The Son of Stars
Sirius I
Prince Sirius Caelum moved with regal grace along the polished marble floor of the breathtaking palace that graced the Underworld. As one of the great nobles in the realm, it was only fitting that he carried himself with the utmost poise and dignity. Keeping pace with the young Prince, a few steps ahead of him, was a gorgeous woman dressed in a blue and white maid outfit. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back in a shimmering wave, and her silver eyes shone with a captivating light. This was Grayfia Lucifage, the head maid of House Gremory.
The silver-haired young man, dressed in a black leather jacket, accompanied the Prince and the maid. He looked uninterested and sighed as he addressed Sirius, "Sirius, do I have to be here?"
Sirius, known for his calm and composed demeanor, turned to face the man and said, "Are you not my Queen Vali?" His voice was deep and authoritative as he spoke to the young man. Despite his friendly tone, there was a hint of seriousness in his words that conveyed to the man that there was a reason for his presence there.
The mentioned Vali frowned as he replied, dissatisfied with being asked. "A simple 'why' is enough?" he said.
"As my Queen, your duty is to be my closest advisor, authorized to make decisions on behalf of the King, whether present or absent. I need you here in this situation."
"And what so important that you need me here?"
Sirius shook his head; his expression was perplexed. "I'm sorry, Vali, but I'm unaware of the specifics you are seeking. Grayfia didn't provide me with any information regarding the matter. Only that it's essential since this matter was abruptly brought up."
"Whatever the case, maybe Sirius, I hope it's not bad news."
Upon arrival at their destination, the maid kindly opens the door for the pair. Sitting across the room behind a desk is a man with shoulder-length crimson hair - Sirzechs Lucifer, one of the four leaders of the Devil faction. He is the one who overthrew and rebelled against the original Four Great Satans. To Sirius, he is like a father. Sirzechs had concealed him from the supernatural world after his father was betrayed by his kin.
Sirius, joined by Vali, knelt before his surrogate father, addressing him with the utmost respect - "Your Grace."
"Prince Sirius, Vali," Sirzechs respectfully nodded to the two. "Please take a seat; this will surely take a while to explain." Sirius and Vali complied with the offer and settled on the comfortable leather armchairs. The maid who had ushered them in then made her way to her husband's side.
After being called by the Crimson-haired Devil, Sirius looked at him, resulting in an awkward silence. Sirzechs then shifted his focus and took out a letter from his desk. Sirius politely asked the reason for the summon, seeking clarification. Sirzechs apologized for the confusion and asked if the crimson-haired Devil knew his sister, Rias.
The young Prince responded to the question with a raised eyebrow. "Your sister Rias Gremory possesses the Power of Destruction, which you and your sister inherited from your mother. She is next in line to inherit the House of Gremory," he explained.
"And?" Sirzechs emphasizes as he leans forward on his desk.
"She is also betrothed to Riser Phenex, who is third in the line of succession to House Phenex. Why are you requesting such strange questions, Sirzechs?"
As soon as the name Riser Phenex was uttered, Sirzechs's eyes narrowed, and he balled up a fist, his knuckles turning white with tension. Observing him closely, Sirius could tell there was a deep-seated loathing behind this physical reaction. Given the context, it became apparent to him that this meeting had something to do with a Phenex. Tentatively, he asked, "Could it be a loveless marriage you're referring to? Is that why you've brought Vali and me here?"
Sirzechs nodded to confirm Sirius's suspicion. He sighed and asked the redhead again, "Why involve me in this affair? What does it have to do with me? Unless.."
Before Sirzechs could answer a question, Grayfia decided to interject in the meeting and said, "Prince Sirius, while we were organizing old files of destroyed houses from both the Great War and the Civil War, we stumbled upon files of your house. As we searched them, we found a marriage pact signed by your father and Lord Gremory long before House Phenex." She said this respectfully.
"Where exactly would this contract be located?" He received the same paper from Sirzechs presented earlier in the meeting. He read through it, understanding the benefits of both houses joining, recognizing his father's handwriting, and seeing Lord Gremory's signature at the end with his house's sigil and name. After finishing reading it, he handed it back to Sirzechs.
