604by oblivon2991
proofread by the usual drunken band of misfits
Thank you for reading my fanfic!
My mother language is not English, so please be patient about the grammatical issues.
I don't own the Overlord(オーバーロードŌbārōdo?) novel or anime series created by Kugane Maruyama.
I don't own High School DxD anime, manga, and novel series created by Ichiei Ishibumi
Please review it. I know I will make mistakes that I intend to correct and will try to learn from them and improve myself.
Thank you!
Chapter 20: Tower Game (Part 2):
Scene Change: In a dark.. dark place:
The boy's eyes groggily opened, finding himself in a cold, dark place. All his body was in pain, feeling as if he had been burned alive for years! His mouth was dry, just like his oculars. His muscles were seared by intense agony! Even looking around took great effort.
"Ummm…" Trying to stretch his limbs, he slowly realized he was bound! His arms are numb, suffocated in the tightness of his binds! So tight he can't even move his fingers. His mouth sealed, he can only groan in strain!
What was this? He questioned in his mind. What happened? His brain was still foggy from the pain, in so much he could hardly recall the events. Regardless, instinctively he sought to free himself, call forth his power and burn to ash his bindings! Yet, to his confusion and horror, his magic did not answer his call!
"Umm!" It was like his power drained away! Snuffed out before it can even properly materialize from the depths of his soul!
What was this? What happened?! He started to panic!
Where was he? It was so dark, so black that even with his devil vision - that was supposed to see through even the darkest of nights - he only saw the rough shapes of items that he couldn't or barely recognise!
A realization started to manifest in his insides. A feeling that he rarely experienced.
"What is this?"
He perceived only rough shapes in this gloom. Strange items on the walls, and on the ground, placed in oddly organized manner. Chunks of bodies hanging not far from him on hooks, swinging barely.
"Um…" The boy heard a low, muffled groan suddenly! Almost like someone not far away would be in groggy pain.
There was someone else here! He was sure of it! Thus, he tried to wriggle.
It took great effort to remain awake, fighting off the torment that was on to overwhelm his senses and push him back to his healing sleep!
With great effort, however, he turned around, only to witness the horror! Familiar shapes came into his view! Figures he recognized even in this dark!
It was his peerage? Hung upside down? Yes, he was sure of it! To his relief, he could recognize the shape of all eight of them! For his worry and panic, all were seemingly bound, just like him! Like meat put out in a display, lifelessly left in this dark room!
He can't tell in this umbral atmosphere if they were alive and well, or in pain, dying unsightly. But at least they were here with him! The rest he will figure out later!
How did they get there? What happened after… after?! His mind was still muddy, he couldn't recall the events clearly!
He only knew right here and now, that he couldn't even use the simplest of his devil magic! Neither can use that spell his father taught him - A magic, that was simple in function, yet, unlike simple devil hexerei, originated from the ancient magic that was her grandmother's lineage's own. A power passed down to her descendants.
This was not good! Like this, they were vulnerable! Exposed! At any moment they can be surprised! Used! Taken out! Or worse, tortured!
There must be a way out! A way to ease these iron bindings and escape!
At that moment, this single thought, this goal suffocated the searing torment that wreaked havoc through his soul and corporeal form!
He had to find it! He had to do it! They had to escape! If not only for himself but for his peerage! The people who entrusted their very existence to him and trusted his leadership!
They can't die! Not here and now! Not before he could reach his dream and fulfil his goal! Not before he made true to his promise, and helped his companions do the same!
"Think! Think! There is always a way out! We will survive, like always! There is no way we will die in a dark room like some lowly meat! I am Dominus Al'Igna Paimon! My fate! My destiny couldn't be to die in this dreadful place! I refuse to accept it!" He tried to recall a certain quote from one of his grandmother's books and a situation that was similar to this came to his mind. "Right! Recount what happened, and make your conclusion. The key to your freedom is hidden by your past! Retrace your step and the way opens! Sometimes, the route of freedom hangs before your eyes! It is so obvious, it is painful. Gaah! This doesn't help!"
Alas, right now, this exact quote does not quite fit their situation, or, he might remember it wrongly. He was not sure about it. Just now, his mind was too strained with other matters.
Regardless, he was aware, that reading things and experiencing them were two different beasts, but now, there was still a chance the fault was with him. His situational inability to properly analyze the meaning behind his grandmother's wording started to overwhelm his mind!
Whatever was the case, he had to concentrate! He can't fall apart! Not here and now! No! He had to collect himself and figure a way forth! For that, he needs to remember how they got here!
What was his last memory? He tried to ponder while a creeping feeling climbed his spine.
Ah! Yes! Now he remembered! Their arrival to Kuoh!
When they arrived to this town, he expected a quick manoeuvre. A simple rush-and-grab kind of scenario - like they practised many times in the past. Just like when they prepared for a Rating Game!
Their objective was simple: Kidnapping the human who hit him, and the one who refused his challenge so crassly. Then, return home triumphantly! Boasting and teaching those lowly humans some manners, and providing and example to everyone of what happens to those who raise the Paimon clan's ire!
Nothing else!
Admittedly, even he had little idea how to proceed with the last part. Aside from his siblings, and a few other people of similar rank, no one dared to humiliate or challenge him before!
But that night, the moment when they were to start their operation, that strange man appeared before them, again - the same one who slapped him so hard he had a hard time recovering.
The moment he appeared, his confidence started to turn gradually into dust!
Somehow deep inside, he knew, they had no chance. His skill and very instinct screamed when that beast emerged on the scene! And thus, he simply froze, and because of his inability, his comrades started to fall one by one!
That crass beast treated his servants like mere rags! Like a predator playing with its food before devouring it!
That being easily brushed away all their preparation and power, leaving no room for compromise! Witnessing that none of his comrades were able to stand their ground, despair overwhelmed him!
He expected some resistance seeing him, but what he experienced went beyond reason! That man… no! Creature! He cannot categorize someone like him as a simple human! Not after what he experienced! Not after what he witnessed!
He not only defeated them! He played with them like a hellcat with simple hellrat! He decimated his whole group like they were mere kids!
He, who was considered a great talent of this generation! Praised by other houses and the grand public! He, who despite his young age already had a track record winning several rating games and losing none! He, who dominated countless opponents and made them scurry before his feet! Him, who was the son of the Devil King's family! Lost!? How was it possible!? How come the son of House Paimon was defeated so easily and thoroughly!?
Ridiculous! Unheard! How it was possible?! How come a being with such power is present in this little-to-no-name human town? How come his family, with all their connection and influence had no intel about it!? How come his sources have not notified him about this!?
He was aware, that there are many powerful beings out there! Gods, angels, fallen, the devil and every other entity of countless kinds - some may even be able to challenge his family! But of all things a "human" doing this to them?! Humiliating and treating them like some dirty rag? Ridiculous! Unheard!
"Umm!"
He pondered for a few moments, watching his peerage members who were still too dazed to recognize their situation - mumbling under the wrap covering his mouth.
He wondered… Is it possible? Could there be some spark of truth lies in her grandmother's wild stories and tales?
Back in his childhood, reading those fabled "legends" inspired him, urging him to do better, and try to live up to those mythical devils he read about! Yet, when he started to grow and experience the world around him, he realized! The world is a lot different than his grandmother pictured in her epic tales.
