Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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'...What the... I'm still alive…?'

A man with long pink hair with leopard spots which parted in the middle with a zig-zag pattern.

He also wore a shirt of sorts made from mesh wiring that attaches to the belt with long chainlinks across the torso, and his pants also stand out with their vibrant purple color, with matching shoes.

A sudden jolt interrupted his thoughts. Diavolo surprised, looks around for anything other than himself in this infinite blackness.

And when he looks down, discovering that he is... sitting? Wasn't he just dying moments ago? The man with long pink hair, started panicking.

'What's going to happen now!? When will it end?!' His senses weren't fooling him. He was sitting on a chair somehow.

Diavolo is prepared, for whatever jumps out at him from the shadows.

...which never happened. Instead, a spotlight suddenly came on directly above him, blinding the former Mafia Boss.

He tried to get up quickly, but found that the gravity around him was heavy. He almost can't move!

'What is this?' Diavolo thought mystified.

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"Ah, you have arrived."

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The voice of a girl rang out all around him, in all directions.

"Who goes?! Show yourself!" he responded, making no attempt to hide his fear.

In response to his voice, another spotlight illuminated an area in front of him.

In that area was a girl with long silvery hair, wearing dark blue clothes. Something about this girl seemed off to him.

"Who are you?" Diavolo demanded, not trusting this girl.

"I am Eris, the Goddess of Fortune." the young looking Deity replied, while putting on an air of regality.

Diavolo wided his eyes, slightly dumb struck at the unexpected answer. How can some girl claim she is a Goddess?

The Goddess of Fortune continued talking. "We had to take extreme measures, while we judged you… Lorenzo Zeppeli." The girl continued, her face was neutral.

"HOW DO YOU KNOW MY REAL NAME?!" he exclaimed immediately.

Diavolo erased everything about his past! `Is the cause of this Golden Experience Requiem?` he thought frantically.

He couldn't figure out how this girl managed to know his true identity! No one can know his identity! Is she truly a Goddess?

Diavolo was about to question this brat further. Suddenly it felt like the gravity around him was crushing him!

"Calm down, Mister Zeppeli. Now. " The young girl gave him a stern look.

Now, Diavolo was a merciless man. Who struck fear in even the most veteran gangsters, yet this girl...

Unnerving him, it doesn't help that she claims to be a Goddess as well.

'From what I learned about this man… he is no ordinary human. He has done the impossible.' Eris remembering everything she read about him. She is trying to comprehend what Diavolo is. While keeping a calm and collected face.

The pink haired man is still on guard. It's not helping that an unknown force seems to be squeezing the life out of him. It must be her doing!

"I will explain everything. Are you going to listen?" she questioned without agitation.

Diavolo was staring for a while at the young Goddess. He eventually nodded his head mutely. The invisible pressure around him seemed to come to a halt.

His instincts, honed from years of running the Mafia told him to trust this child. He will have to follow his instincts! His instincts never lied!

The former Mafia Boss decided to listen to this child. Hopefully he will get all the answers that he needs and not die in the process… again.

The Goddess of Fortune nods her head and started talking; "You are in the afterlife, your spirit has been saved from your terrible fate."

The pink haired man was flabbergasted, he was saved? It's too good to be true! Is the power of Golden Experience Requiem tricking him?

"Don't worry, you truly are free. You will see for yourself, later. I have noticed your expression. You have my word, as a Goddess." Eris reassured him, but not so kindly.

Diavolo calmed down slightly and scowled. She didn't sound very reassuring to him.

"Normally you would have options that you may partake in… but in your case…" Eris looked disappointed.

"I read your history…" her face hardened.

This got the former Passione bosses attention.

"You were constantly wreaking havoc by trying to keep your identity a secret. You also had this obsession with erasing any trace of yourself from history." she gave him a sombre look.

Diavolo really needed to stop getting surprised by everything she is telling him.

Eris continued speaking; "In your lifetime, you sold drugs to hundreds of people, including children. You killed several of your subordinates, including other innocent people. You tried to murder your own daughter, and killed most of her companions." The Goddess of Fortune gave him a distasteful look.

This girl evaluating him started to irritate Diavolo, but he kept that internalized.

"Instead of suffering in your… purgatory. You will be given a second chance. You shall be reincarnated into another world, where magic exists. With your current body and memories."

The pink haired man's eyes wided. "A world where magic exists?"

Eris nodded her head. "Your mission is to help defeat the Devil King."

That last part of her sentence caught Diavolo's attention greatly. Which Eris noticed straight away.

"The afterlife is in grave danger, as more and more corruptions from the Devil King are seeping in."

Diavolo scowled; 'This Devil King is going to be a real problem.'

"Some of the Higher-Gods decided to choose people like you, to redeem themselves by replacing your... lesser acts with greater acts." The Goddess explained.

'People like me? Are there more people from my world?' the pink haired man thought puzzled.

"Will you either accept... or resign yourself to your previous fate. Now, which would you choose, Diavolo?" Eris asked, she knew the answer already.

He won't be getting another second chance, like this! The former Mafioso Boss knew that he only had two choices presented to him currently, and he was going to make the right choice.

"I would fight this Devil King, you speak of. I don't have much of a choice." The former Mafia Boss responded.

"I knew you would." the Goddess said, while looking at the pink haired man intensity.

Diavolo glared at the girl. Then again she is the one in charge here, sadly.

"Oh, I forgot to mention, you will learn the language of this new world. It'll be programmed into your brain. The language will be based on your will."

The pink haired man raised his eyebrow at that? He was impressed, that will be very convenient.

It would have been a bother, to be in a new world and not understand the language there.

'Pretty ironic - The Devil of Italy, fighting off a Devil in a parallel world.' Eris thought to herself.

"Your distrust for people. That will have to change that in the future. It would get you far in the new world. You will need all the help you can get." the Goddess said, while poker faced.

"I will pave my own path. The way I deem so..." Diavolo replied stubbornly.

The girl continued, a frown on her face. "There are a few rules." the Goddess said.

"I am free, no matter what rules surround me." Diavolo coolly replied.

Her face has turned into a grimace. "You're not allowed to kill humans or take part in any transgressions that endangers or aggrieves society." Eris stated seriously.

The Goddess gave the former Mob boss a very harsh look.

"If you do, you will suffer a fate far worse, than Golden Experience Requiem." she said intensely.

The pink haired man stared in horror at the Deities unexpected declaration.

'How can it get worse then THAT?!' the former Mob Boss shuddered. He is already starting to have terrible flashbacks.

"You get to keep your stand. But, your time erasing and future seeing abilities will be restricted. If you can prove to us that you changed for the better. We may consider giving back some of your abilities." Eris calmly stated.

The long pink haired man was astonished, even more. He can use King Crimson again, but with restrictions?

"I shall send you to your new destination, now." The Goddess of Fortune, raised her right hand and it glowed a strange white aura.

Diavolo's eyes wided, wondering what she was doing?

A blue circle appeared under the pink haired man, who looked down noticing it. Strangely, this made his hair stand on end slightly. He began to float up slowly. The former Boss was definitely not expecting this!

"Remember, I will always be watching you, Lorenzo Zeppeli… Good luck on your journey.'' The Goddesses face was neutral.

Diavolo looked up and stared intensely at the Goddess. A bright light surrounded the former Mafia Boss, until he was able to see nothing else. Then, all his feeling stopped.

In mere moments, he was gone from the area. Once he was, Eris sighed heavily.

'What were the Elder Gods thinking? He-' The Goddess decided to stop thinking about it. Already in this short time, it has been too stressful.

'Diavolo isn't a metaphorical namesake…' she seriously thought.

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Chapter Text

Giorno Giovanna felt an odd sensation within his mind and rubbed his temples.

This action did not go unnoticed by Mista, who stared at him with concern. "You okay, Giorno?"

Polnareff was also worried. What could be troubling the boy?

"Diavolo has been set free from his imprisonment." a bewildered Giorno said.

Mista immediately paled. "What!? Wait, set free? But how? I thought that you said his soul was in an infinite death loop that even [KING CRIMSON] couldn't exist in. How could he have escaped?"

The French man looked like he was gonna have a sheer heart attack.

Giorno then summons his stand.

[GOLD EXPERIENCE REQUIEM] had materialized. It exuded a calm and peaceful indifference towards everything around it.

"Diavolo has been given another chance to redeem himself. There is nothing I can do about it. But...he is not a threat, anyone. The Gods made sure of that. He's an outsider now. A loner now on his own quest. Diavolo had been sent far away to another world." the powerful entity spoke in a monotone voice.

This shocked everyone in the room, who heard of this news. It didn't make much sense at all.

"Wait, you telling us, that Gods had miraculously sent the fiend to another world?" a skeptical Polnareff asked.

The Requiem stand nodded it's head and then disappeared from reality.

The trio could only look at each other, completely mystified. Something major had occurred right now.

Even though the Requiem Stand assured them that there was nothing to worry about.

The group were all feeling extremely anxious. They couldn't shake away this feeling, no matter how hard they tried.

The Town of Beginning Adventures

Axel

Diavolo woke up with a startled fright. Instead of a blackened abyss all around him. He found himself laying under a tree

When he picked himself up slightly. The Italian man was greeted by the sun. Shining in his eyes. The tree wasn't providing that much shade. He squinted and brought up an arm to shield his eyes.

Diavolo can hear the gentle winds and the leaves blowing by the trees, shaking in harmony. and the distant sound of talking.

The pink haired man slowly got up, also dusting himself off in the process. When he concluded that he was a safe area, he calmed down. Nobody had noticed him yet, thankfully.

Diavolo realized that he was finally free from the infinite death loop that [GOLD EXPERIENCE REQUIEM] had previously bestowed upon him.

He thought it was impossible to escape and yet his liberation has been granted by Gods of all things!

'Am I truly free? Is this all some grand ploy, to make me suffer again?' he thought in a pessimistic manner.

Why should he go on, he might just be denying the inevitable demise that he will face. Only, there is a great change… the pink haired man can sense it.

Diavolo wasn't immediately dying… over and over again, in all different kinds of gruesome ways. He also couldn't sense the impending feel of death's grasp.

The former Don was a broken man with his mentality almost lost. A broken plaything of that tormenting destiny. He was trapped in his own personal hell.

He shook off that feeling, trying to forget it all immediately. While deep in his own thoughts, he realized something. His mind has been stabilized. The Pink haired man had become sane again.

'Could it have been those so called Gods doing? It must be, there is no other explanation.' the former Mafia Boss concluded to himself .While in deep thought, he was observing his new surroundings. The Italian man noticed immediately that this new environment was nothing similar to Italy.

Diavolo realized that he was in a town, but it wasn't any ordinary settlement. The architecture and the clothes that the people were wearing looked to be around the 18th century.

Everything around him seems so peaceful. It was startling to see. All of this felt like it was progressing far too quickly, more than he had anticipated.

The fierce man then took in a deep breath, and released it. Trying to relieve himself, a bit.

The air was pure, clean, almost sweet. It was truly cool and refreshing. The difference was really that apparent in this new world, from what he is experiencing in these moments.

Yet despite all of this. The former Don had no idea what to do, for now.

'I need more information about where I am… and also many other things.' the pink haired man thought to himself, while looking around. Also keeping his guard up.

The lean man shifted his gaze from the people to the buildings, then the small gaps in between them.

Alleyways.

'Hmmm, better to keep a low profile, as usual. I will stick out alot, for obvious reasons.' he thought to himself bitterly.

The townsfolk around here will definitely notice his strange attire and hair color. Which will attract too much attention. Which a paranoid Diavolo despises a lot.

The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.

His apprehensive and violent behavior was due to the cause of his unfortunate past. The Italian was a pariah in his old hometown.

Due to his appearance, regarding his unnatural eye color and hair. Rumors about his birth, his strange mannerisms and other factors. It was almost impossible for him to live a normal life.

The constant abuse from others caused him to have mental issues and other negative qualities.

Only a few kind hearted people treated him well, but it was not enough to save him… the damage was already done.

They treated him like a Devil, a Devil is what everyone shall receive!

The past was a mistake and was something that had to be destroyed. In order for an Emperor to grow.

But all of this couldn't be the real reasons why he… Diavolo suddenly snapped out of his musing.

'Why am I reminiscing about my past a lot?' the pink haired man thought to himself, in irritation.

Eventually he dropped the matter. He has better things to do. He can explore this new world through the shadows. But for how long?

'I can't hide forever in this new world. Hopefully I will come up with something…' Diavolo faintly moved onwards .

The Italian man snuck past the crowds, without anyone noticing him. He was used to living his life mostly hidden, out of the public eye's reach.

While on the move, he quickly surveyed the buildings and stands. It looked like a crowded market, with vastly different products and even equipment being sold.

Said equipment being authentic clothes for various purposes, armour, shields, and weapons. It drew his attention momentarily; he wouldn't deny being a little intrigued.

But, he ignored the market in favour of walking some more and staying hidden from prying eyes.

He knew that he didn't have any money on him. Plus, nothing of value to trade with the merchants around these parts.

Money makes the world go round. He knew that a lot. Running a Mafia has taught him a lot over the years.

Without any money, Diavolo doubted he'd be able to do anything, productive. But how could he accumulate any?

Then the Italian remembered some old history. An 18 century village such as this one. The best thing to do when you're a newcomer, is to go to a guild. If he remembered correctly.

Diavolo finally made it to the alleyways. He followed the labyrinth like paths. In this world no one knows who he is, just the perfect situation for him. Besides the Gods that reside in heaven?

They apparently know everything about him. He may have to change that, but how?

He then realised that he may be able to fight mortals in the living world. But to start picking fights with immortal Gods may not be such a good idea.

The Gods had the power to free him from his own Requiem hell. What other mysterious powers could they be possessing? He remembered his encounter with Eris, it wasn't so pleasant.

Diavolo thought himself an Emperor but now he truly knows that an Emperor is still only a man.

Another mysterious factor, he recalled about this new world, apparently Magic exists here? The Italian might as well learn how to harness this so-called Magic. That he has no clue about. Hopefully he will learn about it soon.

He also remembered his main objective, for being here in the first place. The Demon King. Which will have to wait. That Eris girl was implying that he was very powerful.

`Wait, if the Gods are so powerful. Why don't they defeat the Demon King? Perhaps the Deities have to abide by certain rules that prevent them from coming down to the mortal realm?`

It does not matter, what really matters is his own survival. Diavolo realised that he will have to get stronger, in order to defeat the Demon King.

Basically the Zeppeli must survive without his original power and wealth. Also he now wields a weakened [KING CRIMSON]?

Oh yes, his stand! Diavolo was mentally preoccupied with many things.

The former Don was about to summon his Stand. When suddenly the Italian led himself to quiet a predicament.

Diavolo took a quick turn and stumbled upon a group of bandits. Who seemed to have a young woman in their captive.

So far, they failed to notice the Italian man. They had their backs turned and were traveling down another alleyway.

There were about 5 of them. The scumbags were clad in leather armor and filth-ridden clothes. They also had some disgusting smiles on their faces.

Two of the men were pulling the young girl forcefully. She had a piece of cloth tied around her head as a gag for her mouth. Also her arms were tied up with rope.

Each one of them was mocking the girl. The bandits had their backs turned, as they were walking down their own path.

Diavolo was disgusted in what he saw. Then he started acting angry to himself with his conflicted mind. Something was compelling him to save the young girl, it was irritating. Then he remembered clearly some important matters.

If Diavolo can prove himself to the God's. Then perhaps in due time they could get off his back.

If he could free the hostage, it could result in a well-intentioned act. Which can lead to many opportunities. He had begun moving swiftly. The pink haired man had made himself even more scarce.

"A pretty young bitch like you, would be valuable to any horny clients of ours. Oh yes, we will make huge money with you." one of them said in a happy manner.

The rest of the group just continues to laugh at the poor teenager.

"Remember men, this stupid broad is a Crimson Demon." another one of them mentioned.

The whole group cheered joyfully.

Diavolo overheard the entire conversation. They must be human traffickers. The Italian remembered that he made sure that the Mafia never got involved with the trafficking business. It was too troublesome. He knew from experience of course.

He was also wondering what a Crimson Demon is? That child in their custody? Perhaps she must be from a clan or it's a special given title. Then he realized, why the hell did he even care?

"We will be even more rich. Crimson Demons are worth so much!" a bandana wearing thug was shaking his head happily.

The girl was frightened, her eyes were wide. She understood with such clarity that she had no hope of escaping this terrible situation.

To make matters worse. There's a collar around her neck, that is preventing her from using her magic!

'I was so stupid for being believing them. I actually trusted everyone. I thought we could've been friends and helped each other. But everything was a lie! They manipulated me from the very start. This is where it leads me. Now this is the price I will pay!' cried out in her devastated mind.

But fate had different ideas, all hope was not lost.

There was a rumor that magic will do all it can to protect those in desperate times. Manifesting as the answer to their current need.

The bandits continued to walk, when what looked like dust began to swirl around in front of them.

They immediately began to get into a defensive position in case anything happened.

It didn't look like any ordinary dust storm, it was very suspicious, this unnatural occurrence. They thought it was the girls doing, but it's not. They looked at her and didn't notice anything suspicious.

Suddenly the dust blew off towards Diavolo's direction. Much to the Italians dismay.

The entire group of bandits turned around. The hostage was forcefully moved around too. Immediately the thugs shouted out, when they finally noticed the pink haired man.

Diavolo cursed his own luck when they spotted him. He wasn't being discreet enough. There was little time to hide anyways. Truthfully, he hadn't really planned this out properly. He was doing this for his own benefit, he kept on telling himself.

After the criminals finally got a good look and the newcomer. The thugs just smiled and laughed out loud.

Diavolo was infuriated, but held himself back for now.

The young girl's eyes moved about examining his features, he looked like a normal individual. But the bright pink hair and green eyes were a little unusual. His clothes were bizarre to say the least.

She wondered if he was here to save her? The child than threw that idea out of the window.

An eerie sense of dread covered her; as if the darkness from the pink haired man was aiming to drown everyone. But she felt a faint sense of light from the newcomer.

The Italian knew that anything is possible now. He had to keep his guard up. One wrong move and he will suffer severe consequences. The former Don had to plan a way out of this mess.

While the criminals were howling like monkeys.

The Italian then noticed a pair of bright crimson colored eyes staring at him with curiosity. It was the girl, who had a slack expression. She looked pale and frightened. The child seemed to brighten up a little when Diavolo noticed her.

As if time stood still for the both of them. They both looked into each other's eyes from across the alley and were hypnotized with each other.

'It seems that we are not so different… She had the same eyes when I was younger. Betrayed by those who you thought were trustworthy. Wait, what nonsense am I babbling?' the Italian thought with a sneer.

Diavolo was then brought back to reality, when the bandits had finally calmed down.

The teen was trying to contemplate just what exactly she felt. His eyes showed that he had endured a lot in his life and other matters.

This weirdo must be new in town, the bandits assumed. But something was definitely wrong about him. They just couldn't figure it out, it didn't matter that much.

"What the hell? Is he a male stripper?" one bald one questioned jokingly.

"Look at his hair! Did someone throw a watermelon at him!?" the bandana wearing thug let out a chuckle.

"Perhaps a beggar. Cause it seems that he can't afford any clothes." another bearded thug jests, looking at the stranger before them from head to toe.

Diavolo growled slightly, sending an angry glare towards those insignificant pieces of trash.

One of them spoke seriously; "We gotta take care of him. There has to be no witnesses. Taking care of this weirdo shouldn't be too hard."

A tattooed bandit nods his head. He then pulled out a knife and dashed forward in an attempt to stab the pink haired man.

Diavolo's eyes wided, he had to defend himself now!

'I will kill-' he almost forgot something crucial.

"Shit, I can't kill these bastards. I rather not take any chances and invoke the wrath of the God's." he exclaimed loudly in frustration.

← To Be Continued===

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Chapter Text

One of the bandits were closing in on Diavolo. The former Mafia Boss had to act fast now!

"There are times when a man's not allowed to back down." Lorenzo muttered, he bravely took action.

The pink haired man didn't know what had come over him. His battle instincts just kicked in, as he easily avoided the overhead knife slash from the thug.

Moving with lightning-fast reflexes, the Italian used his left hand and grabbed the attacker's knife holding wrist.

"Killing you fools would be too easy, then again… " the Italian was scowling at his victim. The crook was starting to get frightened. This bandit lowlife didn't know who he was messing with.

Lorenzo processed to twist the kidnappers wrist, nearly breaking it. This action caused the criminal to cry out in pain, while dropping his weapon.

The other remaining slave traders were stunned and so was the captive young girl. They definitely underestimated this freaky half naked man.

"Death would be too merciful for the likes of you!" the Zeppeli hollered out ferociously. Diavolo swung with his solid right-hand at the criminal before him.

The attack struck the poor bastard's face and the guy was sent flying backwards into the walls close by.

The unlucky thugs head smacked harshly against the building and he fell pretty harshly on the ground.

The injured fool was unconscious for the count. Thankfully the scumbag wasn't dead. Diavolo didn't want to think of the consequences…

Lorenzo did find it odd that he could fight so easily. Perhaps this world made him stronger?

There must be a proper explanation for his excellent fighting skills. He can feel the big difference, in those short moments.

It was quite exhilarating!

The bandits and one innocent girl were astounded by the tall man's actions. They were shell-shocked by his strength! Everyone did witness it firsthand.

One of the criminals growled in anger. "You bastard! Come on men, let's get him." and he signaled his men to attack.

There was a grunt of agreement amongst them. With a cacophony of battle cries, the bandits converged on towards Diavolo. They lunged forward, drawn weapons clutched in their hands.

The captive girl was left alone now. She's more worried about the mysterious man, fighting these bad guys.

'What is he gonna do now?' the young lady couldn't help but worry. She was more concerned about his well-being than her own.

"We can't use our magic, it will attract attention and we're in an inclosed space!" one of the bandana wearing crook shouted out.

"Ha, who needs magic! The clown is outnumbered. He hasn't got a chance." the bearded thug believes that they're gonna win this.

The Zeppeli heard what they said. Their overconfidence will be their downfall. This will give Lorenzo some advantage. He might not have been able to counter Magic , if they used it.

Diavolo has no choice, hopefully this will work. He's taking a big gamble, it's now or never! Their almost within range-

" [King Crimson] !" Diavolo yelled out loudly, while spreading out his arms widely.

The bandits were wondering why the hell was this weirdo posing? They just assumed he was mentally ill.

In that few moments the Crimson Demon girl thought that Diavolo was one of her people!

When suddenly-

Something Humanoid appeared out of nowhere in front of the pink haired man. 'It actually worked! But…' Diavolo was ecstatic, but it was short lived…

[ King Crimson ] is appearing as a grey silhouette. It's face covered in darkness and it looked distorted.

Almost creating a feeling of mystery. The oldest and strongest kind of fear, is fear of the unknown.

The appearance of the weird ghost caused the criminals to make a sound of surprise, while looking on dumbfounded. They ceased their attacks for now. None of them had any idea what the hell that thing is!

Something wasn't right about that abomination. All of them looked at the creature in fear.

The former Don took a good look at his Stand and was gobsmacked. What happened to my King Crimson?!' Diavolo glanced towards his enemies.

' I'll have to think about that later!' Lorenzo is in the middle of a fight right now. No, time to figure out mysteries. Diavolo quickly set his focus back onto his enemies.

The young girl looked awestruck and terrified at the same time. But then quickly got overwhelmed by uncertainty.

'What magic is that?! No, I don't sense anything. Was he able to summon a familiar? OH NO! Don't tell me that he is part of the Devil king's army! No… I believe that he is human. Whose side is he on? He can't be evil… it's hard to explain…'

The Crimson Demon child looks on optimistically and hopes that nothing bad will happen.

Eventually the slave traders got out of their stupor.

"What is that thing? A ghost?"

"I thought he couldn't use magic? I don't sense anything!"

"Is he a Demon?"

"Is he part of the Devil King's army?"

"He must be using forbidden magic!"

All of the criminals were mostly trying to figure out what that unusual floating Entity is.

Lorenzo was a bit alarmed. He wasn't bothered by their petty comments. The former Don was more concerned about them seeing his stand!

'But how can this be? Are they all Stand Users? No… none of them seem to know what a Stand is. It must be this world…' Diavolo concluded.

He was losing his patience. 'Their wide open. Time to end this nonsense!' Lorenzo goes on the offensive.

The slave traders got out of their daze quickly, when they noticed Diavolo charging towards them.

"Screw this! I'm gonna burn this gay wannabe pipe rider!" the bald thug cried out. The rest of his group pleaded for him to stop. But it was too late-

Lorenzo's eyes widened as an orange circle formed in front of one of the bald crooks with letters and incantations. The Italian readied himself, he didn't know what to expect.

"Fireball!" the thug shouted out his attack. A moderate ball of fire erupted and moved in to consume Diavolo.

The Zeppeli eyes widened even further. This is his first time seeing magic! Lorenzo managed to dodge the magical attack swiftly. Thankfully, with the help of his Stand.

The poor bandits were also wondering how was this crazy man able to move so fast? The fireball hit the surrounding walls, further away from everyone.

Thankful the buildings around here was made out of bricks. Which are noncombustible and don't aid in the spread of fires.

Diavolo then countered using non-lethal methods to dispatch these fools.

The bandits tried to fight back, but Lorenzo was smarter than these creeps. He made good use of his Stand. The thugs would try to strike Diavolo.

Only for Lorenzo to block the attacks with his Stand and in return, the Italian give them either a powerful punch or kick in their faces.

The criminals were sent crashing into the walls. Instantly, all of them were unconscious on the ground.

Finally after his quick battle. The Zeppeli stood victorious. He scanned them and made sure that they were really unconscious.

'How pathetic… then again. Killing such filth is not even worth my time.' the former Mafia Boss walked away from the bandits.

Diavolo was looking around cautiously, just in case there were more of them. He didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

Then the Italian looked towards the Crimson Demon girl. Who stood in awe of what he had done. She was amazed by that fight and wanted to congratulate her savior.

The young girl was startled by his intense gaze.

"Hmph, fate has always decreed that I stand at the… top." Lorenzo was praising himself. Then he began to ponder something.

The brunette tilted her head to the side in confusion. 'Fate… did allow us to cross paths. Which I'm grateful for. What's meant to be will always find a way…' the young lady noticed that the older man was preoccupied with his own thoughts.

In reality, Diavolo thought that he was blessed by fate. But the truth was, in reality… Fate hated him the most. Fate only gave him the long and quietly creeping end he feared the most rather than a merciful and fast one.

Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. And sometimes those who do learn, repeat it anyway. Because sometimes, in the face of hopelessness, there are no other options.

It's with a heavy heart that Diavolo will be forced to accept this truth. These were all random speculations circulating around his head.

It was quiet for a while, too quiet…

Out of nowhere, another hooded bandit with a short sword, attempted to stab Diavolo from behind.

'What?! But how? Damn it-' the Italian realised too late, that the bandits actually had back up! Lorenzo was about to attack this worthless trash, when-

The Crimson Demon child shoulder bashed Diavolo out of the way. Lorenzo grimaced in shock. Even while she was restrained, this girl wanted to fight! To save him!

'But why? I could have counter-attacked!' the Zeppeli couldn't help but wonder, while looking on helplessly.

If Diavolo got involved now, he could either be risking his or the girl's life. Their enemy is wielding a sword and perhaps magic.

This also caught the hooded fighter off guard and slowed him down for a moment. The crook then quickly set his sights on the brat.

The brunette just needed that moment and she swiftly aims a fast kick at the Swordsman. The thug was about to slice this girl into ribbons! He didn't care if the merchandise got damaged.

She was aiming for the foul man's hands-- The kick accidentally landed right in between the thugs crotch. The young girl wasn't able to fight properly, due to her being restrained!

In pathetic agony, the Sword user drops his weapon. He fell on his knee, while holding on to his private parts, crying.

Diavolo was amazed, witnessing such action. 'Looks like the meek sheep got a little fight in her.'

Then Lorenzo got serious, he glanced at the child, she seemed fine. Who was staring at the Pink haired man. She seemed to be checking if it was right.

"That was very foolish of you child. But... I am grateful for what you have done for me. Thanks…" Diavolo nodded his head, while looking at the brunette girl.

Lorenzo was wondering, why did he even bother thanking her. It was her fault that he was in this mess in the first place.

Also, why did this child risk her life for a complete stranger like him? Diavolo might ask her later, it really was nagging him.

The Crimson Demon girl started blushing slightly. She also nodded her head kindly in return.

'My body just moved on it's own before I could even think!' The young girl got caught in the moment.

She felt the need to act fast. Someone's life was on the line. Her goal was to save the pink haired man… even at the cost her own life. The young girl felt indebted to the mysterious man.

It was something else, the child felt like she could really trust him. That their both the same, they just lived life under different circumstances.

Something in the back of her mind believes that the two of them could relate with one another and perhaps become... friends.

Diavolo then looks angrily back at his attacker.

The brunette girl realized something. This bandit was using Concealment. A superior version of the Lurk magic skill which grants the user invisibility for a very short span of time.

Lorenzo kicks the sword bandit right across the face. Which send the criminal flying into another wall, knocking him out of his misery.

This completely shocked the Crimson eyed girl . 'How is he so strong? Could it be some sort of hidden magic ability?' the child wonders.

His so brutal, then again she just committed a deadly act of her own. Diavolo was busy reflecting on his own thoughts.

'This pathetic excuse of a human attempted to murder me, Diavolo! Serves him right. The lucky fool got off easy...' Lorenzo didn't feel any sympathy for this bastard.

The failure to survive in this dark new world, would have been a tragedy.

Diavolo then noticed the girl again. It looked like she is trying to free herself. Which wasn't going well at all.

The tall man sighed with a sour curl of his lips, and closed his eyes. Suddenly his Stand emerged into existence. This sudden act startled the poor girl, again.

[ King Crimson ] got close to the female and then untied the ropes that wrapped the girl securely. Once freed, the Stand disappeared from existence.

The Crimson Demon girl then proceeded to remove her mouth gag. She tossed it once side, hopefully to never experience that ever again. The young girl grabs a hold of the strange collar around her neck.

Diavolo was about to assist her, but didn't bother. He wanted to check how strong she is. Cause that unusual collar around her neck, looks pretty tough.

'How will she be able to remove it? ' Lorenzo wonders.

The child used most of her strength... and managed to rip out the Magic Suppression Collar! Then she threw it towards the fallen slave traders.

Diavolo thought that thing was secured properly on the girl. A useless piece of restraint, just like these useless human traffickers.

She let out a sigh of relief. Then she turned towards her savior. "I almost forgot- Th- thank you, for saving me!" the girl managed to choke out.

"You're welcome..." Diavolo decided took a good look at the girl. Not in a creepy way, he was just being observant.

This girl wore a black blouse with a conveniently-placed hole in the chest area. A pink mini skirt and a pink tie. Her hair was tied into twintails and hung off her shoulders, held in place by two red bows.

However, her most recognisable features were her crimson eyes which shined in the light. Which he has seen many times in this short span of time.

'Maybe that's part of the reason why she was referred as a Crimson Demon...' Lorenzo thought to himself.

The young lady felt really awkward. Being stared at like a piece of meat. She decided to examine Diavolo and noticed how bizarre his article of clothing is.

'Must be the norm in his hometown?' The young girl didn't want to judge him.

Also his hair and eyes... This man was the first person, she encountered with such a unique appearance. 'Perhaps his from a clan, as well?' The young lady thought curiously.

Then she turned her head towards the unconscious bandits. The brunette had a somber look, with a sad smile. She regretted making such a foolish mistake. So many things happened today. Before all of this, she didn't know that those men were slave traders.

They deceive her, convincing her that she could be good friends with them and to go on a quest. Once they were isolated and she turned her back on them for just a second. Then they knocked her out.

Thankfully there ain't any bruises on her. The young girl checked herself. Later that time, she woke up in this very same alley. Restrained, gagged and had that terrible collar on. Thus preventing her from using magic.

A few minutes later, the pink haired man arrived and saves her. Which she is eternally grateful for. The Crimson eyed child wanted to reward her savior. She also realised that she's gotta be more cautious.

'Heh…' Diavolo thought in mirth, his green eyes danced at what the girl was doing. He could care about what happened to her today.

This naive girls facial expressions are hilarious. She must be really mulling over her blunder.

Lorenzo also still regrets many things. But recently he learned something very important.

To Move on.

Let go of what you cannot and could not control. It will take a lot of time to accept that fact.

Diavolo now has the opportunity to create a better life for himself… and perhaps for others who deserve it.

Lorenzo had noticed that he was acting very differently. He never experienced this much clarity in a long time.

'Why are people only capable of rational thoughts, after they've screwed up?' he thought in a distressful manner.

Diavolo's methods towards his problems in life are his everstone ways. It is the reason why he had the inability to evolve. By destroying his past. He was unable to learn from his past mistakes!

Which in turn, creates repetition for the problems that he was facing. Because he could not learn how to defeat them.

'Those Deities from above, what have they done to me? This sudden change to my psyche. It's almost too welcoming.'

Diavolo was trying really hard to process these revelations…

Then the young girl got emotional. Her eyes started to tear up.

This snapped Lorenzo out of his own thoughts. The Italian doesn't want to deal with a crybaby now.

Other than her parents, no one had shown her this act of true kindness before. For someone with such a lonely life, this meant more to her.

Once again… Their eyes locked with one another.

Neither making a sound as they were trying to figure out who the other was. The Crimson Demon girl seemed to be recovering from her previous trauma.

While Diavolo had a look of exhaustion and irritation. Looking at someone is also a social cue. It usually means you want to talk to them.

The Zeppeli scoffed and decided to walk away. Diavolo wondered why he was even babysitting this kid.

"WAIT!" the girl screamed at the tall man while looking at his back. The child's voice got caught in her throat. Lorenzo stopped and turned towards her.

The Familiar appeared again, it only made the pink haired man look more intimidating. "What?" his voice was impatient, like he had something better to do than listen to a child.

"I-I Uh- What's y-your name?" the brunette asked as she avoided looking into his eyes.

The Italian's Stand disappeared. He took a look at her for a moment longer. "I am known as Diavolo." he was about to walk away, when...

The young girl actually thought that his name was pretty cool. Now it's her turn- "It's embarrassing to do this in front of strangers but…" the young girl looked like she wanted to do something.

This caught the Zeppeli's attention.

The girl swirled her arms. "My name is Yunyun, Arch Wizard and master of advanced magic. I will also become the future chief of the Crimson Demons Clan!" she starts to get excited towards the last part there.

Yunyun ended it off posing in a flamboyant manner. The pose involves Yunyun standing with her legs slightly wide, left arm behind herself with palm upturned, and her right arm in front of her face, opened.

Diavolo was left speechless. '... Well isn't she ambitious… Wait, why am I putting up with this brat?!'

Lorenzo remembered something. "Is your name really Yunyun ?" he sounded doubtful.

The Pink haired then crossed his arms. He is in a different world after all. So the people around here may obviously have different customs.

"Yes. Names like mine are well known among the Crimson Demon clan." Yunyun was actually surprised that Diavolo wasn't laughing at her name.

The future chief noticed that her Savior did sound sceptical. It must be his first time hearing such a name.

"I see..." The Zeppeli nodded his head absentmindedly.

'Ah yes, I do need answers from her. Regarding everything about this new world. She could be very useful.' He was contemplating his life.

One often meets his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it… Suddenly, the undeniable yelling and furious shouts of a crowd could be heard from a distance.

This caused Lorenzo and Yunyun to go on high alert, in case of another ambush. Whoever these loudmouths were, they sounded like they were heading towards the duo's way.

"They sound like… the local Knights. They must have heard the battle close by. Now they must be wanting to investigate the alleyways." the Crimson eyed child guessed.

Diavolo was definitely not gonna reveal himself until… it didn't matter.

"Let's get out of here!" the Stand User spun around and began sprinting away from poor Yunyun.

"H- hey! Wait for me!" the young girl exclaimed, running after Diavolo.

Lorenzo was sprinting aimlessly down the alleyway, nearing a turn in the path to the left.

He finally found the exit out of this irksome labyrinth. The Zeppeli managed escape the alleyway.

'Authority will always be a nuisance. Best to stay far away from the law.' the former Don had a very bad history with jurisdictions, cause of the Mafia.

Diavolo realized that he was such a hypocrite. He made a promise to change his ways. It will take a while for that to happen.