"So, my father created this before his death... I see then." He solemnly whispered. "How long have you found this?" He looked at his surrogate father.
"Centuries ago," Sirzechs stated plainly.
"I'm curious why you chose this particular moment to share this information with me. Is something specific that happened recently that prompted you to bring it up? Or have you been considering telling me for a while and found the right opportunity?"
"I must confess that I initially had reservations about disclosing this information to you. However, after carefully considering it, I have concluded that it could benefit both of us if I share it with you. When I first met Riser, he appeared to be a decent and courteous person. However, as time passed, I observed a considerable change in his attitude and behavior. He grew progressively more arrogant and dismissive, and I became concerned about how his actions would affect my sister." Sirzech stated.
"May I ask why you trust me with your sister's future?"
Sirzechs stood up from his seat with a determined expression on his face. He walked up to Sirius and firmly grasped his right shoulder. In a serious tone, he said, "My son, this decision wasn't made lightly. I have been contemplating it for a while. However, I see no other option. You marrying Rias would be the best outcome for her. Doing so, you will gain an army to help reclaim what is rightfully yours."
He emphasized that he wasn't just talking to him as one of the Maou's but as a father by all but blood. He expressed concern about his sister's happiness and safety, knowing he couldn't be there forever. With a deep sense of responsibility, he urged Sirius to accept his request to be his sister's protector and help her escape a loveless marriage.
"Is that how most nobles get married? She'll end up in another loveless marriage. It wouldn't be any different," Sirius retorted.
Sirzech responded, "Sirius, I have trusted you for centuries. I have taught you to be honorable and with a strong sense of duty. You have what it takes to make my sister happy."
Sirius, with a deep sense of contemplation, slowly walked past Sirzech, his loyal friend, and Grayfia. He leaned beside the window, gazing at the sprawling city beneath him. Sirius closed his eyes, hoping to find some clarity in his thoughts. He pondered his decision, trying to visualize what his father would do if he were in his place. After a few moments, Sirius opened his eyes, stood up straight, and turned to face Sirzechs, he said with determination. "I do accept your request, Sirzechs."
The Maou's expression softened into a smile of relief and satisfaction. He extended his hand to Sirius, who took it firmly to signify their agreement. Sirzech spoke with a hint of sadness. "You must understand, Sirius," he said, his voice grave, "that this decision will make you visible to the world. You will no longer be able to hide in anonymity." With that, he released Sirius's hand and stepped back.
Sirius smiled sombrely at his fatherly figure and reassured him that he was ready for the challenge. He believed it was his time to reveal himself. However, Sirius knew the angels and fallen angels would come after him. Even the old Maou faction would attempt to hunt him down because he was the son of Regis and the last of his kin to carry the Successor's Right.
Sirzech turns their attention toward Vali. "With that situation settled, I must inform you who is in Rias' peerage. Most notable is Rias' pawn. His name is Issei Hyoudou, and he is the current wielder of Boosted Gear."
This surprised Sirius and Vali. Vali smirked and said, "I finally get to meet my rival. Albion, do you hear this?"
Vali materialized his sacred gear, Divine Dividing; a pair of light wings appeared behind his back, and a voice spoke. "I heard that we might have the opportunity to test our strength against each other again as we have done in the past."
Sirzech shook his head and said, "I hate to break it to you, Vali and Albion, but the current wielder is significantly weak and has not yet achieved Balance Breaker. So, I have a proposition for you both. You are going to train him."
Sirius turned toward his Queen, who looked flabbergasted at hearing the request, and said. "What do I gain from this?"
Sirzech wore a grave expression. "The young boy belongs to my dear sister's peerage. While she is undoubtedly talented and skilled beyond her years, it's equally important that her peerage be just as capable. That's why I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to ask for your help. Please consider this a favor from me, as I brought you here under my wardship, just like I have done for Sirius. I trust that you'll honor my request?"
Vali, without any hesitation, nodded. "Fine, I owe you a favor. This day was bound to happen."
"Good," Sirzech said as he clasped his hand and turned his attention towards Sirius. "Tomorrow, you will attend a meeting about Rias' betrothal between you and Phenex at Kuoh Academy's old school building. The purpose of this upcoming meeting is to decide which party will agree to annul their contract. However, if both parties refuse to cancel, a rating game will be conducted to determine the outcome. With that settled, I will allow Grayfia to escort you out of here."