One can say, he slightly became disillusioned, even broken when his constant struggle only earned mockery from his family and the world. But even so, he tried to put up a hard exterior, and defy their expectation!
For the boy, only spite and defiance remained that still burned in his insides! To turn to be the dark lord he inspired to be from those tales and show everyone how wrong they were about him!
He wanted to show, he was born to be great! Just like his grandmother and grandfather did! Becoming legends under the great war and beyond!
Yet, recalling all that humiliation he had to suffer from certain members of his family! Remembering what happened on that roof, and all that happened before, he was no longer confident he meant to be great, or meant to be born in the Paimon family at all! Maybe, he was just a mistake. Maybe, he did not deserve it at all.
"Um!"
Just thinking all of this, a lone drop of tear left his eye, only to freeze right away on his face.
Why did these people hanging with him join his peerage?
Just being suspended here, just watching them now, it was obvious they had other choices. They had good skills, and a good base to improve upon. Any other devil family would have taken them gladly. Yet, they joined him regardless. And now, after all of this, he questioned: Why?
Maybe it was a pity that drove them? Or something else? From this vantage, he failed to see the reason.
"Hmmm…" His insides turned painfully empty for a moment pondering on the answer. Only to recognize he was strangely cold. What was this place anyway? Some kind of freezer?
His infernal blood was supposed to protect him against the simple chill, or searing heat, so why did he feel so frosty?
Unless… Was it fear? Uncertainty? Or even… he only felt like this when he travelled to river Cocytus with his father - when he was but a child!
"Um!" Suddenly, he spotted something moving from the corner of his eyes, and he tried to wriggle towards it immediately!
He had no idea what it was, but it can't be good if it is hiding in this unnatural dark! Or is it?
His insides trembled and shook! Something was there! And it just moved in the gloom! His heart thumped in his ear! What is this dread that lurked in this dark place!? Where the hell they were!?
"Um!"
A low rustle, some creaking, and he can't help but yank his aching neck - which had gone numb hanging upside down who knows how long!
Finally, he spotted something, sitting in the corner. A low weep came from it, he was sure he heard that right.
"Hmphu! Hmmm…!" What? Can it be? A little girl? Could it be? That shape in the dark certainly was similar.
Do they really leave a child in this unfriendly place? Even he would not be that cruel.
"Hmph! Hmm!" He tried to call for the child, giving his all to make some noise, and it seemed his efforts paid out! Because her head raised slowly, her eyes glinting in the dark, before she disappeared, just before his eyes!
"Hm!?" What happened? He was sure he saw that child in the corner! It is possible his mind messing with him? Or is this unnatural place causing this? It is possible the trauma is still too fresh and now he has delusions?
He tried to look around again, only to come face to face with a figure that was not there before!
"Hmm?"
Thick black locks covered the front of her face. A simple, yet traditional uniform of a schoolgirl, torn and abused.
Judging from her height, she must be around the age where humans go to high school the first time - or a little older? She was quite short, but she had some ample bust, so, he was not sure. He always had a hard time judging a human's age. Their life was pitifully short, after all.
Regardless, if she can help them, he will give her whatever reward she desires! His family surely spare no expenses in order to reward his saviour! Because as of now, he cared not about revenge or the race of his saviour! He only cared about survival and the safety of his people!
But what was this stench? Why only now did he start to feel it? It was like… something is rotting? The odour hit like a wave, a sickening blend of decay and stagnant water. It was the foul sweetness of rotting flesh, cloying and thick in the air, mingled with the sharp tang of mould.
"Ei… he-help? Am I… am I…?"
Is she… is she speaking to him? That must be it! Her voice was so soft and beautiful. Yet, strangely broken and meek. She must be a sweet girl under those wild, long locks. Regardless, it was not time to ponder on such a trivial thing! Instead, he started to nod his head energetically, trying to enforce his need to be freed from his bonds!
"Bwelp!"
The stuffing and the tape that covered his mouth were slowly removed, and his face was slightly burnt from the long captivity.
"Th-Thank you! Whoever you are, pretty lady, the Paimon family will reward you capiously for your help! Now, if you would help me out of these… bonds…"
He spotted something in the dark, just at that moment the girl raised her head slightly more.
Until now her face was lowered, covered by her thick, wet hair. But as of now as she slightly raised her nob, some of those locks parted.
A pair of sickly orbs full of burst veins, without eyelids, met his yellowish-green eyes! A face, flayed to the meat! The rotten muscles were visible underneath the drenched hair! Jaw partly broken, dangling only on the remnant of torn muscles!
"Am I… pretty?"
Silence… in the sudden realization he even forgot how to breathe! Then, as his heart started to throb ever faster, his horror burst out from his orifice of all sudden!
"Ahhhhhhhh!"
He screamed! He roared in fright! Wha-What is this!? They were enclosed with some kind of poltergeist!? Or some other monstrous being?
Normally, he wouldn't be afraid, as his black flames could even burn souls to cinders! Yet, feeling so powerless he can't help but let out his feeling of hopelessness!
"Shh… master will be upset." Massive, rumbling steps emerged from behind, and long icy fingers covered the boy's mouth. Long digits infused with chilled scales and sharp claws like translucent ice.
A true monster, with a hide of ice and frost, emerged from the shadow. Deathly cold in colour! His head is bald and adorned with twisted horns of ice and blight! A true demonic entity that vomited evil and malice with its very existence!
Its eyes were dead, and released cold fog which brimmed bright in the gloomness around! From its mere presence, it was clear he was the source of the otherworldly chill present in this room.
"He said I am pretty…"
"It is okay. You are pretty." The monstrous entity with unnaturally long limbs and a lanky body patted the girl gently - almost like a father caring for his daughter, his little princess.
Removing his spiky hand from the Paimon boy's mouth, it remained fused from the cold that formed with a mere touch.
"Ummm!" Dominus screamed as loud as he could, but the new seal on his lips allowed not a single word to leave his throat.
"Shh… be silent."
"Oi! What the hell is this rumble down there!?" A series of metallic, echoing banging sounds came from the other side of the room of all a sudden, and the demonic entity walked towards it, yanking the sliding door open with ease!
Massive chunks of thick ice fell to the ground! All frozen around, sealing the entrance tight! Yet, the creature easily opened the seal, it looked like it caused him no effort!
"Yes?" Asked the entity slow and gentle, watching the sudden intruder of his humble residence.
"What the hell are you doing down there?! Shouting and making a ruckus?! Mittelt had to come down and check!"
"I am sorry…" Lowered his head the terrible demon apologetic.
"Mittelt-chan! Pl-Please don't be so rude to Kōri-sama!" Yelped the flayed girl protectively. "H-He just made…"
"Oi! And what are you doing here in the dark!? Haven't the boss given you a room?" Mittelt, the short fallen glared at the girl, who hid meek behind the massive arm.
"I-I thought Kōri-sama was lonely, so I came to check on him. Then… I got curious, and checked on those people."
"People?" Mittelt looked around, but from the close-to-impenetrable dark, she was barely able to see anything.
"Ummm!" Suddenly the muffled scream came from deeper inside, which made the girl squinte her eyes suspiciously.