But this was the local enforcement, his trying to avoid. He wasn't ready to get a criminal record on his name anytime soon. Diavolo did beat up those bandits. He didn't know who's side the law will take. Either his or those criminals scum.

Also these knights could be all corrupt men for all he knows. Dealing with greedy corrupt law enforcers in the past was so troublesome.

Lorenzo did have subordinates in every crevice of society in the past. It was part of their fault for turning society upside down.

The officers from his old world were often corrupt. Just like the corporate government that employed them. Perhaps this world is different, regarding the law here. But Diavolo wasn't getting any of his hopes up just yet.

The Italian realized that he really needs to stop reminiscing about the past. A force of habit from his side. All things are difficult before they are easy. Especially when it comes to change. It can't happen overnight.

While the former Boss was running. Lorenzo tried to remain calm, when he noticed people. He was trying not to be bothered by the townsfolk that were now staring at him, moving quickly along the walkway.

The Zeppeli was looking for a secluded area. His natural preference for solitude. Sadly, the kind hearted Yunyun lost track of Diavolo, who is a selfish man.

'Hopefully that child will catch up. She could be of some use. Very foolish of me to have abandoned her.' Lorenzo will need help in this new world, whether he likes it or not.

The Zeppeli took a random corner and accidentally knocked someone over.

HARD!! 

The unlucky bypasser fell down onto the ground, hitting his rear quite hard too. Lorenzo was mostly fine.

"AAAAHH, SHIT!" the victim cried out in pain.

"OUT OF MY WAY!" Diavolo yelled out furiously, while still on the run. The Italian didn't even bother looking back.

"KAZUMA!" three girls shrieked, with great concern. They all ran up to check on the poor guy.

"Who the hell was that?" the not so injured Adventurer questioned. His eyes clenched shut as he rubbed his sore spot.

The pervert actually thought that a truck drove over him, for a split second. Aqua and Megumin were helping him to get up and were checking if he was alright.

"Thank sweet Eris, I'm fine." Kazuma said, while he was dusting himself off.

The Water Goddess gasped and her kind visage dropped and tears started forming on her cheeks.

Aqua then grabbed two handfuls of Kazuma's shirt and started shaking him around.

"KAZUMA! HOW COULD YOU? YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE PRAISING ME! NOT THAT OVERRATED GODDESS WHO PADS HER CHEST!" the Water Goddess was gushing a fountain of tears.

Some of Aqua's tears fell on her companions, much to their dismay.

"NEVER!" the Team Leader exclaimed. He took hold of her wrists and was trying to pry the Useless Goddess.

'How many times has this scenario played out?' Megumin was getting fed up with their constant bickering.

"Would you two stop making lovey-dovey in public." the Arch Wizard was trying to break up their stupid fight.

"WHAT?!" both Kazuma and Aqua exclaimed loudly at the same time. They stopped what they were doing and was glaring at the small Crimson Demon girl.

Megumin wasn't even fazed by their harsh stares. The small girl was more concerned about Darkness…

"Aqua, did you sense anything strange from that man who hurt Kazuma?" Lalatina finally questions with a serious expression.

The masochistic woman was still gazing at the retreating Pink haired man. Whoever hurt Kazuma, had clearly pissed off Darkness.

At first she was envious, when she saw Kazuma getting hurt. But now… A determined Lalatina was now planning to avenge her comrade. Like the proud crusader she is.

'It would be great if she acted this noble, slightly more often.' Kazuma noticed the blonde knights change in demeanor.

"I almost forgot about that jerk! Now that you mentioned it…" The Goddess then scrunched up her face in an unnecessary exertion of focus.

Kazuma shook his head, side to side. The male brunette was gonna go after that pink haired man. But he got distracted from the crazy blue haired shenanigans.

It was the pervert's fault for praising the wrong Goddess. All of this madness was a waste of time. He knew Aqua like the back of his hands. Probably because he had known her the longest.

"I did sense a powerful aura… almost like a DEMON'!" the Water Goddess was cupping her cheeks with her hands.

"Then what are we waiting for?! After the scoundrel!" a very eager Darkness charges ahead. Leaving behind her companions in her trail of dust.

"Hey Darkness, wait up!" Megumin cried out, but it was to no avail.

"Shit- Come on everyone, let's go!" Kazuma ordered, running in the lead. With Aqua and Megumin close by.

"I am prepared to unleash doomsday on that foul creature who hurt my friend!" the Crimson Demon girl's eyes flared.

"What?! Please don't! You'll blow up the entire town!" the male begged his companion.

Then he turned to his bule haired friend. "Are you even sure that his a Demon? " the Team Leader asked Aqua.

"Megumin is right!" said Aqua, ignoring Kazuma. Which really ticked off the guy.

She summoned her own staff and started charging even faster, like a soldier. "It's time to obliterate a filthy undead, out of my town!" she shouts loudly.

"I got a bad feeling about this…" poor Kazuma muttered to himself. The trio had their hearts beating fast and their minds running on thoughts of what will happen in the coming future…

Team Kazuma had no idea what to expect-

Yunyun was trailing behind and was about to overtake the trio! The distracted Lonely girl seems to be looking around, as if she was searching for someone.

Megumin noticed her friend immediately, whilst running. "What the- Yunyun?! I don't have time to challenge you in a contest!"

"Oh! Hey everyone. I'm actually looking for my friend. His name is Diavolo!" the shy girl blurted out without thinking.

Yunyun was still making a mad dash, she was about to leave Megumin and the gang behind.

A confused Team Kazuma were looking at each other, while still on the run. They all turned towards Yunyun . "WHO?" the trio asked simultaneously.

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To Be Continued=

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Chapter Text

o.o.o.o.o

Diavolo was running for a very long time.

Things were happening too fast for the Italian and he didn't like it! Eventually he decided to slow down and catch his breath.

Lorenzo seemed to have ended up in the richer parts of this town. Which were located on the higher grounds of the district. The houses looked much larger around these parts and were quite lavish.

While observing the new location, Diavolo noticed that there wasn't a single soul anywhere. Almost all of the houses looked abandoned. Upon closer inspection, the houses really were abandoned!

'How strange… Perhaps nobody could afford to live here or something else entirely... it doesn't matter…' the former Don was pondering, whilst observing his surroundings.

The eerie silence of this district swallowed him. He was aware that his own paranoia was one of the reasons, everyone in his previous life was rebelling against him in the first place.

Diavolo's true goal was never to hide firsthand, it was to ensure that he was in absolute control!

The Italian slowly realized that his motives in the past had amounted to pure megalomania.

His old pathology led him to his downfall. The Zeppeli's irrepressible desire to achieve absolute power in order… to control his own fate.

Diavolo looked up at the clouds in the sky coming and going.

Sadly, he learned that mistakes were inevitable. They were persistent and constant.

Over and over they breached his walls that he built. The walls were supposed to protect him from them.

To make sure he never made the same mistakes again. But Lorenzo overestimated himself. It was that overconfidence that invited mistakes.

Regret is a curious thing. By its very nature, it only hits after you've done something.

He can't hide forever, not in this new world. Best course of action is to hide in plain sight. In other words, to blend in with society.

People won't be too nosy. It does have its advantages and disadvantages.

Diavolo was also wondering; 'Since when have I become so self aware? Damn those God's... '

The Italian shook his head. 'Too much thinking doesn't help anyone.'

He failed in his previous life, but sometimes not all failures lead to dead ends.

Lorenzo must learn to be flexible in his beliefs… reverting to his ways will not help the situation at hand now.

"Diavolo?" came a sudden gentle, shy voice.

Lorenzo spun around really fast. Also instinctively summoning his Stand.

When he realized who it was. He immediately calmed down. "Oh, it's just you…" the Italian man began to calm down.

'I was so preoccupied with my own damn thoughts, that I forgot to check my surroundings…' an irritated Lorenzo thought. Diavolo realised that the girl wasn't a threat.

It was Yunyun, the poor girl looked like she was going to collapse any minute. The Crimson Demon was leaning forwards, trying to catch your breath.

' She must have been searching for me… but why? Hmmm… since I am her savior, from that previous incident. This child must feel indebted to me...' Diavolo was trying to figure out this strange child.

Who knows how long Yunyun was running. This girl seems to be the relentless type. When it came to chasing people.

He noticed that the Crimson Demon had regained her composure. Then something caught her attention, she was looking at Lorenzo's side.

The Italian followed her gaze. Yunyun was looking at his Stand, which was floating next to him.

King Crimson had undergone a very bizarre Metamorphosis, again.

Still retaining it's new silhouette-like humanoid form, but with noticeable changes. It's body is still all black. But now it has a white outlines around the body. The hands were glowing white. It also has tiny white star-like dots scattered around it's form.

The Stand's face only consists of green eyes with no pupils. Which were staring right back at Diavolo.

'How is this possible? It looked much darker in the alleyway.' The pink haired man was looking at his Stand from top to bottom.

Yunyun was truly amazed and slightly terrified. Looking at her saviors' Magical Summon? The strange entity looks like a night sky, full of stars.

'Just what is going on with my Stand?' Diavolo was utterly baffled. It didn't make any sense to Lorenzo. He wondered why his Stand had mutated again.

' Could it be the exposure of the light? Saving this girl? Fighting those low life's? It could be anything! ' Diavolo ran his hands through his hair and sighed.

The former Don took a deep breath, closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. Trying to ignore the audible quiver of the air escaping his lungs.

'I don't have the power to control fate now… never have... Can't see the future or manipulate time… no more. Can't cheat fate, not anymore.' Diavolo truly hated feeling powerless. It was truly unbearable.

King Crimson dissipated, leaving a bewildered Yunyun.

' What kind of magic is that? Is it even magic? Hopefully I will find out…' the young girl was fascinated.

Lorenzo glares at the Crimson Demon. "What do you want, Kid?" he asked rudely.

The future Chef jumped slightly and looked away uncomfortably. "SorーI'm sorry, that's not what I meant to say…"

Aside from Megumin, she never confronts others due to her shyness. Poor girl is trying her best right now.

The reason why Yunyun wanted to find Diavolo was because she really wanted to show him proper gratitude.

Also, the young girl was curious about the mysterious man. Maybe, just maybe, to hopefully befriend her hero.

The brunette looked away shyly, trying to find a proper answer to Diavolo's question.

Then her eyes widened upon realising where she ended up. The Crimson Demon was unaware of her surroundings before.

Poor girl was still a little tired from her crazy marathon.

She carelessly got separated from Megumin and the gang. While she was searching for Diavolo.

Yunyun looked right back at Lorenzo swiftly. Which nearly caught the Italian off guard.

"Yo- You know where I live?" the young girl blurted out loudly.

The former Don raised an eyebrow at her odd question. Yunyun looked away rather embarrassed, after her sudden bold outburst.

Lorenzo realised something, he turned to his right and guessed that this might be the young Crimson Demon's domain.

Diavolo didn't notice before, he stood really close to a quaint two story red brick house.

It looked similar to the other buildings around, but slightly different.

The paneled shutters of the windows were a dark red almost black oak, along with the front door. It was as standard and normal as you could get, yet it had something special to it.

"No, I don't know- " Before Lorenzo could finish what he was about to say…

A sudden explosion could be heard in the distance and then a large jolt shook the very foundation of the town.

Which was followed quickly by more strong shaking. Yunyun quickly used her own house to balance from falling further.

Diavolo swiftly used King Crimson to prevent himself from falling down. This shaking felt violent and it was very difficult to stand.

Eventually the sudden upheaval came to an abrupt halt. The surrounding buildings didn't receive any major damage strangely.

Both Lorenzo and Yunyun recovered from that bizarre incident.

The Crimson Demon looked at Lorenzo. "Are you alright?" she asked, concerned.

Diavolo blinked and turned towards Yunyun. " I'm fine child…" the former Don reassured.

It's been a long time since someone bothered about his well-being. He was almost flattered, but quickly got rid of those pitiful feelings.

Then he looked around, Lorenzo was baffled, the Italian was trying to figure out what just happened. Diavolo's face scrunched up in confusion.

" Was that an Earthquake? " he questioned.

Yunyun also looked puzzled. 'There haven't been any earthquakes in ages… unless…'

The young girl's eyes widened. Before she could voice her opinions-

"Emergency broadcast! Emergency broadcast! Attention to all Adventurers, please prepare all your equipment and gather at the town's main gate! Get ready for battle!" The emergency public announcement resonated throughout the Town.

It was the first time Lorenzo witnessed an emergency announcement in Axel.

The Adventuring Guild were utilizing the city's various spread speakers.

Suddenly the duo heard a thundering roar in the distance. It was unlike anything Diavolo had ever experienced.

Yunyun has fought many great beasts in the past. So she wasn't overwhelmed by that monstrous cry

"I knew it…" the Crimson girl muttered solemnly. She was looking towards the horizon.

Lorenzo snapped his head towards Yunyun. He heard what the girl had said.

" What is it girl? Do you know what caused those tremors? " Diavolo demanded answers.

The Crimson Demon jumped abruptly looking at the older man, who caught her attention.

Then she remembered; "We're supposed to meet everyone at the main gate. Let's go Diavolo!"

Without warning, Yunyun ran down another path. Heading towards the main entrance of Axel.

" Wha- Hey! " Lorenzo could only watch in disbelief.

Diavolo found the audacity of that girl, running away from him to be very rude. Then again the Italian did run away from her earlier.

The Italian began to comprehend the importance of her actions.

' So that child must be an Adventurer. Then there should be a Guild around here somewhere .' Lorenzo concluded.

The Zeppeli looked at the retreating figure of Yunyun. He started to chase after her. Deciding to catch up with the young lady.

Diavolo's true intentions mostly revolve around gaining personal power.

The Crimson Demon might help him achieve that.

He was sort of acquainted with Yunyun and could tolerate her existence at least.

' That girl is either brave or foolish enough to run head-first into dangerous territory... ' Lorenzo admired her courage.

He let a slight smirk cross his face, whilst still moving.

Diavolo noticed every citizen of Axel was running around in panic toward their homes before closing everything.

The Knights of Axel were trying to bring order, but they failed miserably. Some of the poor law enforcers got stampede over.

While every single Adventurer was running towards the announced position with a grim expression painted upon their faces.

' It's unavoidable, once again. In order to survive, I will have to fight. Prove that I am worthy to the Gods. This is only to fulfil my own ambitions.' Lorenzo resolved.

To be alive at all, involves some risk.

o.o.o.o.o

Arriving outside of the entrance to the city. Diavolo stood behind a crowd of Adventurers.

The Warriors of Axel were all staring off into the distance. Waiting for whatever is about to appear on the battlefield.

Diavolo's eyes scanned the area outside of the town. It was mostly a broad area of relatively flat land. There were also large mountains in the distance.

He then took a good look at the small army. Trying to evaluate the type of individuals he might have to deal with in this new world.

While Lorenzo was still observing, he spotted Yunyun. Who was further away from the crowd.

He didn't know anyone else but her. It was the logical choice to ally himself with the girl.

The Italian didn't know much about this kingdom. To get assistance from a resident of this new world, will benefit himself greatly.

Diavolo walked over and stood next to the child. Yunyun didn't even realise that someone was standing by her side.

The Italian wasn't too pleased with the girl, being so oblivious to her surroundings. Diavolo was having some doubts now.

" Looking for someone?" Lorenzo asked sarcastically, trying to grab the younger girl's attention.

Yunyun nearly jumped out of her skin. She didn't even realize that the older man was in her presence.

She was actually looking for her Rival; Megumin. Hoping to team up with her group. 

Lorenzo stared into her eyes unblinkingly, with apathy. Yunyun stares back curiously.

' This child is an outcast. Just like me… ' Various emotions played across Diavolo's faces.

Yunyun wasn't expecting the pink haired man to suddenly gain a melancholic look on his face as he stared forward. His eyes wandered towards the cloudy skies.

Yunyun was glad that he came seeking her company. But she also wonders why he's acting like this?

Perhaps he was also frightened or it could be something else entirely. She decided not to disturb his reverie.

The Crimson Demon reminded Lorenzo of his younger pathetic self, there were a few similarities.

It was almost sickening, to remember his accursed past again. Maybe this is why Lorenzo could place a little bit of trust in Yunyun. He could sympathize with her, and understand the feeling of loneliness.

Learning to trust is one of life's most difficult tasks.

Giorno did have a team of his own to help him on his journey. Team Bucciarati put their trust in Giovanna and had each other's backs.

The duality of Giorno and Diavolo’s life decisions as a whole, made the world of a difference in their fight.

' One often meets his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it.' the Zeppeli decided to be more positive.

He looked back at Yunyun, the brunette was patiently waiting for him.

The Crimson Demon found Diavolo to be a very pensive individual. Always engrossed within his own thoughts.

" I know that we just met and that you might distrust me." Lorenzo caught the young girl's attention.

" The truth is, I lost everything due to my own mistakes…"

The former Mafioso really didn't want to be reminded of his humiliating losses. But he was trying to pursue someone here.

Yunyun was curious about what mistakes Diavolo had made. But she didn't want to pry. It seemed like a very touchy subject.

" I've only just arrived in this town today... I could really use some of your assistance, Child." Lorenzo was trying to be sincere. At least he's trying to be mostly honest.

The Crimson Demon looks like she was hesitating. Dealing with her own inner conflicts.

' I feel like Diavolo can be trusted. I already used Aura Sense, without him noticing…' Yunyun ponders.

His was… she didn't know any words to describe it perfectly. His aura was conflicting, but not wicked.

Aura Sense is an Arch Wizard skill that allows the caster to sense an individual, whether they are good or evil.

The Italian noticed that the girl seemed to be making her own inner decisions. He didn't blame her, the Italian is a complete stranger after all.

But now he was beginning to slowly lose his patience.

' Diavolo gave me a fighting chance. I can at least return the favor.' the Crimson child thought optimistically.

Lorenzo was beginning to lose it, but quickly calmed down. "Not to worry, I don't have any atrocious motives. I only harm those that are deserving, like those thugs. Also… "

Yunyun found his confession to be a tad strange, but didn't comment.

Suddenly it started to get windy. Diavolo's hair started to flow dramatically.

The Adventures found the weather to be quite peculiar. It wasn't helping those who are wearing hats either.

"One of my main goals in this new life is to destroy the Devil King." the Italian said, looking very serious.

Yunyun's eyes widened, hearing the bold declaration. Her clothes and hair were slightly moving with the wind.

' What did he mean by new life? Did the Devil King harm him in any manner? ' the bewildered Crimson Demon might ask him later.

She quickly remembered the true nature of the current situation.

"Then you will need help. One of my missions is to also defeat the Devil King." Yunyun spoke boldly, placing a hand by her heart.

The Crimson child was planning this for awhile, she realized this is the perfect opportunity to act now. " I would be honored to join you on your quest! " she exclaimed.

Diavolo just stood there bewildered, his eyes were widened. ' When was the last time someone had joined my cause willingly? Not since…' The Italian was eyeing the young girl with some level of appreciation.

She walked towards Diavolo and extended her hand out, for a handshake. Lorenzo was a little bit surprised by her action.

"This is happening so fast… can't believe-" the young girl shook her head.

The Zeppeli wasn't amused with her antics.

Yunyun got serious, she looked towards Diavolo with a determined look.

"I also want you to join my party!" the young Arch Wizard exclaimed loudly.

Lorenzo was astonished, he was staring at her for a while.

' Things are going according to plan. She's just a means to an end. I'm going to need all the help that I can get anyways. Can't do it alone this time… ' the Italian had a content look.

" Very well… I will join your party. " Diavolo internally smiled and nodded. While he shook her hand firmly.

No matter how Yunyun looked at it, teaming up with a stranger was ridiculous. Even if they did have the same immediate goals.

As crazy as it sounded, she trusted the pink haired man. Well, it was less that she trusted him and more that she believed he wanted

It looked like Diavolo wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that, but the point still stood.

This was a way forward, Yunyun believes.

It was stupid and reckless and preposterous, and maybe – just maybe – it was a little bit exciting too.

Things would never go back to how they were before, so why shouldn't she shake her life up?

"I'm okay with this." she said, before she could change her mind.

"Just don't hold me back, child." Lorenzo looks sternly at the brunette.

" Don't worry, I will help you in any way I can! " The Crimson Demon was happy.

Yunyun hasn't been able to join any party. Again due to her shyness, a rare trend amongst her clan.

To confront and ask people if she can join. The young girl will often run away when a party she saves tries to thank her or ask her to join their group.

Disregarding the bandits from earlier. Yunyun was just being reckless and desperate for attention.

Everyone heard a small commotion by the town entrance.

A well-endowed woman with fair skin, wavy blonde hair tied back in a bun, and gold-colored eyes appeared on the scene.

The Adventurers immediately recognized who the woman dressed in the Guild staff uniform.

Her name was Luna.

Also behind the Blonde woman, were her fellow co-workers.

The guild staff members were pulling a carriage full of useful items, for the upcoming quest.

They stationed themselves closer to the entrance walls, where it was mostly safe.

Luna swallowed her reservations and stood in front of the large crowd.

"Thank you for coming, everyone!" she proclaimed loudly.

The older woman is the famous receptionist who helps Adventurers find quests and events.

"I have terrible news from our Scouts! Reports indicate as of right now, a Behemoth is approaching our town." the beautiful woman cried out to everyone present.

Everyone's dread became outright terror now.

Loud mutterings and terrified glances were shared amongst the Adventurers present.

Diavolo was lost in the implications of the horrible revelation.

Everyone knew what a Behemoth, except Lorenzo.

The uncertain Italian turned his head towards Yunyun, she noticed his gaze.

Lorenzo was hoping for an exclamation. The former Mafioso had an idea as to what this creature might be.

But he needed more information. Diavolo obviously wanted to be prepared.

" What is a Behemoth child? " he asked the brunette girl.

Yunyun gawked at the Italian man. ' How does he not know? Maybe he's also a foreigner, just like Kazuma… '

She wanted to ask the older man so many questions. Hopefully the Crimson Demon will get a chance later on.

Yunyun decided to answer the Zeppeli's question anyway.

She explained to Lorenzo; the beast was powerful enough to violently shake the land itself.

It severely renders prey with long claws and horns.

Lastly the monster uses razor-like sharp teeth to deal the killing blow.

Some were rumoured to even use high-level magic.

The monster was considered undefeatable.

It's extremely large too.

Yunyun gestured grandly to the last path of her explanation.

The Italian was frowning, while trying to process all of this information. If Diavolo said he wasn't a little scared, then he'd be lying.

But Lorenzo pushed his fears away. The Italian began to clear his mind, knowing he would need every bit of focus he could muster to win the upcoming battle.

No matter the foe, Diavolo will have to defeat them sooner or later.

Lorenzo will be forced to get stronger, in order to defeat the Devil king.

All of this, just to remain free…

The Italian decided to formulate a plan with Yunyun, who was listening eagerly.

Everyone else were making preparations for the upcoming fight.

Luna was discussing about the rewards, for defeating the beast. Which seemed to motivate the Adventurers greatly.

Yunyun and Diavolo wasn't really paying attention.

Lorenzo's razor sharp mind processed the constraints on his person and new partner. Diavolo was hesitant at first, to be discussing his abilities. He realized that desperate times call for desperate measures.

Yunyun was astounded that the pink haired man wasn't an Adventurer like her. She also briefed him about the Adventurers organization, which provided various services to those who were part of the guild.

Lorenzo was very impressed, regarding what the young girl was capable of. The amount of spells she knew. Made her quite the formidable wizard.

Diavolo also got to acquire the knowledge of magic. Which was a method of attack or defense used by certain job classes.

Yunyun finally got to learn about Diavolo's Stand. Which is an entity psychically generated by it's owner. To her disbelief, stands don't require mana? 

Lorenzo is not even sure himself, if his new Stand requires magic or not. The Italian will have to find out later. Once he becomes an Adventurer in the near future.

The Crimson Demon was also coming up with her own useful strategies, much to Diavolo's satisfaction.

While Yunyun was checking her own supplies in a pouch around the back of her waist. Which the older man didn't even realise she owned.

The Italian glanced elsewhere, noticing someone familiar. It was that boy he bumped into earlier, standing with his comrades.

Diavolo couldn't care less about anyone else's well-being. Unless they align with his personal goals. Lorenzo resented doing more for others because he felt that it can impede his own needs.

Meanwhile, Kazuma noticed that Megumin was looking awfully guilty. He knew damn well what the mischievous wizard was capable of.

" Did you do something this time again? " the Weeb asked with twitching eyebrows.

Kazuma knew what a Behemoth is; due to him reading about it from a monster encyclopedia.

"Wh- why are you blaming me? I didn't do anything!" Megumin exclaimed, while averting eyes from her Leader.

"Technically, few of the problems we've encountered were caused either directly or indirectly by you." Kazuma was being frank.

Then the two loony friends got into a loud quarrel. Aqua tried to counteract their passionate arguing, but it only got worse. Both girls ended up bullying the Japanese boy.

Some of the guild members found their tomfoolery to be very amusing. It brought some of the tension down at least.

Darkness stood a short distance in front of the small army, both hands rested on her sword that was firmly planted into the ground.

At that moment, the female knight gave off the very picture of what an ideal knight would look like. But not for long…

"I was expecting to be assaulted by multiple enemies at this point. Now, a great beast is approaching- Oh the pleasure… " Lalatina's cheeks flared with heat. The last thought brought about all sorts of fantasies for the Knight.

The Adventures looked amongst themselves, momentarily thrown off by Darkness.

Some of them were used to her unruly behavior. While others just didn't know how to handle the Crusader.

Diavolo found the Blonde Knight to be revolting. He knew that type of nature all too well.

She was definitely a Masochist. The former Don had a few subordinates, like that in his previous life. They were easy to manipulate and extort. He found their sexual gratification from being subjected to physical pain and humiliation to be very disgusting.

Suddenly an unholy roar could be heard. Everyone turned in the direction of the sound.

In the distance by the mountains. A colossal sized quadrupedal beast could be seen slowly approaching Axel. It was a large purple, canine-esque creature with two bull-like horns and flowing manes. The monstrosity was larger than a Destroyer!

"…what the hell am I getting myself involved with?" idly wondered Diavolo, his eyes never leaving the form of the incoming danger. Lorenzo can't run away from every challenge. Just because it suddenly gets difficult.

Diavolo knew that everything was a-  '... trial. Impossible is for the unwilling.' he thought to himself determined.

The Italian glanced at Yunyun. The young girl was focused on their enemy. She didn't even look nervous at all. He's partnered with a powerful comrade.

" Our survival starting today is dependent on teamwork, child." Lorenzo said seriously.

" Yes, I know. " Yunyun nods her head. Then she turned her head towards Diavolo.

" I'm glad that we get to fight together." the Crimson Demon looks on in earnest.

" Hmph, I only choose to battle alongside the worthy." Lorenzo remarks in a cheeky voice. The Italian had no idea why he said that. Diavolo quickly consigned to oblivion.

Yunyun was not prepared for that! She was really glad that someone got to praise her.

" You remember the plan? " Diavolo asked quickly, trying to focus on more pressing matters.

" O- of course! I'm ready when you are." The Crimson Demon was ready for action.

" Then onwards we go! " Lorenzo exclaimed, charging ahead. With Yunyun following him closely.

Everyone else could only watch in bewilderment. As the strange duo run past them.

' Hopefully these fools will follow our example.' Lorenzo thought bitterly.

Diavolo and Yunyun drew nearer and nearer to the seemingly unstoppable Behemoth.

o.o.o.o.o

Chapter Text

What defines a hero? The bravery of a person to stand in the face of danger? Or perhaps the stubbornness of a person to carry out their own wills?

Heroes are purely subjective... If one sees someone as heroic in their character and actions, another may see evil or a detrimental trait.

Then what is it that makes a heroic spirit in the eyes of the world?

Heroism, heroic, and hero are mere words uttered in a pattern that only other beings and their creations can only understand.

Therefore, the world does not have a definition of heroism…

(o.o.0.o.o)

The Behemoth roams across the world and has brought about destruction in various locations

It's thought process is considered to be irrational and spontaneous, from those few who have survived it's wrath.

Rumour has it that the Devil King was responsible for creating this monstrosity…

(o.o.0.o.o)

The demonic creature noticed two humans approaching. Immediately, it released a booming screech.

Without warning it used a forelimb to punch the ground below. Sending large chunks of rocks and debris towards its enemies.

That attack nearly crushed Diavolo and Yunyun. Thankfully they were already prepared. The offensive move missed them by a huge gap.

The warriors of Axel gazed awestruck at the courageous duo. Most of them recognized Yunyun, they referred to her as the 'Crimson Queen'. They had no idea who her pink haired friend was.

Team Kazuma were surprised to see familiar faces on the battlefield.

A very ecstatic Darkness looks on ahead. Her breathing kept getting heavier and drool began dripping from her mouth.

" As a Crusader, it is my duty to slay that foul beast!" Lalatina charges straight towards the Behemoth without a second thought.

The Knights fellow party members were shouting at her to come back. But to no avail, their pleas fell on deaf ears.

Darkness ran past Yunyun and Diavolo, much to their amazement. She was pretty damn fast!

' At least we got ourselves a distraction.' Lorenzo thought unsympathetic.

The kind-hearted Crimson Demon next to him just hoped that nothing bad happens to Lalatina.

Promptly the Behemoth threw its head back in the air. Dark electrical magical energy began surrounding its mouth area. Getting ready to obliterate everything.

The idle Adventurers could only stare, mutely horrified by the events that were transpiring.

Yunyun and Diavolo were trying to pick up their pace and stop the beast before it's too late. They were still too far away to do anything.

Megumin' eyes went wide. "It's charging up an attack!" she exclaimed, terrified.

Kazuma sighed, lowering his head dramatically. "It seems we are doomed."

The Adventurers of Axel we about to intervene-

The Dustiness Ford caught up to the monster and stood her ground, blushing.

"I will not yield to any creature, even if it costs my innocences!" she exclaimed loudly. The idea was enough to make her quiver.

The monster actually stopped it's attack and looked down towards the blonde female. Tilting it's large head to the side. Visibly confused by Lalatina's statement.

Team Kazuma were pretty used to their friend being a Masochist. Everyone else on the other hand, not so much.

'Why did she phrase it like that?' Diavolo thought, disgusted by the perverted Knight' antics. He was almost grateful that the deranged woman saved them.

' How can she say that?!' Yunyun blushed fiercely in embarrassment. But quickly recovered, they were in a dangerous situation right now.

Since Yunyun possesses high mana reserves. She'll manage to cast many spells.

But the Crimson Demon also didn't want to waste her mana. Facing an unknown enemy like this.

Lorenzo knew that it's best to play it safe this. Team Crimson also had to get close as possible, for their battle strategy to work too.

"This is our chance- You can't give up now, NEET!" Aqua squealed, in her team leader's face.

"We can fight that nasty thing!" She was more concerned about the reward money.

The Water Goddess grips onto the collar of Kazuma's shirt. While fearlessly dragging him towards their enemy.

"AQUA- PLEASE STOOP…" the Japanese cried out. He was trying to come up with a good plan. But always fails when his comrades try to do their own things.

Megumin was tailing her friends, with a very joyful look. She can't wait to use her Explosion magic and show everyone just how magnificent it truly is.

The monster got impatiently fed up and quickly began clawing at Darkness. Brutally knocking her around like a rag doll. Some of the warriors expected to see Lalatina being ripped apart.

She did not.

By some miracle the claws didn't slice her open, but she was still being knocked around helplessly. Darkness was undoubtedly enjoying the torture session.

Lorenzo concluded that they were within the right distance. He turned towards his new comrade, hoping she understood the dilemma now. Diavolo was amazed to find out that Yunyun was already charging up a spell.

The young girl's body began to glow silver. She quickly placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. Lorenzo was a little bit alarmed, but calmed down immediately.

"Soul Surge!" the Crimson Demon shouted out her spell.

Within seconds Diavolo and Yunyun were ignited with a silver aura, bursting with power. It looked like the Crimson team were surrounded by a ferocious flame.

The ground shook under their raw magical power, chunks of soil blasted away while they were still running.

People who got to see what happened just now, were flabbergasted. They heard rumours that the Crimson Queen was an excellent Arch Wizard. But they didn't expect her to be this great. That spell she just pulled off wasn't an easy feat.

The move was similar to Aqua' Powered spell. But Soul Surge is far more superior. It can be used on the Caster and many of their allies. Also the strain is minimal to non-existent.

Now Diavolo and Yunyun have gotten a major boost that will improve their offensive capabilities for a limited time.

The Beast, noticing the odd duo, quickly grabbed Lalatina and threw her towards them.

Again Yunyun quickly grabbed his shoulder. It still took Diavolo time to accustom, being touched by someone else. Their entire bodies started glowing violet for a few seconds.

Yunyun felt her magic wash over. Lorenzo knew he wasn't gonna like this.

"Warp!"

Suddenly there was a bright flash and they disappeared. Narrowly avoiding the Dustiness Ford missile.

Darkness crash landed elsewhere leaving a large crater. Worrying most of the Axel fighters. To their surprise she walked out unharmed, mostly. Lalatina actually got very dizzy from her flight and was trying to recover slowly.

The next thing Diavolo knew, his body felt like it was being squeezed into juice, yet stretched to its breaking point.

The world spun and flashed before his feet slammed on top of the Behemoth! Lorenzo would have lost his balance if Yunyun hadn't been holding onto his arm tightly.

That teleport spell astounded Diavolo. The sensation felt like he was obliterating time. Those few seconds reminded him of King Crimson's former abilities, only a few similarities.

Warp is a different variation of the teleportation spell. Meant for quick use and requires less mana. Can only teleport to places the user can see. This will be their major trump card.

Onlookers were wonderstruck, seeing the brave fighters warp on top of their foes upper back!

Without warning, a summoned King Crimson threw an extremely fast barrage of powerful punches to pulverise the Behemoth's upper spine.

Sickening cracks reverberated from the Stands hellish onslaught. The beast thrashed about, through it's abuse.

Lorenzo kept pouring down as many blows as he could against their enemy, while trying not to fall off. The Italiano' attacks were so powerful that it was ripping chunks off the creature's flesh.

Yunyun, closely followed her comrade and was casting off many poisonous spells on the open wounds.

They both felt no guilt drawing its blood, the beast had a body count in the thousands.

The monster's teeth were clenched, and it's face had a look of pure misery. Seeing that more humans were coming after it.

Knowing it had no choice, the Behemoth was not holding back now. A dark sickly green aura now surrounded the monster, almost matching the outline of it's form.

Yunyun and Diavolo alarmed, quickly teleported to a safer location.

The Behemoth's deep throaty growl began to echo across the landscape, the monster's face glowing too brightly to reveal it's expression.

Suddenly there was a large explosion of sparks all throughout the battlegrounds. As a massive dark abyss appeared closely by the many Adventurers.

In a flash, mini Behemoth clones materialised from the black strings of the void. The doppelgangers began flooding the battlefield. Their size was similar to giant frogs, much to Aqua's dismay.

Elsewhere on the field, a young man known as Dust. Was witnessing this madness unfold before him. He couldn't help but admire Yunyun and her companions' valorous attempt on the battlefield.

With new found bravery, the former Dragon Knight turned around to address his fellow Adventurers.

"What the hell are we waiting for!? We can take on the clones! Attack!" shouted the blonde man.

With that, the massed ranks of the guild rushed towards the small replica monstrosities. There were screams and shouts everywhere. They realised that battling the small clones was much easier. At least everyone stood a chance.

Team Kazuma also opted to fight the smaller doppelgangers instead. Their leader had a tough time to convince his friends.

A recovered Lalatina was trying her best to slice the clone's. But was failing miserably, her accuracy still sucks till this day.

Megumin didn't waste any time and let out an explosion, nearly killing a few people. She wiped out quite a lot of the baby Behemoth'. A discouraged Kazuma ended up carrying his friend to safety.

Lady Aqua unfortunately still radiates a divine aura that naturally attracts monsters. Numerous clones were chasing her, much to Kazuma's annoyance.

He was getting disgruntled saving his friends all the time. But looks like he wouldn't have to bother for much longer-

Thankfully the Goddess was able to get rid of her enemies. In a desperate attempt to defend herself.

Aqua sends out scythe-like blades of water at her intended targets, killing them. Which were powerful enough to cleanly slice through some of the nearby solid rocks!

Kazuma and many others were impressed. But they had their own problems to deal with now.

Darkness then made herself to be a pretty good meat shield for everyone to use. Sadly nobody wanted to do such things.