Sirius and Vali left the room the same way they came in, but Sirzech called out to Sirius before they could exit. "Regis would be proud of the man you've become," Sirzech said, and Sirius felt grateful for the kind words. He nodded in thanks before leaving with Vali.
Once gone, Grayfia guided them to their teleportation circle. Vali walked beside him. "Not what I expected for a meeting. Us revealing ourselves will change everything." Vali said.
Sirius had a hunch that their true identities would be shown and the consequences that would follow. Despite this, he had an unwavering belief in the abilities of his peerage. He remained optimistic that they could overcome any challenges to achieve their goals. His confidence in their collective strength and determination never wavered, and he remained steadfast in supporting them. "I faith we will preserve Vali. Our peerage will see that our goals will be achieved one day."
They have reached the magic circle, but Grayfia asks for their attention before moving toward it. "You will be teleported to the estate owned by Sirzechs, which you will use for the foreseeable future. As Lord Sirzechs has mentioned, you will attend a meeting about Rias Gremory's betrothal tomorrow. I will also attend the meeting to act as a mediator. To conduct impartial manner."
Before leaving, he called his peerage to meet at the given location and discuss their situation. After saying his goodbyes, he and Vali used a magic circle to teleport to their respective destinations.
They arrived at midnight at the estate they would call home. Sirius let out a whistle; the grandeur was breathtaking. The entrance was a true masterpiece of architectural and artistic brilliance, showcasing the exquisite 17th-century aesthetics that adorned it. The stone pillars that supported the entrance were decorated with intricate engravings that depicted scenes from the past. At the same time, the archway above was embellished with a stunning array of floral patterns and motifs.
As Sirius opened the front door, Sirius and Vali were greeted with the hall's grandness. The hall was spacious and adorned with white marble flooring that shone from the chandelier above. The walls on either side of the hall were decorated with intricate carvings and paintings that reflected the luxury of the place. To the left and right were hallways, which led to rooms in another part of the estate. The hallways were lit brightly by the handcrafted chandeliers.
In front of them was a grand staircase leading to the house's upper floors. The stairs, adorned with a black carpet and gold trimming, were the highlight of the hall. The steps were made of white marble, and the railings were polished wood.
As he stood there, taking in the hall's beauty, he felt awe and wonder at the place's magnificence. Everything about it was grand and majestic.
"Hey, Sirius." Vali's voice jolted him out of his daze. "Check out what's up ahead. I think it might be a portrait of your father."
As they climbed the ornate staircase, they approached the stunning painting. The painting was a portrait of his father when he was young, captured in vivid detail. His father's stoic face was etched with solid lines and sharp angles, giving him an air of confidence and power. The artist captured every nuance of his father's features, from his deep purple eyes and platinum-blond short-kept hair. He stood tall and confident, exuding an air of regality that was hard to ignore.
His father dressed in an impressive outfit that emanated power and sophistication. He donned a black jerkin with intricate golden trimmings, which sharply contrasted against his white tunic. His black-fitted trousers and riding boots gave him a commanding presence. A knee-length cloak was draped over his left shoulder, featuring the Caelum sigil - a white, four-pointed star on a black field.
Moreover, the crown atop his father's head is made of hammered steel. It is designed in an open circlet style, with wavy ripple patterns adorning its surface. The most notable feature of the crown is its nine black iron spikes, which are fashioned in the shape of longswords, giving the wearer an imposing and regal appearance. Also, each crown segment is embellished with amethysts, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to the overall design.
Sirius' gaze fixated on the object his father was holding - a longsword with a dusky gray hue that seemed to emanate a certain mystique. Sirius couldn't take his eyes off the blade in front of him. Its mesmerizing mosaic Damascus design appeared to ripple throughout its length, giving it an almost otherworldly appearance. The intricate patterns etched onto the blade only added to its allure, simultaneously making it seem like a work of art and a deadly weapon.