"Is someone there? Don't mess with Mittelt!" She asked annoyed, flipping the switch which did not respond, thus, she recovered a flashlight and went deeper inside.
"What the hell!?" Her eyes widened in shock when abruptly she came face to face with the first captive! "Are we fresh serving devil meat now, or what?" She shuddered, pulling her thick coat together. Because it was so cold, even she started to feel the chill.
"You know what? Mittelt doesn't care! Mittelt is not paid enough to care! Mittelt will freeze to death! Oi! Can't you just raise the temperature a little, you moving fridge!"
"I am sorry, that's the lowest cold output my body is capable of. Also, the master ordered to keep everything nice and cold, so the goods would not spoil."
"Fucking great…" That's why she had to wake up hours earlier, because her boss refused to install a normal freezer, but rather use this whatever to cool this place!
Like this, it takes considerable time to prepare everything before their daily opening - as they had to defrost everything that might spoil and keep cold.
"Dammit…" Summoning a light dagger, she cut open the ice muzzle that was formed on the boy's mouth.
"I-I… thank you! Whoever you are! Please, save us! These monsters… If you do…" The captive started to babble, everything bursting out from him in a massive flow of prattle.
"Who the hell are you?" Yet, all his effort to channel his desperate need to get away from this place only earned him an annoyed glare.
"I… What!? Who?"
The devil was taken back in surprise. Normally, he would have shown this little chit how to treat her betters - Not to speak how infuriating that belittling, spiteful gaze of hers was. But as of now, he can't be picky! He had to swallow his pride as a devil noble and part of the clan with the rank of king and ask for help.
"I am Domi…"
"Whatever, Mittelt fucking don't care! Mittelt has other problems right now. Mittelt just tells the boss, and she will decide. Fucking great… and now everything is frozen again."
While she grumbled in herself like a woman who just woke up from her sweetest dream, and now had to go out in the cold, she shuffled towards the nearby box, forming an ice pick with her powers and tried to dislodge the item from the ice.
"Oi! Come here and help, you damn lanky idiot!"
"I am sorry…"
"And don't apologize all the time! You make Mittelt feel miserable…"
While listening to this nonsense display, Dominus pondered…
Boss? Who she is speaking about? Does she mean that monster in human skin they encountered outside? Or someone else? Whatever the case was, it sounded less than favourable for his group.
"Pl-Please! Don't leave us! We do anything! Anything! You can get everything you ever dreamed of! My family…!" he had to convince her! If these monsters here did not attack her, and the icy demon even apologized - likely submissively. Then she was someone of high rank here. Which means, she can also get them out of this arduous situation!
"Fuck off! Mittelt had no time for your games. It is wrong enough she had to wake up from her sweetest dream..." She muttered bitterly, leaving Dominus and the slowly rousing rest.
Alone again, accompanied by the ghastly girl and the icy demon. Left the dark as the sliding door closed slowly.
"Nooo!" Hopelessness overwhelmed his insides, left in the gloom again! Alas, just a few hours later, he and the rest were rescued from their binds - by the most unexpected person of all he might add.
…
"So, how did you end up in my freezer? Huh?" And now, several hours later, they are here. Facing each other with their supposed host.
A familiar face sat before them. The girl with mismatched eyes and a strange presence, who squinted her oculars - peeking out from behind her mug.
"I…" Dominus, sitting in the box with his host shuddered and sneezed. Just like his companions near and behind him, he also wore a thick blanket, holding a steaming drink in their hands.
"He wanted to invade your home and kidnap us." The girl turned to the white-haired man on her side. The same man who Dominus and his group come to close acquaintance - Too close if you ask him.
"Really?" After one of her shapely, and thin brows raised strangely high, she glanced back at the boy.
"Really." Nodded the servant.
"When that happened?"
"More than a day ago. At night."
"And you just put them in our freezer and left them here?"
"I also interrogated them thoroughly beforehand." Leaned closer to the servant, whispering to his master's ear.
"And?"
"Nothing noteworthy. Just the grandeur of a spoiled child." He raised his voice just enough so the ones around could hear it. "Tough, I took the courage to patch them up beforehand. Else, they wouldn't have survived. I hope you don't mind."
What does he mean by that? Wondered many.
But thinking of it, they clearly remembered being on death's door before waking up here. How come they are healthy and whole once again - apart from some frostbite? Moreover! Interrogated? The members of the group looked at each other confused. They did not remember such a thing. Their last memory was their failed attempt to confront the man.
"Spoiled… mere grandeur?" Tough, the first part of the line bothered the young devil more.
Just a grandeur of a child? Spoiled? Is he really just a nobody in their eyes? That's it! This was probably the lowest point in his life! Strangely, he felt even more miserable than the times his brother stepped over and humiliated him.
"The question still stands. How come you did not notify me, Rorschach?" Some kind of pressure descended in the whole place when the girl's eye slowly slid at the man! Even if it was probably not aimed against Dominus and his group, they felt like they could be squashed at any moment!
"Bo-Boss…"
"Do-Dominus-sama, I feel…!"
"I-I know…!" The son of House Paimon sweated intensely, urging his body to resist - with little luck, he might add.
He felt nauseous! His stomach churned! His heart in his throat! What kind of monster he had roused with his insolence!? It was like a Maou sitting just before him! Worse than when his father or brother exerted their authority to discipline him!
"I-I thought it was of no importance. After all, to disturb you with such measly little flies every time they come nearby? It would be truly a waste of your time."
Flies? Really? Does this creature really think so lowly about them?
"And that gives you an excuse not to report?" The servant tried to hold himself firm - still looking like a mere bug to be squashed by a giant when the girl's gaze intensified.
"I… considered them unworthy of your attention!" Blood started to trickle from Rorschach's eyesocket and nose, displaying something indeed affected him - Pressuring him to take a more submissive standing.
"Please, forgive me. It will not happen again."
"Haah! I guess, I can let this…"
"Oi! I had enough! You really think you can just treat us like some trash?!" Shouted the girl with sharp teeth and red hair behind Dominus.
Though she sweated intensely from the pressure, she still found her guts to resist and open her big mouth.
"Etelka! Please…!" The deathly pale boy with the hood - who looked almost like a cheap reaper cosplayer - tried to chide his friend, first-hand experiencing the heavy palm of the man standing not far from them.
"Orphipos! But he is…!"
"That's enough!" Dominus commanded them, giving his people a subtle glare. "Please forgive them. They are…"
"It is fine…" Hissed away his worry the tanned girl, gave a strict look to her servant nearby. "We will speak about this, later."
"I-I understand." It was baffling to see the guy, who so easily humiliated and destroyed his group so humbled, and on top of that, sweating from nervousness. Even bleeding like some unseen force skewered his brain!?
After what he experienced, he would never imagined such a mighty being can act so meek and fearful.
"Haah! What to do with you?" The girl with mismatched eyes rubbed her temple, wrinkling her smooth forehead. "So, who are you people, and why did you want to kidnap us?"
"Eh?"
Dominus blinked baffled. Is she really not even bothered to remember him? Most importantly, his reason?
"Yo-You really don't know? But… my challenge? You even sent him as a messenger." A very painful refusal, he might add. His face still throbbing just glancing at the glowed hand of the dark-skinned man.