XxXxXxXxXxXx

Diavolo and Yunyun were trying to regain their energy. Unfortunately Soul Surge has burned out.

Team Crimson noticed a clone army in the distant. But they had bigger problems right now. They were trying to take a quick breather-

The Behemoth immediately looked around. Ready to murder anyone it gazes upon.

Eyes gleaming a sickly red and huffing black miasma. Looking around for those two humans, that wounded it severely.

The vengeful creature found it's targets and jumped a great distance towards them. Their enemy swiftly pounces into the centre of their group, forcing them to split apart.

Black liquid seeps from its mouth as it excessively drools - the sight sends a cold chill down their backs.

Before they can react, it spins around lashing with its tail.

Diavolo gets caught by it and is thrown a distance away. Yunyun cries out as she sees him almost crumple to the ground.

In the split second her eyes are off the beast, she suddenly finds herself swept into the air, face to face with the Behemoth.

"Yunyun!" Lorenzo's cry is bloodcurdling, and he knows that she is in a perilous situation. The Italian tries to move, but his body fails him. The adrenaline rush must have worn out...

Still eye level with the Behemoth. Yunyun, with quick thinking- lifted her left hand up towards their foe.

"Flash!" yelled the Crimson Demon. She fuelled a lot of mana into the spell. It was a technique that creates bright flashes that blind the opponent.

Instantly the Monster was blinded. Clutching at its eyes and howling out in agony. It halted mid-attack, unable to continue on.

Since the Behemoth was assaulted, it's replicas were also suffering.

If the caster of the clone technique is interrupted in any way while transmitting mana to the bodies being used as part of the technique, then all of the bodies will stop moving and become very vulnerable to attack.

Half of the Adventurers weren't prepared for the intense brightness. Many stopped in their tracks, some tripped and fell face first against the ground while only a few kept on fighting.

Fortunately the clone's didn't attack. Because most of them were paralyzed and few of them are dematerializing.

The Axel warriors who wouldn't really hurt and the ones that recovered from their blindness- swiftly began fighting off the weekend doppelgangers army.

Their giant enemy continued punching and swinging its tail wildly. Desperately wishing it's sight would return.

While falling, Yunyun from her field of vision- quickly spots Diavolo and warps to his location.

Now at the scene, the Crimson girl could see that Diavolo had suffered immensely. He was lying on the ground in agony and covered in dirt.

Lorenzo did receive the full onslaught of the Behemoth' tail. It was a miracle that he survived.

She knew that panicking now will not help the scenario. The brunette tries to remain calm as possible. It honestly wasn't a pleasant sight to see her Saviour in this condition.

Yunyun knelt down to lift his head up gently. She pulled out a portion from her bag and held it to Lorenzo's mouth. "Here, Diavolo. Please drink this, you'll get better."

The Zeppeli hesitated at first, but decided to throw caution to the wind. Yunyun hasn't let him down so far. Might as well put a little fate in her.

A few seconds after drinking, Diavolo swallowed it all. Almost instantly, he snapped back to full consciousness and perfect health.

At once Lorenzo could feel the aching, stabbing, and burning pains all over his body ceased. "What was that?" He asked dumbfounded, while getting up.

Yunyun explains that she had given Lorenzo the Elixir of life, a potion that can restore both health and mana reserves. They were quite rare items and extremely difficult to brew.

Diavolo thanks her and she gives him a generous nod. He notices that Yunyun's condition wasn't too severe.

Luckily the young lady never received any major injuries. She just got a few minor cuts on her right hand and legs. The Crimson Demons clothing was a little bit damaged.

Also Yunyun's hair fluttered in the wind. Her pigtails must have come undone during the battle.

The brunette girl's stare of determination and her fierce stance were all there.

Diavolo's eyes only sharpened, he too will not give up. They weren't out for the count yet. The battle is just getting started.

Together, they had to fight. There were no more plans, no more tactics. As a team, they would combine their efforts in an all-out last stand to kill their opponent.

Slowly, the Behemoth's vision began to clear. It could just make out the form of the two humans that caused it to suffer. The poor creature's nervous system was almost giving out.

Thanks to Yunyun's poisonous attacks, which slowly begin to take effect. The harmful substance damages the nervous system and causes mana reserves to get depleted faster.

It tried to use lightning breath again, but ended up coughing. Slowly weakening, knowing that it was limited on time.

The monster's unrelenting nature motivates it to pursue on. Knowing that failure wasn't an option for the Devil King.

Wrath is one of the Capital Sins that's present in every demon's heart.

The Behemoth quickly approaches it's prey disarmingly. Lashing out angrily, throwing a sucker punch.

Diavolo and Yunyun had already braced themselves. They were about to retaliate with their own assault.

Lorenzo's anger and frustration was now visibly shown, and he gritted his teeth, his emotions flaring up once more.

Yunyun was charging up a magical spell, ready to strike. She had the perfect spell for this occasion.

Time seemed to slow down for those few moments.

The Behemoth smugly knew that victory was in it's grasp.

A huge fist was about to crush them-

When all of a sudden King Crimson appeared, preparing to counter attack.

The Stand's hand started to glow an eerie grey.

Lorenzo's eyes widened in shock. "What the…" he exclaimed, quite alarmed.

Both combatants' punches collided, sending shock waves everywhere. But something else weird occurred-

The monster's paw vanished, just popping out of existence. Not even a trace of blood or skin remained.

King Crimson's hands kept shining that peculiar energy, before fizzling out.

Everyone around was in complete shock after that. They all wondered what just happened?

The Behemoth roared out in agony, as it looked at it's now bleeding stomp of an arm. Despite the deep pain, it was wondering what the hell happened.

'How is this- I'll have to figure it out later…' Diavolo thought mystified.

In the past Lorenzo was able to erase time. Could it possibly be that his Stand now has the ability to erase space instead?

Yunyun is also left stunned. She's never witnessed any form of offensive magic like that before. Diavolo is an enigma that she really wants to figure out.

Eventually the Adventurers of Axel finally caught up. They managed to defeat all the clone's. Thanks to Lady Aqua flooding the summoning portal and causing it to be vanquished. A few unlucky bystanders nearly died, but manage to survive the tsunami.

Yunyun just raised an arm to tell everyone to stay behind. She had an idea, hoping it'll work.

The Zeppeli hopes that whatever she's performing will work.

Lorenzo turned around glaring at anyone who tried to oppose the Crimson duo. It wasn't helping that his giving off so much killer instinct. After witnessing what he is capable of, nobody wanted to piss him off.

Diavolo is also keeping his sights on the enemy. Who was trying to stop the bleeding, using it's saliva? Which seems to be working, but it will all be futile in the end…

Yunyun began emanating some magenta and orange power around her arms.

Lorenzo's instincts immediately told him that whatever this magic attack was, it was extremely dangerous. The reason why Yunyun was keeping them behind her was probably because she didn't know herself what it could do to everyone.

Kazuma knew that shit was about to go down! He turned around to address his fellow Adventurers.

" Everyone, distance yourselfs! Cast any known Protection spells between us and Yunyun." he instructed them.

"Wh-What?! B-But what abo-" the blue haired Goddess was worried. Rest of the army were also concerned.

"They'll be fine. Do it!" The Japanese tried to reassure them.

"F-Fine!" The Goddess was upset that she was being ordered around. But she knew that a crisis was at hand.

Adventurers transferred themselves to a safer location.

Every other capable Magic user followed Aqua' example and cast their own different forms of protection spells.

It had been casted, separating Yunyun and Diavolo from the Fighters with an impassable barrier. Giving off different faint colourful glimmers.

Lorenzo wasn't scared, he wanted to witness this first hand. Diavolo wouldn't admit it, but he also wanted to protect the child. In case anything goes wrong.

The Crimson Demon extends her glowing upper limbs forward. Opening her palms and turning her arms up. She then condenses her magic in her hands. Charging up a ball of destructive energy.

People everywhere couldn't believe what they were witnessing at this moment. Everybody could sense the immense power she was giving off.

Once Yunyun was ready, she shouted out her attack;

"PEACEMAKER!"

The Crimson Demon launches the huge fiery-static magical sphere slightly over the Behemoth.

"What are you aiming at?! What ar-" Lorenzo exclaimed but quickly stopped talking.

The Behemoth also stopped it's tantrum to glare at the red ball coming towards it, stroking it with the orange lightning but felt nothing.

The creature actually laughed as it readied another hand to backhand the ball of energy.

But the moment its claws touched the orb, it melted. Then the ball exploded in an enormous flash.

A loud dull sound was heard followed by the gross sounding explosions of flesh all across the land.

Everyone was forced to close their eyes. They didn't want to suffer anymore harmful vision loss.

When the light disappeared, all that was left was the Behemoth. Which were in pieces and blood scattered everywhere.

No one said a word, Yunyun waited a few seconds then finally relaxed.

" ..it's over…" she turned around, out of breath."...we did it. " The Crimson Demon was feeling weak, so she quickly took out a portion and drank it to replenish herself.

Lorenzo was at a loss of words. He just nodded his head silently.

The miracle of Protection spells came down and everyone slowly walked towards the damage. Their curiosity got the better of them and they decided to inspect the outcome.

Diavolo and Yunyun were the closest, they walked around the bloody corpses. People decided to avoid them and give them their own personal space.

After a minute of catching her breaths. Yunyun finally decided to speak up, catching the Zeppeli's attention.

The Crimson Demon had an earnest look on her face.

"Diavolo… thank you for helping me. I honestly couldn't have done it without you." she truly meant it, from the bottom of her heart.

" You're welcome…" Lorenzo muttered out.

It truly felt odd being thanked by someone. Again he can't remember the last time anyone showed him gratitude.

Can give someone a drop of water and they'll still appreciate you. Give others the ocean and they still take you for granted.

The shy girl was just glad that everyone was safe and no one got harmed severely. Yunyun found it quite strange, that nobody was talking? Perhaps it had been a traumatizing event for everyone...

Lorenzo looked down at the splattered anatomy and the surrounding aftermath.

Whatever that spell was, it really was extremely powerful. Enough to annihilate a colossal enemy like that. In one big explosion.

The Zeppeli was really impressed, he might get a chance to learn that spell. He wondered why she didn't use it earlier. Lorenzo might question Yunyun later about that.

Wait…

A bubbling sound pulled everyone's attention back to their enemies' body parts. It was decomposing right before their eyes. All the Adventurers starred at the spot where the body had decomposed and vanished.

What everyone had witnessed truly spooked them out. Of course they all had different reactions.

Diavolo thought there might be more to this than he originally believed.

His past self would have never done this. Risking his life for others and and yet he has done it. The Zeppeli kept telling himself that it was to only benefit his needs.

'I'm good at figuring out how things work, but I don't know how this happened.' Diavolo had a thoughtful expression.

Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. The key to change... is to let go of fear.

"Um, I… well." Yunyun whispered timidly.

Catching the Italians' attention. "Yes?" Lorenzo asked, trying to prod her into talking.

"You called me by my name earlier and sounded very worried..." Yunyun was looking cheerful. Didn't even know why she said that. But she just needed to get it off her chest. Perhaps it was her way of celebrating victory. Could have been many things.

Lorenzo gave her a strange look and groaned. "Don't get the wrong idea child…" he said, whilst looking displeased.

In his mind he did find it quite amusing. Now he wasn't in the mood to express his true feelings outwards.

Despite his response Yunyun was still joyful. She believes that in time, they will become really good friends.

Suddenly there was a loud rumble-

Lorenzo's stomach was actually growling loud enough to scare some of the birds away.

The strange sound caught every person's attention close by.

Diavolo was quite the intimidating man. After witnessing what he was capable of, nobody did or said anything.

The Italian scowled as he tried his best to consider any way he could disappear right now.

A few people were brave enough to react. Mostly from Team Kazuma; especially Aqua being dramatic. They weren't really bothered by Lorenzo's strange hunger.

Lalatina wishes to train with Diavolo, for particular reasons. Truthfully those reasons were pretty disturbing.

Megumin wouldn't admit it, after witnessing Yunyun's spectacular performance. The explosion mage couldn't help but envy her rival.

Aqua is convinced that Lorenzo's a hybrid? She claims that Diavolo is half human and half Demon?

Kazuma is just fed up with his friends and just wants to go home. Their liveliness will truly lead him to his doom.

While the Italian could not see her, Yunyun was blushing once again. She's never heard such loud abdominal tummy noises in her life.

"Damn… so humiliating." Diavolo sighed shamelessly.

It came to Lorenzo's attention that he hadn't eaten in a very long time. Almost felt like it was an eternity ago.

After a moment of silence, Yunyun asked with a bit of hesitation in her tone; "I-I… can cook you something to eat, if you'd like… at my place… " looking at him a bit nervously.

Diavolo couldn't comprehend this girl. Yunyun has tremendous potential, but her confidence issues are quite bothersome. Lorenzo remembered that his younger self also used to have a low self-esteem.

Again, he is a complete stranger. So it can be a little understandable. Trusting someone with unknown origins might not be such a good idea.

Almost everyone tends to suffer from something or the other, though they may not reveal it. There will never be true safety, the sooner everyone accepts that, the sooner they can grow.

Diavolo nods his head slightly. Too moody to say anything. Yunyun once again places her hand gently on his shoulder.

Few moments later, there was a flash of violet light that infused the duo and they were gone from the war zone.

As they say, actions speak louder than words. Yunyun and her bizarre companion have done what everyone else was too afraid to do… stand up against great evil. Their actions have truly left everyone astonished.

On this day forth the kingdom of Belzerg will be changed forever.

Naples

City in Italy

Jotaro Kujo decided to pay a visit to someone of utmost importance. The marine biologist wasn't alone, he decided to bring a few people along…

Everything was going smoothly until-

"What did you say about my hair?!" Josuke Higashikata yelled across the room. His English has improved, thanks to his family and friends.

"Cosa?! Io non ho detto nulla." exclaimed Guido Mista aggressively. Never mentioning anyone's hair. The sniper honestly didn't know that much English, so he's forced to speak in his native tongue.

" Uncle Josuke, you understood him?" a confused Jolyne Kujo asked. She understood the Italian language thanks to her family.

A fight ushers in an instant, turning into chaos. Josuke began quickly approaching Mista, a stand appearing behind him. The gunman drew his revolver, giving a warning shout.

Two strong hands gripped Josuke's shoulders before he could attack Guido. The pompadour turned his head to see his nephew, Jotaro Kujo. Staring around him with a stern rebuke in his eyes.

The time stopper was not in the mood to deal with this shit; "Now, what were we saying about keeping calm?" Ocean man warned him severely.

Jolyne quickly grabs her Grand uncle's hand gently, trying to calm him down.

Josuke's shoulders strangely relaxed in the presence of his Grandniece and Nephew. "Alright..." he said, but glared daggers at the sniper.

Pannacotta Fugo began scolding his friend. The Gunman was looking away shamefully.

Trish Una decided to pull little Jolyne away from the annoying males. It's been long since the pink haired teen got to interact with a girl, regardless of age.

The youngest Kujo didn't seem to mind and actually liked Trish. They seem to get along pretty well. Both of them are Stand Users…

This did not surprise Giorno Giovanna as he arrived in the meeting room. Keeping a calm demeanour regardless of the situation.

"Mista, questo è sufficiente." ordered Giorno Giovanna seriously in Italian.

It was him. His body was straight; unshaken and respectful. His voice was somewhat monotone but undoubtedly genuine. He wasn't exclusively one of two, but a catastrophic and beautiful mix of both.

Everyone else in the room decided to give them their Leaders space and not disturb the two men. But they did remain in the room regardless.

"Jotaro Kujo, so we finally meet at last." a now English speaking Giorno addresses the trench coat wearing man. The blonde teen sat at the head of the table.

An impassive Jotaro nodded as he also took a seat closer to him. Mr Kujo also replied in english; "Giorno Giovanna… you do know why we are here." It was more of a statement, than a question.

They both decided to be very upfront.

" Yes, I also want to talk about his missing corpse..." answered the New Mafioso Boss grievously.

Chapter Text

Yunyun turned around slightly and looked towards her new friend. "Welcome to my humble abode!" she exclaimed with one hand towards her house.

The Crimson Demon was really happy! She's not gonna be alone on her adventures now.

Diavolo gave her a deadpan look and then grinned, it was void of mirth. He did find her amusing. Yunyun was quite the enigma.

'Am I on the right path? I'm about to find it soon…' Lorenzo thought to himself ruminatively. A time of momentous change soon.

Yunyun didn't mind his attitude, he was a pretty unique person in her eyes. She opened up and entered her home first. Lorenzo then filed into the house last.

The Italian took a good look around the fully furnished house. There was a fireplace in the corner, made out of the same brick as the house itself, surrounded by two brown armchairs and a large sofa.

The floor was a deep mahogany hardwood, covered by a large rug in the middle of the room. It looked very cosy indeed.

" You can take a seat. Make yourself at home. I'll prepare lunch…" Yunyun gestured towards the seats. She turned around and headed towards the kitchen area.

The Italian took a seat on one of the armchairs and made himself comfortable. Diavolo was about to ponder on his own thoughts. But he was interrupted.

"Almost forgot…" the young lady looked embarrassed, but recovered quickly. Truthfully she is a nervous wreck inside! Luckily she's maintaining her mostly calm and kind exterior. Because the Crimson Demon really doesn't do much social interaction with people everyday.

Diavolo turned his head slowly towards the direction of her voice.

" What would you like to eat? Also, do you want to drink anything now?" Yunyun asked kindly.

He noticed that it was an open living room and a dining room together. With the kitchen just beyond that.

"Anything is fine to eat… I'm not thirsty, at the moment." Lorenzo was a bit bewildered with this girl's hospitality. It wasn't every day that he was invited to someone's house willingly and offered food. This is quite the refreshing experience.

Diavolo was always treated like a pariah in his old hometown. It's been so long since someone has treated him kindly without any deception in play. Only a handful of people treated him like a human being…

"Thank you, child. " he added a little grudgingly.

Yunyun smiled at Diavolo and nodded her head in approval. Strangely, a part of Lorenzo wanted to smile, but he refused.

The Crimson Demon trotted off to the kitchen to begin her preparations and cook some dinner - or was it lunch?

Lorenzo continued to lay on the seat, staring up at the ceiling, taking in every crease, every protrusion from the stark grey surface casting small bumpy shadows against the waning sunlight.

In a way, people were like stipples on a rugged ceiling, insignificant when viewed from afar, but individually having the power to prevent the light from reaching those who dwelled behind them. Like droplets in an ocean or petals in a large flowery tree, none of us would ever amount to much, but if we all thought that way, there would be no ocean or no tree to speak of. After all, what was an ocean if not a multitude of droplets?

Presumably a very long time ago, he lived a life of evil. Diavolo did go down the wrong path and there was no returning then. Which was benefiting him greatly for some time in his previous life.

Next, he ascended and headed on towards his goals. Taking down anyone who stood in his way without remorse.

Lorenzo felt powerful then. It's like the world was finally his.

Diavolo's biggest fear was to be dethroned and killed. Worst of all, it did happen.

Some pesky traitors decided to ruin all of his plans, killing him in the process-

Over

And over

And over

And over

And-

They ruined everything!

Lorenzo wished things could have gone differently, he could have won. Diavolo could have had everything he had ever wanted.

Sadly, fate didn't always go the way he wanted it to.

'What to do with my second chance? I can live a better life now… I'm finally out of that torturous, repetitive death trap... I cannot ruin this opportunity!' He'd need to change strategies.

'I must act decisively and should not act carelessly. True, I do not bow to any cretans. There are always loopholes in everything…' a pondering Diavolo frowned.

The former Boss was not a cooperative man and if those fools wanted to control him. Then they'd have to force him down first. He would not make this easy for the God's.

Lorenzo wouldn't play nice, oh no. Absolutely not. Diavolo wouldn't be caught dead cooperating with anyone. He would have just decided to make things as difficult as he possibly could.

'But it would be a waste of time. If I were to revert to my old ways, then I'll just be going back full circle… failure is not an option now.' Diavolo closed his eyes and let out a tired sigh.

'Truly a great annoyance… but it's only merely a simple delay. A good plan is one that can be flexible and adjusted. Nothing will ever be simple now. Life goes in many different directions, some predictable and some never expected...' Lorenzo glances toward Yunyun.

The former Mafioso realises many things about himself. He cannot accomplish anything the way he was in his previous life. He must change. Lorenzo has failed before, but this time is different. This time he will be free. But change is something that happens naturally. Change is growth. Forcing that change upon yourself can have certain...consequences.

He had allowed his ego to get the better of him! Lorenzo forgot that without it he was just normal as any other person! Just like any other mortal, he too was susceptible to mortal flaws. Such as him letting his emotions get the better of him!

Sadly, he was human… as much as he wanted to pretend he was better than everyone else, he really wasn't. Now Diavolo has learned from his failures and promised himself he wouldn't regress to what he once was!

'Overthinking makes you dwell in the past and immerse yourself in worries and fears, instead of living in the present and acting in the present.' Lorenzo thought firmly.

" Lunch is ready. " said Yunyun. She smiled at the Italian, who definitely looked like he had a lot on his mind. The young lady motioned for Diavolo to sit by the dining table. Where his meal was already prepared.

"I-I it's good to have you h- here. The house is usually so quiet." the Crimson Demon nervously said.

"You live alone?" Zeppeli asked bluntly.

"Yes, it makes travelling around here easier. My parents are back in our village taking care of things. They do visit here sometimes… " Yunyun looked like she wanted to say more, but decided not to.

Lorenzo noticed her hesitation, but he didn't want to further question her. He could care less about her situation.

The food looks much nicer than Diavolo had expected. Not that he knew what to expect, anyway. But it was nice. The meal was a quick stir fry, containing chicken strips and assorted vegetables. To drink, there was fruit juice and spring water.

The air was heavy. Lorenzo hurriedly grabbed the utilities and began eating.

They ate their late lunch in comfortable silence most of the time.

"Looks like you're most certainly enjoying the meal." Yunyun was trying to be a good host, make small talk. The Silence was almost unbearable for her honesty.

Diavolo frowned, he thought of maybe glaring and perhaps even menacingly posing, but his cheeks were still full of delicious stir fry. He swallowed them down. What he did do was let out a pleasant sound as the food really did hit the spot.

Yunyun couldn't contain her excitement. She hardly had any guests over, so it couldn't be helped for her. The former Mafia Boss found his host to be a little bit aggravating. Diavolo was too used to loneliness.

After some time, he was done eating.

"Uh- the food was great." he began, Lorenzo wanted to say more, but couldn't come up with the proper words.

The Crimson girl was truly happy. It is quite rare for someone, other than her parents, to compliment her cooking.

"...Thanks." Diavolo hasn't thanked anyone sincerely in a very long time. It seemed almost foreign, for doing such a simple act.

There was a brightness to Yunyun' smile. She failed trying to hide her immense joy. "You're most welcome."

Lorenzo noticed her odd behaviour, but decided to let her be. The young girl stood up and took both dishes to the sink, to get it cleaned.

That had definitely not been what he had planned on saying.

Just when exactly had his mind changed and let that awkward crap come spewing out instead?

It didn't make sense that she was insistently trying to be nice to him. What kind of sick long con was this? Diavolo couldn't tell what her intentions were.

While he was being a bit cooperative-

And why couldn't he muster up the energy to be angry? It was always so easy to become enraged―

―and yet he just couldn't force himself to get mad at the kid when she hadn't actually done anything wrong to him.

Where he would normally feel anger, the emotion was instead replaced by hope. Hope that he could overcome his past sins, one by one. Hope for a better him instead of what he tried to live his old life as.

She was just being… nice. To him! The only one that made him mad was himself.

"Thank you, again." He sounded harsh, well getting out of his seat and preparing to go outside. "I must go, don't want to overstay my welcome." looked like he was conflicted with himself.

Yunyun looked startled before almost jumping towards her saviour. "Diavolo, please stay here. You're more than welcomed to. I-I do Insist, it's ok. Not to worry- I-I trust you! Ahhh, I mean- oh no… " she cried out, while covering her face feeling humiliated.

Lying to Diavolo would be betraying his trust in her. So, the bashful Crimson Demon tried to tell the truth as embarrassing as it is. Mostly she was talking without thinking, which she is regretting.

Lorenzo was about to protest, his expression was stoic and difficult to read.

"...our impulses are too strong for our judgement sometimes." He said out loud, turning his attention away from the even more embarrassed girl.

Yunyun just naively admitted that she trusted him. His whole life, no one has ever trusted him- at least not fully- and Diavolo lived quite a life. If anything, people treated him like the plague.

Until now that is.

"Why?" The Italian was confused, trying to figure this out. Trust was a very touchy subject for him.

"You would do the same for me wouldn't you?" the Crimson Demon shrugged her shoulders shyly.

"Trust and believe in people or life becomes impossible." The Crimson Demon looks proud, exclaiming that bold statement.

Eventually Diavolo looked directly into Yunyun's eyes, while the young lass tried to maintain eye contact. Her new friend is quite the intimidating being.

'What a hypocrite I am.' Lorenzo thought miserably. 'I trusted nobody in the past, but now… foolish child. I could use her to my advantage. But what she said… ' the older man had an impassive expression.

Yunyun claims that she trusts him, so at least in return he would do the same. They allowed silence to fall between them for a moment.

"I don't recall ever seeing you around… I'm guessing that you're new in town." The young girl wanted to try and get to know her comrade a little bit more.

She was tired of the everlasting silence within her home. The Crimson Demon was thrilled that she got company to talk with now.

"I hail from a faraway land..." the Italian looked at her with an unreadable expression.

'I can't reveal everything… not like she will believe me.' Lorenzo thought in a resentful manner.

He was the local pariah of his old town.

Seeing that enough was enough, he was more than ready to unleash his hatred onto the village he no longer trusted.

"Are you from another world?" Yunyun blurted out.

Diavolo's eyes widened; "How do you-" his anxiety about to flare up.

"I know some people who are also from other worlds too! You accidentally bumped into one of them earlier." the Crimson Demon exclaimed quickly.

"Oh? I see…" the Zeppeli calmed down, now wondering about these otherworlders? He planned to do some investigation later. To make sure that they weren't a threat to him.

"I-I-I was wondering- why are you dressed like that?" Yunyun asked, looking away sheepishly. Trying to change the sensitive topic.

Lorenzo stares at Yunyun silently. "It was supposed to be a quick battle… but- it doesn't matter now. " the older man then scowls. It was a fashion choice!

The former Boss continued speaking, without thinking; "Conform with society- I wanted to feel comfortable. Mostly I used this type of clothing when I was alone in my safe houses…" Diavolo looked like he was reminiscing.

'Safe houses? Who were you hiding from? What kind of life had you lived?' Yunyun was intrigued.

"Wearing clothing with a strongly stitched collar can assist in choking you. Opponents can grab it and use it for leverage. It can be used to blind you and restrict movement. I'm talking from experience…" The older man contemplated. Then he realised what he was saying and regretted it.

The Crimson Demon looked mystified. "My elders always used to say; No matter how strong you become. You will always be weaker than someone, so aim to be smarter than they can ever be." Yunyun seemed to have an understanding with her new friend.

Diavolo nodded his head silently. "Why do you want to know so much?" he asked impolitely.

Instantly Yunyun felt embarrassed, realising that her curiosity was turning into prying. "I am sorry… I- " she said, gazing downwards towards her boots.

The Crimson Demon looks back at her friend. "I just thought that it would help if I knew more about you. We are going to be working together soon. It would really help if I knew more about you and vice versa of course!" Yunyun enthusiastically answered.

So many questions rang through his head, with the only plausible logic being:

'It could be a goddamn plot...' he thought on impulse. Maybe the Italian was just being too paranoid. Then he remembered his vow about changing for the better.

'By fate I met you… by choice I will stay…' Diavolo made a decision. Hoping that he would regret this later.

The Crimson Demon thought she saw realisation dawn on Lorenzo's face, followed by a meagre shrug.

"Very well." the man said. He could see the logical merits in her argument.

Yunyun remembered something very important. "Oh! We should go buy some new clothes! Before the shop closes."

Both of them needed new apparel, because what they're wearing now is in a terrible state and needed to be replaced.

Diavolo thought that buying some clothes would be a splendid idea. So that he wouldn't stick out quite so much.

"Wait! I don't have any money!" Lorenzo exclaimed angrily.

"Don't worry, I pay for everything." the Crimson Demon replied positively.

"Looks like I will have to pay you back soon." Diavolo muttered bitterly.

"N- n- no, you don't have to. Consider it-" Yunyun waved her hands.

"I hate to be indebted to anyone." Lorenzo rudely cuts her off.

"This is my way of thanking you. I insisted." the Crimson Demon inclined her head politely.

For an instant, Yunyun could have sworn Diavolo looked almost…flattered. Then the mask came back on.

(o.o.0.o.o)

As they walked through the maze of buildings and crowds of people going about their business in the late afternoon. Lorenzo felt strangely nostalgic, while also being alert of what was around him. It was an odd feeling, watching and dodging people once again after so long. Speaking to others felt so alien to do.

Diavolo avoided all eyes from the public, while also trying not to look suspicious. Which was extremely difficult to do. Yunyun was also tailing him, in the exact same manner. Which he found very irritating.

'Wasn't she supposed to lead the way?' Lorenzo, a little bit ticked off, was about to speak up.

Then a mortified Yunyun noticed her silly mistake. She began to show him the right directions.

'What is Diavolo afraid Of? He must have had a rough past…' The Crimson Demon wonders. People sometimes hide their identity to protect themselves.

The former Don comprehends that with just his fashionable clothes on. He definitely needed something more... protective around his body, if he wanted to survive this new world.

Lorenzo opted for his companion to explain to him about the currency here. Which confused Yunyun a bit. But she did so nonetheless.

'Even from another land, the currency isn't all that different. He's just like Kazuma and Aqua… maybe even Kyouya.' The Crimson Demon mused to herself. This might confirm her theory that Diavolo is from another world. She is noticing these small factors here and there.

Thankfully, they located the blacksmith Yunyun was looking for. They gingerly opened the door. Inside was a wooden standard-looking shop, with weapons and defensive armours on the walls and stands. A bearded man was at the counter, smiling at the customers.

"Well, hello! What can I do for you folks." His gruff tone welcomed them in. He seemed like an honest salesperson.

The old man was standing behind a counter that had several weapons, armour and clothes displayed behind him.

"Haven't seen you before Pinky. New around these parts?" the owner asked Lorenzo curiously.

"You could say so..." Diavolo frowned at that stupid nickname. The former Mafioso walked over to one of the display cases that showcased several items.

Yunyun decided to speak up; "W- we need some n- new Armour and clothes, p-please." requesting shyly.

Lorenzo looked at the Crimson Demon disapprovingly. He needed to fix her low self-esteem and lack of confidence. The Italian will not tolerate any weaknesses around him.

"Very well! I can get you guys the best armour and clothes I can find." the smith enthusiastically says. He began showing off his merchandise.

Time passes as Diavolo and Yunyun look at various suits of armour and clothing. Lorenzo was very picky about what he wanted to wear. While the Crimson Demon wasn't all that fussy.

The Italian didn't want anything too heavy to restrict his movement. He also didn't want something that was too conspicuous. Because Lorenzo hated attracting attention from the masses. He will be going out in public more often unfortunately.

Our Heroes tried wearing many different outfits and were in and out of the changing room. Thankfully there were mirrors inside so they could inspect themselves.

The smith patiently waits for them to finish trying on his merchandise. "Man, these kids really want the right armour don't they?"

But the old man stops when he hears; "Yes. This will do." and pulls the curtain back from the changing area he was in. Quickly comes Diavolo in his new outfit. Though it may hardly look like armour at first glance but it was the real deal.

Lorenzo's new gear consisted of a black trench coat featuring a hood that was shaped like an eagle's beak in the centre. This was connected to the main part of the jacket.

The lower portion was layered, with the back of the jacket extending down lower than the front. He chose a crimson shirt, with dark blue pants, grey fingerless gloves and knee-high leather boots.

Around the waist was a grey sash, with pouches for containing supplies. Lorenzo's back had a belt containing a sheath for a dagger, which was buckled below the shoulder.

The smith was impressed with Diavolo. "Woah... that Assassin armour matches you perfectly. "

Lorenzo wanted to question the craftsman further. But decided not to and just nodded his head. Diavolo continued inspecting himself. The Italian really did like this new attire.

The clothing was made of some durable material, which Diavolo didn't recognize. He was also impressed with how it's been tailored.

Everything was quite comfortable and really lightweight. He tied his hair in a ponytail, while leaving a few strands in the front loose.

Trying new clothes symbolises a new built self image of yours, a reflection of your new found attitude.

This may also imply your desire to change yourself or adapt into a totally new and contrasting individual.

'So it's one hundred copper to one silver, and probably the same for silver to gold. I wonder if there's platinum in this world, or if gold is the highest-valued currency?' Diavolo ponders, then hears someone and looks towards Yunyun and is astonished.

The young girls outfit is now composed of mostly black leather. A Crimson tank- top under a black vest with a zipper going up the centre. Black leather overhauled shorts with a long cape at the back of Yunyun's waist and black gloves. She decided to get silver boots. Her old pouch was still kept around the waist. She was able to tie her hair into a low bun.

Then the old man looks baffled at Yunyun. "Leather suit armour? It's meant for female brawlers- weird choice, but it looks like it'll actually work."

Yunyun nodded silently and was obviously distraught. While blushing and pushing her forefingers together in a nervous gesture.

"Soooo… are you guys planning to sell your old clothes?" the weapons crafter asked.

"Hmm, I'd like to keep my old clothes, for sentimental reasons." the young girl replied.

"I'll do the same." Diavolo couldn't handle the thought of someone else wearing his clothes. There might be a possibility that his old attire could get sold.

The old man shrugs his shoulders and gives them some carry bags, to place their old clothing in.

"What y'all choose may not be the strongest armour. But it will allow you guys to move quickly around and protect you all from various environmental hazards like ice, sand, fire, and poison." the elder told our heroes.

The Italian decided to make haste. "How much?" asked the suspicious Diavolo. He knew these were gonna be expensive.

"We'll give you 300 silver pieces from each of us." stated the Crimson Demon.

'I seriously need to earn money fast. It's humiliating relying on a child. Also, isn't she using too much money?' Lorenzo grumbled internally as he glanced furtively at Yunyun. While walking past the market and looking in this shop. He figured out how pricing would work.

"That's…" the craftsman blinked. He found it strange that his customer's daughter is paying for the goods. 'Maybe he's teaching her how to use money?' But he decided not to be too inquisitive.

"M- more than enough for materials and food, correct?" Yunyun replied quickly. Even placing money on the counter.

"That's way too much." scowled the shop owner. But he still took the money anyway. "Look, how about I throw in some weapons for your father and you missy?"

"Wh- what?! Diavolo's not my d-dad- dad!" exclaimed Yunyun, who took a few steps back and was quite embarrassed.

Lorenzo was shaking his head disapprovingly and looked at the old fool with a menacing expression.

"Okay, whatever you say…" the blacksmith replied in a cheeky manner.

Then the old man got serious, which team Crimson noticed immediately. "Family isn't always blood, it's the people in your life who want you in theirs: the ones who accept you for who you are, the ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what." the forger sounded really wise.

Yunyun's face morphed into shock but was quickly replaced by a kind smile. It would be wonderful to form a strong bond with her friend.

Diavolo on the other hand wasn't too thrilled hearing that speech. For him, love aroused sadness and painful feelings.

Lorenzo tried to ignore these nauseating feelings. The former Don walked over to a shelf which mostly contained smaller weapons.

Yunyun didn't really need any equipment. Since she already owns a silver staff and a short sword… which she barely touches. The Crimson Demon realised that she needed to make good use of them now.

Diavolo knew, even though King Crimson was available- he wasn't invincible. So it wouldn't hurt if he had a weapon or two.

The Italian helped himself and began inspecting all of these finely crafted weapons. Diavolo wanted to carry something light and not heavy. He didn't want to be slowed down for any unnecessary reasons.

Yunyun even decided to look around. She might find something that she'll fancy. The shopkeeper didn't mind as long as they didn't break anything.

Lorenzo kept on looking through the store. The blacksmith then intervened and showed off multiple sets of weapons. Diavolo wasn't impressed by most of it, finding them to be inadequate.

Something got Lorenzo's attention and he picked it up. It was a rather unique ornamental dagger, with the most eye-catching aspect being the beautiful design.

