The Red Hope (Highschool DxD AU)

Case solved!

It's been three days, and Pierre's still around. We even went for a walk round the garden, and the pond. When he again saw the fishies, his mouth began watering.

"Guh... could use some of these to stuff my belly with..."

"That was why you joined them, remember."

"You're one to talk, Milli. Still, look at them... gliding..."

Okay, bad idea taking him here. I almost had to drag him away.

And so while Pierre took the time to be part of my family (even Grandmom spoke no more of dumping him off!), I did my best to uncover more secrets of his kind. In vain, to be honest--until one day Grandpa called for me.

"Millicas, is what I have been hearing correct?"

"Well, what exactly is it?"

"That you are befriending a shape-shifter."

"Pierre's not dangerous, Grandpa."

"Be it so, you shouldn't get too close. If anything bad were to happen to you... This is why Venelana refused to allow you be with anyone else during outings, but her, when she could be sure to protect you. Do you understand?"

"But then... Pierre's kind is no part of the Three Factions, is it, Grandpa? I mean... he's the first such thing I've ever met. I just want to know more."

Grandpa was silent.

"...May I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Are we not alone?"

"...We are alone."

"How many supernatural kinds are there, in the world? See, Grandpa Zeo, I've been taught only to care for our own kind, trying to remember the 72 Pillars and all... but... maybe I'll see many more supernaturals after this, and it'll be a shame for a son of Gremory not to know 'bout them..."

"If I tell you this, will you promise not to act rashly?"

"I won't! Grandmom taught me well about manners."

Indeed she has...

"Would you still obey the rules?"

"Yes!"

"Listen, then. Besides the Three Factions and the shape-shifters, there are two other supernatural kinds that dwell closest to us: the vampires and lycans."

"Vampires... they roam the nights, yes?"

"Indeed; but there are those who could walk under the sun. Daywalkers, they are called. Strongest of these is the Vladistans."

"That name popped up in history books!"

"And they are never to be messed with. Be on the lookout when you face one of them."

"What about the lycans?"

"They are the vamps' mortal enemies, and that is why we, the Devils, could still live in peace."

"Because they fight each other?"

"Did your friend tell you of this?"

"No. Just curious."

"Well, my boy..." Grandpa chuckled, "it is said that 'curiosity killed the cat'. If you don't wish for the cat to get killed, you ought to avoid being too curious."

...Okay, that's nasty enough.