"Do you really expect me to remember every little detail? I can't even recall what I ate yesterday…" She mumbled from behind her fingers, her eyes mirroring her lack of care as her eyelids lowered halfway.
"Guh!"
Dominus dropped his head, his hands squeezed on his thick thighs. Of all the things he expected from this meeting, this was not among them! To not even remember him? His spirit was crushed!
"Haah! That look… now you make me feel bad." Gillian rubbed her head frustrated, really having no idea how to treat depressed people like this boy.
'Grr!'
"Umm! Sorry!" A loud growl broke the strange atmosphere, and the towering werewolf apologized, placing his sizable palm on his impressive abs.
"I see… you must be hungry not eating for more than a day. It will not do. How would that look if someone remained hungry, or thirsty in my establishment? In the end, you will give me a bad review."
"What?!" Was she really concerned about that? After they tried to kidnap them? After he threatened her and even brought forth a challenge?
"Rorschach! Prepare something for them. Make it nice and proper! Oh! And don't forget the dessert."
"As you wish." The servant bowed with a bitter smile, wiping some of the blood with his handkerchief.
"And remember. Our guest is the son of an esteemed house. His family has money. Make it as expensive as possible!" That evil smile hidden underneath her folded fingers! Dominus did not like it the slightest!
"Of course!" The servant bowed, leaving them alone with their host.
The boy gulped. He was confused about the situation. But he had so many questions! Although, should he make them? Ask his daring query. After what happened?
"What? You creep me out. Why are you staring like that?" In the end, his concentration was broken, and it slipped out of his mouth regardless of his intent.
"Ca-Can I have a question?"
"Yes? Just make it quick, soon we will open, and we are in great delay. Dammit! Where is Kiryuu? Her shift started an hour ago!" Recovering her silver pocket watch, their caterer seemed frustrated.
"I…" Dominus gulped, measuring the girl from head to toe once more. Aside from her strange, but otherworldly beauty that probably surpassed any devil he knew, he felt no magic, or other power emanating from her.
Only the pressure, the sheer presence was there! Not even the special sight he inherited from his grandmother's line detected anything! Like she were blank! Not even there! No magic, nor any innate power radiated from her soul!
Odd, since even the most magicless creatures used to have some kind of presence in them, which his inherited skill can detect, or discover. Yet, she lacked even that.
"What? Spit it out! I am busy!" She urged him rudely.
"A-Are you the… are you the dark lord?" He asked it! Even if it was nonsense! Even if it was embarrassing and daring, he blurted it out!
"Dark Lord?" Their host raised her brow, tilting her head pondering. "What do you mean?"
"I-I mean, you keeping those monsters in that place. That man who easily destroyed us back then… yet, you ordering him around like he would a servant? It is possible you…?"
"Ah! That? I see." Hummed Gillian pondering. "Perchance, have you not met with other people with considerable skill or strength?"
"Yes, the Maou, my brother… father… grandmother and…" and he can list them all day.
"And they are dark lords?"
"I mean… they never said they would be. And my grandmother is in a coma. But… They could call themselves that, all things considered. Still… that demon, that monstrous ghost in that place. Th-That man…" The young devil mumbled, trying to collect his thoughts in many incoherent sentences.
"Oh! I get it!" The girl lowered her eyelids halfway, before exhaling some air. "Let's be clear. If binding, or calling forth a mere mid-low class ice demon qualifies you to be a dark lord, then every measly summoner and diabolist could boast of being one. Rorschach probably took you out so easily because you were caught off guard. His training and you folks foolishly running headlong onto our defensive net were all it took. Simple home ground advantage. He is submissive because he has a sister-complex - like Sirzechs-kun." Gillian raised a finger for each element on her list.
"T-The Maou has a sister complex?" Some members asked baffled, even more surprised this "human" dares to call the Maou's name so casually.
"I… I see…"
It all made sense, but it still not added together in Dominus' head! There must be something else he missed, or she didn't tell them!
"There must be…!"
"And don't be rude to poor Kiyomi-chan! It is wrong enough how her life ended in this place." No wonder she got this big house for such a cheap price. It was an abandoned, haunted place infamous in all of Japan for more than a decade.
"According to the reports of the police, this mansion was the lair of some kind of serial killer who killed, tortured and even ate some of his victims. That damn real estate agent!
Of course, she did not mention it! Those people truly lack soul!"
And of course, after she heard the mind-bogglingly cheap price, and checked the condition of the place, she just jumped on the offer! Honestly, it was her fault not investigating the place's history first.
Aika even mentioned how odd that she bought this place of all things - as according to the rumours, the mansion was haunted by the angry ghost of a schoolgirl who was killed and tortured in the basement.
"As it came to light, it was Kiyomi-chan." Honestly, she only encountered her after one week of living here. And as it came to light, appearance can be deceiving. "She is too kind for such fate…"
Many so-called exorcists turned around in this place over the years, but for some reason, while the rest of the victims found peace or were driven away forcefully, something still binds Kiyomi here.
"I wanted to help her. But she refused my help. No matter, she moves on when she is ready…"
Not a matter she wanted to force, since she caused no harm, and was generally a kind girl. Helpful even.
As of now, Gillian was confident she managed to turn the reputation of this place around. Nowadays, it is rarer and rarer for those freaky catastrophe tourists and so-called "ghost hunters" to show up to harass poor girls.
"Still, that did not…!"
"Let it be enough that as of now, I am but a high schooler, attending the Kuoh Academy. An average student, who also works part-time in her café. Just as Japanese law dictates and allows. That's it, and nothing more…" She cut the topic short, giving a look to the teen devil. A gaze that implied she did not want to pry the topic further.
"O-Okay…"
Dominus gulped and gave a glance of his servants. Just like him, they also had a hard time believing this "cheap" cover. There must be something behind her act, he was sure of it! It bugged him no end why beings like them hid when they had the power to dominate! This made no sense for the youth!
"Excuse me, I need to pick this up." Gillian cut Dominus' pondering, pulling out her buzzing phone. "Don't leave before you pay, or I find you." Before he could continue, he was denied by their host who stood up and picked up her phone.
"Hello, Gillian speaking! Ah! Kiryuu-chan's mother? Is it? How is she? She did not… Oh! Sorry, I have not seen her for almost two days." He overheard the beginning of the conversation while pondering on all he experienced here.
"Dominus-sama, what do you think it is about?"
"I have no idea." He answered to his queen. But he suspected, it probably meant trouble.
As he pondered on this, the small bell above the door rang, signing someone had entered through the door.
"It is really…?"
"Dominus!?"
"You!?" His stupor was blown away by the newly arriving people! The teen devil suddenly stood up, just like his peers behind him, prepared to the action! Their eyes met the newcomers in a heated blaze!
"Damn, this playboy again!?" The boy following the red princess took a stance, ready to protect his president.
This time, he felt prepared! Ready to smack that annoyingly handsome, chubby mug of his opponent! "Buchou! Stay behind me!"
"Gremory and Shitori! What are you doing here?" Dominus scoffed, his usual uppity expression returning. The broken visage of the boy no longer present.
"I could ask the same, Dominus." For the strict question of the red princess, the devil gritted his sharp teeth, the tension started to solidify in the air!
