heal and invigorate my body.
But then again, this was only possible due to now being turned into a devil, the foulest of creatures, under the care of Sire Gremory. Rosinante the chivalrous centaur is no more, only Rosinante the chivalrous reincarnated devil and Sire Garith Gremory's [ROOK] piece.
I have never seen a devil before, but I've always been told they're dark creatures, foul and cruel, the embodiment of sin and evil, ready to enslave whoever their pleases and to bring ruin and decay wherever their go, living selfishly and disregarding everything that displeases them, even their own peers. The children of evil, the opposite of Good and the destroyers of everything that is sacred, just and benevolent.
Knowing sire, I wonder if they have mistaken 'devils' with 'humans' instead…
Olé, social commentary!
A lonely jest, of course, a bit of self-indulgence is always good for the spirits. Truly speaking, Sire Gremory is quite eccentric, but he gives me no reason to distrust him, at least not for now, and the chivalrous Rosinante boasts a keen eye for details like that! Of course, I ought to be sharper regarding this information. But for now, I shall simply… Take my time for recreation and relaxation, sire gave me that much of an opportunity. Considering that battles from now on shall only become more difficult, I must remain in top condition for him to use, as the noble and chivalrous steed that as only yours truly!
Oops, I might be getting ahead of myself there! I should rein my conceit before nemesis befalls me…
Olé, puns.
Hohohohoh~, I feel inspired today. Mayhap a side effect of these springs? A time for leisure is indeed food for the mind!
But as lady Scáthach has instructed, too long in the springs might cause fatigue, dizziness, dehydration and even fainting, therefore once I was fully recovered and in cloud nine, I decided to leave the water's warm embrace and enjoy the other activities waiting for me! A gaming centre, sauna, view for the eerie yet beautiful shadow lands, vending machines, a tv room, my very own guest quarters; there are many things to enjoy in here, the former fortress of shadows, now a resort for all kinds of kin from the world beyond human sight!
As I wrapped myself in this 'yukata' wear and tied my air into a short… Ponytail (teehee!), I hear some commotion coming from the gaming centre on the main hall of the spa. My curiosity suddenly sparks, my ears arch to the possibility of something exciting happening right now! My gallops echo across the halls and at the distance I see a crowd of several creatures and beings gathered on a certain spot on the room filled with game machines and tables. Excusing myself and going through the crowd guided by idle curiosity, I come across the source of the commotion, which both surprises me yet not at all…
"ATATATATATATATATATATATAH…!"
"ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA...!"
On a ping-pong table I see the blur of several white spheres flying on an unrest frenzy between the two extremes, rapid as lightning as two figures do their hardest to hit and pass them as fast and savage as possible. On one side, I see sire Gremory holding three ping pong rackets, two on each hand and one held by his pearly white denture, doing an ungodly footwork on the small space reserved for his side, while on the other extreme I see a remarkably knightly young gentleman of golden locks and sharp eyes, also carrying an outrageous number of rackets totalling 6, one on each gap between the four fingers on each hand!
"Goodness gracious, what is happening right now?" I exclaim to deaf ears as the crowd cheers, despite sire's and his opponent's overall skills, several balls falling to the ground and even hitting each other with it, but even so never slowing them down.
"Okay, boys. The score is even right now. Have some more balls and show us a good time." Out of nowhere, lady Scáthach appeared from the crowd carrying a basket filled of those same ping-pong balls to pour them onto the table, where the two opponents resumed their assault against each other, thousands of spheres bouncing on the flat surface only to once more become white blurs across the field! the people surrounding me cheers again, if not complaining about being hit once or twice by stray balls
Eventually, the exchange of blows stop as the last ball is hit and missed, courtesy of sire reaching for it in the nick of time and hitting the other gentleman on the forehead and making him fall on his back, defeated, before collapsing himself. The match was over, and with one last set of claps and cheers, the crowd dismisses itself, leaving only me, lady Scáthach, sire and his opponent.
"Good show, my dear boys. See? It's very easy to divert your thirst for battles in a productive way. Sure, it'll be quite a chore to clean everything up, but this place solely exists for relaxation and recreation. Competition is the soul of wars, after all." The owner of this place comes closer to the play table and lecture both sides with a finger up in the air, a wise air surrounding her. "So are the wonders of a wasteful youth. By the way, it was a draw this time, perfect 500/500, impressive if I say so myself."
"Aw man~. Oh well, at least I can say I was able to keep up with a king… Or rather, he can keep up with me." Sire laughs and I can't help but to follow suit. By the other side, however, his opponent groans with an annoyed tone, clearly upset for the outcome of this match. The redhead king catches his own breath and stands sit on the floor, legs and arms crossed with a daring expression. A moment to enjoy his victory and he turns to me. "Oh Rosey, you're here. I hope you've enjoyed the springs as much as I did, although I think I'll need another dip later."
"I see. Seeing you enjoying yourself is quite a treat too, sire." I nod and smile back. That was quite a spectacle indeed, considering how strong and agile sire prove himself to be, even in the most mundane tasks. The blond knightly one by the other side, assisted by the owner of this inn, stands up from the ground, dusts his yukata and turns away to flee from the quarters, not a single word being muttered.
"Charlie, that was a good match! I guess Kings truly understand each other, no?" Sire Gremory exclaims from the ground, laughing and smiling brightly again to his foe, who's apparently called 'Charlie' and is considered a king. Lord 'Charlie' ceases his walk and just… Stops on the spot, no reaction afterwards, at least initially, then…
"This is not over yet, devil! As a King, this is just the beginning of our battle! I shall cleanse these sacred lands from your evil presence and purify your wicked existence before you can tarnish our world any longer!" Lord Charlie exclaims with determination and force, his voice booming to our direction to the point I could feel a gust of wind blowing at us, his presence also being overwhelmingly thrown at us! Oh my… A sore loser? A bit unbecoming for someone whom calls himself a king, no? After this violation of sportsmanship, he just turns and walks away from us, not even bothering to shake his opponent's hand. How rude!
"'Kay, bye dear. Let's play Mario Party later." But despite the other King's unkind words, Sire waves his hand in a goodbye with the same disposition as always, clearly not taken the threats or harsh states seriously. One, two seconds to gather his strengths, and the redhead stands up from the floor, dusts himself from the dirt and broken ping pong balls and turns to me. "Are you ready for dinner, Rosinante?"