Sirius let out a heavy sigh. The sword he drew from his right hip was far from its original depiction in the painting. It had been shattered and was now only used as a parrying dagger to accompany the estoc he carried as his primary weapon. Nevertheless, he remained determined to find a way to reforge StarBringer someday.
Sirius was lost in thought when a sound interrupted his concentration. He turned his attention towards the entrance and saw a young woman named Ingvild Leviathan walking in. Her long purple hair cascaded down her back and framed her delicate features. Her striking orange eyes gleamed with curiosity as she scanned the room.
Sirius couldn't help but feel a sense of endearment towards her whimsical nature that he had come to love. Her presence filled the room with a sense of wonder as if anything was possible when she was around.
Excitedly, she called out his name and walked towards him. She put her arms around his torso, and he hugged her back gently.
As Sirius stepped back, he couldn't help but admire the young woman he had known for a century. Her attire consists of a white dress with high slits and long sleeves. The dress, tailored to accentuate her curves, showcases much of her ample chest—the stark contrast of the dress against her black mini skirt.
"Sirius, how have you been, my dear?" she smiled gracefully.
Sirius greeted Ingvild with a charming smile and said, "I've been doing well, Princess. You look absolutely lovely today." His words caused a slight blush on her cheeks, and she thanked him with a shy smile. They exchanged a few more pleasantries before moving on to the matter.
The following person to step in was Arthur Pendragon. He was impeccably dressed in a black business suit that hugged his broad shoulders and tapered to his waist, accentuating his lean, athletic build. His blonde hair was expertly styled, falling in a single strand across his forehead. His piercing blue eyes scanned the room before he turned to Sirius.
Arthur inclined his head in a respectful bow, his movements slow and deliberate. In a formal tone, he addressed him, "Your majesty, I have come forth upon your command, as requested." His voice was smooth and steady, betraying no hint of nervousness. As he straightened up, he awaited further instruction, his gaze fixed on his King.
Sirius let out a deep sigh at the formalities coming from Arthur. He extended his hand towards him, who took it in a firm handshake. Sirius spoke, "There will be no need for titles, especially from a dear friend." Arthur gazed at him with understanding, nodding in agreement. Both men knew that titles weren't what truly mattered in their friendship.
Sirius said, "I'm glad you're here, but it's unfortunate you didn't bring Le Fay." Although she wasn't officially a part of their peerage, she had become integral to their group, sharing her knowledge of magic and unique insights. Sirius always enjoyed talking with her about the magic she had learned during her time in the Golden Dawn. Her experiences and knowledge of the magical realm were a valuable addition to their discussions.
"My sister will be able to visit in a few days once she completes the spell she has been analyzing," Arthur informs him. Sirius could understand. The spells La Fay experimented on can be particularly volatile and dangerous, and they should not be attempted without proper caution. Some of her spells are so complicated that even the slightest mistake could cause them to blow up in your face.
"What is the purpose of this meeting?" asked a loud and powerful voice directed towards Sirius.
The imposing figure standing before him is Sairaorg Bael, the once-heir to the prestigious House Bael. As he approaches the towering man, he calls out his name with a hint of respect - "Sairaorg."
As Sairaorg and Sirius came face to face, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The two men locked eyes and clasped their hands together in a firm handshake. The force of their grip was so intense that it sent shockwaves through the foundation of the estate, making the very ground tremble beneath their feet. It was a powerful display of respect and mutual admiration between the two.
"Is age catching up to you? Or did my cousin Sirzech punish you by making you write parchments all day?" He teasingly joked at Sirius.
With a smug grin, Sirius locked his arm in a fierce battle with his opponent, determined to emerge victorious. They were locked in an intense arm-wrestling match, each trying to overpower the other.
As they struggled, Sirius took a moment to taunt his competitor," You have gotten a little chubbier ever since you have been overindulging the snacks Ingvild made." His words were met with a look of surprise and irritation, but Sirius was unfazed.
The two continued to wrestle, their muscles straining with the effort. It was clear that they were both evenly matched, and it was anyone's guess who would come out on top. But despite the sweat dripping down their faces and the strain in their arms, neither was willing to give up.
The voice of Vali surprised him. "All right, you two, you should stop before this place comes crashing down on us. I don't think Grayfia would be happy if it did."