"Here you go! As ordered! A hearty meal for everyone!" Alas, all the rigidity that suddenly formed was broken momentarily when Rorscach came forth, cutting between the two sides. Carrying and balancing food on multiple trays would be enough for a lesser army. Just like that, he made his interjection. "I will bring the drinks soon! Enjoy your meal!"
"Tha-Thank you…?" Out of a sudden, the devil teen and his whole peerage froze, even forgetting about the arrival of the local heads of the territory.
That man! That smile! It was not malicious like before! Completely different compared to that night! It did not make them shudder in their boots! Rather… was it a friendly smile? Just how flexible this man was to be able to change from mockingly playing around with them like a cruel devil, to jumping and acting like a mere butler!? Under a mere notice no less! Who can do such a thing!?
Just who the hell their captor was? It is possible? He was right on that night? Could it be he found some hiding dark lord residing in this town despite her denial? But why would someone of such influence and power hide? And why here of all places?
"Dominus? Dominus!"
"Yes… wha…!?"
"I asked, what are you doing here? I hope you did not plan anything shady." Rias glared at the boy, expecting a firm answer.
"He just came to apologize, right? Dominus-dono?" Rorschach returned with the drinks, and from the slit of his eyes, a sinister intent glinted once more. A flash, which made the boy and his peers shudder, remembering how their best effort ended that night.
"Ri-Right! I just came to apologize, that's it! I acted… unruly. Not fitting for my rank as the third son of a devil king." His head turned away, blush resurfacing on his blue skin - but he was able to see from the corner of his eye the Gremory, and the Shitori heiress's flabbergasted blink.
"What? Are you… alright?" Rias's tone carried some worry. She seriously considered the teen before she hit his head hard. He and his people seemed weathered. Moreover, since she knew him, he never acted like this! He was always boasting, and prideful! Never apologizing for his own violation.
"I know you heard me, Gremory! Don't make me repeat!" Now he was frustrated!
Gulping down whatever juice was before him, the boy grabbed his fork and started to eat whatever was put on the table.
"Now, if you excuse us. We would like to start our breakfast. The Gremory and Shitori house really fell low - not even knowing the custom." Grunting, his servants took seat around him, in a glaring silence following his example.
"What did you do to him?" Sona asked the man baffled, who tilted his head, playing the innocent.
"Me? Nothing." Rorschach lied through his teeth, paired with his always winsome smile. "You wouldn't believe how a few well-aimed words can change one's heart. The young man is more reasonable than you might imagine! Now then, though we are still not open, I think we can make an exception with such esteemed guests. So, what can I bring you?"
"We did not…"
"Oi! Red! Blue! What are you doing here?" Gillian came out from her office, her hands in her pockets.
"We are here due to an urgent matter. We would like to explain it in private."
"Oh, really?" Gillian blinked almost surprised, then looked around suspiciously and whispered. "You know, I am not interested in where you hid your porn magazines and dildo… I would rather not inherit toys that have already visited your holes."
"Pfu!" Dominus and most of his group spat some of their food. Such a crass but entertaining counter! Some pieces even went astray in his throat!
'Cough! Cough! Cough!'
"Do-Dominus-sama!"
"Hold on boss! I will help you!"
Such an unruly fate it would be! To die from a scrap of food that went astray because of a mere joke! A truly humiliating death for the grandson of two legendary devils!
"Oh! I wonder…" Meanwhile, Isse already imagined what kind of magazines his president hides. Moreover, where she hides those toys. Because every girl has one, right? Or, in those specific art pieces, girls usually had more than one - not as a princess of Rias' calibre would need any.
"Tha-That's not! Enough!" Rias' face went beet red, her brain seemed to be overloaded by the quick counter.
"Gillian! This is serious!" Sona pushed up her glasses, her face almost as red as her friend's.
"It was a joke…"
"This is serious!" The Gremory girl glared at the owner of the place, even stomping on the ground to enforce her point.
"So then, why do you waste my time with such foreplay? Spit it out, Red." The player rolled her eyes, visibly not interested.
"Fine! In short, the two exorcist girls disappeared, as well as Father Cesare. We can't seem to find them."
"And? Are you their mama? They probably left. Who cares?" Gillian brushed her nail against her chest, inspecting it bored.
"We found traces of intense clashes in the park, and near the factory district. As well, as marks of holy energy use. Some bear the signature of Excalibur fragments. I don't have to tell you what this means."
"Your responsibility, not mine. You're supposed to protect the town, aren't you? Or, are you saying you only want the benefits and not the task coming with the position?" Came Gillian's dismissing and cold answer. "Anyway, what a civilian like myself can do in this situation? I would rather leave it to the professionals. Now if you excuse me, I have a place to run."
"Are you daft, or what!?" Out of sudden, Isse shouted angrily, earning a sharp gaze from Rorschach, and a strained look from Dominus and his group. "Don't you get it?! If Irina and Xenovia disappear! If they did not return with their sword…!?"
"I-Ise!?"
"No! Buchou! She is acting selfish! I might be stupid, but I can't stand selfish people! You!? Don't you care about the people of this town!? Don't you care about your friends?! Classmates? Kiba-kun is on death's door, yet, you just stand here! Doing nothing! What do you think, what will happen if war breaks out because those stupid swords disappeared!?"
Surprisingly, Issei pointed out the essence of the situation - no matter how deftly he put it.
"Oh!" Gillian gasped slightly. "What do you mean?"
"Ise! She doesn't have to know about this!" Chided her pawn the Gremory heiress, slightly glaring at him.
"Wha…!? You didn't tell her?" Issei was dumbstruck. He thought the girl was already notified.
Kiba and Gillian really seemed chummy, after all. Knowing this, Issei expected Rias to at least drop a call or something.
"So, what happened to Kiba? Spit it out…" The player crossed her arms, squinting her eyes expecting an answer.
"Tch! If you really care, we found him lying not far from the school, inside of a crater. His wounds… grievous. He was barely alive when we found him. Even with Asia's help, he is not likely to make a full recovery. I am not even sure he will survive…"
Rias turned her blue gaze away, biting her lips in pain and anger.
"Holy weapons lacerated his body to the very core. His bones were fractured and broken. All of this is the signs of an exorcist, angel, or fallen incursion." Sona continued. "And indeed. Full recovery is unlikely. He might not be able to use his power anymore."
This was something the experienced exorcist warned them beforehand. Indeed, those invaders hunted the fragments, she was sure of it! That man even warned them what might happen if those girls disappear, or their weapons are stolen!
The devils tried to be careful, monitoring the situation as closely as they could, yet, the trouble still came to their backyard. The enemy outsmarted and outmanoeuvred them this time around.
But regardless of what happened, the question still remains! Why did they attack Kiba of all things? What benefit there is trying to kill him? How come he was found near the school, in a crater irradiated with holy energy?
Too many questions. Too few answers! All of which led them to this strange girl and her brother. The same people, who appeared just before the trouble started to stir in their peaceful town.
"Hmm, I see. How troublesome." Hummed Gillian while fondling her chin. "So, what do you expect me to do? Go out there and start to beat random strangers like some rabid dog - hoping I might find the culprit?"