"Do I?!" Oh, food! Supper, if you will! Staying in the waters did open my appetite, and exquisite food from the land of shadows is what I yearn right now!
My enthusiasm was caught by sire, and soon we make preparations to meet at the dining room and enjoy a good meal. We bid our goodbyes, I return to my room and after a few hours, we meet at the specific room where we would be having dinner, I barely being able to contain my excitement as I open the door and was greeted by a massive short table where a true rainbow of food was laid, the aroma and view enough to bring this one to tears! Almost losing my composure, sire Gremory signed me to enjoy myself, and sitting on one extreme, I reached for anything and everything catching my interest!
Hm, the texture, the flavour, the aroma, the tenderness and warmth of the dishes in front of me, either common or novel, it feels simultaneously like its satisfying me yet I feel like I can continue eating for all eternity! Of course, as a chivalrous and knightly steed as yours truly, I decided to restrain myself for appearance and graciously settle with these chopsticks, although the speed of which I could pick a dish after another was a bit unceremonious, much for my dismay as a devil King's Knight! Fortunately, sire Gremory is just and fair, so he does not condemn my gaffe, fortunately!
"Oh, indeed! Sire, whom was that gentleman you were competing with? While he does possess a knightly and honourable air around his being, his words and attitude were quite harsh even for someone whom calls itself a king! What's with that?" I comment once reason pierces me like an arrow, halting my culinary frenzy to look at sire enjoying his own food. He stops to look at me, and put himself sitting straight. A moment to gather his thoughts…
"That one is Charles Magnus the XX, and just like me, he holds the title of a King. However, unlike me, he's a King of Good, justice and light… Puku, or something like that~." Sire let a small chuckle escapes his lips with that last bit of information, and after a cough, continue with that one's description. "For what I could gather, he's the heir of the saintly King Karl, and just like him, holds not only the title of a champion of Good, but also carries a sword which opposes our very existence as devils, the blade of blessed jewels Joyeuse. As such, he's naturally someone who opposes everything that is wicked, evil or malevolent (sire, those three words are synonymous to each other!), therefore, us."
"Hm, I see." My hunger got the better of me during his lecture and caught a fried shrimp as he continued. A holy knight, he says? Fascinating yet frightening, someone whom by mere existence opposes ours, the devils.
"However, because of Lady Scáthach's rules during our stay, we're not allowed to fight each other or cause mayhem within her territory, so in order to bypass this, we decided to settle our natural feud with recreative activities and relaxation, so to speak. So, Ping-Pong games it was." Sire laughs again, showing no signs of dread or fear as he retells his little time away from my sight, taking a spoonful of rice. "It was fun. He's a bit self-centred and his ego won't allow him to be a good sport, but I had a good time. Quite handsome too…"
"Hm, I see." I nod. Lord Charles has indeed angelic features and a graceful stance even if for the fact that he was supposed to be not only a king, but a warrior of God. However, to my surprise, sire does not speak ill of this one despite him being his, pardon, our natural enemy. In fact, he seems quite fond of Lord Charles. "You seem to enjoy his company, sire. A warrior of heavens and a devil, there is no worst combination for an encounter as both are natural enemies. It is… Quite novel, indeed."
"You think so? Don't, please." Sire comments, his face filled with fish and pickled vegetables. I draw an interrogation for his statement, as if he doesn't want me to think ill of the gold locked heir. "Charlie… Hm, I mean, we might be considered opposite forces and he has the same potential to kill me as I have to kill him… But don't think of him as an enemy, or try anything against him. He's not our enemy, he's not my enemy."
"Hm?" I tilt my head, curiously to his statement. Not just to fond of him, but he wants to shield him from vengeance. Specially seeing how uncooperative and rude he is? Sire sure has a peculiar line of thoughts, but I suppose I've overestimated the wickedness of a creature from hell. "Is that so? But sire, is he not a holy knight, therefore an opposition for a devil such as us?"
"Huh, mayhap a century or two ago, but that's just old propaganda that only relics listen to." Sire smiles with an optimistic aura. "I mean, yeah, there is still some tension between our factions, and we can't force people to just like each other to that point, Lilith only knows I can't, but all things considered, I don't feel like fighting back to even humour him, and once he stops throwing tantrums and see I mean no harm, maybe we can be acquaintances."
"How considerate of you, sire!" I nod once more, proud of having such a good and humble master! I must become a steed worthy of an honourable person such as him! Such a visionary too, although dreading for his safety is only natural.
"What can I say? I'm a person without enemies." He chuckles with hands up and open to the air, as if glowing. I was taken a bit back for that statement. This, coming from a devil of all things? "I love a lot of people, I dislike a lot of people, and I hate and fight a lot of people… But I don't have enemies, Rosinante."
"Hmmmmm~." I gather my thoughts a bit to him, and honestly, sire has a singular way of thinking. Moreover, he says he hates a lot of things and people, which surprises me quite a lot, but for him of all people, an heir, a devil and a youth, to say he has no enemies… A very inspiring confidence indeed! "Sire sure is confident and kind."
"It's not confidence, Rosey dear. It's Strength!" He recites and corrects myself. "I come from one of the richest clans in the Underworld, I'm the brother of the demon Lord Lucifer, and despite not being as strong as him, I'm still a formidable person! I'm powerful, and talented, and cute, and handsome, and lucky, I have no time for frivolities like enemies or rivals, although I will fight for my honours and whims! Being my enemy, the enemy of Garith Gremory… Is a privilege no one could afford so far!"
"Whoa, sire! Your words and stance are worthy of a ruler indeed! They're… Mare-velous! Olé, puns!" I clap my hands in clear enthusiasm, and with that, I am bathed with his shiny confidence. Sire feels like he's glowing in determination and pride, and I feel moved a bit too!
"Thank you, thank you! I know I am what you just called me, but it's always a treat to remind everyone!" He bows to me as I continue to clap, and his little display of pride was so loud lady Scáthach had to let herself be known for us to keep it lower and not disturb the other guests. With a bow and an apology, we resumed our dinner, and once we were done, I head back to the springs for one last dip into them before bed, and then I went to my quarter, the biggest size sire could afford for me, and tucked myself for a good night of sleep, although, his words echo inside my brain till now…
Sire… Has no enemies because he is strong.
A person without enemies… needs to be strong.
Oh, but I don't think I have enemies either.