A curved knife with serrated partway down its edge. Blade on the flat side is inscribed with golden feather markings. Also there's a silver phoenix etched into the hilt.

The craftsman inspected the dagger and nodded. "Ah, the Valiant Knife. It's enchanted- great for killing undead and demons. Trust me, you'll be encountering them a lot. Can obviously be used to hurt other nasty critters too. Good choice if I do say so myself, you can take it."

Lorenzo nods and places the weapon in his previously empty sheath. He was pleased with his choice.

Yunyun was flabbergasted. A dagger like that doesn't come cheap. That item alone is going way past their budget. She was wondering why the forger is being so generous or will they be charged extra?

"Hold on a moment." The blacksmith turns and walks into the back of his shop. The sound of rummaging can be heard faintly followed by a muffled curse and the reverberating thud of something weighty falling on the floor.

Yunyun looked concerned and Lorenzo was just curious.

The blacksmith found the two items needed. He returns and gives Diavolo a belt with 5 throwing knives placed on it.

"Here, kid. These Vermeil fangs might come in handy. Just be careful, they're really sharp. Can even cut through diamonds." the old man was grinning.

Knives that were fairly small and fin-shaped, being triangular with curved edges leading to a point, somewhat resembling an arrowhead. The handles are small, thin, and align with a ridge down the centre.

" … thanks, old man." Lorenzo fastened it across his chest diagonally within his jacket. King Crimson is a short ranged Stand. These throwing knives would be ideal for attacking long distant enemies.

Then the forger looked towards a surprised Yunyun and offered her something. "Here Lass, the Meteorite bracer. This rare accessory actually replenishes mana slowly over time."

It was an exquisite grey band. Which had a star-shaped ruby embedded in the middle.

"Wha? I-I can't!" the young lady tried to walk away.

"Take it. Still need to cover your budget." the old man quickly places the gift in her hands.

"I-if you insist- th- thank yo-u!" The crimson demon was truly grateful. She tried on her new bracelet on the left hand and loved it.

The elderly man gives them a full-blown smile. "This is also my way of thanking you for saving our town! Heard everything about your exploits from some adventurers. Was also pretending like I didn't know your earlier, sorry about that. Just checking what kind of folks y'all are. "

Diavolo's eyes widened and was taken aback. He was uncomfortable with recognition. Mostly because the words he always uses to hear don't line up with the way he sees himself. A happy Yunyun was muttering with weary belligerence.

"Anyways…" Lorenzo turns towards the door, his jacket fluttering around him. "Time for us to go." The Crimson Demon perks up and slowly follows her friend.

Yunyun breathes a sigh of relief, looking back to the Blacksmith. "Thank you for everything." The young girl gave him a pleasant smile before jogging after her hero.

The craftsman blinks and then chuckles jovially. Going back to his counter and resting his gloved hands on it.

Mr Forger really liked that girl, a real sweetheart. He wasn't too fond of her friend with the attitude.

"It's a pleasure to do business." the old man gave a small wave. "Be safe in your journey, both of you."

"Again, thank you for everything." Yunyun was kind enough to bow, while Diavolo just gave a firm nod.

As they left the shop, they continued shopping for some male casual wear for Diavolo and other personal stuff.

(o.o.0.o.o)

It was now dark and a cold evening, and after a long day, everyone was more than ready for a good night's rest.

Now that she's all alone inside her room, Yunyun just laid there, letting her mind wander to the sea of thoughts. Various thoughts surfaced such as who Diavolo really is. How are the other guild members doing right now and their reactions?

Not that she doesn't want his company, in fact, she actually liked it. Just that she became aware of herself.

It can't be avoided because just the thought of spending time alone with the opposite sex will always make someone conscious.

There's also the issue of her crush on Diavolo. Because of these few hours, they have always been together and she had already picked up some of his good traits which only went unnoticed before because she never really got a chance to interact with males. Indeed, he is still a stranger but she wants to believe that he is good.

She really needed to control herself and not make things anymore inconvenient around her new friend.

Yunyun is also quite pessimistic, always thinking that people assume the worst of her as a consequence of the social ostracising she experienced growing up in the Crimson Demon Village.

For her, being forgotten and alone is almost a fate worse than death.

(o.o.X.o.o)

Diavolo still kept his old clothing, folded up and tucked in his bedroom cupboard. For sentimental reasons, and also as an extra change of clothes. But it's highly unlikely that he will ever use it again.

The walls were white; the bedding was so soft, and a nice coffee colour. He had proper drawers that looked to be made of oak, a proper cupboard, and the bed was king-sized, only it was oak and not just common wood. Proper oak was expensive, Lorenzo knew that much, so he had to make sure not to damage the room in any way, shape, or form. There was a desk with drawers that had a candle lamp on it too.

Remarkably there is an En suite bathroom connected exclusively to this bedroom.

This guest room is nice; it was more than he had hoped for— actually, it was better by far than what he'd had anticipated.

His superiority complex had taken a shattering blow after his defeat at the hands of Giorno but nonetheless, he couldn't help but feel like this nonsense was beneath him. Is this how an Emperor was supposed to use his power? Even as he said it, his stomach did an odd flip, he was no longer a King and he had assumed that position based on his… alterations, now he was just an everyday, average... man. The implications of this struck him in a way that had evaded him when he had just awoken in this village, Lorenzo had had bigger problems at the time but now he was fully aware of what this meant.

'Your life's work. Meaningless. Like you.'

The Zeppeli sighed, he never had to deal with these relentlessly thoughts, even as his personality began to degenerate and fragment. He assumed it was because he had Doppio and an ultimate goal in mind, now he was fixed irrevocably in the present and had nothing to distract himself anymore. A mind as active and powerful as his was inevitably going to find something to occupy his time.

"How could I have forgotten about you Doppio?" The older man was getting depressed.

Vinegar Doppio was no more. And, Diavolo thought, maybe he had died with him. A sinking feeling began to grow in his chest.

The Zeppeli was overreacting, but he honestly couldn't be helped. He tried to calm himself, getting emotional would yield nothing. Diavolo tried to breathe in regularly with a deep breath to calm himself and the headache down.

Also there was another unprecedented notion. That has been on his mind since the fierce battle today.

Regarding King Crimson's Spatial Manipulation.

Again in his previous life, Diavolo was able to predict the future and erase time. None of that happened today.

'But how can I use the power at will? Obliterating space… ' The Italiano was about to summon his Stand, but chose not to. Fearing that he might damage himself or the environment around him.

That ability did activate automatically. Proven when Diavolo was about to get crushed and King Crimson summoned itself attacking his enemy. Although this could possibly mean it cannot be activated manually?

A Stand is a visual manifestation of life energy (in other words, the manifestation of the soul of the user).

Only one thought ran through Lorenzo's mind. 'The God' actually tampered with my soul. Either blessing or cursing me…'

Followed belatedly by another speculation. 'Perhaps it's due to this new world's magic that affects my King Crimson?'

Then his eyes widened . 'Could this be… my Requiem Stand?! No- that's ludicrous!'

Diavolo needed to slow down. Started to rub his temples in frustration. Perhaps if he focused on things one at a time, he'd be able to at least solve something. The Italian was beginning to feel fatigued.

A lonely sigh left his lips; he knew that, no doubt, it would be another sleepless night for him. He never slept any more than a few hours; duties always came first.

The Zeppeli finally gets himself to bed after his inner monologues and goes to sleep ready for whatever this world has in store for him tomorrow.

.o0o.

When Lorenzo looked upon a mirror in this unknown plane of existence, his reflection immediately changed in appearance.

As Diavolo reached his hand out toward his reflection, it tried to pull him into the mirror.

The Zeppeli succeeded in pulling his hand away from the mirror, only to see his reflection change into his younger self.

Diavolo tried to speak but no words could form out of his mouth. Even his counterpart wasn't in the mood to speak.

Doppio then escaped the mirror, charged at his enemy, and then beat him furiously. The younger man wasn't giving his ex-boss a chance.

The older man got pissed and swiftly threw his younger self in several directions. He attempted to push the boy back into the mirror, which succeeded in destroying both the mirror and the reflection itself.

Without warning, the scene lurched rapidly and Diavolo still stood there emotionally, closing his eyes.

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."

Diavolo opens his eyes and can see a silver-haired woman who is sitting in the chair with a sorrowful expression. He was back in heaven? Lorenzo didn't have any time to fathom what was going on.

"...the past gives you an identity and the future holds the promise of fulfilment in whatever form. Both are illusions." Eris said before snapping her fingers.

Lorenzo was immediately greeted by a bright, blinding light that folded over his line of sight.

.x..x.

Diavolo shot awake. His body had broken out in a cold sweat and breathing turned ragged. He frantically looked around and noticed that he wasn't dying, but in his own bedroom.

Lorenzo had never experienced a dream quite like that one before. He wondered why it happened to him now. Diavolo laid back down on his pillow.

No matter how much he tried to relax and fall back asleep, his mind couldn't erase the image of Doppio. Then that nuisance Eris decided to grace Diavolo with her holy presence. A constant reminder that he is always being watched. That scene in the mirror dimension though had been burned into his mind. Lorenzo grimaced in frustration and wanted to punch something.

.o0o.

Morning arrived pretty soon and everyone was getting ready for the day ahead. They left home and were heading towards the guild.

While on the move, Lorenzo was ruminating on some unusual ideals. While looking at Yunyun and everyone around the vicinity. He was trying to distract himself from that awful nightmare. Didn't want it to get to him, so he decided to delude himself with his own thoughts.

He mused that people aren't walking characterizations, or sublimations of a single idea. Everyone is full of contradictions, duality, flaws and virtues. Sometimes… The best and worst of qualities can be found in the same person.

'Everyone can be manipulated. Pushed and prodded into acting a certain way. It is because of this that it is hard to truly trust people. You never know when they might change.' the Zeppeli thought in his mind.

Not everything has meaning. Jobs were a requirement by society. Nothing more, nothing less. That was just how life was.

A few minutes later the group arrived at the guild, the road in front of it appeared to be bustling with adventurers and villagers of all sorts. The rather large establishment stood before them, and the fragrance of food drifted from within. Thanks to the young girl, Diavolo has already eaten breakfast.

It was built of stone, with a brick tile roof. Twin lamps sat upon small walls that lined the steps leading to the large, reinforced wood double doors, and above them sat a large blue and yellow crest, with red lining its typical heater shield shape. An organisation that supports adventurers. The job agency of this world.

Yunyun gulped as she waved a hand at the guild. "Well, this is it."

Lorenzo knew that there would be some rough characters inside. They might find trouble with Diavolo if they see an unfamiliar face. After taking a minute to prepare himself mentally, he was ready.

Yunyun gulped, pinching the collar of her outfit as she looked at the guild with unease. "We go in... and apply- hey!"

He blatantly ignored her, as the man entered.

Chapter Text

"I guess he's nervous?" Yunyun muttered, a little bit upset. Quickly following her friend and almost caught up to him.

Lorenzo nearly closed the doors on the Crimson Demon. Inside the hall all went quiet as everyone around turned to look at the newcomers.

The Italian eyed the tense adventurers within the vicinity. People who were drinking, talking, eating and doing everything else in between came to an abrupt stop.

Random mutters filled the air as the guild took their measure of the heroes. Yunyun stood in the doorway with a nervous smile and scratched the back of her head while Diavolo scowled.

Lorenzo knew there would be some rough characters inside. They might find trouble with Diavolo if they see an unfamiliar face. 'Fear of the unknown is the root of almost all hate. It is born of ignorance and fed by those who would keep everyone divided.ʼ the Italian thought bitterly.

The Zeppeli noticed something was amiss. He observed the crowd and glanced back at his companion. 'Are they scared of this brat?!' the Italian thought dumbfounded.

To the Adventurers, Yunyun does everything with a style and grace that's only matched by her beauty. Most people are afraid to talk to her because she has a powerful gaze and gives off a menacing aura. At least, that's how everybody sees her.

Only the brave and courageous would approach someone as ruthless as Yunyun. Teaming up would her will be suicide! Anyone who was similar in personalities would only cause conflict?

Unknown to the public, Yunyun is just a socially awkward individual.
Diavolo ignored their gazes and continued with his original objective. Yunyun seemed apathetic for some reason?

Suddenly, a waitress with short red hair tries to welcome our heroes. "W- we- welcome! I-I-I- if you're looking for a jo- j- job, please a- a- ap- approach the count- counter. If y- y- you are he- here to eat, please ta- ta- take a seat!" She quickly ran away.

The Zeppeli looked at the registration area and headed towards it, but he suddenly got interrupted.

"So you're Diavolo." A voice caught the pink haired man' attention. Lorenzo swung his head to the direction of the person who spoke.

A blue-haired woman appeared from behind him. She wore a sapphire-blue, short-sleeved top and low-cut skirt, along with sapphire-blue stockings that went up to her thighs. Her arms were covered in long white arm warmers. A green ribbon was attached to the front of her shirt, an aqua-colored gem set in it.

"Diavolo, it means Devil in Italian. What a ridiculous nickname. You must have been some petty Mafia gang member." the Archpriest stated mockingly.

The offended Zeppeli's eyes widened. He senses a divine aura from this wretched woman. He was almost freaking out. 'Who the hell is this? Could this maggot be one of Eris' subordinates?' He tried to remain calm.

Yunyun looks flabbergasted and glances towards her friend. 'Diavolo actually translates to devil? Why such a name? Italian must be his home language? I never heard of such a thing…' so many questions were formulating in her mind. Realised that she will have to talk to her comrade soon.

The blue-haired lady seems to have noticed that he was confused. "I'm fluent in many languages, so don't strain your head."
She continued talking nonetheless.

"Who are you? Better yet- what are you?" Placing hands on her hips, authoritatively. Aqua couldn't figure out this man at all. The Goddess had this bad feeling whenever she looked at Diavolo.

Lorenzo paused a bit, lost in thought. He decided to humour this girl.

"An interesting question. What would you expect to be a satisfactory answer? I could give you my real name, of course, but that would not convey anything of my true essence - it is, after all, but a conventional moniker used to refer to the person that is myself. In fact, it could be said to be even more devoid of meaning as right now no one alive knows my name except me, so I could tell you anything else, and it would be equally valid. Or I could tell you about my life - which would probably not be the intended answer, and would still not tell you much about who I am, as a simple series of events does not inform you of how those events shaped me, specifically. Nor would the me who lived those events be the same that faces you right now - as this is the me that has gone through them, and has been changed by them."

This left everyone a bit stunned. Of all things they could possibly expect from a newcomer, philosophising was not one of them.

Diavolo noticed that his comrade was looking at him. "Well?" He wasn't fooled but decided not to push her. Also fiercely glaring at the Adventurers, they immediately got the hint.

"Eep!" Yunyun jumped at the realisation that she had been staring too long and turned to look at the floor in apparent interest.

It was the Italian's turn to question this blue haired girl. "Are you one of Eris' lap dogs?"

"WHAT?! Eris is my Junior! I am Aqua, the Goddess of water!" the blue haired woman exclaimed angrily.

"If you are the superior. Why are you down here?" Diavolo asked harshly.

"It was someone else's fault…" the divine being trying to forget that horrible moment.
But Aqua was not done with her interrogation.

"That filthy aura you were radiating is very concerning. Are you in league with the Devil King and trying to infiltrate this town?" The blue haired girl was accusing him.

Discrimination… Lorenzo was being discriminated against based on the aura he was giving off?

Before Diavolo could voice his opinions. Someone unexpectedly tried to stand up for the former Mafioso.

"That's enough, insulting him for false suspicions won't get you anywhere." Yunyun of all people scolded Aqua. Lorenzo would never admit it, but he was almost grateful that the Crimson Demon tried to defend him.

Kazuma was trying to call Aqua again. The Goddess noticed him and decided to go towards her friend. Looks like he chose a quest already.

"Hmph, don't think this is over. I'm watching you! " she threatened, while preparing to go somewhere else.

"There's nothing to watch." Diavolo retorted smoothly.
Then he continued to speak; "Your threats are all empty. They mean nothing. " Lorenzo glared harshly.

Aqua clicked her tongue rudely. "Ha, you don't even look that strong." the blue haired muttered, as she walked away. The water lady had better things to do.

Unfortunately, Diavolo heard that and the situation changed quickly. "Presumptuous words, Goddess..." immediately retorted.

Aqua stopped and turned back at him, frowning. "Hm, what did you say?" she asked him.

"I said, you would not be able to defeat me." Lorenzo gave her an ireful look.

There was silence throughout the guild, everyone stopped what they were doing again and watched what was about to unfold.
Yunyun began to worry the most now. Hopefully nothing gets out of hand. 

Suddenly the blue haired beauty burst out laughing aloud.
"You really have no idea who you are talking to, right?" the Goddess questioned, in an arrogant manner.

"Only foolish ignorant people choose to prejudge and hate people solely based on a characteristic they cannot control." Lorenzo adds intensely.
Yunyun looks taken aback for a second, but soon grins at her friend. She decided to also voice her opinions.

"If you judge people by their appearance you're stereotyping them and you'll never see the person inside." The Crimson Demon's expression seems calm. But deep inside she was a nervous wreck. The Adventurers were stunned and were impressed by the odd duo's words. 

That made Aqua quite angry at them, she growled. "One good deed is not enough to redeem a man of a lifetime of wickedness." The Blue haired lady glaring at Lorenzo.

"But it seems enough to condemn him… Your opinion of me doesn't define who I am." a slight grimace on Diavolo's face.

"Leave him alone, Useless Goddess." Kazuma interrupted them before it got bad.

Aqua lips trembled and then screeched at her friend. "But, Kazuma!" she couldn't keep her emotions in check.

"You're making me deaf with your voice and making me blind with your face. Come on, let's go before you cause more trouble." The Japanese tried to drag his companion away.

"Let go of me- don't treat me like I'm one of your body pillows!" The blue haired girl freed herself from Kazuma's hold.

"How dare you- grrrr!" the Satou male fumed with irritation.

Now the two of them were opposing each other, face to face. Their foreheads were almost touching.

"Stupid NEET!"

"Alcoholic!"

"Titty Lover!".

"Debt Queen!"

"Cheapskate!"

The air swung around, thick and heavy with insults as everyone in the guild watched the hilarious argument between the looney couple with mixed feelings.

Diavolo remembered that Giorno had a team to help him. Those fools put their trust in the blonde boy and it did pay out in the end.
While the former boss was overconfident in his own abilities and thought he had already won the battle.

So having a team… He can't go in alone this time. He will need all the help he can get. Lorenzo will play along for now.

"I do not have an overinflated ego!" Aqua was waving her arms around frantically.

"How many times have you claimed that you need the best treatment and the most expensive things just because you're a Goddess?" Kazuma countered back.

"But I am a Goddess!" Aqua cried. "Why do you keep saying that I'm not?! You know the truth!"

"Yeah, and the truth is you contribute little but trouble." the male brunette crossed his arms.
She shook her fist at her comrade and was on the verge of strangling him.

Then Kazuma got a wicked thought. "You were a real Goddess but now you're a fallen Goddess."

"I have not fallen! I am a real Goddess!" Aqua was raising her voice higher.

"Can't see it behind the rotten personality." the panty thief said sarcastically.

"Of course I can! Don't you remember what I'm the Goddess of?" the divine individual gestures.

"Debt, misfortune, poverty, alcoholism, party tricks-" Kazuma was counting on his fingers.

"Goddess of Water! I'm the Goddess of Water you idiot! You don't have to be so mean. You should be able to tell by the colour of my eyes and hair!" Aqua was whipping her hair around like a lunatic.

They go on again with their usual verbal fights, much to Megumin's annoyance and the rest of the guild's entertainment.

Diavolo was getting sick of this nonsense and decided to get registered. He was looking for his companion but noticed that she was busy?

Yunyun was interacting with a younger looking girl wearing a short red dress, a brown cloak tied around her neck, and a witch's hat on her brown hair. She had an eyepatch with a cross on it covering her left eye, and carried a wooden staff with a blue gem.

"Oh! Megumin! So happy to see you- I mean- I challenge you to a duel!" Yunyun pointed out towards the little dark haired mage.

"I'm not in the mood, Yunyun." the shorter Crimson Demon seems to be irritated.

Yunyun began howling incoherently at the hat wearing girl. Who covered her ears, just to spite her rival.

Megumin noticed the pink haired man close by. "Ahh, so you are Diarrhoea." the frail girl looked assured.

"It's Diavolo!" he exclaimed loudly at the tiny nuisance.

Nonetheless she flung aside her cloak hard. "My name is Megumin! I am a-"

"I don't care." the Zeppeli bluntly interrupted the self-introduction of the explosion girl. He recognised this mage is also a Crimson Demon.

Megumin angrily points her staff at Diavolo. "Hey! I would appreciate you not being so rude!"

Lorenzo wasn't intimidated in the slightest. He ignored the little runt and turned towards Yunyun. "Is everyone from your clan this obnoxious?" But noticed that his companion is preoccupied with her mind.

Diavolo watches Yunyun with an extremely exasperated look. "I spoke too soon…" He shakes his head and responds with a casual shrug of his shoulders.

"I bet that you're envious of the almighty Crimson Demons." The Arch wizard' cheeks puffing with indignation at being disregarded again.

Megumin does some weird moves and points her right arm towards Diavolo. "Darkness blacker than black and darker than dark, I beseech thee, combined with my deep crimson. The time of awakening cometh. ~ "

"What are you doing?" A perplexed Lorenzo turned his attention back to the hat wearing girl.
Few of the surrounding Adventurers heard the infamous chant and were foreboding the worst.

'By the Gods… all I've been doing all this time… just watching her back, or standing at the sidelines. Thinking, Megumin is the best! WELL, NO MORE!' Yunyun was determined.

"Are you scared that you'll lose the challenge?" Yunyun quickly intervenes. She sounded confident, but was fidgeting a lot.

"No!" Megumin stopped her spell and turned to look at her rival. The guild members were thankful for the Crimson Queen saving them.

"I accept, but I am the one picking the challenge!" the Explosion mistress said, while striking a pose.

"O-Ok!" Yunyun said as she did her cool pose.
Lorenzo's left eye was twitching. Then realising that he could observe Yunyun's capabilities.
Everyone else was busy focusing on Kazuma and Aqua.

"The challenge is to compare our levels." Megumin pulls out her adventuring card dramatically. Yunyun is doing the same action.
Both Crimson Demon girls analysed each other's Adventurer cards.

Diavolo curiously looked over their shoulders. Noticing that these cards had a lot of skills and stats written on it.

Megumin's level is 34 and Yunyun's is a surprising…

43!

"I won!" the usually shy Crimson Demon shouted joyfully.

"But how!?" cried out the smaller girl in shock.
The root of Megumin's frustration had revealed itself and wasn't as simple as her being bratty.

The explosion mage turned towards Lorenzo looking upset.
"Did poor little Yunyun tell you the sob story where she had to eat her birthday cake all alone in her large house?" she asked in a bitter tone while staring at Diavolo.

"What?" Lorenzo was taken aback by this information. Because something like that happened to him a long time ago. Looking at his companion, trying to understand the matter. He was able to empathise a little with his comrade.

"Nothing like that happened!" Yunyun exclaimed, quite embarrassed.

Megumin's anger ran deeper than imagined. This was more than a simple rivalry. There was actual growing resentment for Yunyun, Aqua, her village and the world as a whole.

The Explosion caster just walked away bitterly. Yunyun tried to follow her rival. But Diavolo placed a hand on his comrade's shoulder and shook his head.

"Don't even waste your time, child." Lorenzo advised his companion. The kind-hearted girl wanted to protest but kept silent.

'Can't even handle such a small loss? How pathetic. Then again I'm one to talk… ' Diavolo ponders heatedly.

Kazuma honestly just wanted to end his suffering. He felt it was impossible to control these girls.

Darkness was previously talking to a certain silver haired thief about something. Eventually they were done and both walked their separate ways.

The jingling of buckles snapped Lorenzo out of his thoughts. A blonde woman with blue eyes, wearing white and yellow armour over black underclothes.

"Are you Diavolo?" the Knight questioned.

"What do you want?" Lorenzo bluntly asked. He was getting irritated fast, meeting all these random people.

"I am Darkness. My calling is that of- Wait! Don't turn your back on me!" She exclaimed and was blushing now.

The Italian ungraciously tried to walk away. But the heavy breathing knight was persistent and blocked his path.

'I will not satisfy this filthy woman's urges!' Lorenzo recoiled slightly. Even poor Yunyun was very traumatised.

The Dustiness Ford had an overjoyed look on her face. "Please, I wish to spar with a powerful warrior-"

"NO!" Mr Zeppeli impolitely cut her off. He stared at her with disgust. Unfortunately his harsh gaze only made her squirm and wrap her arms around her body.

Yunyun still can't believe that Darkness is from the highly respected Dustiness house of nobles.

Lalatina began having some unique thoughts, which were involving the Italian. "The thought of this man… being able to overtake me, seems kind of a…hah…hah…" She said, as the majority of the folks looked at the crusader awkwardly.

"Darkness, snap out of it!" Kazuma said, while trying to escape Aqua' violent headlock.

The Dustiness Ford wasn't paying attention and was staring at Diavolo. "Such a cold, uncaring look. I can see your face, I just know that you're glaring at my team with such animosity!" Lalatina said, with a creepy expression. 

Diavolo was trying so hard not to kill anyone right now. His eye twitches rampantly, his mind swirling with one, continuous thought. 'I'm surrounded by idiots.'

"Calm yourself, pervert." the Japanese exclaimed. He turned the tables around and had Aqua in a headlock now.

Darkness heard what Kazuma called her and turned towards him. "I-I am not a pervert, don't make such baseless accusations of me!" The expressions on the crusader's face made her an open book to read.

Kazuma wanted to introduce himself to Diavolo. But he was very occupied at the moment.

Lorenzo was quickly beginning to feel very uncomfortable in the presence of the masochist. He was slowly trying to sneak away for his own safety and well-being. All these pointless distractions are gonna cause him to snap viciously.

Yunyun was grateful that she wasn't in the same team as Megumin and her friends.

Kazuma then ignored the crusader and was busy focusing on his blue haired nuisance. "Ok, Aqua- fine, I'll admit that you're not useless, because you can still be used as an example!"

The Japanese roughly pushed his teammate away and decided to do something nasty.

"Steal!" Kazuma made a fist and it filled with light. Aqua had a startled look and tried to dodge but it was too late. Inside his fist he could feel something materialise.

Mr Satou opened his hand to see what he'd got. It was a light blue bra. "Ooh yeah!" He hollering and waving the bra above his head.

Diavolo' eyebrow raised at the idiocy. Yunyun and every other female in the vicinity quickly covered themselves defensively.

Except for Lalatina, secretly she wanted to be humiliated. Succumbed into her own delusional fantasies. Darkness ended up heavily panting on the floor.

Some of the female guild members began chanting;
"Kazu-trash" over and over again. They were also giving him a murderous look. Few men are silently cheering Kazuma on.

Mr Satou was so excited at having his hands on his friend's bra that he didn't notice when Aqua started to cry. The blue haired lady began chasing Kazuma angrily around the guild.

"Uwah~ What a creep."

"The sadist adventurer is back at it again."

"First, he brought back toad slimed girls, then a locked up slave in a cage and now he stealing someone's bra."

Numerous female guild members were very upset. They weren't afraid to express what was on their minds.

Diavolo slowly turned his head towards Yunyun incredulously. It was the first time in his life that Lorenzo had witnessed such tomfoolery. Even the Crimson Demon couldn't believe how they were behaving.

"Let's go before I lose my patience. We wasted enough time." the Zeppeli exclaimed tiredly.
"R-right…" Yunyun was still happy about her victory against her Rival.

Aqua had caught Kazuma and was pummeling and straddling him. The Japanese boy was blocking her attacks with his forearms while mockingly apologising and laughing gleefully.
Both impassioned friends noticed the position they were in. Now getting embarrassed by their actions, the two blushed slightly at the same time.

Aqua felt something long and hard poking her butt. Her eyes widened, then she had a mischievous look on her face. "Someone seems very excited."

Mr Satou was confused at first then he noticed what she's talking about. "Wha? Ah, that's Chunchunmaru." Kazuma pulled out his sword. Then regretting what he said loudly.

Numerous Adventurers were laughing at the ridiculous name. Megumin wasn't fond of everyone's amusement. Because she actually named the weapon.

The Japanese gave Aqua a deadpan look. "I don't find you appealing at all."

"Liar! You always sexually violate- HHMMFF?!" The Goddesses mouth was quickly covered by a nervous Kazuma.

A deprived Lalatina and jealous Megumin ganged up on their Leader and were able to overwhelm him with kicks.

The men couldn't do anything to help their friend. Otherwise they would have further pissed off the surrounding ladies and then get beaten up in the process by them.

"Hell has no fury like a woman scorned." Dust muttered quietly, a fellow adventurer.

.o0o.

The official quest-giver of the Axel guildhall and the go-to woman for adventurers visiting the guild.

Luna' outfit consists of a red ribbon worn around her neck, a white off the shoulder low-cut top that reveals a large amount of cleavage, with black shoulders and sleeve cuffs, low-rise jean shorts, and short brown boots.

The blonde lady is a very kind, caring and cheerful young woman who has a rather big sister aura about her. She has common sense which is a rarity in this World. Luna is also a calm person, taking everything in stride.
It was in human nature to observe those around you, watch the interactions of the strange and unusual.

"I'd like to become an Adventurer. Get on with the procedure." Diavolo coarsely orders.

Which startled Luna, her gold-colored eyes didn't even notice the pink haired man. "O- of course!"
Yunyun standing by his side. Couldn't wait to see what unfolds for her companion.

Luna did a double take and immediately recognised the Crimson duo. "It's you two! Under normal circumstances there's supposed to be a registration fee…"

Lorenzo frowned, hoping his day wouldn't get any worse and Yunyun was very puzzled.
Quickly Luna went into the back of the employees area and returned a minute later. She came out with two small bags?
The receptionist handed Team Crimson each a purse full of money!

"This is your reward for defeating the Behemoth! You can count it later." Luna winks at the stunned duo.

Every Adventurer began cheering loudly for the odd duo. A blushing Yunyun looked sheepish and Diavolo let out an inaudible sigh. Both heroes weren't given this much positive appreciation in their lifetime at all. It was quite the experience for them.

Most of the Adventurers regretted how they treated Yunyun. Now they realised that she wasn't all that bad, just greatly misunderstood.
Diavolo on the other hand was difficult to fathom.

For the Italian receiving praise from others when he mostly feels negatively about himself. It elicits discomfort because it conflicts with his own inconsistent belief systems.

Yunyun with her low self-esteem feels uncomfortable because it contradicts her own poor self-views. She lacks confidence about who she is and what she can do. The Crimson Demon often feels incompetent, unloved or inadequate. She is consistently afraid about making mistakes or letting other people down.

Hopefully our favourite Duo could help each other out and become a better version of themselves in the brighter future…

Luna cleared her throat to grab the newcomer's attention. Also giving the Adventures look to get them to stop. Eventually the guild ceased their mirthful praises.

Yunyun and Lorenzo turn towards the woman behind the counter. Both of them also tucked away their money safely.

Diavolo can pay his comrade back later. The Crimson Demon was planning to store money in the safe at her house after this.

"I'll explain how everything works. Adventurers each have their own occupations." She made a hand gesture towards the surrounding members.
The former Don wordlessly nodded his head. He'll have to be patient for this tutorial. Yunyun was getting this wonderful nostalgic feeling.

"Since you want to become an Adventurer. You should have some basic knowledge about this job. But, I'll explain it from the start… Firstly, Adventurers are responsible for the extermination of monsters wandering outside the town. They're also jacks-of-all-trades, taking on odd jobs that require their talents. Collectively known as Adventurers are people who earn a living this way."

Luna pulled out a blue orb in a strange device while also pulling out a familiar card. It was about the size of a driving licence, and seemed to be a kind of identification card.
"This card is very important, as it tells you your stats, basic information, and is the way to acquire new Skills."

The guild worker noticed the Italiano' confused gaze. Yunyun can relate, it was pretty overwhelming for her in the start.
"Skills vary from the most basic ones to the most advanced ones. Of course you will need a Skill Point in order to learn Skills. Every living being here has a special kind of soul that could be obtained when you eat those things or defeat them, called Experience Points. Use that to level up and unlock new Classes! Before I forget to mention, every quest-related information will be shown here. From how many enemies you have defeated and your Level progress."

'It's almost like a videogame… Finally, it is all coming together.' Diavolo thought to himself. This was a norm for adventurers. Be it jobs, class, or whatever other title. You had to choose the way you fought in this world.

Luna places the blank card under a special device. "Now, please raise your hand over this crystal!" She waved to the blue sphere held in place by a metal apparatus, like a globe used in geography.

Lorenzo did as instructed warily and the orb began glowing. While the rings surrounding it began to spin back and forth, clicking every so often.

"Fascinating…" Diavolo breathed, entranced by the light. Particles began dropping from the gem, being funnelled into a needle point, which then blasted a laser at the registration card beneath, and began filling it out.

Yunyun pondered what her friend's stats would be like.

"With this, you'll learn of your current status, soon you can pick your desired occupation based on your stats!" Luna exclaimed, having done this numerous times.

Then Diavolo noticed Luna was leaning over her desk to inspect the machine. Lorenzo was trying to avoid looking at her Chest, he had manners.
The perverted male Adventurers, on the other hand, were enjoying the show. Much to the annoyance of some of the girls around the guild.

It looks like Team Kazuma had left already on a quest.

When the engraving was done. The counter staff picked up the card.
"Right, thank you for waiting… Mr... Diavolo? Interesting name- Let me see…" It was the first time the blonde woman ever heard such a name.
Yunyun was actually disappointed, hoping to hear his actual name.

'Luckily my real name wasn't mentioned. Perhaps it's based on your will?' The Italian almost had a nervous breakdown.

Suddenly, Luna yelped in surprise, making Diavolo jump and Yunyun flail.

"Ah, despite being level 17. Your strength stats are impressive! Same with your Agility... Intelligence…. Wisdom…. Defence- my word, most of your stats are way above average!" She was scrutinising the card.

Yunyun was awestruck. She didn't even start off on a high level like that during her humble beginnings.

A crowd started to stir and draw in nearer. They just finished hearing something incredible, of course, they'd be curious.

That curiosity died a writhing second, the moment the Pink haired man turned around and glared at everyone.

Lorenzo quickly snatched the card from the startled counter lady.
"Ahh, well then please look at your card and pick the job available on your card." Luna pointed out.
As ordered Diavolo looked at the Jobs available. There were many choices but he didn't even bother to look at all of them.

Yunyun got closer and looked at his card. Lorenzo didn't seem to mind her being close to him.

Something perked Diavolo's interest. "What is Ranger?"

Yunyun actually wondered if the former Mafioso was planning on choosing this class.
Luna' eyes widened, taken aback. "It is a Class similar to Adventurer. Except the status are much higher and is really well-balanced. In exchange you can gain all skills from any kind of class. Sadly, there's a slower growth rate and it costs more points to learn skills." the blonde lady gravely stated.

"That's fine with me." Lorenzo muttered, shrugging. He preferred to be versatile.

"I choose Ranger…" The card in his hand flashed, and when Diavolo looked down, the label Occupation now had the word Ranger next to it.

"Splendid, your registration is completed! Without further ado, welcome to our Adventurer's guild, Diavolo! We'll be looking forward to your future exploits!" The guild worker gives a thumbs up and winks.

Lorenzo curtly nodded and walked away. The Crimson Demon warmly thanks Luna and swiftly follows her friend.
While walking Lorenzo was busy scanning his card. Checking out what skills are available for him. Quickly deciding that he should do all of that later.

"Congratulations Diavolo on finally becoming an Adventurer!" Yunyun was genuinely happy for her friend.

The Crimson Demon smiles at Diavolo in delight. Which despite himself, earns the young girl the tiniest of smirks. That only makes Yunyun beam even more.

Lorenzo fought the urge to roll his eyes. He felt these sentimental feelings were so nauseating. "Thanks child. Shall we take a quest now?" he suggested, more like demanded.

Yunyun led the way, the older man following behind. Both heading towards the job bulletin. They browsed the sheets of papers pinned to the board together. Mr Zeppeli ripped off an easy looking one.

Defeat 10 timberwolves in two days, for 3000 gold

'If this stat card isn't lying, this should be a good quest. Something to ease my way into this whole adventuring matter.' Diavolo mentally thought to himself. 