"No! Of course not!" Retorted Sona. "That would… bring more trouble than solve." Even imagining it made the girl nervous. But at the same time, excited? Why was she excited imagining such a brutish scene? What was with her today? "W-We found a recording, and some information on Kiba-san's body. It was from Cesare… he mentioned you as a possible new target. A potential… "true vessel" as he put it."
"A true what?." Gillian blinked seemingly confused.
"A true… vessel. Cesare-san did not specify what it is. But it is probably related to the Excalibur fragments and you." Considering Gillian's exploits with that sword, and what they had all seen when she wielded it. That was most likely the case.
"You are not safe here." The Shitori heiress stepped forth, her expression unlike her usual self, turning as of a hardened lioness. "Whatever will happen next, logic dictates the enemy will target you. Come with us, and we can draw the enemy out. And… keep you safe."
The player blinked. The "blue" girl's tone was different. It was almost like she was embarrassed. Yes, her tone was definitely unsteady.
"Oh! Are you alright, Sona-chan? Your voice is trembling? And your face? Do you have a fever?" She asked innocently. Indeed, the Shitori heiress' body temperature has risen slightly. Her soul was in turmoil.
"Geez! You are burning up!" She even placed her hand on her forehead to check it.
"Th-that's not it! I-It is serious! It is not what you think!" The girl shuttered all red, almost turning as hot as Rias' hair. Out of instinct, she slapped away the bandaged hand.
"Okay. Whatever…" Gillian grunted dismissing her strange behavior.
To get to know what a girl shows and thinks is two different matters. As of now, the player realized one thing: even the most crafty demon lord of the infinite layers wouldn't be able to decipher a female's intent to the fullest - Not even with mind reading.
"Even after spending several months in this female body, I have no idea what they want. Can't they just say it out loud and clear?" Grumbled Gillian in her head, before exhaling some air.
"Fine! I'll go along. But only to check on Kiba-kun. That's it! If he is really hurt…" Grunting, Gillian bit her thumb.
"Unfortunately, I can't allow that."
"Rias!"
"Bu-Buchou…"
"Oh! Really?" The player blinked witnessing the sudden announcement of the red-haired princess. "Huh? Then tell me, why would I go along with your game, Red? Tell me a good reason, Ojou-sama, why would I risk my hide?"
"Hmph! I agree that something is going on. Something that is probably related to you or your brother." Hummed Rias, crossing her arms under her peaks.
"You don't say…"
"But based on what we know, letting you near Kiba in his current state is nothing but a risk." Not something she is willing to take. "Who knows, it might be you who did that with him! Or someone who is after you. In fact, all evidence points to you or your brother! If it were up to me alone. I would have already detained both of you! Only for Sona's sake, we are here, and request your cooperation!" The red princess's blue gaze blazed, throwing all the accusations towards the player her soul could spare!
"Oh, really?" Gillian blinked, glancing at the blushing Shitori girl first, and then back to the Gremory.
"In that case, you can show me some proof, are you not? Or are you just throwing around empty accusations?" She questioned with an ice-cold tone, with no answer, but a piercing gaze as a retort.
"I see… so nothing." The girl sighed, her oculars lowered towards the ground slowly. "You know Red, despite being a pampered princess, you are bearable. I would even say, nice. Someone who seemingly truly cares about Kiba-kun. Only because of this, I will not pry open your mind to his location but accept your decision. But be aware, my already ailing patience and respect towards you starts to fall drastically." Gillian raised her chin with squinted eyes. The pressure in the room started to grow, almost like a beast on to get loose. "You come to my place without evidence, and start to accuse me? You have some gal. Lucky for you, I am unlike my past self."
"Past self?" In almost synchrony, Dominus and Sona muttered.
"Tch! After all that happened, are you saying you have nothing to do with it? All the disturbance since you, and your brother's arrived is not a coincidence? Tell me, is this some game to you? Don't lie to me!"
From Rias' point of view, all the evidence, all the things that led to this point indicated Gillian played some kind of role in the events. A person, who is most likely responsible for Kiba's current state - and the many mysterious odd things happening around the town.
Be it was a coincidence, or not. Perchance, her and her brother's role in the events was unintentional, she had no clue. But that's why she has so few to none options remained! She is just out of options where to start!
"You really think that way? Huh?" Gillian's neck snapped as she tilted her head, rubbing her nape seemingly pondering.
"How else would it be?" Scoffed the girl at the end, confident in her truth. "Unfortunately, regardless of my opinion, and better judgment, the decision is not on me alone. We need to solve this issue, one way or another - for the sake of our realms. To preserve the order! The best way to do this is to draw out the culprit and force the truth forth! If it's not the two of you who stand behind these events, then come with us, and prove your innocence by assisting us! Until then, you, as well as your brother, are suspects!"
The girl's gaze moved from Gillian to her brother, who wordlessly started to prepare the counter for their clients - only listening to the conversation with his usual winsome smile.
"Is that so?" Gillian tilted her head with a blank face. So empty it almost starred in Rias's soul. "And what if we don't go?"
"In that case, for the sake of peace, we have to force you." The aura of destruction surfaced around the Gremory girl's body, indicating her willingness to use brute force if needed.
"Rias! You wouldn't!?"
"If there is no other way, Sona, I am afraid I have to…" The girl was resolute, even willing to go that far to harm her friend's chosen betrothed.
Rorschach seemingly stopped, watching the scene calm, yet ready. But seeing his master's subtle hand sign, he remained put - Returning to his job.
"So that's how it is, huh? Is the authority using violence against civilians? How predictable."
The girl rolled her eyes before a challenging grin formed on her face. At the same time, some kind of sinister intent started to seep into the air. Something even Rias started to feel, making her aura dimm out of instinct.
"Well, whatever. I don't mind, I can always use some exercise." Gillian stretched her arms, making a few air bubbles pop between her joints. "But tread carefully, Ojou-sama. As the king of your people, you make the decision. But they too might suffer the consequences. Are you willing to risk it for a possibly false trail?"
"So-Sona-senpai. Can't you do something?" Issei muttered, whispering to Sona. They had to find a solution! A peaceful one if possible! He really had little idea how to proceed now.
He agreed, the real culprit was still out there, or even standing before them right now! He was even willing to go as far as to hit Gillian in the face because she was rude to his president - despite Ddraig warning him not to do so.
Yet, to forcefully drag someone away? Someone they had no clear evidence against? Issei had doubts if it was the right thing to do.
Even in those boring thriller movies, they repeat the same line: innocent until proven guilty.
Considering this, can they even abduct them based on only assumption? It just doesn't feel right.
"If there is no other way, I will use all my might and authority bestowed on me by the Maou to subdue you. Although, I would rather not use violence." Rias gulped, trying to bolster her spirit to resist the sudden feeling of dread.
Why did she feel like this?
She knew the girl before her was a strange oddity, even scary sometimes. Dangerous even! But never before had she felt so doubtful, so afraid of the consequences like right now!
"If my Peerage is in danger, I will even face the Seraph!" She announced boldly, but deep inside she felt hesitant.
Was she afraid of what would happen next? Petrified about what will happen if she falls, and the girl aims at her people?
"Her exploits against Riser and his peerage are more than enough not to take her lightly."