Does that mean I'm strong?
Hmmmmmm…
…
Another day at the spa of the land of shadows, and I wake up revigorated and full of energy and ready to enjoy another batch of recreation and relaxation! Wonder what I can do today, maybe I shall enjoy myself a sauna and a massage at the open parlour! Because of my complicated anatomy, a complete physical therapy is mostly impossible through conventional means, but considering the quality of my stay so far, I hope for a productive and complete experience!
On my way for breakfast, I hear commotion not unlike the one from the day before, coming from the same quarter no less. With a perking curiosity, I head once again to the source of that noise, and reaching the gaming quarter, I see a tuff of crimson and golden locks side-by-side in front of a large television, displaying a divided screen for each player. I can recognize them as sire Gremory and Lord Charles, but a novel set of jet black hair catches my sight by sire's left side. Approaching them, I see sire and lord Charles enjoying themselves with controllers at hand, alongside a new figure: a dark skinned, dark haired young man with red eyes and wearing the inn's trademark yukata set, all of them sitting on bean bag chairs and moving as if being on the seat of their respective vehicles in game. A moment, and sire notices me.
"Good morning, Rosinante. Did you sleep well?" He asks politely, which question I politely bow in response to, making him smile and return to his game, where I can see three colourful and extravagant competitors on even zanier, flamboyant tracks. It looks fun, very fun indeed! Another moment of leisure, and sire points at both his newest… Acquaintances? "By the way, you already know Charlie over here, but allow me to introduce you this new guy that wanted to play with us and who's also a King: his name is Solomon, and he's… Really good at Mario Kart."
"Hm." I blink turning to the newest member of the three kings, and turning his crimson gaze at me, Lord Solomon nods and smiles, which I reciprocate the courtesy like a chivalrous knight should. A moment, and I realize that this name is not unfamiliar for me, even more so that he seems to be quite powerful to carry the title of a monarch, not unlike sire and lord Charles. "Lord… Solomon, is it? Does that mean…"
"Yes, you got that right, my dear Rosinante…" Sire whispers with a dark aura surrounding his crimson self, and from lord Solomon, I can also feel a dreaded powerful energy oozing from his being like a miasma. But after a moment… The stark atmosphere vanishes, and sire pouts as if holding laughter, not a single tint of seriousness thereafter. "… Doesn't that sound like the name of a Digimon? And he calls himself a king, but we all know that should be Shoutmon."
"Okay, just for that, you're getting the blue shell. Have fun being last place, asshole." Lord Solomon chirps, clicking a button on his own controller and then causing an explosion on the screen while Sire Gremory bemoans his ruined record, earning a chuckle from both lord Charles and Lord Solomon, who end the race at the same time. "Also, making fun of my name? That's rich coming from someone named after a Pokémon."
"Oh, so that's acknowledge in-universe? It sure gives me a lot to think about." Sire lifts his head and states bizarre observation, drawing a curious hum from the trio surrounding him. A moment to snap back to lucidity, and the redhead king reaches for the console near the television to swap to another screen. "I'm done with Mario Kart. You guys wanna play something else, like Mario Party? After this track, we're even, so we'll settle it with a good ol'family fun."
"Getting cold feet now, Gremory? 'Tis fine, I'll play anything." Lord Solomon smirks.
"No matter the challenge or the circumstances, holiness and light will always come victorious. So, pick any game, devil, I will defeat you in any and all of them." The blond king states with a serious pout, but seeing sire and lord Solomon hold a chuckle, it is clear they are not taking his thinly veiled threats all that seriously.
"Wanna join, Rosinante? We can make a team and crush those two!" Sire turns to and hands me a white controller with a smile. Me? It looks fun, so much so, but I'm afraid that my lack of experience regarding this device and its intricacies might be detrimental to our success against those two other monarchs. As a knightly and chivalrous steed, I shall not shame my master for a whimsical will, I must study the ways of games before going into battle!
"I shall refuse for now, sire. I must… Dine first, but maybe I can indulge in it." I sincerely respond. Sire Gremory blinks a few times, but with an understanding sigh, he shrugs.
"Suit yourself and have a nice breakfast. Now, I want to be Luigi." Sire sits back on his seat and then trio of Kings resume their little electronic activities, soon adopting a fiercer stance and indulging in another session. It does look amusing, but for now, I must gather my strengths and training my dexterity and reflexes so I can become suitable for those games later!
"They seem to be getting along." Once I was away from the battling trio, Lady Scáthach greets me with a snappy remark to them, calling for attention. I give the trio a glance, and seeing them overreact and enjoy each other's company, well as much as they are willing to admit, I nod enthusiastically. "Lord Solomon, lord Magnus and mister Gremory are from different factions oppose to each other but seeing them getting along under strict rules ease my soul a bit, even more so they're so willing to set aside their agendas and begrudgingly tolerate one another. Must be the caprices of youth, I must say."
"Sire did say he's a person without enemies." I recall sire's words from the day before, and turning her stare to me, Lady Scáthach nods with a satisfied smile and a hum.
"I see. So, mister Gremory is one of those, huh?" The ruler of the land of shadows tilts her head with a pensive hand on her chin. "Understandable. He was born into a time of peace and understanding, frail as it is, and is brothers with one of the strongest devils who desires nothing but harmony even between his natural foes. I also notice he's been apparently pampered since birth and thinks nothing about rules or feuds but his own on his little garden of a brain. Indeed. You know miss Rosinante, in Japanese, the word for 'invincible' is made from two ideograms: one that means 'nothingness' and other than means 'enemy'. It might sound a bit pretentious, but the lesson is quite clear and zen: a person without (無) enemies (敵) is truly 'Invincible' (無敵). Even if its just a boast, your king… Sure is strong."
"Whoa~, is that so? Whoa." I blink for such deep knowledge, as expected from the ruler of the land of shadows. A person who's truly invincible is the one without enemies… I see, I see! Sire sure has a way with words… But can a person like him live without enemies? He does seem to enjoy making a lot of them!
"That aside, miss Rosinante, may I interest you with our breakfast menu? Since you're part of the premium stay, you are allowed to the golden selection." Lady Scáthach turns with a bright exclamation, and then out of nowhere holds up a plate of steaming crimson and meaty carapace-like legs. "Therefore, how about some Curruid Crab legs to start the day? My daughter has also prepared some homemade butter sauce to go with it."
