The Blue Eyed King of Kuoh

Warnings, Revelations, and Confessions

The following day, after letting Akeno rest for the night, everyone met up for breakfast and introduced themselves to her. They answered all questions regarding devil society and the Gremory's stance on said politics. She was quite happy to be picked up by the devil house associated with kindness. However, she was confused whenever they mentioned being devils, Rune was never included in that demographic. So naturally, she decided to ask.

"Pardon me if this sounds rude to ask, but I couldn't help noticing that Rune was never addressed as a devil. I know he isn't human, but what is he exactly?"

The table went quiet, and she noticed that Rune had to stifle a grimace when she asked, but everyone noticed and the silence grew heavy. Before finally, Rune himself broke it.

"I don't know what I am. All I know is that my parents had to leave me with the Gremorys shortly after my birth. I've never met them." He paused and sighed wearily, as if the topic weighed heavy on his heart, before he continued.

"I do know that soon I'll need to go on some sort of quest to find half of my heritage though. So I've been training to prepare for it. I don't know when I'll need to go, nor for how long. But if it means finding out at least half of what I am, I'll do it. And I'll do my best to be patient while preparing for it." He finished with a small smile in her direction.

Akeno felt awful for asking, especially when she saw the looks of everyone else at the table. They looked, pained? Like they lost something important to them. Though Rias, who was sitting on Rune's left, decided to lay her head on his shoulder and hug his arm.

"I-I'm sorry for asking. I didn't mean to bring up any painful memories..." Before she could continue, Rune, who was sitting on her left, pulled her into a one armed hug and began patting her head again to help her calm down.

"Hey, it's all right, you didn't know. I also don't blame you for asking. So relax ok? Yeah it hurts not knowing my parents, or even what I really am. But it doesn't bother me as much as it used to. You know why?" He asked. Akeno shook her head before sinking into his embrace further.

"Because I have more family right here. Uncle Zeo and Auntie Lana helped me realize that I wasn't abandoned. They left me so I could live. Uncle Zechs and Auntie Fia have been teaching me how to be strong, but stay humble and kind. And Rias, well...He pulls Rias into a tight hug. I wouldn't be me without her. She taught me how to have fun and be a kid, how fun it is to learn new things, how to find the joy in the world around me, and how to belong. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but here, with my family. Because that's what the Gremory's are to me. Nothing less than family, blood or not. They've all been here for me, and I couldn't imagine living anywhere else but here."

Zeoticus sent a kind smile in the children's direction, Venalana was wiping away tears, Sirzechs was smiling happily, and Grayfia was proud. Rias hugged Rune tightly, her eyes misty and full of joy.

Akeno took note of their reactions, it really felt like they were a family. She then nodded, happy to be a part of this.

Suddenly however, shadows lengthened in the dining room. Lights became dim, and any outside noise became muffled. Everyone was concerned for a moment, until they all heard the voice of a woman. A voice that commanded attention and respect.

"It's time for the Shadows Hunt to end. The time has come Prince Rune, you have everything you need to begin your journey. In both body and spirit, you are ready. Come to where the shadows once called home, where exceptional young men learned to become the heroes of old. There you'll find the answers you seek to half your heritage. But be warned, the journey is long and perilous, and you will not like what you find. For shadows and death were her legacy, and to fulfill the role of royalty, you must be prepared to shed the blood of another. Come, and find your blood soaked heritage."