Or, does she fear what Kiba say once he wakes up and gets to know of this? Even she was unsure about the true reason. She was only confident she rather avoid violence and use of force if she could help it.
"Ah! I see…! I get it!" Gillian hummed, fondling her face. That crushing air started to slowly disappear, the world returned to normal. "You have a blazing spirit, Red. A truly caring King." The player's eyes glinted in some kind of joy, and the sinister feeling all but evaporated, replaced by a smile of remembrance!
"Will you come with us then?" Rias sighed in some kind of relief. It was like a huge weight removed from her shoulders. That oddly scary feeling all but disappeared.
"I am afraid, I have to refuse." Gillian patted the girl's head, her friendly smile curled back to its place.
"In that case…"
"Red! Red! Red! I told you. No God or other authority can move me. The dark lord moves when she pleases." Gillian retorted with a joking tone, tilting her body playfully.
Dominus' eyes widened! Another coincidence?! That was almost the same line the Ashen Emperor used when the Devil King of Supremacy tried to force them to join!
His fists trembled! His stomach churned! The boy was hesitant if he would try to interject! Unsure how to proceed at all!
"Besides, you accuse me of things you have no proof of. You are rude. Want to detain me and drag me in your game - again? Unfortunately, I am in no mood to play along this time! Solve your issue, however you want. If I can't check on Kiba at least, I have no interest in involving myself in your dirty business." Announced Gillian in a dismissing tone. "In other words: Your territory, your duty! I can't profit, not my problem. I will just remain here and watch you stumble. Thinking of it, I should have done this from the start." At the end, Gillian scoffed, crossing her arms resolutely.
"Hmph! Fine then!" The Gremory girl clicked her tongue, definitely furious. "There is really no cure for human stubbornness and stupidity! If you want to die that much, then remain here and die! Why would I care?"
"Good question, why would you care?"
"Rias! Gillian!" Sona yelped in panic. What are these idiots doing?
"Lord Dominus, should we?"
"No! If we get involved now…?!" Then surely something bad would happen to them!
The devil teen subtly listened to the conversation, while answering the elf near him, and he made his conclusion.
The local houses shamefully started to lose control of the situation. Some kind of incursion? Probably. And they can't put it down, but beg for assistance? Shame on their name! And yet, Dominus had the feeling, that the worries of the Gremory and Shitori group were unfound, because no matter the threat, a territorial monster was already here. Once the invaders rouse it, there will be no mercy!
Bowing not to authority! Nor the imminent threat! Not the coming catastrophe that endangered everything! Rather, it welcomed the foolish with that obnoxious, mocking smile! A monster awaiting her meal.
"Dominus? Oi!? What's that weird smile?" The red-haired girl asked annoyed, poking the chubby boy.
"Nothing." And the teen answered, enjoying the strangely delicious meal after his short captivity, like never before. "Oi! Stop poking!"
Resisting the call of protection! Facing danger head-on! Giving the false sense of hope in drops, before lacerating their enemies mercilessly! Just looking at the girl who stood not far, he had such a feeling.
Just like when he read that part in his grandmother's book! All of these, are the characteristics of the true dark lord! The one and only Ashen Emperor!
"Now then, if you don't buy anything, scram!"
Soon, Dominus and his group left the place the strange girl owned. Alas, he oddly wanted to stay to know more, yet he was literally thrown out by her - with the crass note he can expect his ass kicked if he causes any more trouble around.
Scene Change: A little bit later: Gillian's office:
"So that's how it is. Huh? Mr. Foul Mouth. Another breach in our contract? One more chance wasted? What a pity. And when I hoped we could play nice. Once again you prove you want to be an onahole." Gillian muttered disappointed. "I repeat my clauses one last time. Just because I am nice. Clean your shit up! Put things back where you found them, leave my place alone. Lack of compliance will entail consequences and sanctions." pushing a button on her phone, and the call ended.
"Should we notify Azazel-sama?"
"I tried that, again, but he is not available. Anyway, we warned him multiple times already. Don't you remember? And seemingly, he did shit! Our warning shots are worth a notch!" Shaking her head, the girl put down the paper in her hand. "Ah! I tried to be patient, just because I promised. But if he is not willing to discipline his employees, we may need to do it. For the sake of our peace. What a bother…"
"I see… What about that lowly devil, mistress? The tone she hit with you?! Unacceptable! Shall we proceed with her the same way?" Her servant trembled, on to get loose! Almost like many ants running under his skin, his face contorted in a veiny strain!
"It is fine. Just a rich brat, nothing else. Don't stress yourself. Her kind doesn't deserve it." Gillian shook her head relaxed.
To give more attention to an Ojou-sama than she deserved? It felt like a waste of energy.
"Don't feed the Ojou-sama…" As she used to say.
"Besides, her brother is problematic. I would not confront him until we know more. Your misadventure with those kids roused enough ire as it is."
"I-I apologize once more for my blunder, mistress." The servant bit his lip pained, visibly stressed about his oversight. "If you wish, I will end my existence just to…!"
"You and your sick ideas... Do you wish to die that much?"
"I-I… serving you is the sole reason for my existence. Without it…!" The servant turned his gaze away. His tone shuttered, filled with fear. Even thinking what he would do if she would just disown him was a dreadful prospect. Even more terrifying than any physical punishment his mistress would mete out for his mistake.
"Then improve and notify me at least. Dammit! It is wrong enough you put these things in the closet! Not to mention throwing those kids in the freezer! I bet you did it intentionally - just to me or Mittelt find them. Don't you?"
"You know me too well, my lord." Rorschach raised his head, with his usual creepy smile stretching on his "mask". Why he did it? What was his reason? Maybe only Gillian suspected.
"Tch! Whatever. I don't like surprises. Don't do it again."
"I will try my best."
"Good."
Standing in her office after she dismissed the Gremory heiress' forceful summons, the player urged herself to focus on more pressing matters. Something that actually mildly annoyed her.
"Well, what to do?" She pondered. "Ah, well! Let's deal with one thing at once. In that case, concentrate on the current matter. In this case, if the owner can't discipline their dog, we have to use our own means. Don't you agree?"
"I will go right away, and fetch that fly to you." The servant's bow deepened, placing his hand on his heart. First time since they were in the office, he looked almost giddy.
"No!" Yet, defiant, Gillian shook her head, just like her index. "One more chance, that's all he has. Just because I am nice, and made a promise. He most likely will blow it away anyway. But… a deal is a deal, I guess. Like blood is the currency of the body, as such promises are the currency of the soul. Remember! Faith and mutual agreement! All of which all monetary system is based on! The pillar of our society! Just imagine! What would it make us if we would violate our own terms?"
"I understand." Rorschach lowered his stance, almost sounding disappointed.
"Regardless. If you want peace, prepare for war. I expected him to cheat, so I also prepared some games. Just in case." She chuckled almost maliciously, before her mouth exhaled some steam, making her sound exhausted. "Ahh! Why am I even doing this?"
"My lord?"
"Am I a horrible person, Rorschach? I mean, truly? Am I a hypocrite?"
"Why would you think that, master?" The man tilted his head, still smiling but his confusion was evident.
