Madness: DxD

Mercy in a Crown of Fire

I lean against a cracked marble pillar, cleaning a blade that's already clean. Two thugs hover nearby, pretending not to stare.

Thug1: You're the Harbinger, right? The one with the... reputation.

I don't look up.

Y/N: Depends who's asking. If it's the dead, they're usually quieter.

Thug2: Heh. Yeah. Funny. So, uh... things are different now, huh? With the Princess in charge and all.

I slide the blade home. Click. The sound makes them both flinch. I finally look at them.

Y/N: Different's a strong word. Same hell. New wallpaper.

Thug2: You really took down the other Overlords yourself?

I shrug.

Y/N: They made mistakes. Mostly breathing near me.

A sharp, echoing voice cuts through the hall.

Charlie: Y/N! Get your broody butt in here. Now.

I exhale through my nose. The thugs suddenly find the floor fascinating.

Y/N: That's my cue. Gentlemen, try not to die today. It's bad for morale.

I walk away before they can answer.

The office is lavish, pinks and golds clashing violently with demonic sigils. Charlie stands behind her desk in full demon form. Horns, sharp smile. She points at the door.

Charlie: Lock it.

I pause. Just a beat too long.

Y/N: You expecting company or hiding a body?

Charlie: Y/N.

That tone. Spoiled princess with a crown made of knives.

I lock the door. The click echoes louder than I like.

Y/N: Door's locked. Windows next, or are we trusting the laws of privacy today?

She ignores that, hops up to sit on the desk, tail swishing.

Charlie: Progress report. Valentino. Velvet. Alastor. Anything?

Y/N: Nothing solid. Rumors, ashes, a lot of scared mouths clamming up fast. They're ghosts. Or pretending well.

Her smile twitches. The temperature in the room spikes.

Charlie: Unacceptable.

Her claws dig into the desk. The wood smokes.

Y/N: They're coordinated. If I get one I get all of them. Just give me some time.

She inhales, exhales. Forces it down. I can almost see the memory click into place. Blood, fire, Overlords falling one by one.

Charlie: ...Right. You did clear the board for me.

She slides off the desk and circles me. Predatory. Playful. Dangerous.

Charlie: Guess I can't yell too much at my favorite weapon.

Y/N: I prefer "employee with benefits."

She laughs, low and sharp, then steps way too close. One claw traces my lapel.

Charlie: You know, Y/N... if you did find them, I'd totally reward you.

I don't move. I stare past her shoulder at a crack in the wall.

Y/N: I'd rather get nothing by doing nothing.