The mention of Grayfia caused him and Sairiong to freeze as they simultaneously let go—a mutual understanding of what Grayfia would do to them.
Sairirong gazed at the sprawling estate before them and commented, "This is a beautiful place. I can't help but wonder, though, why are we here? It's a coincidence we are on Sona Sitri and my cousin Rias's territory."
Sirius spoke. "Us being here is the reason why we are having a meeting. I would otherwise discuss it now, but we still gotta wait for one more person who has yet to arrive."
Arthur fixed his glasses and said, "Let's begin. I heard she had some personal matters before this meet-up. So it's going to be a while until then." Everyone nodded in agreement.
Sirius shared the details of his recent meeting with Sirzechs with his peerage. He informed them that he was betrothed to Rias Gremory and that tomorrow, he would attend a meeting to meet her in person. He discussed with his peerage what the future would hold for them and how it would affect their peerage going forward. He explained the challenges and opportunities ahead, and his peerage listened intently. Despite knowing the risks of following Sirius, they remained steadfast in their loyalty and support for him. They discussed the implications of his decision and brainstormed ways to navigate the challenges as a team.
"So you're planning to marry my cousin?" Sairong asked no one in particular, seemingly deep in thought. "That's not a bad match, I must say. And I believe you will be a far better choice than Riser Phenex."
Ingvild grasped Sirius's hand gently as she spoke, "Everyone will know of our existence once we participate in the rating game." Sirius reciprocated with a reassuring squeeze of her hand.
He stood confidently before the group, his voice firm and resolute as he proclaimed, "We have embarked upon a new chapter of our journey. Tomorrow, we will be the ones that will destine our future. But for now, I urge you all to rest, for we have much work ahead of us."
As they bid each other goodnight, the group that had been together for the evening began to disperse. They exchanged nods and smiles of agreement as they discussed which direction to head in search of their rooms. Some turned left, while others turned right, their footsteps echoing down the hallway. The sounds gradually faded away until the only thing left was the quiet hum of the building's air conditioning system.
On the other hand, Sirius made his way up the spiral staircase, his leather boots clacking against the marble steps. When he finally reached the third-floor hallway, he paused momentarily to take in the magnificent view. The hallway stretched out before him, with doors leading to various rooms. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries decorated with mythical creatures and old battles. The air was heavy, with lilac emanating from the vase of fresh flowers placed on a nearby pedestal.
A few moments later, Sirius spotted his room at the end of the hall and approached it. Sirius pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was spacious, with a large four-poster bed dominating the center of the space. The curtains were drawn back, revealing a view of the moonlit garden outside.
He decided to clean up and retire for the night. He turned on the shower and let the scalding hot water wash away the day's grime. As he stood under the showerhead, he felt the steam and water droplets engulf him, and he sighed in relief. After a while, he turned off the shower and stepped onto the bathmat. He looked at the fogged mirror and wiped away the condensation with his hand. He stared at his reflection, noticing his features similar to his father's in his youth. He traced his jawline, feeling the slight stubble that had formed after a few days of not shaving. He looked at his lilac eyes, a unique shade he was born with, and his medium-length platinum blond hair that he had maintained.
As he examined himself, he realized how much he had changed over the centuries. He had grown into his person, but the resemblance to his father was still uncanny. He wondered if his father looked at himself similarly, comparing his younger self to his father. He shook his head, cleared his thoughts, and shaved off the stubble before leaving the restroom.
Sirius breathed a deep, satisfying sigh as he sank into the soft, plush armchair beside the fireplace. The warmth emanating from the hearth, which he had lit up with a snap of his fingers, enveloped him in a cozy embrace. The dancing flames cast a flickering glow across the room, casting shadows on the walls and ceiling. He reached for his cigarette and savored its rich aroma, the smoke curling lazily towards the chimney. He poured himself a generous serving of brandy, relishing in its smooth, velvety texture and the warm sensation it brought to his chest.