...
.-ooo000ooo-.
…

Had all those years of being at the top made him rusty? Had it inflated his ego to the point where he was nothing but a failure who couldn't even get something done. If he acted more on instinct rather than any actual coherent thoughts.

Lorenzo simply wasn't an amicable person; large crowds, whether it be the excessive amount of chatter, the sheer volume of people, or some combination of both, tended to irritate him.
The Italian found the atmosphere around the village to be suffocating. The silence and tranquillity away from people, this he truly enjoyed.

'Do watches and clocks exist in this world? Do these people even know about the idea of time?' Diavolo glanced up at the sky to judge the time. Based on the position of the sun, it had to be around eleven or twelve o'clock.

Yunyun called out to Lorenzo and told him that they were nearing their destination.
Sometimes these opportunities lead to new pathways that can be good or /pbad. It's wise to take in account these new pathways, to follow them through, and to guide them toward the path that helps you the most. If you are lucky, your journey might end up succeeding in a different way.

They made it to Eterna Forest, which was a thick growth of trees and underbrush covering an extensive tract of the land.

'Nothing ventured, nothing gained…' Lorenzo thought positively.

When Diavolo and Yunyun entered the grove, there was a strong scent of the distinct aroma of foetid earth.

The odd duo noticed the rustling sounds of small animals scurrying under the thick ferns and over the thousands of brittle branches and twigs… the constant sound of a breeze, gently swaying in its caress…birds twittering and flying from tree to tree.

Diavolo has never been in this much forestry before. Lorenzo in the past, had no time to explore rural settings. He was too busy trying to survive.

The odd pair could hear the gentle gurgling of a small creek and the forest hiding all the animals that drink from that creek.
Sunlight makes polka-dots on the ground, lighting up dead tree trunks where shelf fungus grows like dinner plates for the creatures inhabiting its sanctuary.

Lorenzo noticed something and crouched down on his knees to take a look at something. Yunyun was poking her head over his shoulders.
The ground was wet, perhaps from some rainfall, it was dark and damp. The curled brown leaves were half-embedded in it, trampled by some forest creatures.

There were paw prints on the soil.

Both our heroes stopped when a realisation fell over them. The forest was all but devoid of animal sounds. It was too quiet for this time of day. They looked around and didn't pick anything unusual.

The odd team had this feeling in the back of their necks, that they were being watched.
'We are being followed!' The Italian hated being stalked.

Both Adventurers exchanged understanding looks. Yunyun looked ready for anything. Lorenzo already had a plan and was gonna set it into motion.

A large creature dropped from the trees and tried to bite our heroes.

The sound of a subtle sparkle signifying King Crimson being summoned to deal with the pesky enemy. The Stand punched its foe really hard. Shattering the monster's head into a hundred wooden pieces? King Crimson retreated for now.

Yunyun realised that it was a-

Suddenly there was a noise from a deer. However, in the blink of an eye, the animal was suddenly pounced on...by large wolves made of wood?

Timberwolves.

Creatures that resemble real wolves, but their bodies are composed entirely of twigs, logs, and leaves.

A slight movement from Yunyun's vision prompted her to peer around Diavolo's arm in time to find a wolf about to pounce on him. Her reflexes kicked in and she cast out a flaming attack before the enemy could hurt anyone. Lorenzo turned to see the animal slumping over dead. One small fire spell had pierced it through the head.

The wolves heard the commotion and spotted some intruders. They started barking and growling. Beginning to show their fangs at the humans. Aware that they were dangerous.
There were only three wooden timberwolves with sharp teeth and claws, and green glowing eyes. They were all looking at these humans with unknown capabilities.

"I can handle it from here Child." Diavolo began approaching his targets.

A very concerned Yunyun obeyed his wishes. But always keep a watchful eye, if anything goes wrong she will back him up.

The three timberwolves then began to back up as the taller human walked towards the wounded deer that was still alive and bleeding. Without warning, a few of the pack were going towards the deer quickly.

Diavolo swiftly got in the way. Purposely blocking their kill.

The timberwolves got aggressive, all running towards the deer and Lorenzo. The first of the timberwolves jumped towards the pink haired man as the other beasts were going for the deer.
The flying wolf was going for the Italiano's rib-cage with its fangs.

Lorenzo quickly pulled out his dagger. Immediately King Crimson appears again, grabbing the monster mid-air. Diavolo started cutting up the monster. The timberwolf was now torn up from the brutal slashes as it was dripping tree saps everywhere on its body. King Crimson disposed of it like garbage far away. The Stand departs from existence.

Yunyun was almost unsettled. Honestly she had seen worse.

As he killed one of the timberwolves, he saw the rest of them, dragging the body of the dead deer away when they were retreating.

Diavolo was about to charge at them. Suddenly another wolf jumps at him from the surrounding vegetation.

Lorenzo steps out of the way. Swinging his dagger fiercely across the underbelly of his target.

It fell limply on the ground dead.

The only thing he could do is stare at where the timberwolves retreated with the dead deer.
Yunyun did not budge from the spot she stood. The Crimson Demon realised that it wasn't over yet.

After a few seconds, seven hostile wooden wolves jumped out of the bushes around Lorenzo.

Growls constantly came from their wooden jaws as they began to pace back and forth before Diavolo.

Lorenzo's eyes widened a bit, but little emotion was shown through his face.

The wooden animals began surrounding their prey. All around him were the dark brown creatures, growling and showing their long sharp fangs, eyes fixed on Diavolo.

"Foolish animals…" Lorenzo whispered in a neutral tone.

When the wolves had gotten so close within attacking range. All at once they jumped at him.

"DIAVOLO!" Yunyun cried out anxiously.

Lorenzo barely rolls out of harm's way. He was able to find an opening in their lousy attack pattern.

The stupid timberwolves ended up forming a disorderly heap.

"King Crimson!" With the help of his summoned Stand. They quickly started throwing Vermeil fangs with deadly precision at the canids.
Whatever stranglers were left- Diavolo and King Crimson hastily finished them off. It was either a devastating punch or slash.

There were zero survivors from the onslaught. Various wooden body parts littered the environment.

"No stopping what can't be stopped. No killing what can't be killed." Diavolo whispers coldly.
Those words send shivers down the Crimson Demon's spine. Yunyun was nonetheless amazed by the display of battle.

Rustling branches and leaves were coming fast. Somewhere directly behind Diavolo.

"What the…?!" Lorenzo turned just in time to see another timberwolf burst out of the underbrush. Clearly having decided to go after the biggest threat of the two creatures it saw.

Just as it leapt at Diavolo with wooden fangs bared. A flash of golden light came from the Italian's right and slammed into the beast.

The creature was instantaneously disintegrated. Lorenzo's heart was still pounding from that close brush with an imminent mauling.

He instantly turned to face Yunyun. She was looking at him with a panicked expression, her hands still coated by a billowing aura.
The Crimson Demon then rushed to his side and stood protective in front of him, whilst glancing around cautiously.

When it became clear that the monster had not come with a pack, she let out a long sigh of relief. "Are you all right?"

Diavolo felt himself relax. "Yes… I had it under control..." The agitated Zeppeli went around retrieving his hunting knives.

Yunyun blinked and nodded her head. She decided not to annoy her companion further. Truthfully she hated being a spectator. The Crimson Demon genuinely wanted help out.

'How things have turned out…' The older man tried to remain stoic. To be saved by a child. It wounded his pride, whatever is left of it.

Lorenzo was a Mafia boss, and ran his own organisation… It was a quick getaway to the top. He was able to control everything. Now in this new world... He is almost powerless. It's so insufferable for him.

'But now- there is no weapon more deadly than the will.' the Zeppeli thought, whilst looking around attentively.

Diavolo was in completely new territory and no matter how composed one might be. Being caught completely unaware in a very serious situation would cause anyone to falter.

When he got caught up in the Mafia syndicate, it was the only way to live... The organisation he was tied to and prevented him from leaving.

'Can't be chained to the past forever, can I? That'd be a sad way to live.' Lorenzo thought pathetically.

They escaped the forest and came to this new area. Arriving at one of the Devil King's deceased Generals ruined castle nearby. That used to scare weaker monsters into hiding while bringing some stronger monsters out.

But something was seriously off!

Now stood a fully repaired construction that stood in stark contrast to the elegant and enchanting scenery. One tall, sturdy and gothic building.

Yunyun was almost speechless! 'Has the Dullahan Beldia returned? No, it can't be- perhaps it's the Devil King' doing… '

Lorenzo got vigilant and kept an eye on Yunyun. 'This can't be good, I'm guessing?' he frowned, whilst immediately noticing her reaction.

Now it's a magnificent castle that seemed to grow out the small mountains on the other side that demanded all their attention though. The fully repaired castle is huge and has many towers. All sparkling with lights shining from the countless windows. This was something straight out of the pages of a fairy tale.

'How is this even possible? Megumin destroyed everything...' Yunyun could not fathom out how any of this was real and was almost scared. But remembered that she has faced worse and is not alone this time.

The suspension was driving Lorenzo crazy. "What's going on child? You better start explaining now!" Diavolo needed answers this instant.

Chapter Text

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XxxxXOoOoxOxoOoOXxxxx 

The castle loomed in the distance, towering, soaring up quite high. Our Heroes decided to investigate the premises.

Yunyun elucidated Diavolo about the issue. Team Crimson agreed on this opportunity promptly. While favourable conditions exist; to sort out this issue beforehand and avoid future misfortunes.

'Possibly that Beldia or someone else, huh? Anything could be a threat ahead. Every battle will always be a gamble. Magic here intrinsically twists the laws of physics. Logic be damned.' Lorenzo' eyes glazed up as he was thinking.

Both Adventurers stood on a tiny cliff, having a worm's eye view. A rain storm was slowly brewing much to their dismay. Thunder booming in the distance as an omen of the things to come. Such an environmental narrative might actually exist.

As they ventured onwards to their goal. Diavolo sniffed the air, noticing something was off. Something smelled foul, the air starting to reek of death. It was a pungent aroma that was all too familiar to him—the smell of rotting, foetid flesh. Yunyun covered her nose from that putrid scent.

'Damn, that reeks— is there a dead animal nearby or something… or someone?' the Italian frowned.

The smell was getting stronger as they approached a wooden bridge, becoming nearly intoxicating as they began walking past a boulder. Curiosity starting to get the better of them, as they walked around the rock—

-and what they saw made their eyes open in horror.

Axed to the rough surface, hanging off the ground. Was what was left of a woman, probably a local. The axe was firmly lodged through her head, the handle and her peasant-style clothes covered in decaying, coagulated blood. A group of flies buzzed around the remains of her skull, adding to the effect.

There was another body close by— a man laid dead. Eyes wide open, a blank and staring expression on his face. His cheap clothing was bloody and torn. There were numerous slash marks cutting across his chest, and a huge chunk of flesh was missing from one of his arms. The blood formed an ominous red pool around his body. It was still wet; still fresh. This person hadn't been dead for long.

Lorenzo was getting a bad sense of Deja vu… He really needed to stop thinking like this.

"Have you ever… killed someone before?" Yunyun uttered suddenly, merely glancing her way towards the pink haired man. He saw the young girl timidly clenching her hand. Diavolo could see that she was trembling clearly. But she still had the strength to speak to him. Surprising since most people witnessing a nasty scene like this would fall apart. The girl had a surprising amount of willpower.

Lorenzo had to resist the urge to ignore. "Yes…"

"Oh..." she hesitated to say something and then nodded, looking down woefully.

"It was kill or be killed, was the unspoken law; and this mandate, down out of the depths of Time." Lorenzo sighs in exasperation.

The Crimson Demon was broken from her musings. 'Was his world... that bad?' she mentally empathized.

Diavolo tsked and gave Yunyun an impassive look. "Reality is full of unfairness… Darkness abounds, tragedy consumes... pain and fear are the forces that drive any plane of existence, even if most people don't want to admit it…" he sounded very harsh.

The Crimson Demon seemed to understand. She noticed that he's attempting to change the topic. Nonetheless, Yunyun stares at him for a few moments before straightening up.

Lorenzo held up a finger to emphasise a point. "It is true that these things all traditionally have negative connotations, but there are no such things as absolute in this world. You might say that pain, fear and regret eat away at a person and forever change them for the worse, but you could also say that by having experienced these things a person can learn and grow. In the end…it is only by knowing fear, pain and loss that we can gain the resolve to prevent them from ever happening again."

Yunyun smiled sadly like he had just clarified something for her. "Embrace your darkness and use it to help others. Use your past mistakes to guide others along a better path, one at a time." Yunyun said, while taking a moment to compose herself.

Mr Zeppeli nodded slowly. He was also wondering why he even bothered the lecturing her. 'Impulsiveness can be charming but deliberation can have an appeal, as well.' he mentally shrugged.

Lorenzo had to admit she was a very smart girl and had intellect he could respect. Yunyun just needs to rectify her insecurities and shyness.

The Crimson Demon believed that anyone could change if they put the work in and actually showed that they wanted to, and could, change for the better.

Sure, that didn't mean she'd forgive everyone she sees, not if they've done something really bad or if she herself doesn't want to forgive for whatever reason, but the belief that they could change was still there. And that was her opinion, whether it was naive or not.

For Yunyun there was a nagging feeling in the back of her mind that maybe… That maybe Diavolo hadn't changed. Maybe he'd react in the same manner from his previous world. She has this gut feeling that he's definitely hiding something big. The Crimson Demon will get to the bottom of it very soon.

Had her paranoia been just that – paranoia? Was she reading too much into something that was not really there? Was Aqua's words playing tricks on her mind?

Which was the truth and which was the lie? Yunyun did not know.

'He that does good to another does good mainly, or even only, for himself.' the Crimson Demon ponders.

Lorenzo knew that 'the truth' rarely meant fact and few understood that difference. Humans weren't the same as science. There wasn't a simple law of gravity where when an object is dropped it falls. When certain components are put together it makes an aeroplane or a car.

People were often made up of their experiences and their experiences depended entirely on how they view the world, what emotions they feel during those times, those circumstances, those mental states, those upbringings. Their education, their genetics, their capacity and intelligence, their creativity… all of those things created completely different truths for different people.

Yunyun is almost on the verge of throwing up. "Whatever had killed them...is probably still nearby." The Crimson Demon looked around frantically.

This realisation almost caused our Heroes to start panicking. Our Heroes shivered as the cool storm got worse.

Yunyun gasped when a sharp screech burst overhead and a brush passed them, close to her head. Lorenzo was on high alert and was looking for whatever that was.

A black blur dipped out of their sight further ahead. A second one immediately followed, causing our Heroes to cringe.

Crows…

Alot of the dark birds flew past them on the right and the duo raised their arms to quickly shield their heads. Several more coursed by their left side.

Diavolo grit his teeth as they poured into the area, weaving above and around them in a black cloud that darkened the dull sky. Yunyun was trying to remain calm.

Even if I had any plans to retreat. Yunyun peered over her shoulder at the now distant forest entrance. Diavolo noticed where the girl was looking, but didn't care.

The only path Team Crimson could follow was forward— to the castle's imposing entrance.

Abruptly, they felt a stronger wind behind them; stark difference from a cool breeze. They stood up quickly, only for the wind to almost knock them to the ground. They composed themselves– slowly… there was a nagging feeling in the back of their heads. Our Adventurers turned around as if becoming aware of something not right. And, needless to say, it wasn't anything they expected.

The dead couple belatedly disappeared in puffs of black smoke and promptly vanished, surprising our Heroes present.

Just like that. If not for the strong wind still brewing, they probably would've convinced themselves it was a hallucination. After all, there was no way that huge windstorm came from the little breeze from earlier!

Furthermore, Team Crimson has bigger problems to worry about. As they stepped forth steadily, head ducked, and ready to fight.

The crows narrowly avoided them in their frantic rush to take to the sky. Their feet negotiated each narrow stone step leading up.

'So many steps…' Yunyun groused. Diavolo was able to endure this hike. Due to his unnatural incredible physical prowess.

The cloud of crows gradually thinned— their sharp screeches fading.

Team Crimson was relieved that none- but one had tried to latch onto Yunyun, clawing at her shielding arms.

She had been forced to take out her dagger and stabbed the creature to stave it off.

The others had long flown off as Yunyun stared at the dead crow, its small, beady eyes glassy and blood red.

"Ugh." the Crimson Demon grumbled softly. She checked her arm for any wounds and was grateful that they were none. Diavolo was impressed, this girl was tough in his eyes.

Lorenzo and Yunyun continued slowly ascending the mountain leading to the eerie peak of the castle, where it was perched on. Entrenched in the rock, its narrow steps hewn into the stone.

Team Crimson moved slowly, mindful of their footing so that they wouldn't trip and end up hurling down the jagged rocks.

Promptly again, they stumbled upon something else dreadful! They stared at the scene in front of them. From their perspective, it was taken straight out of a horror story.

'What transgressions could ever warrant this?' Diavolo wonders, a bit startled. Yunyun shuddered, upon looking at the hideous display.

They were walking along the long black pikes adorned with impaled skeletons. They lined the desolate path with no end in immediate sight. The pikes grotesquely skewered the skeletons through rib cages, eye sockets, and gaping maws. It was a tableau of agony…and ruthlessness.

Yunyun knew this was a bad idea from the start. But she was willing to take the risks. Things like this shouldn't be done alone. But in the back of your mind, there was a tiny bit of hope.

"The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it." Lorenzo glanced resolutely at his companion.

The Crimson Demon couldn't help the small smile that lit her lips. As she stared at her teammate, showing great courage and determination.

'Interesting. There's more fire in those eyes than is seen at first glance as usual.' Diavolo mused.

They finally stood in amazement before a massive, arched stone door, etched with deep grooves. It soared above them endlessly, it seemed.

If Yunyun tipped her head further back, she could take in the brief flashes of thunder lighting the sharp edifice of the castle.

Diavolo was a little bit impressed with this building. It reminded him of the many Italian historical architectures he had seen in his past life.

An odd light danced behind the latticed windows, blurry and ghostly. Which Team Crimson found very spooky.

'This Castle was abandoned? Right? After Beldia died… so how? Someone else's doing? Looks like we shall find out soon.' The confused young girl stared for a moment, feeling her resolve wane.

Diavolo knew something bizarre was going on here. But couldn't fathom what exactly it is.

Yunyun was acutely aware of her fear. 'What am I afraid of? As far as I can see, my life is in no imminent danger. It must be fear of the unknown.' she surmised.

Lorenzo's brows furrowed, hoping the youth wouldn't get scared now and run.

Yunyun inhaled deeply and was about to open up the huge doors. 'Now it is too late to turn back.' The brunette swallowed with a hard gulp.

Before Diavolo could lose his nerve, the doors cracked open, creaking heavily. Snapping hinges groaned and the heavy clang of what they presumed were weights resounded.

Team Crimson stood before the open passage ushering them in. Lorenzo clutched his fist and boldly stepped forward. His fellow companion was walking right beside him.

They walked in and found themselves in a huge Entrance Hall. It was cold and drafty, ancient torches that cast shadows they should not have cast, and gave off only a dread chill, lined the hall all the way down. The group carefully treated their way forward.

"Alright, I think we-" Diavolo's sensors were going haywire. Before they could perform any further actions….

A sudden low rumbling sound filled the castle. Diavolo and Yunyun could only look at each other. It all happened so fast, that there was no time to react.

The room began to shake abruptly. Without warning, the stone floors crumbled quickly. Disappearing in the dark abyss underneath them all. Which also sent the small team falling into the unknown pit.

Yunyun wanted to scream so loudly, but decided against it. The young lady didn't want to embarrass herself in front of her new comrade. She was trying to think of a spell to save them from the situation.

A frantic Diavolo was trying to grab a hold of the side of the cliffs, but unfortunately he was not so lucky. The Italian was about to summon his Stand. But noticed that they were descending towards something?

The small team started to slide, the rock underneath them was smooth. Although the ride was comfortable, they weren't expecting to suddenly be flung into open air. Team Crimson tumbled out into a large dark cavern and landed on a pile of sand.

"Oww… Diavolo, are you alright?" Yunyun groaned, the first to seemingly recover.

She wanted to check up on him, but decided against it. The Crimson girl knew well that Diavolo didn't like his personal space invaded. Due to her observations on the pink haired man.

"I've experienced worse… No need to worry child. I'm perfectly fine…" the Italian was getting up slowly. He managed to not give in to his anger.

"Pride cometh before a fall." Lorenzo muttered. He didn't want to lose his cool in every terrible situation.

The good news is that none of them received any major injuries from their fall. Their bodies were slightly aching though. Yunyun summoned a bright flame in one of her hands.

"Don't look like there's any more traps around here, but stay close to me, just in case." The young girl warned.

Lorenzo's fury abated slightly, he was pleased that he was able to see in this darkness now.

The atmosphere around the small group became sullen. Yunyun fire helped illuminate the area around them as they began to walk forward.

Suddenly, the Crimson duo could hear a screeching sound in the cave. Then scratching and skittering sounds reached them, coming from every direction.

Diavolo's eyes boggled at the sight before them. What stood in their path, was a spider - but one larger in size than anything even hell could furnish the Italian's imagination with.

Even Yunyun was a little bit afraid, but managed to remain calm. The truth is, she has fought much worse monstrosities.

It had numerous legs, with wicked claws, which supported a massive, bloated hairy body. It was huge! The size of a truck, huge.

Thanks to this cave, the beast had enough coverage to protect it. The creature was highly mobile, which could be bad news for the duo. It kept swinging around new positions every, for some odd reason.

Unexpectedly, the large arachnid let loose from the shadows a rain of freshly hatched spiderlings that were roughly about the size of a cat.

The hungry newborns were charging towards their new meal. Which were unfortunately, the group. Who were already preparing for battle.

"SHIT!" Diavolo cursed, while looking everywhere alarmed. They were surrounded from all directions! He grasped immediately that they were at a great disadvantage.

Yunyun was charging up her magic and was ready to fight. Lorenzo even summons King Crimson.

Both of them could hear shuffling and clicking, whispers, noises- everywhere in the dark. Our Heroes saw the six legged monster bugs' eyes glow even redder.

Diavolo almost panicked and held him in place. Even as some of the spiders emerged, gigantic versions of the small ones. Then the ones with six human-like eyes and mouths lined with fangs, growling menacingly and eager to take a bite out of Team Crimson.

Our Heroes speedily fought desperately. Lorenzo was slicing and dicing with his knives. Yunyun conjured some efficient spells and was careful not to bring a cave-in. King Crimson killed every enemy who launched themselves at it with a single strike.

The Zeppeli had a quick idea and swiftly turned towards his teammate. Simultaneously as King Crimson protected its user. While the Stand was utilising some pest control.

"Yunyun! Use that Flash spell of yours!" Diavolo beseeched.

Her eyes widened in understanding and immediately threw her left hand towards the arachnids.

"Flash!" yelled the Crimson Demon. Releasing a brilliant beam of blinding light that gleamed across the natural void. The dazzle spell enveloped them all.

Many loud ear-splitting squeals of pain shot throughout from all spiders. As if someone was ripping them apart, followed by the sound of exploding membranes? Team Crimson heard the bodies fall to the slick ground. After a few seconds, they pulled their arm away from their eyes, the scene returning to normal. Shining a fire spell, lightning upon the bodies. Our Heroes found just the decapitated bodies of the creatures.

With the threat over for now, Diavolo and Yunyun decided they could muse upon it later—right now, they had to get out somehow. They ran up a random path, knowing they were getting closer to a waterfall?

'Just hope I don't run into any more of those things…' Lorenzo thought bitterly.

Both deciding on a specific direction, they walked a bit, realising that the sound got louder.

As they prevailed onwards, through the darkened maze. The sound of rushing water grew louder and stronger.

There was also an odd feeling in the air…

"Something isn't right here." Yunyun warned.

Lorenzo nodded. "Yes, I feel it too. Look out for anything suspicious."

Suddenly our Adventurers noticed a bright blue light shining in the black shadows. The illumination was quite a distance away from them.

"What the…where's that bright light coming from?" Lorenzo's green eyes widened from wonder. Yunyun was also determined to figure out what the mysterious light was. Both of them followed the shimmer that could be a likely exit.

The odd group walked through a narrow pathway. The noise reverberated throughout the passageway. As time fluttered by, like the sea reaching the golden-brown sands.

When the walkway ended. Team Crimson eventually reached the mysterious pure-blue light. Their eyes immediately lost their usual focus as they could not describe it.

It was beautiful, the water cascaded off a very high cliff at just the right ark. That splashed at the bottom coupled with the glowing water created a sort of lunar rainbow. The mist coming from the water crashing down was thick and was going everywhere.

'I didn't know a place like this existed?' Yunyun was stumped.

The water, however, was what caught Team Crimson' attention. Looking at the lake, our Heroes were also shocked to see the bottom without much difficulty. It was a mesmerising vision as they became hypnotised by the deep azure colour. Deciding to investigate further, they looked around the waterfall, but saw nothing in particular aside from the crystalline blue waterfall.

As they were about to leave the place, through the same passageway. Their eyes locked on something that did not belong to the scenery.

Past the waterfall was a vaguely glowing large stone doorway.

'That… wasn't there before… surely this is a trap?' a determined Mr Zeppeli wants to inspect this unusual attraction.

The Crimson Demon tried to take a deep breath, feeling her heart pound. She was terribly nervous — and that, she couldn't understand.

'Come on, Yunyun!' she told herself, forcing her numbness away. 'There's nothing to be scared about.' Eventually she quickly caught up to her friend.

They swiftly warped back further in the waterfall until they were behind it. Getting slightly wet in the process. The sound of roaring water became louder, most of the water was now hitting the lake.

Once inside, the Crimson duo could see some sort of dark marks engraved on the stone gateway. The cave lacked sufficient light, so they could not see what it was. When Lorenzo caressed the marking however-

Pure white light, brighter than anything they'd ever witnessed. Surged onto them from behind the hollowed rectangular doorway.

Diavolo' and Yunyun' whole bodies were completely paralyzed and drawn into the light.

Suddenly, everything started trembling, and the reality around them is getting distorted!

The world… changed.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Lorenzo's body landed against a cold rocky surface. His stiff back ached with pain. Diavolo's eyes were still closed, although his ears stirred, listening to the unfamiliar sounds. As his green eyes finally opened and found himself in an unknown location. 

Yunyun's eyes also fluttered open to see her teammate right beside her. The brunette promptly pulled Diavolo protectively to her side, much to his irritation. Nevertheless, the former Boss realised that they have bigger problems now.

Both their eyes widening in a mix of shock and outright terror. Because mostly around them was some sort of celestial magenta ocean? In front of them stood a moderately hellscape island.

Giant flying eels floated soaring in the vicinity. There was barbed wire spread all around as well, blocking any movement but a long staircase far from either person. Seemingly leading to another queer door. Chains hung from the 'clouds' adding even more to the foreboding atmosphere.

Diavolo felt a shiver run down her spine. 'Is this a… death loop… Requiem? NO!'

King Crimson materialised, startling everyone. The unusual Stand reassured its master that they're not in purgatory. By gently shaking him out of his daze, before quickly disappearing.

The Zeppeli stiffened further and clenched his fist before trying to calm himself down. He quickly got rid of that notion. Glancing at his awestruck comrade and letting out a sigh.

"Where are we?" Lorenzo breathed out.

"I don't know." Yunyun replied; "We were examining that ancient gateway and I felt a bit light-headed...but then this happened." She was still slightly unnerved by King Crimson' impetuous arrival.

"Same here…" the pink haired replied, wincing internally at where his thoughts had gone; "So you don't know what happened?"

"Not at all." the Crimson Demon shrugged, whilst cautiously observing their surroundings. "It's like we stepped into an abstract painting!" Yunyun exclaimed.

Memory is unpredictable. You remember and forget different things all the time.

Forcing out a frustrated sigh, Diavolo started to walk. "We need to move! I don't know what this place is, but I don't want to stay around to find out!"

Yunyun didn't argue the point, both individuals moving towards the staircase in the distance.

Even as they began to run, sounds began to echo around them. The sounds of distorted chanting, from all sides.

"What is that?" the Crimson Demon questioned.

"No idea. Keep ru..." Before Lorenzo could finish his sentence, he and Yunyun were forced to stop their running.

Human sized...random shapes of varied candies and desserts appeared all around them. These things weren't scary looking on their own...until Team Crimson thought they shouldn't even exist . Not to mention that many surrounding our Heroes…

Diavolo was utterly baffled, and didn't have any idea what to do. The only rational thought he had was to fight.

"I don't want to get any cavities now!" Yunyun exclaimed. While getting in a fighting stance.

Lorenzo ignored her silly joke and summons King Crimson again. Diavolo speedily hurtled with his knives and put an end to the ghastly creatures' lives. 'These abnormalities are helping me get stronger at least.' he thought positively.

King Crimson joined the fray and made quick work out of them. The Stand noticed that the young girl was being overwhelmed and decided to help her.

Yunyun didn't really need protection. She was well equipped in the art of battle. She could protect herself and protect others, but King Crimson could not be persuaded. The powerful Stand was mostly acting on its own accord.

Diavolo still didn't understand how his Stand worked. He didn't want to wreck his brain any further at this current moment.

Subsequently, they defeated all those minor enemies. Team Crimson can both definitely agree that those were the most outlandish monsters they ever encountered!

Bodies of the many large types and numerous of the smaller creatures began turning to dust that used to littered the landscape disappeared. Team Crimson weren't all that surprised by their enemies departure.

Yunyun had a contemplation look. "Oh no, could it be- now I remember… Enchantress!" She never experienced something like this. Only heard of stories and myths.

"What?" Lorenzo blurted out puzzled at her nonsensical gibberish.

"The Enchantress… a magical being born from negative desires. Who resides in an otherworld called Domain. We are already inside her cursed labyrinth..." she explained gravely.

Diavolo's grit, his teeth and his temper didn't waver further. As she continued discussing their foe.

She sighed and continued. "No one could escape this Domain, unless the Enchantress is defeated." Tried putting great effort in keeping her face neutral. Because the situation is extremely dire now.

"Great… everything has just gotten worse." replied in the most disdainful tone he could muster. Suddenly he felt a sharp sense of impending doom.

A purple light rifts appear at their feet. As they fell in.

. X. .X. .X.

This is Requiem!

Diavolo wakes up in a cold sweat, memories start flooding in from his previous deaths. That he used to experience. The words that were spoken by that one stand, Gold Experience.

He then starts to panic. This has to be a dream, a sick and horrible dream. Diavolo takes a look at where he is this time. The area was slightly dark.

'Where the hell am I? No... this feels different... ' he thought miserably. Diavolo slowly gets up from the ground.

Darkness drenched this graveyard, the only light visible was from the purple moon. Everything was carved so delicately but slowly eroding away. The gargoyle faces weren't visible and the angels had chipped their wings. A fatherly figure was the most striking, his face was menacing and enough to cause nightmares.

'This monster is tormenting me…' Lorenzo thought in dismally. He was really getting sick and tired of these senseless distractions.

He continued exploring this haunted place that he's been sent to. Looks like he got separated from Yunyun.

'The kid is formidable… I don't need to worry.' Reassuring himself. But deep down, he was distraughted.

The Zeppeli had spent so much time in his purgatory that he has averaged down the time of his deaths. One minute.

But through the countless deaths and endless pain, and the anger he felt towards everyone from his old world, started to dissipate, in its place he began to feel... remorse?

Gingerly the former Boss stepped through the grounds, dodging forgotten graves. A few purple candles had been lit and placed in memory, others had died out in the duration of the night. Dying flowers bloomed in this graveyard, the majority of graves had a bouquet placed on top. Others had weather destroyed toys and notes which had been attacked by the rain, which were nothing but an emulsion of colours now.

The certain grounds is where it lay. The only one that wasn't cracked or littered with moss, the only one that had some blossoming flowers on top and the bottom.

Without thinking, Lorenzo ended up stopping in front of an impressive monument. It depicted a woman on horseback. A warrior, holding her lance in the air as if calling for a charge.

It was a truly beautiful tombstone and numerous bouquets of flowers were on top of it. Made from a piece of clean white marble, and on it was a name…

Raiden Makoto

Carved carefully to stay forever more. Numerous purple roses laid scattered amidst the warm soil. The body of the dead woman must be lying beneath the ground.

'Could this possibly be your real name …' Lorenzo wondered.

Something mighty rammed Lorenzo onto the ground. His vision was hazy from the impact, and all he could see was a blurry image of someone.

A lone figure suddenly caught his attention from the corner of his eye. At first, Diavolo thought he was seeing things but something told him to look up.

His green eyes widened and he felt himself tremble. In front of Diavolo, someone stood there menacingly. That someone was none other than… Vinegar Doppio!

-x-x-x-

Chapter Text

An ontological paradox. A time-loop. The end is the beginning and the beginning is the end. The temporal equivalent of the serpent eating its own tail. It is frequently said that nature abhors a vacuum, but it detests a paradox even more, especially one where beginning and end are indeterminate.    

The universe is blind to suffering. But that isn't to say that there aren't forces in the universe that cannot take note of it. And sometimes, these forces lend a helping hand, in order to bring a better conclusion to stories that are becoming painful…     

OoOoOoOoO OoOoOoOoO OoOoOoOoO   

Diavolo's eyes widened in horror. Doppio laughed maniacally, at his counterpart. The older man was left almost speechless, until he blurted out; "D- DOPPIO?!"    

That name broke the youth out of his glee and he quickly got murderous. "Il mio nome non è Doppio!!" the youngster shouted out furiously.      

"Wha?" before the older man could say anything else. Diavolo was slugged across the face by a vengeful Doppio.  

Abruptly it felt like glass beneath Lorenzo's feet gave way in a cloud of black smoke. Doppio seems to have vanished within the haze.  

Diavolo suddenly felt something rough gripping the back of his neck. Miraculously across the haunted grounds, Lorenzo saw Yunyun! Looks like she was able to track him down.  

The pink haired man vaguely registered being pulled back by shadowy hands, black smoke engulfing him from behind. But all he could see was Yunyun. She was running toward him, slightly hurt, face contorted in desperation.  

"DIAVOLO!" She screamed, tears streaming down her bloodied face as she tried desperately to run faster, while avoiding some graves in the process. To catch up to her comrade. To save Diavolo.   

An awful sense of déjà vu washed over Lorenzo as the darkness began creeping along the edges of his vision.  

'Stop being selfless for once, Yunyun. Don't try to save me. I don't want you… just save yourself, foolish girl. You'll die!' He wasn't thinking straight. It was impossible right now.  

The weakened Zeppeli furrowed his brows into the best glare he could muster, eyes locked on Yunyun.   

"Stay back, Child!" he managed to let out, hating how scared he sounded. Of course Yunyun ignored him, she kept running, kept yelling, kept trying. She got so close; Diavolo could feel her breath on his face for a second. A split second for Lorenzo's heart to stop, dread filling his body-   

'No, don't Yunyun.'  

The second was over and the smoke finally covered him completely. Everything goes dark, and in the blackness, Yunyun is gone.  

No, it wasn't the Crimson Demon that was missing.  

Diavolo was gone.  

OoOoOoOoO   

Standing by a beach, wearing a summer dress. Stood a woman with Brown hair and tender blue eyes sparkling from unshed tears.    

"I promised that we would reunite again. Even in another life... " The soothing voice coming from the woman with soft blue eyes assured him, with a gentle smile.   

"Donatella!!" Solido Naso shouted, wanting to chase after his long lost lover. Before she retreated into a Japanese shrine and shut its doors, locking her inside forever. To his dismay the grand doors slowly began to close.  

"I'm her reincarnation… " The woman stated, the last thing that he saw was her iris turning purple, that finally brought his cries out.    

OoOoOoOoO      

You're useless! Stop living a lie! When will you learn? You need to make a choice… before it's too late!!

‘I'm… sorry…’

Those thoughts linger as his eyes groggily open. Lorenzo's consciousness slowly creeped back into his still-fuzzy brain. He groaned and tried to swallow the foul taste out of his mouth. It didn't work; whatever it was, had been stuffed in his mouth. Diavolo's eyes scowled in confusion. The last thing he remembered was…  

‘Doppio!’ He was trying to keep it together. ‘Enchantress… that wretch must have the ability to read minds and the power to make those thoughts a reality? It's only a speculation…’    

Lorenzo blinked, that's when it struck him; he was chained onto a restraint chair. He pulled at his bonds to no use and tried to spit out the wad of fabric gagging him. Which it stayed stubbornly put, much to his irritation.   