"I sure do!" I exclaim with an enthusiastic hop! Another set of exquisite cuisine on breakfast of all times?! I shall accept it gracefully! The inn owner gives me the plate and pats me on the head, guiding me away from the gaming centre where all the noise comes from, but from here I can hear curses, laughter and screams, as if the trio are no longer rivals, but something else. Ones without enemies, no? They are steedily going that way it seems. Olé, puns!
During breakfast, I've lost count of many legs I've eaten or how many plates I've emptied, but I sure had the time of my life, buttered fingers and sore hands notwithstanding. I still have some spare money sire allowed me to spend, so I decided on yet another refreshing set of fruit milk, banana flavoured this time! Passing by, I see that sire or the other kings are no longer residing on the gaming centre, and everything has settled down, fortunately.
Oh, maybe I'll try one of those crane games and have myself a souvenir for the trip! A few tries, a few coins down the machine, and I earn myself a cute stuffed bear. Happy, so happy, pride fills my heart with this spoils, I must tell sire of my accomplishments as well, being his trusted, noble and chivalrous steed! Haaaaah, haaaaah~, I feel so light with these clothes and after a good night of sleep~…
*VOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH…!*
"Umah…?!" I gasp when, during my little outing around the inn, a door suddenly opens and a true heatwave of steam and heat escapes from inside, practically engulfing the entire corridor in an unbearable warmth and moisture! It's hard to breathe, it's hard to see, I wave my hands to try to dismiss the dense mist, and from within the quarter that door led, I see three silhouettes emerging, gaunt and stiff like a bunch of ghouls. I soon shake off the feeling of unease and prepare myself for a possible encounter, but then… The three figures walk a bit and fall to the floor with a loud yet dry *THUMP*, the cleaning view soon making me realize they were lord Solomon and Lord Charles plus an unidentified young woman, sweating rivers and with more wrinkles than raisins! I wasn't even able to draw a reaction when a third shadow emerged from the steam, and squinting, I was able to discern it as: "S-Sire Gremory…?"
"I did it! I HAVE WON! IN YOUR FACE, LOSERS! NOW, I AM THE ONE TRUE KING HERE!" the steam cleans, and I see sire red all over like a lobster, sweating buckets and also wriggly and wrinkled like an old raisin in his blue swimming trunks. Despite his deplorable state, a smile is plastered on his face, arms lifted victoriously and laughing at the two fallen kings and the newest guest. "HAHAHAHAHAH~, I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN HELL, A CHICKEN GAME WITHIN THE SAUNA WAS ALWAYS ON MY FAVOUR! NOW CONTENT YOURSELVES WITH YOUR MEDIOCRITY AND BOW DOWN TO YOUR ONE TRUE KING! HAHAHAHAHAHAH… Hahahahahah… Hahahah… Ugh."
"Sire?" I was too shocked to react to his incoherent wording, and once the adrenaline apparently wore off his system, my redhead king let out a massive ball of steam out of his system and fell onto himself, joining the unconscious trio. I was dumbfounded for a bit, and then I came to the rescue regarding sire and the others! "Sire, please stay with me! What in the world happened here?! Sire, please do not leave me!"
"Worry not, miss Rosinante. Your brainless King and his companions are just suffering a bit of a heatstroke after a literally heated competition within the sauna. I must say, even for kings and devils and Valkyries, 200°C of heat must not be taken lightly." And the next to emerge from the steamed inferno that was the sauna room was lady Scáthach, wearing now a sleeveless shirt of her inn and fanning herself with a hand, sweat coming from her every corner. Oh dear, another competition? And they managed to find another one for the challenge? Truly amazing! But 'tis not the time to wonder, we should assist them as we can!
I carried both sire and Lord Charles on my arms while the young lass and Lord Solomon took rest on my equine back, taking them to the resting centre to fresh air and cooler temperatures, it was also in that moment that I realized how much stronger I've become thanks to sire's [EVIL PIECE], being able to carry so much weight with so little effort, what a surprise to be sure! Once there, I dropped them on the soft carpet and helped sire regain his strengths, his head resting on the lap of my front legs as I fan his blushing face, slowly regaining a healthier colouration, as of everyone else…
"And just like that, just like that, it is decided that I, Garith Gremory, am the superior King and you all are fakers! Don't need to offer thy heads, for your humiliated faces are already a treat!" Sire exclaims as he still rests on my lap, sitting like an emperor would as the trio before him groans in pain with wet towels or icebags on their heads, vexed yet defeated. "See, my dearest Rosinante? This is the worth of a true King, to stand before your defeated foes and laugh at their misery they tried to clash upon you! Yes, now who's laughing now?"
"Hey asshole, why don't you shut up? My head feels like it'll split apart." The one I recognize as lord Solomon curses with his back on the tatami, an icebag resting on his head as he groans once more. For such rude response, sire just laughs, not affected clearly.
"I… Can't… Submit… Light… And Justice… Shall… Prevail…" Curses also lord Charles, despite the fact he seemed the most affected by the heat of the saunas as he lays on his stomach, eyes spinning and still emanating a faint glow from the steam.
"As much as I'd love to be a sore loser, I shall concede this match to you, Gremory." The third and novel one, this young lady of fair skin, copper hair wrapped in braids and clear emerald eyes, sighs with a dignified hair flip, a small twitch on her lips indicating however some lingering resentment for sire's words. A moment, and then she turns to me, her slender yet powerful hands reaching for my face to cup my cheeks. Whoa, she's so warm~. "By the way, who's this cutie? Gremory, is she one of your [EVIL PIECES]? Hello, my beauty, may I have your name?"
"Hm, it's Rosinante, milady. Nice to meet you." I try my best to smile despite her grip on my face, and she smiles with a blush, what a nice lady! Sire groans seeing the contact between us, and stands sit to gently yet firmly push her away.
"Yes, she is part of my peerage, miss Thrúd, so if you even try something funny with her, you'll have to deal with me." Sire informs firmly, and while I understand him being defensive regarding yours truly, it feels a bit uncalled for. Miss Thrúd, I guess that's her name, holds her hands in the air defensively, a pout to a side.