"I mean, all those chances… I wanted a peaceful life. I wanted to be free! Not bound to anyone. Yet, every time someone comes to my door and confronts me, I push it back. Making things more complicated." Just thinking of the first case with the fallen. Then the Phenex boy. Then with Kokabiel… and many other smaller things!
"I should have dealt with them easily. Ignore them even. Yet, I went along with their game. I wonder why…"
Observing the events in a different light, it became obvious: If she just let things be as they were, avoiding confrontation, maybe moving out of the way. Maybe, there would be less attention on her. Less trouble. Doing nothing would be more beneficial.
"Then why can't I resist the pull?"
It was her fault for being as she was? Or maybe, her past experiences pushing her- Urging her to stand her ground? Not to allow herself to be pushed to the corner like before? Resist, even if it is the world that pushes back? Not to allow others to take what's hers?
"I wonder… all this power in my palm! Yet, I feel not a flicker of pity. No remorse, or urge to be truly selfless. Not even considering all the tragedy and pain around me. Not even trying to help others earnestly if there is nothing to gain. Not even after Kiba was hurt. After everything happened... Now, I only consider what's mine. To punish those who try to exert control over me!" Watching her bandaged hand, she just can't decide.
Was her race's nature affecting her? Or does her past just make her so insensitive and selfish? Urging her to dominate and protect what's hers? Honestly, she had no idea. But as of now, when she interacted with people, she started to recognize how their views differed from hers.
"Ah! I understand." Hummed the servant, before looking around. "If you allow me to be honest, my lord…"
"Go ahead…"
"Please, tell me, my liege. Should the dragon consider the demand of a sheep? The game of mere livestock who provokes them and offers themselves to be devoured? Barging in their lair?" From the corner of his eyes, he glanced at the mutilated fallen - visible through the hole in the space.
In a hellish landscape, their bodies nailed to grotesque, living, upside-down crosses. Their wings clipped and torn, stripped bare. Their flayed, broken form screamed as the malformed, mangled souls around gnawed on them, yet, no voice left their throat. Mere pest, who came to his lord's domain with a harmful intent - Sent by a certain someone to take what's not theirs!
"Well…"
"If you would listen to the opinion of this lowly servant, our mistress! As of now, the apex's patience already exceeded what was considered reasonable. Your kindness and mercifulness already surpassed that of a saint."
"You think so?" Not even sparing a look at the suffering creatures, she snapped her finger, and the portal closed.
Her gaze skimmed her table filled with documents and her laptop, then raised a strange photo with six figures. Six monstrous, and adventurous beings, bearing mythical gear, posing triumphantly above a terrible being.
"What would you all do?" She questioned, while her eyes slid towards the Jenga tower standing on the edge of her desk. A construct that strangely stood stable, despite multiple blocks already missed from it. "But you are not here, are you not? Friends? We are all alone. In that case… Ah! Very well. If they want to play, we will play."
With a lazy poke, she pushed out another rod, which fell on the ground, while the rest of the tower remained strangely stable.
Only one piece kept it from falling onto the floor. Barely balancing on the edge, only sheer will kept the meticulously constructed game falling into many little chaotic pieces.
"One more chance. That's all you get! Just because a promise was made. Our preparations are ready. Our message is sent… What you will do with it, is up to you, my little bird. If the tower falls, that will be on you."
"As always, your charity towards these lowly peasants knows no bounds, my dark liege." The man's handsome face distorted, replaced by an unnatural toothless grin, akin to it losing its structural integrity.
An ominous smirk, that offered only malice and a slow end.
From the next chapter:
"Tch! That worm!" The man muttered, crushing the phone in his hand, filled with rage.
He was furious! His evil aura blazed up! The intensity even forced the surrounding servants to make a step back!
"M-My Lord!"
"Lo-Lord Kokabiel… please!"
"Trouble?"
"Nothing we can't solve." He snarled, before turning to the mysterious figure in plague doctor attire. Someone, who slowly approached - a being who was not even disturbed by his outburst.
Seeing him, his rage slowly started to lessen, until eventually, even the pressure disappeared.
"Once more, I thank you, Lord Clades." His expression eased, almost growing soft seeing the approaching man. "Your gifts and assistance greatly improved our chances. Like this…!"
"This was not a gift, but an investment. We expect results, Kokabiel. Mutual benefit. Remember, just as easily we can give. Just as easily we can take it away." The venom green lights behind the bird mask dimmed up for a moment, making the fallen leader's face contort in a bitter snarl.
"And as promised, you will see the results! Once our war starts, everything will fall into place!"
"Very well. We monitor your progress."
"Naturally…" Dismissing the veiled threat, his attention focused on the assistant standing not far from him. "Are we prepared?"
"Everything is in place, Lord Kokabiel. With the exception of the last fragment, we are ready."
"Don't worry, that wretch will bring it, when the time comes. Am I right? Esteemed guests?" Chained to the wall, several people were held. One is awake, fearful and confused about what is going to happen. The others were abused, beaten and tortured, barely hanging the last thread of their mind.
Familiar figures, a few Kokabiel knew too well - The subjects of his hatred and contempt.
"No answer? Huh?" The man raised his brow, while some sadistic glee sneaked on his face. "You may have gone too hard on them. Not as I complain."
The stranger wearing a stitched mask tilted his head, not answering the subtle remark.
"No answer? Very well." he scoffed, turning his attention towards the nearby exorcist in lab attire. "Our new soldiers? Are they ready?"
"So-Some samples will be ready, but it is still far from completion. Valper-sama said…!"
"No matter. It will be good enough for a test run." The man sighed, sounding almost exhausted.
"My Lord, are you… alright? Aughh!"
"Stop grinning, you fool!"
"But I did not…!" The exorcist scientist collapsed!
His throat was pierced before a simple move separated his head from his neck. An act of impulse, which made even the present fallen soldiers watch their leader with fear and hesitation.
"Curious…" All the while the figure in black inspected the happening with some morbid curiosity.
"How annoying… Mertina, prepare yourself. Today, our crusade finally starts!"
"Finally!" The dark-haired girl with red and blue ends slapped close her thick book, jumping up from her seat. In her way she grabbed the strange mechanical scythe that rested not far away, putting it on her back with an elegant, fluid move.
"Let's start our march of ascension. Your revenge, just like mine will be fulfilled."
"I hope you can keep your promise."
"Naturally…"
Kokabiel's energetic grin returned, and the mysterious girl followed him through the door!
Their long preparation was completed! All the known obstacles were eradicated! Finally, they will start their grand plan! The crusade that intends to ignite the world in the flames of a grand war!
Maybe the last great conflict, which purifies the realms from the unworthy, leaving them standing as the victor!
How will their treacherous gambit play out? Read further to find out!
A/N:
Well, the big showdown is upon us!
What will happen in the next chapter, even the Maou can only guess!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter just as much as I did writing it! :P
This is the second part of a double chapter (which parted into another chapter XD), waiting to tear apart my faithful proofreaders!
I do not promise that such a long hiatus will not happen again!
As usual, life is a struggle; sometimes, one must stop to fix the mess!
But I do my best to deliver consistently.
Alas, I wish you a happy Halloween and a splendid life!
We shall meet again in the next chapter!
Good luck! Good night! Stay safe! Sail safe!
RnR!
Read and Review!
Oblivon2991 out!