The Italian tried summoning his Stand, but immediately jolted and noticed a strange heaviness on his body. His eyes widened upon noticing the reason for his drained energy. The chains strapped on him were glowing an eerie amethyst. Not just on his torso, but on his wrists and ankles as well. Upon realising these power-nullifying restraints? He knew with certainty that he was in danger. It was obvious he was captured. Lorenzo could not get his brain to recall the events that led to his entrapment.     

Diavolo then squeezed his eyes shut and shivered violently. Though more from the fear of not knowing where he was than from the actual cold. Lorenzo heard what sounded like someone whimpering. After that moment, he stopped shaking and attempted to open his eyes again and looked beside him.    

Who he saw next made him really anxious. A petrified Yunyun with her mouth gagged with a cloth too. She was also shackled on the prison chair in a similar manner beside him. They were about a metre apart.    

The Crimson Demon seemed relieved when Diavolo woke up, but was still on edge. Yunyun wanted to reassure her friend somehow.      

Lorenzo had to admit it that these bounds were really uncomfortable and were starting to chafe his skin. Yunyun glances at Diavolo to try and give him an apologetic look for failing him.    

The Italian was really pissed. ‘Damn it all! Enchantress, I won't ever give you the chance to lament your death!’ He thought furiously. Then Diavolo could hear his comrade whining again.  

Lorenzo turned slowly to the left, he simply looked at Yunyun with the most confused face ever. She was doing these weird facial expressions to communicate with him? Yunyun bravely tried to speak, but her futile attempts were muffled. Nonetheless, her determined eyes spoke volumes.   

The Zeppeli just grunted in annoyance. But afterwards, he briefly nodded in gratitude. Yunyun blissfully didn't seem offended at all. ‘I swear that we will escape this nightmare.’ she thought optimistically.    

Lorenzo began thinking more rationally. ‘No- getting emotional now won't help the situation.’ Diavolo glimpsed at his companion. ‘We both need to prepare for our challenges ahead… in this cursed labyrinth.’   

Then he deliberately looks around his surroundings properly, to try and simmer down. Yunyun seemed to have caught on and followed his example. Lightning in this unfamiliar area wasn't all that great.    

The auditorium our Heroes were trapped in almost looked like an opera house. Which was horseshoe-shaped, with many tiers of box seating, rows upon rows of red auditorium seating stacked like a layer cake. Team Crimson's seats were the only ones metallic. There were no other occupants to be seen.     

It's styled from the old Roman era predominantly. Grooved marble pillars adorned the walls with soft red curtains flowing in an invisible breeze between, indentations telling stories of worlds long dead half hidden beneath. Team Crimson were seated in the front with an immense black cinema screen humming ominously in front of them. Strangely enough, classical music could be heard from the surrounding audio system?    

This place seems familiar to Lorenzo, except for Yunyun. It was all very new to her and she wanted to soak up as much as she could. It was like something out of a fictional novel for her.    

‘Could this be one of Diavolo' memories or did the Enchantress create this?’ Yunyun had more questions than answers in her mind.    

The music was reaching the end of the Symphony. Much to Yunyun’ disappointment, she was starting to enjoy the unusual melody.  

A sound of light footsteps could be heard over the strains on the wooden floor. An ominous aura seemed to manifest, creating an atmosphere of choking oppression.   

Our Heroes quickly turned their heads to look over their shoulders. Both hearts rammed through their chests, they waited to see what would happen.    

After what felt like centuries, the telltale low thuds of someone tauntingly walking… Doppio suddenly appeared behind a curtain. Startling Yunyun and especially Lorenzo.  

“Ci incontriamo di nuovo, capo.” A hostile Doppio said with such malice directed towards his former superior.   

Diavolo felt a shiver down his spine. Or more accurately throughout his entire body. The voice made his hair stand all around his body.   

The language was strange to her ears, but quickly guessed that it was Italian? Seems that Diavolo understood what this enemy said. Also remembering Aqua mentioning the language earlier. Yunyun noticed instantly how the two males looked identical, except for the age difference.     

The newcomer has freckles, contributing to his boyish looks, and light brown coloured irises. His hair is tied into a neck-length ponytail by a weave-like braid; the front hair is left loose and sweeps over to one side lock.     

His clothing consists of a light-coloured sweater with gash-like openings on it that leave the midriff exposed and a loose pair of jeans with studs covering the thighs and sides of the ankles.       

‘They look so much alike- wait! Are they Father and son? No, brothers perhaps? I might find out soon…’ Yunyun was anxious to know. The tension was almost suffocating, but she'll definitely survive.  

Doppio briskly made way for his counterpart. Pulling out something from behind the chair. He then painfully installed metal clamps on Lorenzo's eyelids. Without missing a beat, the young tormenter pulled out a syringe from his pocket. Diavolo was unprepared for something jabbing his neck. Doppio is smirking, while injecting a black-like substance into his guest.   

Yunyun's heart dropped into her stomach. ‘NO! DIAVOLO!’ She growled angrily and fiercely tried to escape her bounds. Doppio didn't even bat an eye towards her.  

The Crimson Demon is trying to yell, but her cries are muffled. ‘DAMN IT! Why can't I ever save anyone!’ 

There wasn't much she could do. Yunyun felt completely useless right now, which she truly hated. Pulling at her bindings in growing desperation. Even though she was losing power and on the verge of unconsciousness, she had fared far worse. Yunyun definitely wouldn't let her friend die here. Not while she could still breathe!  

"This is a very special stimulant." Doppio spoke in Imanity now. He smiled at a furious Yunyun, sounding like he was lecturing in a class.    

"It's from my Mistress; her very own essence. It does a fair job of harming her prey and for them to not lose consciousness. Well, most of the time." He set the needle aside. Doppio cheered as Diavolo’s body jerked wildly.     

A fatigued Yunyun could only stare helplessly in despair. ‘No, no! Why Enchantress? Just why!? All this suffering is for your own sick pleasure?’ She thought miserably and kept her eyes locked on Diavolo.   

Lorenzo's pain was excruciating, and it was radiating all over his physique. Felt like something was being forcibly pulled out throughout every pore of his skin. Diavolo was also receiving invisible piercings, burns and scarred by that evil ooze within.    

Doppio smiled sheepishly. "Fear works when the body contests the mind. It works when you dread the result of something; The inability to safeguard against repercussions. How can one fear something they'd intimately comprehend?” Doppio mostly questioned himself, as he stared clinically at the bound victims before him.   

The older Zeppeli could feel something invading his mind, twisting his thoughts and invading his memories.   

Doppio looks around the empty place, seemingly lost in his own little planet. "You know, once in a while… that terror comes. I wonder whether I really have escaped from that hell. What if… I actually lost my mind a long time ago… and I'm still in there… this world, a product of my imagination…?” the Warden ponders out loud, while placing a finger below his lip.      

A frowning Yunyun was more or less baffled by his words. She is trying very hard to keep a brave face.    

Then he took out a certain device from his pocket. "Let's begin." A grinning Doppio said as he pressed play on a remote. The lightning dimmed and the screen turned on. At first, it was a couple of seconds of pure static and the picture cleared up to show…

Chapter Text

"Ah, finally some peace…" a gruff, slightly relieved voice rang out over the vast plane of existence, filled with clouds and seawater way down below – a cliff visage facing the ocean, specifically.

The owner of the voice had a hand grasping their neck, which craned itself sideways as they popped and stretched their bones, too tense and weathered from too much exertion and so little rest.

The only proof of their existence was their dark, looming silhouettes sitting atop a rock just jutting at the edge of the cliff-side. Team Crimson were all huddled together closely.

All three of them.

On further inspection, the darkness encompassing their figures wasn't due to the less-than-ideal brightness of their surroundings, but to their own garbs and equipment.

The coast was full of mist today, and the weather was optimal – finally just one moment of respite between all the bullshit during these recent days. They watched as one of the many double-winged birds hovered near the cliff side, looking for any strayed prey to fill their bellies – as well as to avoid their much larger predators.

Their clothes were billowing rather harshly now, when the wind started to pick up in intensity – with the wafting walls of mist already starting to dissipate, but they stood firm where the group sat – undisturbed by the elements.

"Do you think we'll arrive soon?" Yunyun kindly asked Diavolo. She was feeling slightly cold, due to a sudden breeze. Even the rest of her friends too.

"If there are no more distractions." The Zeppeli replied nonchalantly. While he was looking at a map, preparing a good route for their next destination.

While they were chatting, their third partner was not too far away. Lorenzo turned around as he looked down at her with an indescribable expression.

The woman with purple hair was looking beyond the horizon for sunlight. Which finally managed to filter through the fog, and as if on cue. Diavolo then jerked his head sideways, gesturing to his companions to follow him, "Let's go." At his grumbled order, they nodded and quickly walked behind him.

Lorenzo, Yunyun and their new party member walked away from the sea, heading off towards an unprecedented job and even more deadly enemies to kill.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

The first images were abstract in the beginning and could hardly be seen. Momentarily these pictures soon became solid as time went on.

They were coming together fast in some sort of chronological order? It was only after a while that Diavolo realised that these were his memories!

The world was empty. It wasn't. It was someone's own point of view.

There were faces contorted by prejudice and hatred. It felt the same as being alone. He would have preferred that.

"I hate it…" the view turned to a window outside a shop.

Yunyun blinked, looking to make out the reflection of the figure. She looked at the child, more intently than ever before. She could see it now. The eyes, the hair, the nose, the mouth, the face…

It was him. A younger Diavolo, with his hands clutched to his face. Tears dripped down and a hitch of the child breathing heavily.

"I hate it." the boy said again, a distraught whisper. "I hate being alone."

Diavolo tried to close his eyes, but it was impossible, due to these horrible clamps.

The boy sank to his knees.

"What did I ever do?" the boy said, his tone rising with hysteria and distress. "I've never hurt anyone…!"

The hateful whispers around him grew, the insults and jibes barely recognisable, but the disgust in their tones clear. The boy scrubbed at his eyes with the back of his hands.

Sadly, his appearance made him a societal outcast. He suffered severe discrimination when he was younger. It was ridiculous that they'd let prejudice blind them.

"Let's start from the very beginning."

Prepare to understand the person named…

.

.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 

Lorenzo Zeppeli was born in an all-female prison during the summer of 22 June 1967, his mother claimed she had been pregnant for two years and that the father had died of illness.

"Are you okay, Maria?" A female warder asked the mother, who had ceased to pant and started to cuddle with her child.

"Yes... I'm just fine. This is my son..." The female Zeppeli dismissed the guards' worry, and instead decided to rightfully examine her bizarre child.

Unexpectedly, her little newborn child wasn't crying. He was staring at Maria with unblinking eyes. Still tinted red from its recent entrance into the world, with an already pronounced layer of pink hair settling on his head?

However, Maria wouldn't call this little baby necessarily 'cute', per se, as it was still too 'fresh' and scrunched up. But, she could still see this baby as an endearing little thing. It easily awakened many protective instincts in her. She especially liked the green eyes of her baby.

"What is his name going to be?" Maria asked herself, while cuddling her well behaved son closer to her chest.

"I think… Lorenzo… yes. Lorenzo Zeppeli. You'll have to carry my surname, little one." Maria smiled sadly and placed a kiss on her child's forehead.

The Zeppeli mama can hear the other prison guards muttering 'Diavolo' numerous times. But the mother could give a damn.

"Was he born on the 21st or 22nd?"

"It happened so fast, somewhere around midnight."

"I'm gonna retire after this bullshit."

Because no known male prisoner could've fathered the child, and the mother still had years on her sentence. Lorenzo was sent back to Sardinia to live with the priest in his mother's hometown. Maria promised her baby that she would find him…

o.o.o.o.o

A six year old Lorenzo shakes in fear. He was used to beatings. They happened once in a while. But never this bad. This time, they had pulled a knife on him.

The kid leaked tears from his eyes as he shook, silently begging for the drunk villagers to miss the old sheet with a lump under it in the alleyway.

"Where is the demon!" Yelled an older male.

"I don't know!" Another man responded.

"Hey! Look in that alleyway!"

A small Lorenzo shook his head. 'Who am I kidding.' They had more with them.

"There he is!" They had spotted him.

Diavolo cries and begs as he is pulled out from under his hiding spot.

"You really think you could hide from us!? Well, think again, demon!"

Why they called him demon, Lorenzo had no idea though he suspects it had to do with his birthday because that's when they beat him the most.

The young Zeppeli shivers in anticipation, trying to mentally prep-

SHNK

The sound of a knife embedding itself in flesh echoes through the alley. They had stabbed him.

"Do you even know what today is you fucking Devil?!"

"My birthday?" Lorenzo guesses weakly.

"Wrong!"

They stab. And stab. And stab until he is a bloody unrecognisable mess. The pink haired child had passed out at this point, nearing death when his eyes opened, except they weren't his eyes, his eyes had become red.

Something within the boy had been corrupted…

A villager who saw the scary orbs backed away. "H..hey guys?"

"What?" Someone exclaimed.

"I think he really is-" he was cut off as he was stabbed in the gut by the very same knife.

Falling to the ground. Dead. Some drunkards shrieked and ran, though they didn't get far. In a flash all the small group of villagers were dispatched. Diavolo stood over their bodies before he collapsed due to exhaustion.

When Diavolo woke up, he quickly covered his tracks…

o.o.o.o.o

According to the town folks, Lorenzo was frank, yet timid and not too bright. He had also desired to be a sailor rather than a priest like his foster father wanted him to be.

Teen Diavolo was a complete and utter social outcast in school.

With each attempt, he grew more desperate, and said more and more outlandish things. It was a vicious cycle he couldn't break out of.

Anyone he talked to, anyone he interacted with, they looked at him like he was something completely foreign to them, a hazard that should be kept at a distance, lest he infected them with his weirdness.

'Just why... Why are you looking at me like that... We all got along at some point... so why act like this...'

Diavolo didn't know what he was supposed to do with himself. Every time he acted, the repercussions on his mind got worse.

'I get it, I get it... I'm too different... Just need to, well, calm myself, right.'

But it was too late, the social groups were already established, and no one was willing to take him with them.

He was, once again, the class-loner. But this time, it was not out of apathy, but because apparently he was just creepy.

Lorenzo Zeppeli, the class-Devil, officially failed in establishing his existence as a respectable person.

Or maybe... that's exactly what he was. A creepy and pathetic demonic thing. Nobody couldn't do anything to change that fact.

o.o.o.o.o

Still in his teen years, a woman walked up to him. She had long, dark black hair with brown eyes and she wore a red dress.

She claimed to be his real mother. He was so confused because he had no recollection of this woman ever saying she was his mother.

The glowing red eyes and hot venomous fury pluses in his veins. As he ground out words between clenched teeth, "If you hadn't been drunk that night. I wouldn't have been born! It's your fault! "

An uncaring Diavolo knew now that was unfair to say, he'd allowed anger to choose his words for him.

He knocked her out and sewed her mouth shut, before dragging her home and burying her under the floor in my room.

Something had reformed Lorenzo to reject his humanity…

Diavolo wanted nobody to know about his past. He wanted to erase as much of his past because it would have affected his future and him becoming an "Emperor."

He viewed his past as a blemish on his history, and who could blame him? A past like that is unfit for an Emperor and people would use anything they could from his past to get rid of him.

o.o.o.o.o

A few years started to pass.

This time it was after Lorenzo nearly got hit by a van. He got depressed and began talking to a frog. Unexpectedly, a gorgeous gal who was vacationing in Sardinia passed by.

"Do you like frogs?" She asked as he looked up to meet her gaze. She had dark, wavy, shoulder-length hair that curled up toward her at both ends. Two thin strands of hair stuck out on the centre of her forehead. She wore a strapless crop top that was frilly on top along with a short skirt that had a grid pattern. She was very pretty.

The stranger smiles and continues talking; "I like frogs, too. I hate bugs, though. I also don't like guys who smell."

She turned around, watching the vast ocean in front of her. "I hate everything that's not beautiful."

He still sat down on the ground until she looked back at him. "Are you from here?"

"Y-yeah..." Diavolo was a bit startled but answered her.

He stood up immediately and spoke to her. "Say, it's a bit hot out. Want to get something to drink?"

"Well..." She walked around him to judge his appearance. Diavolo swallowed his own saliva, hoping she would accept his offer.

Fortunately, she smiled at his invitation. "That's not a bad idea. Then I want sparkling water. Hard water from France. I hope you're treating me."

It was his first meeting with Donatella Una. She had been living in Sardinia for a while. The young woman was popular with the locals. She was a friendly, confident and bold person. No one understood why such an outgoing woman went out with him. He did not get it either.

Diavolo, who was under the assumed name of "Solido Naso".

-/-

"Why do you like me?"

The question surprised her. However, she laughed in response.

That woman tucked a strand of hair from his face. "I think you're a gorgeous man. I really love your eyes. "

The Stupid Boy. The Coward Man. The Devil Child. He received a lot of nicknames during his life. Their insult or humiliation eventually died in his ears. He ignored and never bothered to fight back.

The Priest was kind enough to adopt him. Doppio simply did not want to create a ruckus for the old man. Besides, he always knew a way to take care of his problem…

That was why her answer stunned him. It was the first compliment he ever received regarding his look. No one in his life ever told that he was beautiful, let alone liked his eyes.

That man never thought he could feel something.

He smiled at her reply. She looked up to him as he caressed her face. Their kiss felt sweet and warm. The meeting under the sun eventually became a sleepless night under the stars. Donatella was happy with their relationship. She saw a bright future together with him.

However, such a thing would never come true. Due to his uncontrollable...

o.o.o.o.o

In 1986, when Lorenzo was 19. His Guardian believed it was time to give his son a car. The priest began to construct a garage, only to find a young woman, Lorenzo's mother! Buried alive in the dirt with her mouth sewn shut.

She was alive due to Diavolo's powers…

That night, a fire broke out and razed the village, killing the priest and five other people. Diavolo was listed as a casualty.

o.o.o.o.o

In reality, Diavolo had slipped off to Egypt to join an excavation.

Something guides him there…

During this, he found six arrow heads by chance; He stole them, fled, and soon met a woman called Enya Geil. Who told Diavolo of their use. He then sold five of the six to Enya for a very large sum of money and very likely returned to Italy to create Passione. A gang that would later become a dominant force in Italy. The arrow he took likely created his own Stand, King Crimson.

When he had formed Passione, he quickly sent his growing number of subordinates off to find and erase other Mafia families in Italy. During the entire time he ruled Passione, no one had ever met him in person or had seen his face due to his obsession with his identity.

o.o.o.o.o

Donatella had a daughter named Trish Una, whom Diavolo was never aware of.

Due to his mind being warped by something…

In January 2001, Donatella died due to an illness and Trish began a quest to find her father. Due to his ties through Italy, Diavolo learned of this and sent one of his subordinates off to find her before his enemies did.

The main objective was to kill Trish due to her being a blood relative and sharing his genes, thus giving any of his enemies a clue to his identity.

o.o.o.o.o

During this time, Diavolo traveled to various locations and dropped off objects to be used by a group called Team Bucciarati. These items would tell of his ultimate location where he hoped to finally dispose of Trish.

Team Bucciarati soon managed to collect all these objects whilst taking out the members of La Squadra Esecuzioni, which was a team of assassins created by Passione.

La Squadra would try to capture Trish too, leading to Bucciarati himself going with Trish to meet the Boss. However, by this point, Bruno Bucciarati had become part of Giorno Giovanna's plan to kill the Boss, something Diavolo wasn't aware of.

o.o.o.o.o

In an effort to spare his own pride, he attacks Giorno after meeting eyes with him one last time and seeing that the Arrow had landed in the boy's hands. Using Epitaph, he forecasts the Arrow rejecting Giorno, then mortally wounds Gold Experience just as the Stand is pierced.

However, Giorno had successfully evolved his Stand into Gold Experience Requiem despite Epitaph's predictions. Initially, Diavolo believes the new form to be a simple enhancement, then forecasts Giorno killed.

It all went downhill from here.

o.o.o.o.o

Due to the ability of Gold Experience Requiem, Diavolo loses against Giorno and ends up trapped in an infinite death loop. He continues to experience death over and over for eternity due to dying and subsequently returning to point zero.

Before his death, starting with drowning in the nearby river, followed by being stabbed to death, autopsied alive, and hit by a car. Panicked in anticipation for where the next source of his never-ending fatality is going to come from, the last of what is seen of Diavolo is him begging a harmless child to get away from him.

In due time the God's intervene…

o.o.o.o.o

.

.

(o.o.0.o.o)

Enchantress wanted to observe Lorenzo's genetic memories. The idea of reliving one's ancestral memories. She will find the answers needed.

(o.o.0.o.o)

.

.

o.o.o.o.o

The thunder rolled in the distance, creating a rumble in the man's chest as he looked out toward the horizon. The sun had set long ago, leaving him and his men in the dark and the heavy wind of the desert. From the top of the cliff he could see nothing but the rolling sand of the Egyptian landscape, for with the oncoming storm, not even a hawk could be seen.

"Mr Zeppeli!" Called one of the men, his heavy Middle Eastern accent putting more emphasis on the first of his last name.

"What?" called Adriano Zeppeli, annoyed at being distracting from his pondering. He turned so he could see the man whom he had hired to take him to this location. It had taken more money than Adriano had wanted to spend. However, he had managed to skate by with most of his money intact by promising the smuggler that he could have anything he wanted in the tomb as soon as he was done.

-/-

Light fills up the circle. This was like with the rat from his flat, only ten times greater. The power he felt flowing through him was both exhilarating and exhausting. He looked down to see what he'd hoped, the body completely covered in the crimson light, with slight movements on the side.

'It's working…' He thought and then lifted his head to the sky once more.

"Great God of the dead Anubis, take my sacrifices, take the power from this dark artifact, bring to life the one that will bring my salvation!"

With the echo of his words, a crack like thunder sounded. The screams of the men he'd hired sounded, and he turned in time to see the four pillars shatter to dust.

A final crack of thunder sounded, quickly followed by a scream of terror and agony, a final shock wave threw the Zeppeli down the three steps and to the floor, leaving him out of breath and slightly stunned.

After finally gaining the air back in his lungs, he stood, realizing that everyone in the room had been knocked off their feet as well. A clutter of sounds from behind him drew his attention and he turned in time to see a figure stumble from the sarcophagus and scurry its way against the wall behind it.

The figure was scrunched up, as though it was trying to dissolve into the wall but finding no available way to do so. It was covered in the same rags from before, all ratted and falling away from the body; the body that was no longer rotted, but whole. Through the gaps in the rags you could make out strong leg muscles and biceps, dark skin covering them and a head of messy pink hair!

"ⲛⲁⲑⲛⲁϩϯ ⲛⲑⲟⲕ ⲡⲉⲧⲉⲙⲡϣⲁ ⲁⲛ ϯⲥⲁϩⲟⲩⲓ ⲉⲣⲟⲕ!"

-/-

(Adriano Zeppeli; grandfather of Lorenzo Zeppeli, had doomed his entire bloodline without even realizing it. The curse of the nameless Egyptian Pharaoh was actually a deadly Stand ability!)

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

With that the screen went black.

To have the power over another's mind was euphoric. It made Enchantress almost feel alive again.

"In the end, humans will do anything, take anything, even give anything, as long as they get to feel powerful."

Doppio- No, Enchantress was torturing Diavolo, mentally and physically. He wanted to scream, but his body had almost gone limp.

Yunyun was mind-blown, she could not think of anything else. These past moments had ingrained itself into the depths of her soul. She absolutely got to witness everything about the person that is Lorenzo Zeppeli.

"The world is a cruel and unjust place where there is no harmony. The only constant is suffering." Doppio was tilting his head.

'Please…' Diavolo thought to himself, knowing that whatever is inside his head could hear him '...please just kill me.'

A harsh kick to his ribs and Diavolo heard a resounding crunch. His pupils may have shrunken slightly, but that's all. He showed no signs of being in pain, his head hung low, hair coated in blood and sweat shading his now pale face.

Yunyun felt useless at being forced to watch what was being done to the Zeppeli. Without being able to help him or stop this sick game was tearing at her very being in a way a hundred knives would never be able to do.

Lorenzo's psyche was steadily breaking, and the dreaded ooze continued to spread through his blood. Diavolo knew that he could no longer take it.

The burn of the dark substance in his blood; his veins were red-hot wires embedded in his flesh and every heartbeat drove fresh waves of agony through his body, pulsing faster and faster; the lights brightened and the shadows sharpened, their edges picked out in flickers of violet lightning-

He cried out, not a scream but a fierce growl that tore itself from his throat like a living thing; he tasted blood and something else? His head felt like it was splitting open.

Death was better than this, anything was better than this. He couldn't move, yet his mind screamed in agony. He just wanted to die, he'd do anything to taste death now.

But not even life was that kind, Doppio wanted to break Diavolo.

Was this more punishment for tempting fate? He'd always gone against the grain, always disregarded what the world told him should and shouldn't be. He sometimes thought it was impossible for him to become an Emperor, and yet he tried anyway. And for a while, it seemed to work. He'd gotten himself into unwinnable situations before, and yet everything seemed to work itself out in the end. Perhaps he even thought fate was on his side for a while. But recently, he understood that he was confusing fate with luck. He was never destined to be an Emperor.

But now, his luck really had run out. He'd gone through the Castle without a plan, just hoping that things would work out like they always do. Only this time, there were not.

For Diavolo his agonising pain subsided momentarily and was able to recover a bit.

Doppio started pacing up and down. Then he turned towards his victims. His usually twisted light brown eyes were missing…

...and they were replaced with violet orbs, showing a hunger that Diavolo had never seen before and he was staring at them like their pieces of meat.

That look just did not belong to the young man. Diavolo immediately realised that Doppio was possessed. Yunyun eventually caught on too.

Doppio, with a small smile, began talking in a calm and soothing manner.

"It's impossible not to hurt others. Whether they're aware of it or not… people hurt others just by existing. They do it when they're alive, and they keep doing it long after they're dead. They do it by getting involved with them, and they might do it if they try not to get involved, too. But if it's someone you don't care about, you won't even notice that you're hurting them. What's important is being aware of the fact. When you feel you're hurting somebody, it shows that you care about them. That's what holding people dear is all about. It means you're prepared to hurt them!"

Everyone could barely hear an animalistic growl, or was it faint whispers from a woman in the background?

Leaving Yunyun and Diavolo trembling in fear.

Doppio approached him once again. Diavolo could see now that tears were streaming down the boy's face, despite his cold expression.

Something bloody descended from the ceiling in front of him, seemingly out of nowhere. It could only be described as a grotesque rope made from various arms, spinal columns, long cords of flesh, muscle and even more disturbingly baby skulls!

Doppio wrapped his hands around it, and without a word, he pulled.

Diavolo felt something drop on his leg and whipped his head up to see the roof splitting open, but no sun or rain could be seen.

Team Crimson screamed silently as the split got wider, because the more it opened the more they could see that it was raining down bodies, the bodies of every deceased person from Lorenzo's memories!

Doppio looked down at his former Don in silence as everyone was buried in corpses. The bodies drowning our Heroes' silent wails.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

XxxxXOoOoxOxoOoOXxxxx

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

A sound. Footsteps, breaking into a run.

Groggily Yunyun awoke on a sandy pit?

The Crimson Demon was quick on her feet and whips around – if there are enemies in this unknown desert? They must have come from somewhere, this must be some kind of—

Yunyun knows what she's seeing, but can't process it. 'You're awake…' The girl wants to say; 'Or are you real? No, you're not. You can't be- this isn't real!'

"Mom?" she uttered fearfully.

The older lady ceased her running and now stood a few metres away from her daughter. Her posture was stiff and her eyes seemed blank.

"…Yunyun." her mother muttered with little to no emotion at all. Looking like she was possessed.

The woman's name was Mayumi. Matriarch of the Crimson Demon tribe.

She is a beautiful woman with the signature crimson demon eyes and has chin-length brunette hair in a feathered cut with a side-parted fringe. Her Mother was slightly taller than her daughter and was in her 30's, but she didn't look a day older than 20. If she were her daughter's age, they would be mistaken for twins. Her clothes are a maroon skirt with a teal scarf around her waist, a white blouse, grey sleeves and what looked to be armour covering her torso.

Yunyun clearly remembers that her Mother was severely injured and ended up in a coma. Because of a duel against that General from the Devil King's army. But now, her Mom is standing right in front of Yunyun across this barren wasteland.

Her Mother briskly summons a staff and hits the blunt end on the ground and the top of the weapon pops up a long sharp blade. Which startled Yunyun, the young girl doesn't remember her mother carrying this type of weapon.

"Die….." the elder then launched herself a dozen feet into the air, as she raised her right arm above her head, right index finger extended. She quickly gathered a large sum of magic energy into this attack, making the size like a mini comet, but it looked like an unstable sun. Mayumi quickly flicked both her right wrist and index finger, hurling the attack directly down towards her own child.

Yunyun just stood there shocked, and then the realisation hit her. The young girl instinctively put her hands out. As the ball of massive energy got close.

The daughter swiftly placed both her hands upon the globe, as it began pushing her down. Slowly digging at the ground, creating a crater. She finally cried out in agonising pain.

Gradually Yunyun felt nothing when she was taken by the attack. Her clothes and body started to burn away.

Levitating in the sky, a trickle of blood fell from Mayumi's left eye. She starts crying bloody tears.

XxxxXOoOoxOxoOoOXxxxX

Double polarity.

Paradox.

Contradiction.

Duality.

Spiral.

A spiral cannot exist on its own. For every spiral drawn in black, a similar spiral runs alongside it, in the white space which is left 'empty'.

A spiral would not be a spiral without its double, for if the white space were to be filled in, it would become a circle.

Thus every 'spiral' is actually made up of two spirals, which are opposites of each other, yet still the same in essence.

The world can deny the other spiral's existence, and call it empty, meaningless space, but they would never deny each other.

.

Perhaps the spiral was merely a line who felt lonely.

.

He/They was a paradox.

A paradox of himself/themselves.

-oOoOo-oOoOo-

Diavolo opened his eyes, looked around and found himself, half buried in a pit full of dead bodies.

"Ahhhhhh...!" His eyes widened in shock as his breathing turned rapid and before he knew it, his whole body was trembling in fear.

Other than his mouth, chest and the right hand, his complete body was buried down under. Diavolo mustered all the strength that could be driven out of his body and tried to get out from the pile of rotting corpses.

After taking a moment to recover his breath, Lorenzo took a careful look in his surroundings.

The walls were grey and slightly mouldy, and there was a row of bars that were directly in front of him, which Diavolo leaned against for support. The small light he had seen before was coming from an overhead-hanging lamp that was placed above the hall area.

'This reminds me of… prison island Gorgona! Where I was born!' His mouth opened in shock and eyes widened as he looked to his side. Trying to make sense of what laid out in front of his eyes.

Dead bodies piled up like garbage, not one, not two... but more than enough to form a mountain of corpses.

Some bodies had their head missing, some their limbs... all in all, it was next to impossible to find even a single body with no body part missing.

"What the hell is this?" The Zeppeli could feel his heart beating loudly and as time went on, it only kept increasing.

Not wanting to stay in this horrid place, he slammed the cell door open and chose to sprint out.

-/-

Running at his full steam for about five minutes, Lorenzo seemed to notice the change in surroundings.

Houses came into his view. To be precise, houses on fire. The tallest building in the centre was a church.

"Shit!" Looking over in the distance, this town could be seen being set ablaze.

"Wha... Is this… Sardinia!" His jaw left open at the chaotic scene.

'No… this is all an illusion. She is trying to get to me.' He thought bitterly.

Out of nowhere Doppio reappeared behind Diavolo in an instant, kicking him in the back of the head and sending him flying several meters across a street.

What a recovered Diavolo saw made his blood run cold. It was like looking into the eyes of a rabid wolf ready to kill its prey.

"HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?! YOU DAMN MONSTER!" Doppio cried outraged. His eyes held a burning hatred… a feeling he was never truly acquainted with. But now, all of it was being directed towards his former Boss and, in a twisted way that was all too genuine… towards himself.

For serving the ex-leader, even though Diavolo had stripped him of a possible life full of happiness and laughter like a loyal dog would serve his master. All while Doppio was unaware of it all.

The younger counterpart was livid. "You indirectly ruined the lives of millions and would have single-handedly brought Italy to ruin. If your damn reign lasted longer."

"I know." Diavolo said with a tone of sadness that made Doppio wonder whether he was really seeing and hearing what he thought he was for a while. "I have been a horrible, wretched monster. I am a disgrace for what I've done.

Doppio shook his head. "I'm going to kill you." He said slowly and carefully, enunciating each syllable with the careful precision usually reserved for prayer. The youngster pulled out something from behind his clothing.

Diavolo's eyes widened as he examined the weapon. It's a Smith and Wesson MP semi automatic. It shoots 9mm bullets, and fifteen of those bullets fit in the pistol's magazine, with an additional round in the chamber. That is, unless it's already been fired?

The older man doesn't drop into a fighter's stance, or raise his fists for the combat. Just one foot in front of the other, eyes locked on Doppio twisted, grinning features.

There's a change in the Doppio's smile, imperceptible to most eyes, but well known to the Diavolo of course. The game has moved to the next level. Beyond the mayhem and despair. There are only two humans, staring at each other in a sanitarium. But there is a carefully choreographed, almost ritualistic duel between two halves from the same being.

There's a flicker in Doppio's eye. The Smith and Wesson barks, but Diavolo side steps just as the gun goes off. At miraculous speed, his jacket dodges the bullet by mere inches. It's already covering the distance between himself and his former other half. His fingers close around Doppio's wrist, turning the gun arm back and down while also twisting the wrist. A fist connects with the young man's shoulder, and the pistol drops from his grasp.

Doppio is far from finished. He quickly pulled out an axe that slices the air next to Diavolo's head. A pivot and roll breaks his grip on Doppio's wrist. Then the youngster seizes the axe in both hands, swinging it back and forth like a Viking.

Diavolo dodges, first left then right, countering with a punch where he can. The axe almost crashed against his wrist, but thankfully Diavolo pulled out his dagger to counter. Taking most of the damage. His forearm wasn't broken yet, but there's still a throbbing pain. Worse, his fingers feel numb.

Lorenzo answers with a counter-punch that connects with the bridge of Doppio's nose. With a howl, Doppio drops the axe and staggers back. Then he laughs, wiping at the blood with the sleeve of his jersey. He lashes out with a high kick, but Diavolo dodges. Then a haymaker from the right hand. Diavolo deflects and counters with a straight punch. It's close, but it doesn't connect.

Then back and forth; arms and legs carving destructive arcs through the air. Diavolo fights with the balanced efficiency of a few basic martial arts styles, while Doppio battles with the unpredictable frenzy of a madman. By now, the strikes and parries are near perfect imitations of Diavolo's own. The former Don's superior strength is countered by Doppio's ferocity, and his complete disregard for physical pain. Both males are breathing heavily before Diavolo manages to push Doppio back towards a rising hill.

This, however, gives Doppio the advantage of some high ground, allowing him to rain a torrent of blows down on Diavolo temple. The older man deflects with a combination of attacks and pure luck.

The Moon dims, due to some dark clouds. The sudden change is enough to temporarily distract both combatants, but it's Diavolo who recovers first. A sweeping low kick takes Doppio's legs out from under him. As he crashes back onto the landing, Diavolo pounces on top of him. One final punch, and Doppio goes limp.

The winner of the battle stands back up and looks around him. Diavolo definitely sensed someone else watching from the sides.

Diavolo heard Doppio coughing, while the boy was trying to sit upright.

The former Mafioso frowned. 'Should I spare him or not? I'm gonna need answers from this hallucination. But… can I kill him? No, it's actually me!'

The elder sighed and waved the idle thoughts away, knowing that sentimentality would only get him killed. After all, this is an illusion. But Diavolo still had his doubts… there indubitably more than meets the eye in this chaos.

"No! Don't touch me! STOP!" Doppio frighteningly screamed, While also backing himself away.

However, Diavolo persisted and moved closer. This environment seems to have acted upon Doppio's state of mind, it seems. Diavolo knew it would only become more volatile if he wasn't able to calm him down.

Doppio continued to yell at him to stay away, but Diavolo continued to move closer until they were only inches apart. Filled with despair, fear and bitterness, Doppio yelled; "Emperor Crimson!"

Diavolo's eyes widened in shock. But quickly got out of his stunned state and tried to dodge the oncoming attack. But something grabbed his legs!