"As much I'd love to try 'something funny' with her, knowing how your kind can vaporize me in an instant, I will oblige. What a pity, what a pity." Miss Thrúd shrugs mockingly, then flashing me a wink which I nod to, indeed such a nice lady, wonder what sire's issue with her is? Maybe devils have a sharper instinct for that? Then I must become sharper as well! Another sigh, and the orange-haired lass lays on the floor, taking deep breaths. "You're too cruel, Garith from the clan of Gremory. However, as a Valkyrie, I know when I'm defeated…"
"You should've known that back when we decided to play these silly games. Against a Gremory, there is nothing but loss~!" Sire adopts his usual cheery demeanour after that compliment, and his voice once more causes his compatriots to groan in annoyance, and I clap my hands for his achievement, as nebulous at they seem to me. "Just so you know, I'm the weakest and the most pathetic of the current Gremory siblings, and you can't beat me still, so how does it feel to be lower than the lowest? Although being a Gremory, even as the weakest, makes me still above you King wannabes! So, how does it feel?"
"It's not over yet, asshole. You got this one, but like I'm gonna let a little fag like you stand above me." Spat King Solomon with his… Colourful language. The dark King stands up, a bit groggily due to the lasting effects of the heatstroke, and grabbed sire by the collar forcing him to stand as well. I was ready to intervene, but with a wave, my king signed me to stay.
"Ohohohoh, the great Solomon of the Goetia is a sore loser. Fine then, let us compete once more, I'm going to win anyway." Sire laughs and shrugs, making lord Solomon even more vexed. Before anything could scale further, appearing right behind him stood Lord Charles, struggling to stay up yet refusing to be down.
"I will not… Stay put… Against darkness… Not anymore…" Lord Charles exclaims, a hand on Lord Solomon's shoulder both calling for their attention and supporting himself up.
"You sure like to antagonize others, no, Gremory? After that, as much I'd love to do anything else, you have made me angry enough to want to beat you in anything just to see you cry." The one Valkyrie by the name Thrúd also stands up and comes closer challengingly against sire, whose face has not foal-len a single time despite against those odds! Olé, puns!
"It's decided, then! Let's play again so I can win again." Sire laughs, and the ire of his compatriots only rise. Before things could get any worse, lady Scáthach appears from the frame of the door as always on her signature style and eyes the group calmly yet warningly.
"It is quite nice to see youth being wasted on the young, but once again, my dear royals, I must inform you that violence is forbidden within the walls of Dun Spa-ith, at least as long I forbid it. don't make me kick you all out without a refund." She claims with a stoic voice, and despite the enmities still being high, the four royals decided to lose contact and content themselves in sharing daring, poisonous stares. "Why don't you silly kings be productive and do something else to vent your frustrations with each other? Instead of killing each other, I mean."
"Okay, any suggestions, lady Scáthach?" Sire turns to the peeking ruler of the shadows and asks with a daring grin, echoing silently his previous words and the others reacting the same way. The taller ruler then shifts her orbs up, as in deep in thoughts and imagining something that would quench the four rulers' thirst for blood.
But any others that could've been said by her died down as, abruptly as lightning, the balcony leading to the beautiful view of the land of shadows collapses and breaks with a deafening sound, followed by loud neighs which sounded more like cries of creatures from the deepest, cruellest, darkest pits. Blazing wheels, shining gold, a chariot pulled by massive, warlike black horses bursts through the room and destroys everything in its path, only to stop right in front of us as if not only silently asking to bask on its violent glory, but to also make peace with ourselves before a bloody conflict!
Emerging from the car, thus appear a woman of long orange hair magnificent like a rising sun, wearing a full armour decorated with jewels and runes and wielding not only several weapons on her back, but also magical seals all over her body. My awe and horror distracted me for a bit, but I notice how similar she looked like Lady Scáthach, and considering that, realization pierces me like an arrow once more as I discover once more who that suppose to be.
"Behold, for it is I, Aífe, the witch warrior of Alba. Make peace with yourselves, for this is the last time you all shall be allow to!" She exclaims, her voice as powerful and serious as her glare and stance. Even I, the chivalrous and noble steed, tremble against her, and little by little I try to find comfort in lady Scáthach's reach, only for the said witch warrior to pick a spear and point at the Shadow Queen's direction, who remained calm yet adopted a more serious demeanour. "And thus we meet again, my hated sister Scáthach! It greatly pains me that once the ruler of the land of shadows has fallen so lowly as to become a simple worker in the big world we live, but at the same time, I can confidently say that I have been sharpening my skills day and night for our eventual fatal clash! You negligence shall be your downfall, and here I am to deliver retribution for all the horrors you have caused me! So draw, my sister, and let us finish this once and for all!"
"…"
"…"
…
"Since you all played all the games I had to offer, may I suggest something more classic like monopoly? I think I have a copy lying somewhere." Unfazed by the current state of her inn, Lady Scáthach turns back to the four rulers whom also paid no mind to the newest invader and offered another set of activities, all which the four turned to each other and nodded, eager to start. "Okay then, I'll ask Cet or Cuar to find it somewhere then I can explain the rules to you all."
"Oi, don't ignore me, you fart!" Lady Aífe jumped from her chariot before us all and stompwalked her way towards the said witch queen of the shadow lands, who continue to ignore her warnings and curses. "Hocky, come back here and face me like the warrior Queen you are! Hocky, HOCKY!"
"Aífe…"
"…!"
"… Knock it off. I'm on clock. Not now." And that was all lady Scáthach needed, plus a stern, serious look, for Lady Aífe to stop on her tracks, pout and hold down tears, as the shadow Queen leaves the room with a satisfied smile and her sister simply sits on one of the sofas and crosses her arms with a pout, much more like a petulant child. She notices our stares, and groans angrily.
"Watchoo looking at, yer buffoons? Mind your own business, will ya?!" The witch from Alba bares her fangs at us, and if nothing happened, we all decided to continue with our duties and chores as usual, just with a new tenant acting spoiled and a massive hole on the main hall.
"Brrrrr…!"
"Hm…?" I turn around to see one of lady Aífe's horses sigh under notice, and seeing how tired and distressed it looked, it perked my curiosity into saying something. "Oh, hello. You seem tired, noble one, something you want to vent?"
"Neigh! Brrr, brrrr, hweeeeeh~!" It spoke with a rather gentlemanly voice, I mean only a given consider whose he belongs to.
"This is not the first time this happens and its 'getting old'? How come, if you don't mind me asking, noble one?" I ask him.
