Unexpected Bloom [OCs X Highschool DXD]

Chapter 1

Aebelle's voice, trembling and laced with a desperate panic, echoed through the void. "It's...so cold...and dark...The blood...it won't come off. I... I don't understand. Why is this happening? I just want to be warm...and safe. Mommy? Where are you?"

A soothing, gentle voice, like a melody weaving through the darkness, responded. "Hush now, little one. There is no need for fear. Let the darkness embrace you. It holds no harm for you."

Aebelle's eyes, wide with fear, flickered with a strange sense of comfort at the voice's words. "Embrace me? But it's scary. I don't want to be embraced by the dark."

The voice, tinged with a hint of sadness, continued. "You are special, Aebelle. You are destined for great things, but your journey will not be easy. You must learn to accept both the light and the shadow within yourself."

Confusion clouded Aebelle's features as she tilted her head. "I don't understand. What does that even mean? I just want to be home... with Mom..."

The oppressive darkness began to recede, replaced by the familiar comforting warmth of her room.

Aebelle gasped awake, her heart pounding in her chest. "Ugh...that dream again. It felt so real. The blood...the voice... It was so strange." She clutched her blanket close, sitting up in bed. "It's just a dream. It's okay." But the lingering unease clung to her like a phantom chill.

Her mother's voice, bright and cheerful, called from downstairs. "Aebelle! Wakey-wakey! It's your first day at Kuoh Academy!"

Startled, the nightmare faded further into the background as Aebelle's eyes widened. "AH! Coming, Mom!" She scrambled out of bed, still slightly shaky from the dream.

Aebelle stared at her reflection in the mirror, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream. "Okay, Aebelle, you can do this. Just a new school. Maybe they'll like me. Maybe I won't trip and fall on my way to class." A bright smile stretched across her face, but she couldn't entirely dispel the lingering unease.

Her mother's voice drifted up from downstairs. "Honey, don't forget your breakfast!"

"I'll grab something on the way, Mom!" Aebelle called back, already grabbing her bag.

The lingering fear began to dissipate, the nightmare fading further into the distance, like a bad movie she'd just watched. A smile touched her lips as she looked at her reflection while brushing her hair. "Kuoh Academy...it sounds fancy. I hope it's not too fancy for me."

A hint of uncertainty clouded her voice as she adjusted her glasses. "I hope I don't look too weird. I'm pretty sure my uniform is a little different than everyone else's..."

She rushed downstairs, a bright grin plastered onto her face, desperately trying to ignore the butterflies fluttering wildly in her stomach.

Her mother greeted her with a warm smile. "You look absolutely lovely, sweetie! I'm so proud of you."

Aebelle's blush deepened, her smile widening. "Thanks, Mom! I just hope... I mean, I hope I fit in."

Her mother chuckled. "You'll fit in perfectly. You're a bright, kind girl, Aebelle. People are drawn to that."

Aebelle wrapped her arms around her mother in a tight hug. "You think so?"

"I know so! Now, go and have a wonderful first day. Don't forget, just be yourself, and everything will be okay."

Aebelle took a deep breath, a new surge of confidence blooming within her. "I can do this! Love you, Mom!"

(Aebelle's POV)

The air was thick with the scent of blooming cherry blossoms as I walked through the bustling Kuoh Academy courtyard. It was a beautiful spring day, but my mind was a jumble of nerves. This was my first day at a new school, and it was... different. It had been an all-girls school before, but now, it was co-ed. That explained why there were so many more girls than boys.