High School DxD: Sons of Satan

The room was cold and silent.

Not in the usual sense, but the kind of cold and silence that crept into the marrow of your bones.

In the center of the room, Marius Tepes stirred.

His groans were faint at first, then louder as his consciousness returned with a sharp, splitting headache.

He felt pain before he even opened his eyes, his shoulders screamed in agony, his back ached from being arched downward, and his wrists and ankles were bound in a way that left him hanging midair.

Only his pants remained; the rest of his garments had been stripped away, leaving his pale upper body exposed to the chill.

He opened his eyes with a start, breathing hard and fast.

Darkness surrounded him.

"What… Where am I…?"

He shifted, trying to move his arms, but the chains clinked and pulled tighter, glowing with a sudden bright white as electricity coursed through them.

"AAGHHHH!!"

He screamed, his body convulsing violently as the chains shocked him without mercy.

His legs dangled, twitching from the voltage until the light faded and he was left gasping for breath, sweat pouring from his forehead, his pale skin now red and slightly scorched at the wrists.

Then a calm and reasonable voice echoed from the darkness.

"Don't bother. Those chains are laced with magic that tightens and zaps you the more you struggle. There are also strength suppressors and magic negators in them. Even if you tried to turn into a bat, a rat, or even a goddamn cloud of smoke… it won't work."

Marius's eyes darted wildly.

"Who's there?! Show yourself, coward!"

From the far end of the room, a small flame burst to life, floating in the air.

It hovered just long enough to cast light across the figure holding it.

Arthur.

His emerald eyes burned low under the faint glow, his face blank, devoid of any anger, pity, or emotion.

He walked forward, the fireball drifting lazily beside him, casting flickering shadows across the stone walls.

The chains around Marius rattled softly as he twisted in place.

"You…"

Marius growled, then, with all the arrogance and hatred he could muster, he spat straight into Arthur's face.

"Release me, you filthy mongrel! I am Marius Tepes! Prince of The Tepes Household! You will-"

Arthur cut him off as he snapped his fingers.

The chains surged again.

Marius screamed louder this time.

His body seized up in agony, eyes bulging, drool dripping from the corners of his mouth.

The voltage lasted longer than before, just long enough to push the pain to the edge of breaking him, before it finally stopped, leaving him panting hard, sweat now soaking his hair and dripping from his chin.

Arthur wiped the spit from his cheek with his sleeve and let out a slow sigh.

"You are way over your head, you know that?"

He said at last, shaking his head.

"How delusional can one man be? Bound, half-naked, electrocuted, and hanging by the ceiling… and you still try to threaten your captor. You honestly believe you still have the high ground."

The fireball hovered to the side as Arthur crossed his arms and took a step closer, gazing up at Marius with unreadable eyes.

"Tell me something... Do you believe even the worst person can change? That even monsters… or people like you... can still find redemption, if they just try?"

He said quietly.

Marius glared, his face twisting with disdain as he began to rattle off a stream of threats.

"You don't know who you're dealing with! I have powerful allies that will flay you alive! I have the blood of Dracula in my veins, you insect! You and your little friends will die screaming while I'll drain your blood myself!"

Arthur listened to every word.

He didn't flinch or interrupt.

He let the threats keep coming until he'd heard enough.

With another snap of his fingers, the chains slithered like snakes, moving around Marius's mouth and clamping down into a gag that forced his jaw shut.

Muffled grunts of rage came from the vampire prince, but he couldn't form words now.

"Never mind. I was trying to make small talk to pass the time. That was my mistake for trying to be friendly."

Arthur said softly, shaking his head. 

He rolled his sleeves, cracking his neck and shoulders a bit as he stepped back and let out a slow breath.

"Okay, let's get this shit over with."

He muttered, walking to the side of the room where a small trolley sat.

Upon it is a collection of instruments.

Surgical tools, old and new.

An iron whip with silver barbs.

A set of brass knuckle dusters, one engraved with crosses and sigils.

A bucket filled with holy water, courtesy of Dulio.

Wooden stakes, a branding iron shaped like a cross, a rusty crowbar, etc.

Arthur looked at them without expression, without pride, without hatred.

This wasn't about vengeance or personal grudges.

This was about justice.

He reached for one of the knuckle dusters and slowly slipped it onto his right hand.

He dipped it into the holy water and held it there for a moment, watching the bubbles rise.

Then he turned back to Marius, who was still glaring at him, gagged now, eyes full of murder.

Arthur walked over to a nearby gramophone and flipped the switch.

The old device crackled, popped, and then a gentle melody floated into the room.

*Debussy's Clair de Lune*

It echoed gently through the chamber, completely at odds with the scene about to unfold.

Arthur took one final breath and stepped toward Marius.

He stood back, flexing the holy water-soaked knuckle duster on his hand.

"Let the penance begin."

Arthur told Marius as he flexed his fingers.

"Number 1. Mr. Happy, age 72, produce vendor."

DxD

A soft breeze carried the scent of fresh rain and early morning dew into the room as the curtains fluttered gently by the open window.

The room was calm, peaceful, bathed in golden sunlight as birds chirped outside.

Valerie's eyes fluttered open slowly.

Her vision was hazy at first, but it quickly sharpened.

She blinked a few times, her lashes heavy, her body feeling sore yet somehow… clean.

She stared at the unfamiliar ceiling, soft and painted in a calming pale blue.

The texture wasn't stone, there were no cobwebs, no chains, no screams.

Just a gentle silence.

She slowly turned her head, her mind sluggish, her body heavy.

Around her was a small room, modest, warm, furnished with a single nightstand, a shelf of books, and a wooden chair near the bed.