"Wheeeeeeh! Brrr, Brrrrr, Huhhhhhh…!" And with a better disposition now that it has my attention, this noble steed starts to recount while his companion found the nearest piece of furniture to munch over.
Hearing his pleas, I start to realize the intricacies regarding the witch queen of the land of shadows and her… Hated sister.
Apparently, the two sisters have been in quite antagonistic to one another through their lives, but ever since her fight and lost against the hound of Ulster Cú Chulainn, Aífe is forbidden to ever directly antagonize her sister due to a geas casted upon her by the hero.
However, there was no clause to say that she can't defend herself violently against Lady Scáthach's harassment, therefore ever since she found this loophole, once in a while the witch from Alba tries, always unsuccessfully, stir the ire of the shadow witch queen so that they can resume their endless enmity, but aside from some property damage here and there, no fruits of those attempts come, which always would frustrate the sister. And today was no different…
"… Sure, I always have to pay for the damage she causes in my inn and hold business for a while every time she does so, but at best she's a pebble on my shoe that I'll just have to ignore until she leaves." And once night falls, I share a good dip on the hot springs with lady Scáthach as she recounts her side of the story, by now the witch of Alba have already left with nothing more than an angry pouty face and some towels and bath utensils with the inn's name on them (like a souvenir). The queen witch of the shadows, whose pale body is filled with scars and damage from the countless battles and trainings she must've suffered throughout her life, sips on the miniscule sake cup floating around on a red plate and dreamingly sighs. "Like I said, battles and wars are behind this old lady, and all I need now is a good relaxing retirement, my family (except that hag Aífe) and maybe a man to share a drink and a night once in a while."
"Hm, comprehensible." I nod to her statement, placing the wet towel on my head to avoid the dizziness the springs might cause in high temperatures and sinking myself on them. Hah, after that stressful event, I am blessed with another moment of leisure. "Lady Scáthach… Is also someone without enemies, it seems."
"I guess you can say that. I am not arrogant enough to claim that I don't have enemies… But even if I do, they don't bother me much." The lady of shadows smiles with another sip from her sake drink, and I smile, being blessed to be around so many powerful people!
"As much I'd love to claim those thoughts as a liability, I can say that the great mentor of heroes and the queen witch of the land of shadows is one of the few I am certain that don't have natural enemies." I turn around and see the Valkyrie lass from before, miss Thrúd as she claims herself, approaching us with a smile. Once close enough, she takes seat right next to yours truly, and without warning, her arms reach for me in a surprising, yet gentle take. I yelp a bit, her slender fingers fondling the reach of my arms. "And you, Rosinante wasn't it?, by the might of those arms and legs, I can also see you might not have enemies either? My, oh my, those are some strong members there, my dearest, leaving even a Valkyrie like myself speechless."
"I am grateful for your compliments, miss Thrúd!" I smile with a nod, a warmth spreading on my heart hearing those nice words towards this chivalrous self! I might not be strong as sire or have no enemies, but being worthy of praise is always wonderful!
"Indeed, indeed. Such muscles, such shape… I can feel even by touch, what a wonderful body worthy of a warrior." She comes even closer and rests her face on my shoulder, hugging my arm as I feel her smooth, rather cold, naked body onto myself. Hah? Does she want to cuddle me? But we're at the springs, there's no way for us to be cold, plus there is no danger, so why? Still, she compliments me still, what a wonderful lass! "But to contrast, you have such a small, beautiful face, Rosinante. And your hair seems so smooth and silky, and your skin shines and is so soft, as if bathed in milk…"
"Hahahah~, miss Thrúd showers this one with compliments, it makes me blush~." I so dreamy whimper to her shower of kind words, not just the waters making me lightheaded? Am I worthy of them at this point since we barely met? Even so, she's being so kind, it'd be rude to decline them without a thought. I blink once to recompose myself, and see her coming closer and closer…
"And you have… such inviting… rosy… Lips~."
"Hey, Valkyrie, stay away from my [ROOK], you hear me?" Shock! A voice coming from the heavens perks out attention, and breaking our stares, we look up and see sire Gremory so lazily supporting himself on the wall separating the female and male sections of the hot springs! Seeing us, miss Thrúd distances herself from me and hums indignant to the eyeing devil King. "I know we're at the peak of our youth and we can be wasteful as we want, but this one is already taken, so back away unless you want to feel defeat once more."
"Hm… Well, as much I'd love to battle for this lovely one, I am not arrogant enough to stir the ire of the heir of the Gremory. May you be grateful for your brother, for him is the catalyst for such blessed existence." Miss Thrúd smiles hollowly, her voice for some reason having some poison at sire's warnings, and without any more warnings, she turns around, covers herself with a towel and winks at me one more time. "It seems our lovely moment is up, Rosinante my dear. I hope we can meet again during our stay, my room is always open, if you want."
"Oh no, I hope nobody disturbs you during your rest, miss Thrúd, that'd be awful." I exclaim, hopefully she knows a way to deal with such inconvenient in a place that should serve only for relaxation and recreation! A blink, a defeated sigh, and she leaves with a tired smile, hopefully she can be safe before the dizziness catches with her!
"Hey, Rosey, you okay?" I turn back to sire who is still supporting his upper part on the wall, and with a smile, I nod. Even without a reason, I'm glad that he cares about me, although threatening miss Thrúd was a bit unnecessary, considering how amiable and kind she was with me. "Glad to know. Word of advice, be careful with the likes of her. Valkyries are known to be very… Manipulative. Even if she means well, if you start to feel uncomfortable, don't hesitate to call for your king."
"Hm? Oh, okay then, sire!" I nod with a bow. Everyone is so kind to me, makes me want to become even stronger and sturdier to not let their expectations for me down! Truly, like sire said, we live in a kind world!
"Mister Gremory…" Now it was time for lady Scáthach to call for our attention, turning her dark eyes to sire. "… As much I'd love some romance in the air, you do know it is strictly forbidden for members of the opposite sex to enter or peek into one section of the springs, right?"
"I know that, lady Scáthach." Sire smiles, a puff of smoke and smug off his lips. "However, as you said, romance is in the air, and what better form of romance than the scenario of a gentleman like me spying on true beauties across the wall separating our springs? I know you must be aware that, at the high of my youth, how can I hold myself from peeking at bathing ladies despite its consequences? In this scenario… The romance of peeking shines the highest!"
*BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN…!*
"Take that as a warning, my dear romantic scoundrel." And lady Scáthach didn't lose a beat to summon a magic rune and descend a punishing lightning upon sire, whom exploded in a show of lights and, dark as charcoal, fell to the other side disappearing completely. I didn't understand much, but it seems that sire was too romantic for his own good and safety! Truly, he's strong! Only… A bit inconsequential regarding his heartful wishes? But that's what makes sire sire, no? The shadow queen sighs and sinks into the springs, taking another sip off her drink. "And with that, we shall relax. Rosinante, you should too. Considering that king of yours, you gonna need it…"
"Oh, okay." I reply and comply. I still don't understand much, but for now, I shall relax and leave my worries and doubts behind, this is a place for leisure.
A few days pass, challenges and games run rampant in the corridors of the inn, but eventually we must all check out and leave the quarters of what once was the birthplace of heroes and legends, but fortunately found itself on this ever revolving, changing world. Serendipitously, all the four rulers checked out at the same time, we had time to bid our goodbyes and make promises for all the people who made our stay a bit more enjoyable and adventurous.
'This is not over between us, devils! As the ruler under the name of Magnus, we shall meet again and then, only then, I will prove to not underestimate humanity's light and power!'
'Goodbye, you assholes, I gotta go back and do some shit with this new info. It was fun, when I feel like it, I will summon you, Riz.'
"Bye, my dear rulers. It was a nice distraction indeed. See you soon, hopefully." And despite their less-than-kind words, sire simply waves and smiles for the two departing kings, wearing some really regal clothes, Lord Charles summoning a golden chariot and flying off to the horizon while lord Solomon snaps his fingers and disappears in thin air after being engulfed in a magical rune! Now, all there was left were me, sire and… "And how about you, miss Valkyrie? I think Valhalla would appreciate you returning to your throne next to lord Odin and your dear father, so shoo."
"I know that, but I suppose they wouldn't mind if I stay a little longer on my… Discovering detour. Moreover, I appreciate your company… rather, your companies." The high Valkyrie turns to me with a kind smile and a wink, and I reciprocate her with a nod. She turns to sire, and after being showered by light, lady Thrúd now dons a rather extravagant, brilliant armour tinted in silver and gold, seemingly the wear of the battle maidens known as Valkyries! "If I may, lord Garith from the Gremory clan of devils, may I become one of your [EVIL PIECES] and join in into your p-…"
"No." Sire pouts without even letting lady Thrúd finish her sentence, and my face falls for his sudden and succinct decision! How come, a Valkyrie would be very beneficial for the likes of our peerage, and while I must not yet know the reaches of our group, sire shouldn't decline an offer that tempting! The Valkyrie was in shock for a bit, and then blinked a few times to recompose herself.
"Is that so? What a waste, losing the opportunity to gain a powerful Valkyrie like myself into your ranks out of pure, foolish petty pride, specially considering how our factions might benefice from that, the heir of Gremory and the daughter of the God of Thunder together." Lady Thrúd laments in a mocking way, but deep down, my instincts truly show how hurt and offended she feels about sire's decision. Sire remains unchanged however, unless you count the growing smile on his lips. "As much I'd love to say that I'm hurt, I can only lament your lack of insight regarding this contract between us."
"I understand, and I apologize for hurting you, miss Thrúd. But know this…" Sire comes closer and touches foreheads with the Valkyrie, exchanging daring expressions. "… The daughter of the God of Thunder is unworthy of becoming my servant."
"…!"
"heheh…"
Shock! Sire is so bold!
"I… Understand. Oh well, as much I'd love to say otherwise and punish your insolence, I feel like I have no more business here, considering your decline of my offer. A pity, indeed." Lady Thrúd removes herself from sire's reach and rubs the red mark on her forehead, and once that is done, she flips a small golden tint towards sire, which then reveals itself to be a golden ring adorned with strange, unknown symbols from yours truly and a small jewel. "But, as a token of friendship, you might use this magic rune to summon me in case of dire situations. I am a generous, kind demigod, therefore I shall assist you as I can and maybe mend the relationships between our factions. Be grateful, second son."
"You overestimate yourself, as if I'll ever need the help of a Valkyrie." Sire sticks his tongue out and jokes. Regardless, he puts the ring on one of his fingers and smiles, doing a V-sign with it. "But I'll keep the ring, the matches with my eyes! Don't you agree, miss Thrúd?"
"Suit yourself. Farewell… Oh and miss Rosinante." The Valkyrie lady calls for me, and I jump, receiving now a wink and once again, a blown kiss, making me blush. "Until we meet again, my beloved. Take care, love you."
And with that, she takes off much more like a comet, singular, beautiful, cutting across the clear skies in a show of lights before vanishing from sight, leaving nothing behind…
…
"Valkyrie? More like 'valkyurie'. Olé, puns!" Sire breaks the silence with a joke I shall not understand, his enthusiasm and laughter being so contagious I cannot help but to mimic his gesture and shout it myself! But then again…
"Sire, colour me surprise and quench my curiosity? Why was the reason as to why refuse lady Thrúd offering to be part of your peerage? Her personality is, yes, a bit too overbearing, but her demeanor is kind and helpful, plus as the daughter of a deity, she seems more than qualified and strong. So how come?" I ask with my ears twitching in anticipation regarding sire's response.
"Isn't that obvious, Rosinante my dear?" Sire simply shrugs and lets a heartful laugh come from his lips. "Because… It's unoriginal. Another Valkyrie as part of a Gremory's peerage? Already done, with a better one too to boot! So I won't even bother at this point, I rather have my own set being as novel as possible!"
"…"
"…"
"Que…?" I inquire, tilting my head to a side. Confused, conflicted, lost into sire's own words. Doubt floods my head, and I am forced to ask once more. "Sire, does that mean there is a Valkyrie among your rankings?"
"Yes… I mean, no… Not yet." He responds pronto. Que? Queeee? Queeeeeee~? "There will be, but not now. So, I won't bother now because of this 'after'. You know, like ordering takeout only to receive a call from a friend inviting for a buffet, wouldn't that leave a bad taste in your mouth? Since I already know the call for the buffet, I won't bother ordering now."
"…"
…
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 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? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
"Plus, like I said, who needs the daughter of Thunder… When I have you!" Sire exclaims as he comes closer to me to hug me and caress my face and rub his cheeks on mine. "My beautiful, noble, chivalrous steed [ROOK] whom has shown can take anything and anyone! You are worth a hundred, a thousand, a million puny demigod Valkyries!"