Green and glowing appendages that had a very firm grip. Unfortunately Diavolo was too slow, trying to shake off the hands.

The older man screamed in pain as a red and white arm slammed itself on his abdomen. Swatting the ex Mafia Don far-off like a puny insect.

"Leave us alone!" A furious Doppio curses whomever was interfering in their battle. The ghostly arms disappeared quickly.

Diavolo' former Stand glared down at him, its eyes emotionless as it attempted to kill its former master.

'How did my previous Stand manifest? Why did it only heed Doppio's calls? Wait- Emperor Crimson?' There was so much he didn't understand and it upsetted him far more than the fact that he was in agonising pain. Some of his bones might be fractured!

Diavolo laid on the ground, breathing heavily as his body began to grow colder. A few drops fell onto his face and he opened his green eyes to see if it was raining. It wasn't.

Doppio's face loomed over the former Mafioso, pink hair unruly and brown eyes wide. Those eyes were filled with nothing but despair as tears ran down his freckled cheeks and dropped onto Diavolo's face.

"Boss... I don't know how I feel. I'm scared, Boss! I'm so angry at you, I wished you were dead!" Doppio choked, then continued.

"I just don't know!" He grabbed the older man's shirt and sank his nails into his skin. "I have every right to hate you! So why am I crying? Why does it feel like my soul has been ripped in pieces?" The poor boy was grinding his teeth.

"Doppio… no…." the former Don let out a sigh. "… Lorenzo." Diavolo said gravely. The youngsters eyes widened upon realisation. That was his real name!

The older man placed his hand upon his counterpart's shoulder. "I never realised how much I needed you until now. I would never have been able to accomplish half of what we did on my own. I was selfish and arrogant. After dying countless times, in the most brutal and humiliating ways ever. I think, I've finally reached this truth that Golden Experience Requiem spoke of… "

" W- What truth would that be, Boss? " Doppio asked as he moved closer to cradle his counterpart's head on his lap.

"To chase a redemption, knowing I never deserved it." Diavolo teary eyed, shook his head. Doppio had mixed feelings hearing that statement.

Older Lorenzo blinked and sighs.

"I saw everything I had done in my life up until this point. Every little decision I've made, and the ones that I didn't. Through it all, I felt my inner strength being drained from me and I couldn't do a damned thing to stop it. It wasn't until…" The older man was coughing out some blood.

Doppio was a bit surprised. He still couldn't stop himself from feeling a surge of something—he couldn't quite tell what these various feelings were.

"Being at death's door made me realise just how much I had taken for granted…. and everything that I fucked up." Diavolo looked back at Doppio. There was a defeated look in his eye. Something that the youngster had never seen nor ever expected to.

"I'm sorry."

Those were words Diavolo should've said much, much sooner than now. And what killed him inside was the idea that, had he not been almost dying. He probably would have never said any of this at all.

Diavolo stared up at him. "I abandoned you because I wanted to win, but if we had stayed together perhaps we would have won. You and I are one…. It doesn't matter now, we're both dead, after all." Diavolo's breathing started to become shallow and his eyelids felt heavy.

"I'm truly sorry… Lorenzo. For everything… Thank you." Diavolo whispered sincerely. He was tremendously exhausted.

Doppio' eyes widened and bit his lip. The young man embraced Diavolo tightly. As he watched his older half's breathing got weaker.

The younger Lorenzo's eyes were watering like never before. This is one painful moment. Diavolo's life force is getting lower and lower and he can tell there's an even more painful moment coming soon.

Diavolo began to feel his consciousness rapidly fade away into oblivion…

Finally Lorenzo Zeppeli would die.

'Wait, I still need to save Yunyun!' He thought briefly.

Or at least, death was supposed to happen.

Chapter Text

X

Diavolo woke up again, and blurrily opened his eyes. White mist surrounded him, though as he kept looking, the mist started to solidify into… a throne room floating in an endless void. Where in every direction, there was a mix of iridescent colours.

"Oh myyyyy. You were able to overcome my nightmare curse." A captivating womanly voice was spoken.

Lorenzo hurriedly turned his concentration to that remark and he was appalled.

This being closely resembles a wraith. Her skin is a deathly pallor, covered with deep red and purple veins that run up her arms and face. The sclera of her eyes are jet black and her irises glow red. She has a black diamond-shaped marking in the centre of her forehead.

She wears a slightly loose black kimono decorated with white floral skulls that open at the top to reveal her shoulders and her cleavage. Also adorned with a grey obi and a set of elegant blue beads. Her clothes exposed a little of her bare legs and she wore sandals.

This woman has long flowing lavender hair that are attached with rose pins that were formed into a bun with six offshoots from which ornaments are suspended.

Diavolo attempts to remain stoic. 'It's her! Best to be cautious.' He now faces this nightmare incarnate.

His instincts told him to flee. To run and hide, but where? 'No, I will defeat her and end it all!' He was not allowed to break.

Enchantress was levitating a few feets away from him. "The Devil's greatest trick was convincing the world he didn't exist." This woman sarcastically says. She witnessed most of his memories and was definitely fascinated.

Lorenzo frowned at that remark. He was formulating a plan in the back of his mind.

Enchantress had an evil smirk on her face. She spoke in a sing-song manner. "Don't even think about using your power. I sealed it away." While waving her hand off.

Diavolo's eyes widen, and he quickly searches inside himself. He pushes hard, but can't break past this barricade within.

Lorenzo wanted to curse loudly. 'This is not good…' He noticed something in the corner of his vision.

The Crimson Demon was trapped again. She was tied against a marble pillar. Instead of ropes, a dark slimy substance dug into her wrists harshly. Plus, some of the weird ooze was stuck on her mouth. Preventing her from speaking, much to the poor girl's dismay.

Diavolo's eyes met with Yunyun's, and a small moment passed, painfully, between them.

At that moment, Yunyun looked to have aged sixty years. Her body trembled and nose ranny from crying.

He gave his comrade a reassuring look. 'I will save you!' Lorenzo clenching his fists tightly.

Their adversary gazes at Yunyun. Our Heroes can see the mirth dancing in her eyes. ''Is that why you feel responsible for everyone's safety, Crimson Demon?'' Enchantress asked out of nowhere, ''Because your mother risked her worthless life to save yours?''

Yunyun's eyes bulged, suddenly feeling completely naked, staring at the void. Diavolo, the person she'd known for less than a few days, held pity in his eyes. That it broke down to her core -she hated being pitied.

Enchantress scoffed. "Quite the useless girl you raised. She barely even fought against her own mother. Ultimately losing, the stupid brat got emotional and that led to her downfall." The evil woman isn't even trying to hide her mocking tone.

Yunyun looked down, ashamed. Nobody else has ever made her feel so weak and vulnerable. Hopefully the tables will turn soon…

Lorenzo's eyes widened, looking between friend and foe. 'Her Mother? Think I understand now. They were manifestations of our guilt!' Quickly snapped out of his thoughts and glares at this enemy.

The Enchantress throws her head back and cackles like the old witch. "Ah, you catch on quick! As expected."

She leisurely points at both heroes. ''I know everything about everyone. All your deepest secrets.'' Enchantress spoke on a serious note.

''Why are you doing this?'' Lorenzo questions heatedly.

''Schadenfreude! Well, one of the reasons.'' She chuckled. The villain's orbs lock onto Diavolo. To see if he really knew the meaning of the word that she mentioned.

Yunyun was in a loop. 'Schaden…what?'

Lorenzo frowned disdainfully. "The experience of joy, pleasure or self satisfaction from learning or witnessing the failures, troubles or humiliation of others." He is slowly trying to get a read on this lunatic.

'If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt.' The Italian thought wisely.

"Correct." Enchantress giggles, while probably thinking of unspeakable horrors that not even the words heresy would be appropriate.

The Villain faces Yunyun. "Daddy dearest has been using you all along. He exploits those for his own twisted selfish benefits. You are just a means to an end. " She finished grinning from ear to ear.

Yunyun found herself thinking without intention. 'It's true, isn't it? But, no- it can't…' A tear broke from her eye, her vision blurry.

''She's lying!'' Lorenzo protested, while looking directly at Yunyun. ''She's toying with us. Don't give in to her." He turns his head and leers at the wretched being. 

The Crimson Demon had mixed expressions. Seems like she's on the fence.

Enchantress leaned a little back and crossed her arms. "It's because when pushed into a corner, the guilty get defensive." She grinned at him, only to meet a scowl.

"I'm not guilty of anything." Diavolo resorted quickly.

The villain tried not to laugh. "Ha! We all witnessed your past!"

Their enemy looks on in amusement for a moment. Suddenly she turns away, looking a little agitated. "That traitor Wiz must have warned your precious baby about me. But no matter…"

Both heroes were stunned with her mood swing. Lorenzo was confused at the mention of Wiz, but decided to focus on this madwoman.

Yunyun was almost numb. Still recovering from this torture. 'So the rumours were true. She's in league with the Devil King? Also, Wiz didn't mention that they were acquainted. No, there's more to this.' she thought in perplexity.

A grim Enchantress directed her attention to Lorenzo. "You and I have both witnessed the great loss that progress can bring. I lost everything and so have you. Eternity... eternity is the only way." She raised her intonation at the end.

Yunyun was taken aback by her words. 'That's why… ' she empathised a little.

Now Diavolo understood her in a way. He decided to respond back to her. "Everything has its beginning… But it doesn't start at 'one.' It starts long before that, in chaos. The world is born... from zero." He began to explain. "The moment zero becomes one is the moment the world springs to life. One becomes two, two becomes ten, ten becomes 100. Taking it all back to one solves nothing. So long as Zero remains, one... will eventually grow to 100 again. And so my goal was to erase Zero, my past."

Yunyun and Enchantress were very intrigued.

His voice was now gaining an almost nostalgic tone. "My organisation began with a single man. My desires grew huge, bloated; absorbed power; it began to manipulate the world around me. I realised too late that I had turned into a… Devil. I had helped turn Zero into 100. My sins will live on forever, everything could never be erased. And for that reason, I'm taking it upon myself to send Zero... back to nothing."

Yunyun found this very strange. Lorenzo was acting as if they were old neighbours chatting about something as ordinary as the weather.

Enchantress seems to acknowledge Diavolo. She nodded her head in approval. "Because the world can't be conquered. It's too big and too wild. No being, be they mortal or honestly immortal, has a hope of dominating any world. They try and resistance will rise up. Mortals love to rebel. They hate others that rise up against them. The Devil King thinking that he will be the first to be able to dominate, to be the overlord that controls all… proves how idiotic he is."

That made our Heroes freeze. They can't believe how Enchantress scorned one of the most dangerous beings in this world.

Enchantress grins statistically. "Stay here with me and I promise the girl can go." The Enchantress raises her hand, points a long, corrupted finger at Diavolo.

He stares at that monstrosity. 'She seriously thinks she can make me stay?' Lorenzo turns to Yunyun again. The Crimson Demon' eyebrows rose but otherwise remained still.

The Zeppeli figured out something. "Your magic burns through more power than your body can supply." A glaring Lorenzo points accusingly at her. "That's why you were starling for time and you don't know everything about us!"

Enchantress tilts her head to the side innocently. "So? I'm well aware of my flaws and besides…" She grins diabolically. "I've already restored my mana."

The vindictive wretch filled Team Crimson with further dread. Our Heroes hated this feeling of helplessness.

Enchantress levitates closer to the humans. "I will provide your life's with the meaning you all have been so desperately searching for."

Our Heroes were definitely intimidated by the Demon. They were prey, about to be devoured by The Predator.

The Italian growls loudly, not pleased with this situation. He could have attacked her earlier, but his damn Stand was out of commission! Magic was out of the question, because he was dumb enough to not learn any. 

"Well?" The Enchantress teleports in front of a jumpy Diavolo. The energy leaking from her eyes flares. "Shall I throw your daughter off into my endless void?" She floats backward until she hovers next to Yunyun.

Yunyun tries to struggle as Enchantress lifts the Crimson Demon off the marble pillar with her corrupted magic. The slime is still attached to Yunyun. Poor girl is trapped in an aura of shadow energy now. Enchantress thinks she knows what Diavolo wants, and believes that she can manipulate him.

"Wait!" he calls, stepping forward, hand settling onto the hilt of his dagger. "Don't hurt her." Lorenzo will have to act fast without much preparation. He has no choice and time is running out!

"What do you have to give for her?" she asked him using a tone of voice that seemed a little too bubbly and sweet.

"I have…my soul." He holds his hands out to the Villain, pleading with his eyes. A tail sprung from Enchantress's back. On closer inspection, the long appendage has a segmented, blade-tipped, scorpion-like barb.

The Psycho whips her tail against Yunyun viciously. Knocking the girl towards the edge of this platform. To make matters worse, Yunyun is unconscious.

"Yunyun!" The Italian runs to his companions, prepared to catch the Crimson Demon, but the Enchantress's tail wraps around him, holding him still.

"Your soul!" she hisses, raising her hands. Yunyun is lifted onto the platform, borne on a bed of dark slime. "When she awakens, she will be free."

The Zeppeli shakes his head. "No, I must see her off before I surrender to you." He stares into her eyes, feeling the beginnings of cramps as residue from her tail. "I swear in my life that I will not run from you, but you have to let her go."

The Enchantress throws her head back and cackles like the old witch he knows she is. "Very well, Little Man." She uses a telekinesis like magic, carrying Yunyun off the sludge and places her on the ground further away.

Lorenzo was being carried in her magical tail. He swallows the fear rising in his throat. The twisted woman leans over Diavolo, a string of foul magic flowing from her lips.

"My Little Man." she coos. "My King." Leaning slowly towards his face in an attempt to kiss him.

Lorenzo's mind quickly flashes through different scenarios, different options for him. He was searching, exploring, creating…

The sadistic lavender haired woman enjoyed her prey's futile attempts of resistance. She can clearly see the anguish in his facial expressions.

Abruptly his mind became afire with pure fury. It reflected his desire to truly and fundamentally obliterate his adversary.

Diavolo increases the pressure within himself. Trying to break down the restraints. He needed his Stand! He needed to win this battle! He needed a miracle!

'Ask and you shall receive miracles. May you receive the blessings of the Holy Goddess of Fortune.'

Lorenzo was confused, that voice was definitely familiar. Then it dawned on him. 'E-Eris?!' The Italian's eyes widened in bewilderment.

Diavolo felt something intensify drastically in his very core. He was thankful for the blessing Eris had bestowed upon him. It wouldn't go to waste. Then Lorenzo narrows his eyes dangerously at his opponent.

Enchantress could sense something outlandish. Her face faltered as Lorenzo's eyes pierced through her. "Yes, you can have my soul… KING CRIMSON!"

The Stand quickly thrusted a glowing fist at her gut. In the process, a freed Diavolo falls harshly on the floor. Enchantress is soaring across the throne room and crushed against a wall.

Unnoticed by the older adults nearby. Yunyun awoke from her quick nap and got to witness the Zeppeli's attack!

Lorenzo is still dumbfounded that the gamble worked. Yunyun is shocked, because the seemingly impossible was made possible now!

'He got her…' The young mage thought in disbelief. Yunyun wanted to join forces with Diavolo, but she hesitated slightly. The Zeppeli's past deeds filled her mind. She fears that he might assault her before she swiftly gets rid of those negative thoughts. Yunyun believes that Lorenzo would not harm her.

A shift within Yunyun had taken place. 'Learning to trust is one of life's most difficult tasks. Without it, there can be no genuine peace.' Yunyun's eyes glowed into a flame of Crimson determination.

"Grraaha!" The Wraith grunted in pain, while getting up. Looks like she actually got a bit damaged by her abdomen. Because where Diavolo struck, a faint maroon light is emitting from her wounded body part.

Enchantress went from conceited to shocked. 'I never expected his powers to work like this! How can he harm me!? My powers should be absolute here. Lowering my guard was a mistake. Unless…' Her stunned expression was quickly replaced by amusement.

The unholy woman then laughed like a maniac. "You had a little help earlier. But no matter- heh. I can see everything now. Your power is ANTI-MAGIC!" She smiles ecstatically, while holding her face in her hands.

Enchantress couldn't help but begin to tremble. Her body wasn't listening, then her arms wrapped around herself and she began to breathe heavily. The mentally unstable woman licks her lips and an intoxicating feeling fills her being.

Whilst our Heroes are trying to process this revelation of Anti-magic. They were also creeped out by the wicked lady's freaky behaviour.

The Villain couldn't suppress the shiver that buzzed down her spine. 'His power… I can do so much! I must have it… By any means necessary.'

Moreover the wicked demon got serious. "You definitely exceeded my expectations, quite well in fact. It was all a test, to see what you were really capable of!"

Lorenzo glared with seething anger. He needed to plan a way of winning. Immediately Diavolo ran towards Enchantress with his Stand close by.

Enchantress had enough fun torturing these worms. She needed them to summit to her will. "A small price to pay for salvation." The evil woman said viciously.

After a while her eyes darkened further and she gained a hateful scowl. Her body also started crackling with red electrical energy. She floated higher up from the surface and raised her hand.

"Oh No You Don't!" Lorenzo cursed and tried speeding up. He had to strike her now, before he was doomed.

Electricity continued to build in the evil woman's left hand. "Your corpses shall make fine puppets." She proclaimed for everyone to hear.

The Zeppeli looked in horror as lightning travelled towards him. But at the last second, someone warped in front of him, taking the blast.

Diavolo backed away slightly and shielded himself from the power. When the lightning ceased, he looked at his Saviour.

Enchantress gaped at Yunyun in disbelief and the same was with Lorenzo. The Crimson Demon had her arms spread. She quickly glances over her shoulder at the astonished man.

Yunyun was glad that Lorenzo was safe. She decided to put her fate in him. "I have a high lightning affinity. I'm resistant to most electric attacks. To a certain limit." She stated seriously.

At first Lorenzo remained perplexed as he looked at Yunyun. Until his face morphed into a smirk. He silently nods his head in gratitude and the Crimson Demon does the same. Both heroes had a silent mutual agreement. They will see this through the end and survive.

Diavolo suddenly sees Yunyun flinch and notices the occasional dark static arcing off the child. It didn't seem so harmful at first…

The Enchantress could care less if they band together or not. She simply frowned at them. "I can succeed with my power, creating a world that never ends!" Her expression changes to resolute.

Team Crimson looked impassive, but looks can be so deceitful. Their blood was boiling.

Not only had she taken advantage of them, but she was prepared to endanger people – just for the sake of viewing what she wanted to see!

Enchantress backed up her vow to succeed with a display that proved her abilities true. Our Heroes watched her pull out a flower from her hidden pocket. It was wilted; dead. Then, an orb of light enveloped it, and its colour returned. It straightened up, able to support its own weight once again.

A world that never ends… As they watched her impressive spell, her words echoed in their minds. An eternal world, ruled by an egocentric demon. It would eventually fall into chaos, it wouldn't work out! It would only make life miserable for the people that were still left.

Even if it did come to an end soon… wouldn't the people rather have something short-lived and pleasant than eternal and torturous? Besides, nothing was meant to last forever. Therefore nothing should be forced to. It just wasn't natural, and it would cause more problems than it would solve.

Her glare was cold, unforgiving, as she said; "None could ever understand my sorrow of seeing a ruinous future. "

Lorenzo growled angrily; "Foolish woman. You're willing to sacrifice countless others just to escape your own sorrow?" He loudly exclaimed.

Gravely Yunyun scrunches her face; 'I don't ever want to know such one-sided sadness.'

Team Crimson realised that maintaining the world forever implies condemning its inhabitants to an entire cycle of dying and coming back to life over and over!

Enchantress teleports close to our Heroes. She beams at the pitiful mortals. "It would've been easier if both of you didn't resist."

Her smile quickly turned into a crooked and frightening one. "Now, shall we dance for all eternity?"

An impatient Diavolo leaped towards Enchantress. He threw a combination of Stand punches only to get parried, but connected a wide kick to her blocking arms rather harshly.

The demon actually skids a bit. Yunyun saw an opportunity, and started launching a barrage of fireballs. The woman evaded most of the onslaught. Her body was primarily fine, aside from a few burns.

Yunyun knew that lightning-based attacks would be ineffective. So she will have to rely upon other elements.

Enchantress angrily hisses out; "Time to rearrange some guts!" Using her magic, she summons two glowing magenta short blades.

She ran towards Diavolo while swinging like a madwoman. The Italian received a few slashs, but managed to get away. Luckily his jacket took most of the damage.

Yunyun intercepted the villain with her ice magic projectiles. The mad woman dodged them and crushed the ones she couldn't dodge with her blades.

Enchantress teleported behind Yunyun and started to spin crazily. Only using the blunt ends of her glowing weapons.

Yunyun couldn't avoid the demon. Poor girl got hit and fell to the ground. The Crimson Demon only received a few minor bruises.

Enchantress was still spinning and moved towards Lorenzo, who rolled out of the way. But a sudden burst of magic pegged Diavolo in the back, sending him to the ground on his stomach. His body convulsed from the electric current coursing through it – was not a feeling he missed.

Yunyun hastily looks to see the Enchantress dive-bombing her with a magic sword at the ready. Yunyun quickly dived out of the way and got up quickly.

They watched as Enchantress laughed, hovering back and forth taunting them from high above. Our Heroes didn't know what to do. She was too far up for them to attack. The demon was swerving far too haphazardly…

What were they to do?

Diavolo realised something and commented. "The impudent wretch may be talented in conjuring her illusions. But honestly, she's a pitiful fighter."

His hate-filled emerald orbs stare at Enchantress unflinchingly, never wavering. 'Could be she hasn't mastered her powers. Unless…' Lorenzo's mind whirls with battle strategies.

Yunyun nodded her head slowly. Taking a deep breath and trying to evaluate the matter at hand. 'She is stalling. But why? Perhaps she's still recovering her mana. No, something isn't right…'

Enchantress retorted; "No, I'm just playing with my toys!" Mocking the humans beneath her.

The Adventurers scowled at the insult towards them, but their fear still lingered faintly.

Suddenly a large shadow slowly crept up behind our Heroes. The shadow of a giant humanoid.

A flesh golem.

It is composed of the remains of fallen warriors - those who fought the Enchantress and failed. Tattered bloody bandages held the abomination together. They are also attired with armour and carry iron headgear on their heads. Despite their hideous six metre patchwork appearance.

Appearing frozen in-state, Diavolo waited a few seconds before commencing their plan. He finally snapped out of his trance, and took hold of a frightened Yunyun by the waist and jumped away.

Team Crimson nearly got crushed on the ground. The giant's fist sent out a devastating shockwave.

The desire to kill encircled his entire being. He pulled out his dagger. King Crimson tossed Lorenzo above the monster. Using his own momentum, he slashed the nape of the giant monster, and it collapsed.

Diavolo watched with astonishment from the titan vanishing. "Damn! How did we not sense that?" He had no time to think of an answer to that question.

Yunyun was preoccupied with more copies of the golem! Currently she's faring well and is using a combination of fire and wind magic.

Diavolo was about to intervene, when suddenly-

"My turn." Enchantress exclaimed out of nowhere gleefully.

The mad woman instantly went with a spinning back kick. The blow struck Lorenzo in his stomach harshly. Then magenta electricity built up around her right fist and a swift punch coursed through Diavolo's body.

He lurched up from the blow's force however this actually gave him an opportunity to counter. Thrusting his knee out, he struck her right in the face. This was enough to make her stagger back.

Landing back on the ground Lorenzo turned to see Enchantress wipe a bit of blood from her lip. She looked at it heatedly before turning back to me. "Not bad. You have strength and speed boy. But you lack one thing that can defeat me."

This made me raise an eyebrow "What's that?" What happened next caught Diavolo off guard.

Enchantress hunched over, holding both hands near her stomach. That's when she thrust her hands forward; "HAH!" As a LIGHTING-BALL shot out towards Lorenzo.

The Zeppeli barely managed to dodge, stepping to the side as it flew past and hit a pillar, completely exploding it! Diavolo just stared, shocked as Enchantress finished; "And that boy is a fraction of my power. Different from strength. As you shall now witness."

Lorenzo wasn't all that impressed honestly. He has to end this before they all die miserably or worse…

Meanwhile Yunyun let one last fire spell hit the final golem, and it dissolved. She let out a sigh of relief. Those creatures were troublesome in a group. But she managed to triumph over them all.

The Crimson Demon flinches as more pain enters her body, then dissipates, much slower than before. Yunyun notices the occasional black lightning arcing off her body. Regardless of her dilemma, she has to go assist Diavolo, before the unthinkable happens.

For a moment, a crazy idea struck Yunyun. She quickly pulls out her Adventurer Card.

-Ω-

Now Enchantress stepped forward and swung her arm downwards. Lorenzo was able to block the attack however even then he found himself being forced back by it. The Demon Lady's sheer force was too much for him to stand his ground.

And his guard didn't last much longer as Enchantress instantly followed up by thrusting both her palms directly into it which caused his arms to lift into the air. Diavolo was met with a kick that was heavy and collided with his side.

Lorenzo was knocked to the ground but quickly managed to recover, flipping back and landing on his feet. He growled and glared at the demon opposite. After that display his breathing was erratic as beads of sweat trickled all down his face.

Suddenly he clutched his tummy as the pain gradually spread throughout his entire body. Now shuddering feeling unable to move due to the slow paralyzing effect, contrary to his Nemesis.

Diavolo tried to use King Crimson, but Enchantress used her magical tail to fend off the Stand.

"It's over." Enchantress raised her fist as dark magenta electricity built up around her. She thrusted forward for a punch. "You fought well but now-" It all happened quickly, however the punch never landed. A flash of orange clashed.

The villain staggered back from a fire blast to her cheek. Both adults looked at the source of the blow.

Yunyun stood firmly with her left hand raised up, from previously casting her flame attack. Without warning, the Crimson Demon felt a lance of electric pain throughout her form. Yunyun buckled on her knees.

The panicking Zeppeli tried to rush towards Yunyun's side. Poor girl was biting her lips, trying to ignore the torturous feeling.

He realised that she was also paralyzed and could barely move. "Her magic must have a delayed reaction. Damn!" Lorenzo added a frustrated snarl to his curse.

Enchantress giggles in sick amusement. "Writhe, struggle, and suffer. Without those things, what you hope to gain isn't truly genuine."

Diavolo bares his teeth aggressively. "When a man is faced with his own death." The Italian stood protectively in front of Yunyun. "He finds the impossible much less of a barrier." Lorenzo declared before King Crimson attacks Enchantress.

Their adversary counters with her magic tail.

"Let me see you beg for your life!" She exclaimed sadistically.

Diavolo continues his onslaught violently. "We are not going to suffer, just for your own convenience!" He shot back outraged.

A frustrated Enchantress teleports away, as her right hand begins surging with corrupted magic. She pointed her right index finger at Lorenzo and at its tip the electrical mana concentrated itself violently.

Before the Spectre could put her actions in motion, Yunyun warps beside her!

Diavolo's eyes widen in astonishment as he's trying to figure out what Yunyun is trying to accomplish.

The Crimson Demon looked determined. Her eyes, they were fierce, they were indomitable. She looked like a dark hero on a mission. Enchantress was terrified by those eyes, not because they looked scary, but because she was afraid of what unpredictable things this child might do.

An intense Yunyun grabs the woman's right shoulder. "You may know our past, but you cannot predict our futures!"

For a moment everyone saw a light of dark green envelope Yunyun's body.

"Synchronise!"

The teenager had passed her status anomaly into Enchantress's body, which actually glimmered briefly! Yunyun's aura dissipated just as quickly.

Synchronise is a spell; when the caster is burned, paralyzed, or poisoned. They may pass a fraction of the same negative status condition to another.

"Annoying Cretins!" The spiteful woman cursed. Her entire body vibrates as the paralysis magic coursed within. Enchantress remained trembling on her knees, desperately trying to heal herself.

The weakened demon is livid. "How can this possibly be happening?" Enchantress asked aloud, with a bitter rage that echoed throughout the vicinity. Realising too late that she was cocky. The unholy woman received a taste of her own medicine.

Lorenzo was awestruck. "Yunyun must have learned that spell moments ago!" Truly he was impressed. He needed to get involved In this battle more sometime now.

Enchantress was staggering, trying to get up. "I shall kill both of you and everyone else in this miserable world if it's the last thing I do!" The lavender-haired woman shouted with even greater rage, as the red specks of her own aura danced about her.

The villain slowly manifested a large mana ball of blending dark magenta with black lightning in her hand. Team Crimson's eyes widened as the weapon of death started soaring towards them.

As the mass of energy approached our Heroes, Yunyun again stood frontline and waved her right hand forward.

"Reflect!" The Crimson Demon shouted out.

A magical glass-like square wall appears in front of Yunyun. Protecting our Heroes from the incoming onslaught.

The two spells meet in the middle, starting a mighty struggle for survival. Pieces of debris flew around the air as a struggle between two immense spells commenced.

The diabolical woman had a crazy look on her face. "Good. You're fighting through the agony far better than I would've expected!" Enchantress exclaimed maliciously.

Lorenzo grit his teeth while clenching his fists in a combination of anger and frustration. Despite the pain, the Zeppeli was gradually gaining resistance. He noticed something on the ground…

Enchantress intended to stop playing around and end this trivial game once and for all. Before a small rock hit her right on the top of her skull. Upon looking around, she looked left to see none other than Diavolo, panting in exhaustion a few metres away. King Crimson was floating closely next with its user, with an outstretched arm.

"You Bastard!" The spectre gasped in surprise, she was so focused on Yunyun that she never noticed Diavolo. Both Adventurers noticed how Enchantress's guard was gone.

"NOW!" Lorenzo yelled in desperation. Unnoticed by the Zeppeli, a stray golem emerges from the ground behind him. Thankfully King Crimson appeared and slaughtered the bloody nuisance.

Yunyun let out a battle cry, finally letting her power out. The Crimson Demon slowly began to overwhelm Enchantress. As the Wraith could only gasp in horror as she realized how she was becoming overpowered.

Abruptly that lightning sphere bounced off the spellbinding wall towards Enchantress. Albeit double the power. Unable to defend herself as she was still in a state of shock, the spectre got hit with the powerful energy ball. Narrowly escaping with more injuries, Enchantress put some distance between herself and the humans.

Suddenly Yunyun fell face first on the floor due to exhaustion. Poor mage barely kept one eye open.

The bipolar woman clawed at the carpet with what little strength she had left, trying to seek some form of relief, but found none.

Enchantress glared daggers at the humans, while she managed to get up on her knees. Then she pulled out a mysterious cubical object from her pocket. Yunyun and Diavolo's eyes widened in dread.

The air began to swirl around her, the void beginning to darken. "Never thought I'd use his gift as a last resort!" Enchantress gave them a mad grin. Putting our Heroes on edge further.

A demonic echo seeping into her voice. "With this, I'll have all the power that I need!" The wraith shouted in glee and baring her fangs.

Some sort of aura began to form around the demon. It was a bright fiery blue aura and it gradually pulses with static. Enchantress didn't even bother to stop the delighted laugh that escaped her.

Without a second thought, Lorenzo madly charges towards his foe. "I have to end this now!" He cried out desperately, while still in agonizing pain. The paralysis hasn't taken over yet. Eventually he got within range.

King Crimson appeared and fiercely moved its left fist, throwing up in the form of an uppercut. A white light channelled from King Crimson's body. Flowing through the arm to the tip of its fists. The swift attack connected violently. King Crimson's fists almost buried into Enchantress's magic filled stomach.

"Incredible?!" Yunyun shouted in disbelief. While trying to move her battered body off the floor.

Due to the assault, the lavender-haired woman dropped her cube and it shattered on the ground. Without delay, she lost her auric field and her power fell immensely.

A punch, to the woman's disbelief, that actually hurt. It… really hurt again! Her eyes grew wide as the memories from her past came rushing back to the surface. The punch from her current foe was a reminder of what happened on her homeworld. The worst day of her life. Where the misery of her life began. At that moment, all she could think of were those abominations.

As Diavolo felt the punch connected, he roared to Enchantress. "YOUR ETERNITY WAS NOTHING MORE THAN A FANTASY! NOW PERISH!"

King Crimson pushed its energised fist even further, to the surprise of the evil woman, he managed to break through. Diavolo's fist plunges into Enchantress's body. Through the skin. Through her muscles. And bursting into her flesh. Black oozing blood bursting forth from the fresh wound.

As King Crimson completed its uppercut, freeing its hand, the blow sent Enchantress hurtling upwards. Blood spurting from the gaping wound in her stomach. But with her body being shattered, it caused her mana to go haywire. Cracks began to form and erupt from Enchantress's body.

"AGGGGHHH! But… I… aaaaggghhh!" Her cry pierced the void as she began to wail in confusion and agony.

As the wicked being' eyelids fluttered shut one final time, the last thing Enchantress saw was her bane, the man who had finally brought an end to a woman who truly died long ago, on a dying planet.

But wait.

Behind Diavolo, what...? Was that...? No. Surely, it was just... But the face, and the hair. There was no mistaking it. Looking down at Enchantress as her eyelids began to grow heavy, was the ghostly image of a solemn, tender Raiden Makoto!

Looking as if she had just watched her twin sister die. Looking the Electro Wraith in the eyes, she gave a sad nod of acknowledgement before fading away, ascending towards heaven. Enchantress... No... Beelzebul... reached out her hand as her strength gave out.

Beams of darkness escaped from the erupting cracks and holes in her body until, from how it looked, Enchantress' body exploded from her out-of-control power.

As the Zeppeli shielded his eyes from the intense light. Due to fatigue, he fell down on the crumbling floor.

Yunyun tried to save Lorenzo, but it was too late. He already fell into the abyss, much to her horror.