The sheets over her were clean and smelled of lavender.

She felt fabric touch her arms and looked down.

She was in a set of simple white sleeping robes, soft, warm, and not the rags she remembered wearing.

Her fingers clenched the blanket, confused and cautious.

(Where am I…?)

She shifted, trying to sit up, but her muscles betrayed her.

A wave of dizziness struck her immediately, and she nearly slipped off the bed.

Her hand shot out to grab the nightstand just in time, catching herself with a soft gasp.

The door creaked open.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She turned her head sharply toward the sound, her breath catching in her throat, only to freeze when she saw a boy enter.

He stepped in holding a folded towel under one arm and a shallow bowl of warm water in the other.

He stopped in his tracks the moment he saw her struggling to sit up.

"Whoa, easy there."

He said gently.

He walked over quickly, setting the bowl and towel aside, and reached her before she could fall again.

His hands were firm but gentle as he guided her back to the bed, lifting her carefully and sitting her upright against the pillow.

His touch carried warmth, and his expression remained calm, composed.

"You should get back to bed. Don't push yourself too much."

Valerie opened her mouth to ask who he was, but her throat was dry, and her voice came out cracked and hoarse.

He gently placed a finger in front of her lips.

"Shhh. Don't speak. You've been through a lot."

His voice was low, kind, and reassuring, like a warm blanket in winter.

He helped her lie back down and tucked the blanket over her again with surprising tenderness.

He smoothed it across her chest as he gave her a faint, apologetic smile.

"You'll need to stay in bed a bit longer until your strength returns. I know it's frustrating, but your body needs time."

Valerie blinked up at him, unable to speak but strangely comforted by his presence.

She didn't know who he was or where she was, but something about him made her feel… safe.

Then, as if on cue, her stomach growled loudly.

She flushed, immediately embarrassed, clutching at the blanket as her cheeks turned red.

He raised an eyebrow, and then laughed, a soft, genuine chuckle that melted away the tension in the air.

He stood and gave her a slight bow with a playful smirk.

"Wait here. I'll bring you something to eat."

Valerie watched him leave the room and disappear down the hall; her heart was still racing.

That man… There was something about him.

Not just the kindness in his voice or the gentleness of his touch, but those eyes.

Emerald green that was deep and expressive.

They weren't the eyes of someone who pitied her, but of someone who understood pain.

Moments passed.

Then the door creaked open again.

He returned, this time carrying a tray with both hands.

The aroma hit Valerie first, rich, savory, and warm.

Her eyes widened and her mouth watered as she instinctively sat up straighter.

She hadn't realized how hungry she truly was until now.

Her stomach growled again as Arthur approached and set the tray gently on her lap.

On it was a steaming plate of shepherd's pie, golden and fluffy on top with hints of seasoned lamb meat and vegetables peeking through, accompanied by a tall glass of clear water.

"Sorry, it's just some leftovers from last night. Reheated, but still good, I hope."

He said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. 

Valerie didn't answer immediately.

She picked up the spoon with trembling fingers, staring at the food like it was the most valuable thing in the world.

Then she slowly brought a spoonful to her lips.

It only took one bite, and her eyes widened as the flavors exploded across her tongue.

Rich, warm, and comforting, she chewed slowly, savoring every second.

Another bite.

Then another.

And another.

Her pace quickened.

She ate with quiet hunger, unaware of the tears building in her eyes.

They spilled freely down her cheeks as she kept eating, her hands trembling.

She didn't know why, nor could she explain it.

But it had been so long since she had tasted something made with care… something that didn't come from a bucket that wasn't meant to keep her barely alive.

He didn't say anything.

He simply sat beside her, watching her with calm, quiet eyes.

In his heart, he felt something twist.

What had been done to this girl… what she'd been through to make a simple meal move her to tears, he didn't want to imagine it.

She finished the plate entirely, licking the last of it from the spoon without even realizing it.

Then she grabbed the water and drank it down in one go.

She sat back, eyes red, chest rising and falling with a soft sigh of relief.

That was when she noticed, her face was wet.

She touched her cheeks, confused, and wiped at the tears.

He reached over and handed her a handkerchief.

"Here."

She took it and held it gently, nodding slowly in thanks.

"Are you okay now?"

He asked softly.

Valerie hesitated… then nodded again.

She clutched the handkerchief to her chest.

"Thank you…"

She whispered.

He gave her a small smile.

"I'm happy to help."

He rose, picked up the empty tray, and turned to leave.

But before he could reach the door, he felt something grasp his wrist.

Valerie was holding onto him.

Their eyes met, her ruby red eyes locked with his emerald green ones.

They stared at each other for a moment.

Then she realized what she was doing and blushed deeply, pulling her hand away quickly, embarrassed.

"I-I'm sorry... I-uhhh...."

He chuckled lightly.

"Don't worry. I'll be back soon to check on you later."

Valerie nodded shyly, still holding his handkerchief.

He turned to leave again.

But her voice called out, soft and trembling.

"Wait…"

He paused.

Turned.

She hesitated, then asked.

"…What's your name?"

He smiled gently.

"Arthur."

She looked down for a moment and then whispered.

"Valerie."

Arthur's smile widened just slightly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Valerie."

He left, closing the door gently behind him.

Valerie sat there in silence.

She lay her head back onto the pillow, her body warm, her heart felt strange.

Her mind kept replaying his eyes, his voice, and his tenderness.

She turned to look at the open window beside her.

The sky outside was a clear, endless blue.

Her eyes softened as she whispered the name again.

"…Arthur..."

DxD

Hello readers!

How was Arthur and Valerie's interaction? Good? Bad? Let me know in the comments.

Thank you, everyone, and see you later!