"S-Sire~!" I start to cry, my heart not being able to contain the shower of emotions and love he pours at me this instant. I almost forgot: he might be unorthodox, even a bit novel and unpredictable, but these are just a few downsides of having sire as my [KING], and after our stay, he shows himself to be worthy of me… and I to be still have a long way to go to become someone worthy of his! "Please, do not misjudge me, I am still unworthy~!"
"Nonsense! You're my Knight, therefore worthy of all the worths in the world!" He continues. "Say, how about we go somewhere nice after here? A place full of delicious, novel and tasty foods for us to splurge as we want?"
"I'd love t-…"
But then, as we enjoyed each other's company, I hear a singular tone echoing from sire's pockets. Hearing it, the redhead king stops on his charms onto me and jumps away, picking from his pants a device similar to a tablet and putting it besides his ear. At first, he greets it with a smile and a call for a family member, but as the call resumed, he seemed… confused, then startled, followed by apprehensive, stunted, wordless, nervous and finally, as he puts down the device… I see my King, sire Garith Gremory, gritting his teeth, eyes furrowed and smoke coming from his lips as words like curses escape from them.
For the first time ever, I see him… Vexed.
"S-Sire?"
"Hey, Rosey, change of plans." But I can't call for his name fast enough, sire simply turns to me with a smile and claps his hands apologetically, but I can see minimal changes on his posture and expression that was to mask something more… sinister. Even so, his voice continues to be soft. "How about we go to the underworld for me to deal with some fuc-… pesky business of my own, while you can meet the rest of our peerage and eat only the best the Underworld has to offer? I'm sorry for such a drastic change of plans, but it seems… Life has its own cliches as well."
"N-No need to apologize, sire. I shall… Follow your commands." I nod, and with a heavy, depressed sigh, sire shakes his head and smiles to me, probably his way to reassure his stance as he summons a crimson magical rune and makes a magical express appears from thin air. As he enters the trains, I can only see how unhappy he was…
What in the world must've happened?
[BLOODY DUEL, PRIMERA ESPADA AND BAILE ÁTHA FHIRDHIA ARC: FINISHED]
[NEXT ARC: DEVIL MAY CARE, DEVIL MAY CRY]
…
"Hey, Seek-chan, I'm back."
"Hello, Riz. I hope you had a good time in Sp-…"
*SLAP!*
"KYAAAAAAAAAAH~! You barbarian, what was that for?!"
"I promised myself that I would slap you tits silly when we ever meet again! Well, time for retribution, you… Bad friend!"
"Scoundrel, how dare y-…?!"
*SLAP!*
"KYAAAAAAAH! YOU SLAPPED ME AGAIN!"
"That was for the other tit!"
"SECURITY…!"
ACHIEVEMENTS UNLOCKED:
-[I CHOOSE YOU!]: Unlock your first summon.
-[DANCE MACABRE]: Fight and defeat 2 or more bosses at the same time.
-[NOW EVEN]: Slap Seek-chan's tits for being a bad friend, consequences be damned once again.
[NAME: Garith Gremory]
[LVL.: 99]
[RACE: Devil(High-class)]
[ALIGNMENT: Neutral Evil]
[TITLES: The Gamer(beginner); Heir of Gremory; Lucifer's little brother; Riz; Troublemaker; Queenslayer; Bullfighter; Demon Lord of games]
[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. 66)
- 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. 99)
- 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. 98).
- 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. MAX).
-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](PASSIVE): 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. 3)
- KILLING INTENT(Active): A powerful emotional wave of energy that is a palpable feeling of dread and despair one is able to project onto their peers with the intention of harm or even death. Depending on the LVL., it can inflict [FEAR] on foes and even knock out weaker minds. (lvl. 8).
(STATS)
-STR: 355
-DEF: 301
-DEX: 820
-SPD: 444
-END: 500
-INT: 232
-WIS: 303
-CHA: 1,011,011
-LUK: 1.000
[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(x12): 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.
- [SHADOW SASH] (EQUIPPED): A sash used to wrap around the waist, a souvenir from visiting Dun Spa-ith, the spa of the fortress of shadows. It does not have any use nor special properties, but it is made from silk and its very stylish!
- PHENEX TEARS(0): 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.
- [MINOTAUR MEAT]: A refined, valuable delicacy of the supernatural world, the meat of a minotaur, delicious and tender much more like Matsusaka beef. –[CAN BE EXCHANGED FOR CREDITS-; -MASSIVE POWER BOAST/HEALTH RECOVER-]
-[THUNDER RING]: A golden ring crafted by dwarves with a Nordic rune etched on its surface and jewel. It can be used to summon the Golden Lightning Valkyrie [THRÚD] [-CAN BE EXCHANGED FOR CREDITS-].
- 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.
*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. (Phase 1)
*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. (Phase 2)
*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. (Phase 2)
-[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. (Phase 2)
*Sagitta: The Arrow of the End, fires a stream of PoD from the guard of the sword forward more like an arrow of destruction, sacrificing reach for precision and which size Garith can control in order to create bigger or smaller holes.
[PARTY(EVIL PIECES)]
- King: Garith Gremory(lvl. 98)
- Queen: Hippolyta (lvl. 94)
- Bishop 1: Ulysses (Lvl. 50)
- Bishop 2: [EMPTY SLOT]
- Knight 1: [EMPTY SLOT]
- Knight 2: [EMPTY SLOT]
-Rook 1: Rosinante (lvl.68)
- Rook 2: [EMPTY SLOT]
- Pawn(x8): [EMPTY SLOT]
And that's a wrap for this arc. A bit anti-climatic, no? but that's the feeling of relaxing and having a good time.
Hello, dxd fandom, it's houki minami once more with a chapter of this slow life fic, and once again… Nothing happens regarding the slow life of our stupid reincarnated Gremory, specially since… Well, it's a spa, and we all need some time for relaxation and recreation, even idiots like him! Not much happened here, no? But then again, this is a breather arc before things really start taking off next arc, specially because I feel this might be the first 'serious-ish' arc of this story, so I hope you all can bear with it a little bit before he starts really doing his things and showing that, sometimes, keeping canon in check might be a too much trouble.
Without much to add, just have a nice day, thanks for reading up to this point and don't forget to R&R. Greetings~.