The sudden noise of the window being pushed open broke the silence, accompanied by the gentle ringing of a bell. He immediately recognized the familiar sound and knew who it was. He stood up from his chair and addressed her in a low and calm voice, "Kuroka." Sitting on the windowsill was a stunning young woman with breathtaking beauty. Her long, black hair was styled with split bangs to frame her face perfectly. Her hazel-gold eyes had cat-like pupils, giving her an alluring and mysterious look. The stunning young woman had a curvy figure that was accentuated by her black kimono.
She walked over to where he stood and looked him in the eye, her expression solemn. "Vali told me the news," she said, shaking her head with a deep frown. "So, this is how it ends." Her voice trailed off as she seemed lost in thought, her eyes gazing out the window as if searching for answers.
He raised her chin and brought her face closer to his with a tender touch. As their eyes met, he traced the lines of her jaw with his thumb, admiring the graceful curves of her face. His heart filled with affection for her delicate features. He enjoyed the moment, lost in the beauty before him. "Why should it end?" he asked in a husky voice, his eyes filled with intense emotion. The question hung in the air as if the thought of separation was unbearable, and he desperately needed an answer.
"It is expected that you will be engaged to Rias Gremory. I assume you will abide by your royal obligations and disregard me."
"Please tell me, my love, why on earth would I even consider doing something like that?" he pleaded, desperately looking for an answer.
"Because it's your duty."
Despite having strong feelings for her, he was reminded that his duty always came first. He had a responsibility to fulfill, a task that couldn't be ignored. However, he couldn't deny that his heart belonged to her. The thought of replacing her with someone else made him heartbroken. It was a difficult situation, torn between his sense of duty and his love for her. This wouldn't be an issue if he were from any house in the underworld. Many lords had multiple spouses.
But he was a Caelum. As a Caelum, he practiced monogamy, one of many traditions they had upheld since the founder, Emperor Gwyn.
"Aye, it's my duty as a Prince, but I want to let you know that my love will always be true, and whatever you need of me, I will always be by your side. I Promise."
Sirius and Kuroka stood close, their noses almost touching, while they gazed deeply into each other's eyes. A long silence passed between them until Kuroka finally spoke up, her voice barely audible. "I know, and I will always love you," she said, her eyes never leaving him. She leaned in, and he met her halfway in a slow and gentle kiss. Their lips made a soft and tender press while her arms wrapped around his neck. Sirius's left hand messaged her back. Meanwhile, his right hand caressed her rear with a gentle touch, igniting a passionate spark between them.
Their love affair had been long and passionate, but it all came crashing down when he decided to break away. He couldn't bear to hurt her, but it had to be done. "I'm sorry, Kuroka," he whispered, his heart heavy with regret. The memories of their time together flooded his mind, making it hard for him to keep going. He remembered how she laughed, looked at him with love, and held him close. But he knew that love could be the death of duty, and he had to put his duty first.
Koruoka placed her head on his chest and murmured, "I always knew this day would come. I thought I would be prepared for such a scenario, but experiencing it has left me unable to cope. Nevertheless, Sirius, I will continue to follow you no matter what."
Sirius spoke sadly and said, "I understand." After pausing momentarily, he continued, "I know it's the best decision, but it still hurts." He took a deep breath and added, "In any case, I hope you have a good night."
As Kuroka turned to leave the room, a bittersweet smile played across her lips. "And you too, Sirius," she whispered before disappearing out the door. The melancholic undertone in her voice left Sirius crushed. Now alone, he eyed the still-full bottle of brandy on the table, its amber liquid beckoning him with its promise of temporary oblivion. Without a second thought, he grabbed the bottle. He chugged the entirety in seconds, his frustration and sadness mingling in a swirling storm of emotions.
As he lay in bed, he muttered to himself. "Love…Love is the death of duty." Soon, sleep embraced him.
Author Note: So, I decided to rewrite my original story that I did years ago. It wasn't up to standard, so I decided to discontinue it. The Scorching Fire will be up still, but it's now finished.
The sword Sirius's father held is based heavily on the heretic by That Works. The estoc our main protagonist carries is similar in design to Alucard's from Castlevania.
The next chapter will be the meeting. I intend on fleshing out the back story of House Caelum throughout the chapter. As for Sirius's peerage, how do you all feel so far about them? Their respective pieces will be unveiled in the next chapter or the next. I haven't decided as of now.
Thank you for reading!