Almost immediately, the void began to shutter and fade away. Reality gradually came back into view…

~~~~~~~~~~000~~~~~~~~~~

Lorenzo blinked and he was standing somewhere else. He was getting really irritated, randomly appearing in different locations.

'Is it over or what?' Diavolo was grinding his teeth and clenching his fists in rage. He was looking around, while also staying vigilant.

This place appears as a vast endless expanse of dark nothingness. The floor is covered in a thin layer of water. It is completely empty.

Suddenly a shadow passed overhead. Lorenzo quickly looked up and found nothing.

"Turn around fool."

Diavolo heard a chilling voice say. Spinning around, the Italian saw someone approaching him.

The newcomer wore a hooded green cloak, covering most of their body. Donned a navy blue, skull-like gas mask. That also had markings going down over the eye parts.

This stranger began clapping his hands. "You did quite well. I must compliment you, truly."

The voice is quite inhumane deep, but Lorenzo was able to tell that it is a male's voice despite being unable to imagine the person's age or build from it.

He folded his arms and continued speaking. "You were skilled enough to defeat her. Your little girl also deserves credit too."

'Could it be him?' Diavolo's mind trembled at that notion. Unconsciously he took a step backwards as if the intruder was going to crush him where he stood if he moved closer to this deadly man.

"The Immortal Shogun, the Narukami Ogosho, and the God of Eternity. Those were only just a few of her titles. She has a lot more names too. Truly, It's ridiculous, if you ask me." The stranger let out a tired sigh and chuckled afterwards.

Lorenzo frowned in puzzlement. 'He must be referring to The Enchantress?'

Then the outsider got in a thinking pose. "The Pandora' Box that she stole was fake. If it were real… you all would have died instantly." The man let out a deep chuckle.

A displeased Diavolo growled, but didn't say anything. He knew the newcomer was referring to that cube from his earlier battle.

The mask wearer made a single hand gesture towards himself. "By the way… I'm actually The Devil King. Well, more like a piece of his soul." He added leisurely.

Sure enough, this revelation slightly caught Lorenzo off guard. Which only lasted a few seconds though as his expression became threatening.

Diavolo needed answers now. "Why the hell are you doing all of this? What is your endgame?" He gave a fierce glare towards his adversary.

The Devil King tilted his head. "My... Endgame?" He chuckled, before he broke into a full-blown laughter. "Fufufufu...MUHAHAHAHA!"

Lorenzo is deeply unnerved by his enemy's amusement. "What's so funny?"

The villain shook his head to clear his mind. "Hehehehaa, sorry about that, it's just... My goals... I don't really have anything like that."

Shocked silence came from Diavolo. "... What do you mean?" He almost whispered.

The Devil King shrugged. "I don't really have some grand dream or goal that I want to achieve. If you'd force me to name one, I'd say, to experience new and interesting things. To learn more, to see more, to understand more. So, to put it in words that even you can't misunderstand, I am doing whatever I feel like doing. If I want to save someone, then I save them. If I decide to punish someone, then I punish them. That's really all there is to it. As I have told many people that I had been spared, I simply walk my road in life, and if heaven itself stands in my way, then I will burn it down." He replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

Lorenzo Zeppeli was left speechless. The sheer degree of assertiveness was staggering.

Unexpectedly the air crackled with magical energy around the Evil man. One that Diavolo didn't recognize.

Now the Devil King's physical form became more and more translucent. His magical signature was also fading.

"Ah, my time is up. We'll meet again, my Nemesis!" He said mockingly. Which really pissed off Lorenzo.

Then his shift of tone got serious. "Try as you might - you'll never be able to defeat me. Goodbye for now." Waving his hand one last time. Before disappearing in a flash of light.

Diavolo looked infuriated. 'Things might be looking bleak in the near future. But… I believe that we can prevail over the impossible. Hope is tomorrow's veneer over today's disappointment after all.' Gradually he began to calm down.

"Help me!" A woman began to cry out in the distance.

Hearing that voice far away, a startled Lorenzo turned his head towards that direction. 'Was that Yunyun? Almost forgot about her. I might find her soon.'

Diavolo frowned and had a wary look on his face. 'But… that voice sounded like...'

Lorenzo began running towards her location without any hesitation. 'This could be my way out.' The Zeppeli thought optimistically.

As he ran around the zone, Diavolo eventually stumbled upon a metal confinement bunker, which held the woman hostage. Lorenzo looked at her and sensed that she was innocent.

"Please, help me!" She pleaded. Her face is covered in darkness, due to the poor lighting.

Lorenzo was hesitant at first. However, he decided to take a chance. "Step aside, now." The Zeppeli told her. This lady could be his route out of here.

Diavolo then used King Crimson to rip the metal bars apart in the stranger's cage and began reaching out to her. She was frightened upon seeing Lorenzo and his Stand, believing he would hurt her.

"Don't hurt me, please..." She begged.

"I won't... you have my word." Diavolo said as he reached his arm to her.

After much hesitation, she grabbed the Italian's arm, being helped up and bringing her back on his level. Suddenly, just as Lorenzo got the mysterious woman out of her cage, a beam of light began consuming them as they looked towards the sky.

xxxxXOoOoxOxoOoOXxxxx

-ooo000ooo- -ooo000ooo-

xxxxXOoOoxOxoOoOXxxx

Silence would not be a quiet enough word to describe the volume of the area. Even the wind knew it shouldn't blow.

The golden sun rose into the sky, unperturbed by the previous battle. As the golden orb slowly crawled its way into the sky. And with that, they moved into the new day.

Miraculously our favourite heroes were safely outside. Standing on the distance plain grassy fields.

They quickly turned and watched as the castle began to shake. It vibrated as the structure began to turn to ashes. Fading away into nothingness. Within seconds it completely vanished from sight!

"I-it's over..." Yunyun whispered and looked at Lorenzo. She was taken aback with confusion, when she gazed up at the adult's face. Diavolo looked completely lost. His eyes were dull and unfocused, face completely expressionless. His mind was mostly blank.

The Italian was trying to ignore everything around him. It seemed he wasn't even here in the present.

Without thinking, a distressed Yunyun wordlessly ran to a dazed Lorenzo and hugged him. Her face buried itself on his shirt as she started crying. The older man stiffened, but then he gradually calmed down. Diavolo wasn't planning on returning the gesture any time soon.

At least there was no one to witness this spectacle. The Zeppeli didn't say anything, he turned to the clouds above. His eyes looked back to the brunette haired girl in front of him who sobbed and cried into his chest. It was annoying but he was able to bare this. Yunyun honestly deserved so much better, after all that madness.

"It wasn't your fault ~ You're not a monster." Yunyun exclaimed sadly, her face still buried in his shirt.

The former Mafioso looked away, his chest twisted and turned by imagining the faces of the countless people's lives he had ruined.

Yunyun mustered some courage. Pulls her face away from his shirt and looks him in the eyes.

"I... trust you, Lorenzo…" He felt his whole world stop for a moment, and slowly he looked down at Yunyun. Her teary-eyes held no deceit; they glimmered with hope. She knew the guilt was killing him.

Despite all the horrible things Diavolo probably did in the past… Yunyun couldn't bring herself to lose faith in the Zeppeli.

She places her face on the Italian's torso again.

"~ please, don't leave me~ " Lorenzo's shirt muffled the brunette's plea.

"...very well." Diavolo said with a hoarse voice. The Italian dusted his clump of hair, sympathising with the young girl's plight.

"You've undergone so much for one so young." Lorenzo awkwardly patted Yunyun on the head, letting the child stew in her tumultuous well of emotions. Rivers of tears flowed down Yunyun's cheeks as she let all of her bottled up emotions come out, having kept them inside this entire time. It'd all just been so overwhelming recently.

The Italian let out a sigh, before declaring; "I've been shackled to my past… Today, I put my past behind me. No longer will I live with regrets. For I have a world to save, alongside you." His calm voice reached her ears which prompted the girl to glance at his face.

He continued talking, trying to be sincere. "You're safe now. There's no need for you to cry anymore." He tried to assure the girl, while still patting her head.

And with that, she began tearing up again much to his dismay. The Enchantress was the last thing on his mind now. This moment was peaceful to him, it was a blessing to him. All that awaited him now was their uncertain future.

Diavolo's thoughts died as he looked down at Yunyun again. A small amount of time passed and the crying had stopped.

Yunyun felt a warm body against hers. The youngsters eyes shook a bit before she looked up to see Lorenzo's poker face. A feeling of warmth washed through her chest.

The Crimson Demon soon realised what she was doing and immediately backed away in embarrassment.

Yunyun was flustered once she realised what transpired; "Aahh, I'm sorry Diavolo, I didn't know what came over me!"

In response, Lorenzo just rolled his eyes. "Don't apologise. I also really needed that… thanks." He tried to keep a passive face and avoided eye contact.

Almost a foreign emotion played inside Diavolo. Long ago, he'd let go of all but the smallest kernel of hope that he could ever change the situation he was stuck in, that he could ever truly be free. He'd been alone, but now, as he stood close to Yunyun, he felt something warm in his chest.

Lorenzo' lips quirked up the tiniest bit. How long, how long had it been since anyone ever said anything on his behalf, since anyone had ever protected him instead of the other way around. If he were being honest, he had a hard time remembering anyone.

But this child . . . Yunyun . . . she was what everyone should've been.

The Crimson Demon felt instant relief at the words. Her smile became wry and her voice nearly cracked. "Hey…" Yunyun said, red eyes peering at Diavolo.

Which caught his attention, as he blinked at his companion. "How are you?" She asked worryingly.

Lorenzo' eyes reflected an indescribable emotion. "Exhausted… how about you?" Mr Zeppeli asked without thinking.

"Mostly fine. Still… trying to process everything." the young girl sighed. That downcast look said as much. But that was understandable, a lot has happened to them after all. Yunyun was rubbing her left arm. As if trying to get rid of phantom pains.

"I see." Lorenzo didn't know what else to say at the moment. He then gazed at the empty mountain. Yunyun decided to look at the horizon.

'That evil place just showed up out of nowhere and then vanished without a single trace! The Enchantress… what a foe.' She is just relieved that it's over.

Lorenzo had a deep look on his face. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing…" he astutely said.

Yunyun spared a look at Diavolo. She noticed immediately that he was tense for some reason?

The Italian sensed a strong presence and quickly scanned the area and something caught his attention. The Crimson Demon followed his stare and her jaw dropped. A lone female figure was seen lying unconscious.

'How did we not see her?' Yunyun ran towards the sleeping person without a second thought. Lorenzo hurriedly followed and tried scolding her.

A groan escaped the unknown woman's lips, as she shifted slightly. Which briskly alerted the two Adventurers. "Argh.. What happened..? " the newcomer grunted as she touched her forehead. She opened her eyes and got up slowly.

Sensations, feelings, everything, came rushing back all at once. And with it, she became aware of the feeling of being… alive.

Standing there in shock, her brain went a mile a minute as she tried to figure out what was going on. What had happened? The stranger clearly remembered dying? Her world vanquished? Is this some hallucination? Or a dream? No, it felt much too real to be either of those.

She was distracted from her ruminations by the light of the sun. She winced, the abrupt shift in lighting hurting her eyes. She heard shuffling behind her and looked back to see what it was. Finally her eyes land upon our tense Heroes.

The majestic female's pale skin looked soft and pristine. Her features were well defined and lacked any sort of deformation. Her lips were like rose quartzs, not too big and not too small, just about right. There is a beauty mark below her right eye. Dark violet hair that becomes lighter at the ends, which are tied in a braided ponytail that reaches below her waist. Her eyes were a light purple, which momentarily glowed with electricity for a split second?!

Which startled our heroes! Yet strangely enough they didn't sense any hostility.

A vigilant Lorenzo wrinkled his brows in thought. Then he blinked; 'Of course! This must be her true form…' Diavolo realised, gradually solving this puzzle.

She was wearing a kimono that was light purple. A small amount of her cleavage was open to the world, revealing her milky skin of her modest chest. The outfit was adorned with floral symbols. An obi belt, with a sharp symbol accessory that looked akin to a pinwheel. There was a hairpin with several purple flowers arranged in an ornament near her right temple. She had thigh long socks on with heels.

Yunyun tilted her head to the side analytical.

'Why do I get this feeling like I know her?' Then her eyes widened. 'Wait, a minute! Could she have been the Enchantress!? Perhaps it was possession, maybe? Lorenzo must have exorcised the corruption in her heart… somehow? But- no- Is she even the same person that we fought?' Yunyun's curiosity got the better of her. Trying to identify the individual before them.

The mysterious woman's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Who are you people?" she queried cautiously. Even though the Lady looked slightly disoriented. She was able to stand firmly.

The Crimson Demon didn't seem fazed at all. "Oh! My name is Yunyun and this is Diavolo." She pleasantly gestured to her comrade. Lorenzo had a stern look on his face. Due to how friendly his companion was.

"What's your name?" the teen inquired kindly. Diavolo, being paranoid as always, still kept a keen eye on the potential enemy… or hopeful ally.

The newcomer looked at Yunyun momentarily, who had an air of warmth and a welcoming presence that could put anyone at ease. Next she glances at Lorenzo, her stare reticent. Obviously noticing how he was behaving.

Her memory was heavy. It felt like she'd been asleep for a very long time even though she was fairly certain that she'd just been…

Regardless, she simply sighed and eased down marginally. Not sensing any danger from the odd duo. Against her better judgement, she may have found these people to be her saving grace.

"My name is Raiden Ei." Looking at them with a modest smile.

Her name echoed in the air, or maybe it's just their imaginations. Her ponytail fluttered in the quiet breeze as she gazed into the distance with determined eyes. Lorenzo and Yunyun starred in the same direction.

Chapter Text

Memories that were both familiar and foreign to Raiden at the same time. Began to rush through her head.    

Ei’ hands found her face. "Oh no… what have I done?" The true gravity of her actions sank in on her. What the Enchantress had done.   

Raiden couldn't deny it. She was a monster. She truly was a monster. Ei grits her teeth as she tries to cover her face.   

The former Shogun could never get the horrific images of what she did out of her head. Men, women and children were mindlessly slaughtered!    

Diavolo and Yunyun glanced at each other. Trying to figure out how to solve this matter.     

She used to be Raiden Shogun. She previously was one of the most powerful beings in Teyvat. She accidentally survived the destruction of her planet.    

Then the memories of her homeworld returned with a Vengeance. "Why did I survive?" Raiden fell on her knees and started to cry.     

In Ei’ previous world, she had tried to fulfill her purpose. Even after she had overcome her struggles. Even after she was finally happy again. But sadly it didn't last long…    

Yunyun doesn't know the full extent of Raiden’ dilemma. Regardless, the teen still felt bad for Ei, despite everything. It was a harsh feeling to have lost everything. But the world as Raiden had wanted it to be would never have worked.     

Lorenzo is on the fence, he didn't know how to react. Guess the older woman's situation was relatable to him in some aspects. 

Team Crimson was a distance away from her. They proceeded towards her slowly, peacefully. Raiden didn't look up until the odd duo were almost there. They saw that she was surprised. She had not expected them to approach her so unthreateningly; not after what she had done to them.    

Diavolo frowned disdainfully. “Are you going to let the past hold you down like this?” He questioned rudely.    

Yunyun gave her friend a disappointed look. “You don't have to be so mean!”    

Lorenzo looks at the younger girl indifferently. “Fine…” He responded coolly.      

His behavior isn't really unjustified in being weary of people. Which is why Yunyun will try to work on this. It will be a better chance to build further trust with one another and hopefully everyone else.   

Raiden looked somber and grave. Her teary-eyes were despondent as she stared blankly in front of Team Crimson. Ei dipped her head, looking miserable and broken.  

As much as he wanted to, Lorenzo couldn't bring himself to be disgusted by the blatant show of weakness in front of him. Not when Ei was reminding him quite a bit of himself. The only differences were that Raiden expressed her pain externally, while he had bottled his up inside. They had also dealt with their emotions in polar opposite ways; Ei through brooding it seems, and the Zeppeli through extreme violence.

Diavolo winced and took a deep breath while Yunyun looked at him in confusion. 

Mr Zeppeli began to speak before swallowing and looking Yunyun in the eyes. "Someone had taken over her.” 

Ei was barely even listening, because of guilt and shame.    

Yunyun didn't like where this was going. "Who?" She inquired.   

"The Devil King." Diavolo told Yunyun, leaving her surprised.

Yunyun obviously heard rumors about him, a demon well-known throughout the world, who sometimes trick individuals by making deals with them and using them for his own ends. What they didn't expect was that this demon was responsible for controlling Ei the entire time, such as perpetuating her rampage across this realm.    

A terrified Yunyun questions; "He was controlling her the whole time?" Trying to understand the situation.     

The Zeppeli nodded gravely. "Yes. He was controlling her and almost gained her powers for his own ends." Lorenzo assured. "I know, I confronted him and freed her in the process."  

Yunyun was blinking. "By the Gods." She muttered, taking pity on Ei now that he learned the Devil King was to blame.  

The Italian let out an exhausted sigh. He turned his attention to Raiden. “Listen well-”   

Before Lorenzo could even finish his rude sentence. Yunyun placed her hand on his arm. The Italian nearly jumped and was caught off momentarily.   

Diavolo stares down at his comrade in puzzlement. The teenager shook her head lightly.   

Immediately Lorenzo understood what Yunyun wanted to do. “Very well child, go ahead.” The Zeppeli said rather indifferently.    

The Crimson Demon thanked him silently and approached Ei closer. Diavolo wasn't great at comforting people, honestly. He will leave this to his young friend.     

Yunyun had a solemn look. "Raiden… I don't know the full extent of your pain…" she said gently. "Every world has its end."     

Ei started tearing up more in her eyes, and the bright sunlight on her face made them prominent. Although she was upset, she was making eye contact with them and actually listening, now that she realized she had lost. Through despair, there was also shame.     

In Lorenzo's mind, for an instant. A flash of Donatella's face was superimposed on Raiden. He shook his head from the brief reverie. 

The Italian turned away irritated. 'Ridiculous thoughts; they are not the same. She can't be her reincarnation!'  

Yunyun noticed something and leaned down. Picking a flower that looked like the one they had seen before. "I know that's kind of sad." The teen sympathized, holding it out to Ei. "But… that's why we gotta live life to the fullest in the time we have. At least… that's what I figure."    

Raiden’ eyes widened astonished. ‘Makoto… you were right.’ The former Shogun recalled her sister's ideals.    

Diavolo turned back towards them and noticed that the flower Yunyun was holding looked similar to a Crocus. This type of floral that was native in certain parts of Europe.   

Many people from his world associate the Crocus with happiness, joy and cheerfulness. It is generally recognized as a symbol of hope that the dark days of winter are at an end and that life will return and flourish.    

Lorenzo smiled internally. ‘Well, I'll be damned. There really are signs. A symptom of the process.’ 

The older woman held the flower Yunyun had given her like a child would hold it, looking at it with interest. Then, as Raiden drew it to her nose to inhale its sweet aroma, the odd duo swore they saw a hint of a genuine smile on her face.    

Ei realized the beauty it held, and now… now the Heroes guessed she just wanted to enjoy it while it would last, since that was the best she could get.    

Raiden questions. "Why do flowers bloom, knowing they are destined to wither?"   

As Team Crimson reminisced, they realized it was like asking a person why they bothered living when they were destined to die eventually.

And that flower would wither… but that was what made it worth looking at. If that flower were to last forever, it would be taken for granted. Soon, it would have no purpose at all; it would be so familiar that its magnificence no longer mattered.  

Our Heroes wondered if Ei truly understood that now. It seemed that the older woman had calmed down.     

Yunyun knew that true compassion means not only feeling another's pain but also being moved to help relieve it. Lorenzo is slowly learning this lesson. 

Ei finally noticed it around her…   

This world is beautiful.    

Whatever darkness Ei had been in before wasn't there anymore, but that wasn't what confused her. It was the fact that there was no sign of any hellish landscape. No dead bodies, splatters of blood, or remnants of pain from battle in her body. Raiden couldn't even feel anything unusual… besides her own self.  

Ei felt somewhat relieved now. ‘There is hope after all.’ She thought optimistically.   

Raiden gradually stood up, wiping her face and smoothing out her clothes. “I- I want to properly thank you both... for saving me." Ei gave Lorenzo and Yunyun a bow.  

This caught Team Crimson's attention, looks like she wants to get more things off her chest. They were wondering where this conversation is heading. Diavolo had a faint idea.  

Ei was looking at them seriously. “Before I make my request, you must first know my story."

Yunyun’s eyes widened and quickly started weaving her hands out in front. “No, you don't have to tell us! It's fine! You're not forced to!”   

Lorenzo frowned at his young team member. It was best if they got a background check on this woman.   

Raiden gently raised her right hand up and firmly smiled. “Please, I insist. Both of you deserve to know everything.”

So for the next hour, Raiden told them what happened to her…

And as much as she didn't want to, she told our Heroes everything.

All of it.  

~~~~~~~~~~000~~~~~~~~~~

Raiden Ei was the former Electro Archon of the island-nation known as Inazuma.   

Archons were rulers and Gods of seven nations whose domain extends to their elemental affinity.  

Ei was not one being, but two. The aspect of the Raiden Shogun that everyone first encountered was simply called the Shogun, an emotionless, robot-like puppet that used to govern the islands of Inazuma with an iron fist.   

Ei, was a Warrior-God from Inazuma's distant past, she inherited the title of Electro Archon from her sister Makoto. 500 years before the present time, Makoto was killed during a Cataclysm that swept Teyvat, causing Ei to take up the mantle of the Electro Archon. As the Archon, Ei's Divine Ideal was Eternity, and she used to strive, making sure that Inazuma had never changed in order to fulfill that Ideal.    

While her sister Makoto embraced Eternity by living each moment to the fullest, Ei instead created the Shogun to strictly control Inazuma on her behalf, programming the puppet with a limited set of reactions and decisions. After delegating the rule of Inazuma, Ei retreated to the Plane of Euthymia in order to meditate on eternity. Euthymia is a plane created by Ei's own consciousness, and its appearance changes to reflect her state of mind.   

Inazuma was no longer living peacefully under the Raiden Shogun's rule by the time the renowned Hero arrived at the isolated archipelago. Unrest has swept the islands after a villainous organization known as the Fatui Harbingers manipulated the Shogun's lack of imagination to get her to enact a Vision Hunt Decree. This Decree, banned the use of all the god-given Visions that gift users elemental powers, caused a massive social upheaval and a bloody civil war.    

Over time in the island nation, the suspicious origins of the Decree, the strange actions of the Shogun, and the existence of her creator Ei. It came to a point when the Hero challenged Ei in the Plane of Euthymia, showing her the damage caused by the Vision Hunt Decree, and used the powers of the confiscated Visions to defeat her in a duel. After this defeat, Ei concedes her mistake and revokes the Vision Hunt Decree, taking immediate action to arrest her traitorous Commissioners and seeking revenge against the scheming Fatui.    

Later on, Ei was having trouble with the Shogun, who now sees her as an enemy of Eternity after her defeat. Unable to easily change the Puppet's programming, Ei was forced to duel the Shogun again and again on the Plane of Euthymia in order to demonstrate the strength of her new conviction. When the Shogun eventually relents, Ei vows to take a more personal hand in Inazuma's governance onwards. Beginning by abolishing the Sakoku Decree, opening the borders of her isolated nation to trade and travelers once again.    

~~~~~~~~~~000~~~~~~~~~~

A few moments of silence followed, as Lorenzo and Yunyun are now both stunned, to say the least. Halfway through Ei's confession, everybody even sat down on the ground.     

Team Crimson listened to every word. They had grown more entranced by the story every second, their disbelief growing as they slowly realized that this was far too good and well crafted for it to just be a story.    

Diavolo and Yunyun noticed that Ei left out the part when she had lost everything. The odd duo did not press her on that matter. Perhaps in the future they might receive the needed answers.   

The former Archon sighed heavily. "The reason why I told you about this is because… I wish to join you.” Then she had a look of fierce determination.      

Yunyun looked taken aback and Lorenzo wasn't all that surprised.  

Raiden closed her eyes momentarily. “I want to make a real difference. Unlike what I once was, who didn't even care!" Tears nearly began to form at the edge of her eyes again.    

Ei got on her knees and bowed down until her forehead touched the ground. "Please! Please allow me to join you! I must atone for all my sins! We have to save this world from the Devil King's tyranny.”    

Raiden took a shaky breath and slowed her voice, trying to calm herself down. “Furthermore~ I am forever in your debt!”   

Glancing at each other for a split second, Lorenzo and Yunyun were quick to agree. They both got up and dusted themselves a bit.   

Raiden Ei, once known as The Shogun, fits some of the criteria of what they want to see in a companion. She's truly worthy to join them... to join the Legendary Team Crimson!   

"Alright, you can join us." Yunyun approved with a smile. 

The Italian hoped that he wouldn't regret this. But he casts his doubts aside, for now…  

Raiden tried to reason. "I know, I'm still weak but I promise that I will..." But suddenly paused, thinking that she misheard as she looked up towards her saviors. Did they actually agree... just like that?!  

Yunyun smiles pleasantly. "I said alright, you CAN join us. It's true that you will have to work hard to regain the strength that you may have lost. But as far as I'm concerned, you're more than worthy enough to join our party." The teen confirmed.   

Ei sniffled as she wiped her face from her old tears. "T-Thank you. Thank you so much." She will give into joy and not despair now.    

Yunyun approached Raiden and reached out her hand to pull the older lady up from the ground, a courtesy which Ei is more than happy to accept. 

An irked Diavolo clicked his tongue. “Don't ever grovel like that again, woman. It's disgraceful, truly…”    

Ei could only wince. ‘He is right, my people would be turning in their graves.’ She grimaced at the bad memories again. 

Yunyun became a little upset with her male friend. “Lorenzo! Show some empathy, please.” The teen tried scolding him.

The Italian tried to be passive. “I had forgotten what it's like to show empathy…”  

Yunyun’s eyes widened in realisation. “Oh right.” Muttering silently. She didn't need a reminder of his past.   

Lorenzo noticed how brave Yunyun had gotten over the short period of time. He wouldn't have said it out loud but he was proud.   

Dignity contains a humility and gratitude that invites people toward us. Pride often exudes an arrogance and egotism that repels people. Pride Depends on What Happens Outside Ourselves. Dignity is Internal.    

Ei was trying to reassure herself. ‘I will let the past be a lesson, not a limitation.’ After breaking from her thoughts, the former Shogun turned her attention towards her new companions. She noticed that Diavolo wanted to speak.    

Lorenzo decided to get this over with now. “The Devil King, nor his lackeys, would have been able to craft a story as meticulous as yours.” He was crossing his arms now.    

Sternly Diavolo was gazing at Raiden. "I don't trust you as far as I know you woman. But if you want to take down the Devil King, the same mission as ours. And considering your bloody history, the fact that I'm still breathing with all my guts intact is a step in the right direction."       

Yunyun’s face paled slightly at the last bit of implications on what Diavolo said. She quickly decided to shake those horrible thoughts.    

Ei said nothing for another few seconds. She looked up and she met Diavolo’s eyes without so much as a flinch.   

The Zeppeli approaches Raiden slowly. "I'm willing to let bygones be bygones. I screwed up just as much as you had. I can't hold a grudge for something you barely had control over.”   

Yunyun had a strange sense that she was witnessing history, right in front of her.   

Lorenzo stepped close to Ei. "I think we can help each other." He offered his hand to Raiden, the older Lady looked at it skeptical.    

Ei glanced down at his hand in surprise for a moment, before smiling slightly and moving to shake Diavolo’s hand. It was a good handshake, firm and steady. The adult's felt a kind of understanding pass between them.    

A happy Yunyun looked at them with pleasant expressions on her face. She started laughing softly, the apparent stress of the situation leaving everyone.

They will find their own way… just like nature found its own way and like this world would find its own way.    

A few metres away, another flower petal rebelliously pulled away from its plant, drifting freely through the wind. It was unconcerned about what it was leaving behind and unconcerned about any past difficulties. It didn't know where it was going and it didn't care. All that mattered was the present. As they watched it grow infinitesimally smaller. Everyone was looking at each other just living in the moment.     

=================================

Eventually Team Crimson made it to the Axel Adventurer Guild and they were conducting some business. 

When suddenly... 

The front doors burst open and Darkness ran inside looking for a certain pink haired man. She was also holding a letter in her left hand for some odd reason. 

Lalatina quickly scanned around and finally found him. She sprinted towards the Italian and skidded to a halt in front of him.  

Lorenzo was not liking this one bit. His companions didn't even know what to make of this situation?

Darkness is blushing and trembling. “Diavolo! I want to have your babies!” She exclaimed bravely.  

Everyone in the building gave differing noises of confusion and disbelief.

“WHAT?!” Majority of the folks shouted.

Yunyun was spluttering. “Wha- Darkness! What are you doing?!” The poor girl was embarrassed. This is the first time she's got to witness such an outlandish love confession?    

Ei was looking at the Crusader in bewilderment. ‘Does she possess no dignity whatsoever?' Clearly Raiden was also disappointed with this foolishness. 

Diavolo reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose to calm his temper, sighing. "Adolescents…" he mumbled quietly to himself in disgust.  

Chapter Text

People have traditions for several reasons: to preserve cultural identity, to pass on values and beliefs from one generation to the next, to commemorate significant events and experiences, to bring everyone together in a common experience, and to provide a sense of stability and continuity in an ever-changing world.   

Traditions can help to provide a sense of belonging, a connection to the past, and a shared history, which can contribute to a person's sense of meaning and purpose. But traditions can also have downsides, many downsides, let's talk a little bit about a prominent one though, INEQUALITY.   

Yes, Inequality. Some traditions can perpetuate discrimination and inequality, particularly when they are based on outdated beliefs or discriminatory practices. In certain groups, they have traditions. But some traditions can exclude certain groups of people, particularly those who are not part of the dominant culture or who do not conform to traditional norms or expectations.   

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

Earlier on, as Team Crimson arrived in the guild. All eyes turned to them; especially Raiden.   

The Adventurers zoned in on the Heroes condition, their faces, their expressions, their hair, the way they walked, the way our Heroes looked around, the way they breathed–  

It was tiring. Even around the village too. 

Exhausting to be conscious of every little thing Team Crimson did. 

- but now there is a different meaning behind those prying eyes, it got a lot worse thanks to Lalatina.   

There was also various muttering from the occupants… 

“He's lucky.” 

“Unbelievable.” 

“This is gonna be entertaining.” 

“By the God's...” 

“Time to leave.” 

“Never a dull moment here.” 

“Whoa!” 

“I'm telling you, it's Kazuma's fault!” 

“This is new.” 

“I VOLUNTEER- OW! Rin?! Why'd ya hit me?!   

~0~  

Darkness has a certain hungry look. “Diavolo-”   

“No.” The Zeppeli cut her off, very irritated at the moment. Seeing that many of the other Adventurers were staring.   

Lalatina’ face turned red. "Hmm…? Eh…!" Her body trembled when she heard his immediate reply.  

The Crusader is already freaking everyone out and they were too scared to rectify her behavior.  

Yunyun was wondering why Darkness is behaving like this? The Dustiness Ford hates embarrassing herself in public? So why is she misbehaving, without a care in the world?  

The shy child is looking between Darkness and her male comrade. ‘She must really like Lorenzo.’ Yunyun thought nervously.  

Ei was not amused to say the least. This is unfortunately the first time that she is meeting someone with such an outlandish personality.  

‘People aren’t perfect, consistent creatures.’ A neutral Raiden thought.    

Lalatina was trying to control herself. "Diavolo…" She was fidgeting with her fingers. "It's my destiny…our…have to–"   

The Italian was having none of this hogwash. "Destiny has a strange way of being as ambiguous as the future. Destiny means nothing."   

Darkness gasped in horror. "How could you ever believe that?!" Her blue eyes widened. Team Crimson can see through her ruse.   

Raiden decided to step in. “Destiny holds no weight until you give it that weight.” She says wisely.   

Lorenzo speaks again cryptically. “Besides, I don't trust prophecies all that much anyways. It's too easy to interpret and bend it however you want to.” Then he noticed something odd? 

Lalatina is glaring daggers at Ei for some odd reason? Much to the confusion of everyone.  

Gone was the Crusader’ look of girlish infatuation. The look she donned now, is completely flat.   

Darkness’ mind begins to swirl with negative ideas. ‘As if I don't know. She's after him! This- this Witch must have seen his battle against the Behemoth. She wants him all for herself!!’ The Knight's blood begins to boil.   

Lalatina’ eyes are now unusually sharp for the girl everyone considered mostly friendly. 

“Who the hell are you?” She asked rudely.   

Ei wasn't intimidated in the slightest. “Is it not common courtesy to introduce yourself first?” She replied calmly.  

The blonde girl stepped forward and placed a hand over her chest proudly.

“I am Lalatina Dustiness Ford.” She declared arrogantly. 

“Holy shit! She said her full name!” 

“Shut up, Dust!!”   

Darkness continues speaking and points accusingly at Raiden. “I don't appreciate you misleading my fiancé! You Homewrecker!”   

“Huuh?!” A dumbstruck Yunyun hollered.  

Hush whispers from the surrounding occupants quickly fill the room.  

The former Inazuma ruler managed to calm her anger easily, due to plenty of practice. She takes a few steps toward the blonde girl, to try and de-escalate the situation. But her younger Comrade beat her to it.   

Yunyun ran closer to Lalatina and decided to speak up. “Darkness! Raiden isn't like that! Also, you can't marry a man you've just met!” The future Chief tries to defend Ei and Lorenzo.  

Lalatina looks at the Crimson Demon and smiles. "Yunyun, sweetheart, be quiet while mommy clears up some confusion with this Raiden. Okay?"    

“Mommy!?” Flabbergasted at the Knight's choice of title. Yunyun afterwards silently nods her head.  

A confident Darkness nods. “We'll soon become a happy family, once I get rid of this Minx.” She points heatedly at Ei.   

Team Crimson and everyone else can only stare in disbelief at this absurdity.  

The Italian could only shake his head in aggravation. “I don't have time for this shit.” He tried to talk away, but it was futile.    

A firm hand was gripping Diavolo's shoulder, which stopped him in his tracks. 

The room went deathly quiet.   

Lorenzo slowly turned to face the dumbass. Murder in his eyes. It was obviously Lalatina, who was starting to breathe heavily and blush.   

"Get your hands off me!" Lorenzo warned calmly, eyes narrowed as he stared at the foolish girl.    

Darkness has a dreamy smile and her heart rate picks up a lot. She secretly thought that an intense Diavolo is really hot right now.    

“N- not until you cooperate.” Lalatina says in her silly lechery.    

Ei and Yunyun tried to intervene, but the pink haired man got impatient.     

The former Boss instinctively gripped her arm and flipped Darkness over his shoulder, bringing her face first to the floor.   

Lorenzo jabbed his knee into the girl's spine while forcing both arms behind her back.

"Oww!" Lalatina yelled in surprise and raised her head to try talking. Diavolo didn't let her. Securing the Crusaders wrists in one hand, he slammed Darkness’ head back down to the floor with the other. She gasped at the shock of pain.  

Some Adventurers and Guild workers wanted to break up the fight. But they were terrified to get involved and so were the others.   

Yunyun really wanted to stop this, before it got worse. Raiden quickly held the Crimson Demon back and tried to reassure that everything would be fine.  

Darkness hissed when the Zeppeli pressed harder, straining the blonde’s arms. "Let me go – gah! " The knee was dug in deeper.   

The Italian was furious! "I'm only going to say this once. Surrender now. Also, you owe us an apology."   

What he didn't expect next…  

"Harder Daddy~" Lalatina sounded loud and full of desire. Which made a red flag on Diavolo's mind.  

“What?!” A sickened Lorenzo released immediately as he guessed what this stupid girl was going to say.   

"What?" Lalatina shamelessly acted as if nothing happened. Which made Diavolo’s eyes twitch.  

“What??” The witnesses utter too.  

As the Knight recovered her oxygen in the throat. She was slowly getting up and blushing profoundly. Darkness is planning her next tactic to win over Diavolo somehow.   

Lorenzo was analyzing this stupid girl. “Your Masochism is a self-protection mechanism you developed from childhood. Isn't it?”  

Lalatina's eyes grew wide. “What?! But- no- but- how…” She was a stuttering mess.     

Ruthlessly Diavolo continued talking nonetheless. “Due to the pressure of hailing from a noble family lineage and your own personal struggles living up to it. Am I right?” He said astutely, mostly to himself.   

Nobody has ever figured her out and left Darkness this vulnerable in a long time!  

The Knight fell on her knees in a stunned manner. Memories of her terrible childhood began to resurface, which isn't helping now. Looking downcast, it hurt so much that she couldn't take it anymore. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes and before she could stop they were slowly running down her face.    

This left the Guild members speechless. They now understand Lalatina slightly more. Reactions were also mixed due to various factors. Mostly negative towards Diavolo. But nobody would dare speak out at him.    

Yunyun’s eyes widened and then sympathized a little bit looking at the blonde Knight. The Crimson Demon places a gentle hand on Lalatina's shoulder, who didn't react in the slightest.   

Ei was impressed with Diavolo’s brutal intellect. She felt a small pang of empathy tug at her heart as she watched the Crusaders reaction. Raiden could see the flicker of incredulity in Lalatina’s eyes, one she identified with better than anyone.  

Lorenzo's gaze bore into Darkness with intensity. The poor girl wasn't even fully aware of her surroundings. Still facing down the floor befuddled.   

The Zeppeli didn't give a damn. "I’m looking at you and I feel nothing." He continued, his voice tinged with no compassion. "You just got really addicted to the pain of martyrdom."    

Diavolo closed his eyes and let out an agitated sigh. ‘What a waste of my time. If only I could get rid of this nuisance.’ Lorenzo thought viciously.    

King Crimson appeared out of nowhere, startling everyone. The Neo Stand dug into their owner's jacket and pulled out Diavolo’s Adventurer Card! 

The pink haired man was a bit flabbergasted at the sight of his Stand acting in such a way. Considering it was a physical manifestation of his own will, he assumed that the Stand responded to his wishes?    

King Crimson immediately ran It's finger over some skills and willed the available points to be transferred to Lorenzo. The pink haired man felt a surge of warmth flow through him and in his mind he had a sudden understanding of his new abilities!    

Diavolo smirks a bit happily. “Ah, I see. These skills would be perfect for my future endeavors.” He quickly turned towards his teammates.  

He calmly says; “Yunyun, take care of Raiden. I'm out of here.” Lorenzo smoothly proceeds to walk towards the exit.

The Crimson Demon eyes widened. “Wha? Where are you going?” She asked hastily.   

Yunyun and Ei were curious as to what their teammate was planning to accomplish. Even the rest of the guild members are trying to figure out what's about to occur. 

As the Zeppeli was slowly opening the front guild doors. He sent one last glance towards his team before gradually turning invisible!     

Everyone could only stare in bewilderment.  

While wiping her tears away, Lalatina snapped out of her daze and turned towards the vanishing Italian. “Wait, Diavolo! Think about the World! Think about our future!” She cried desperately, while also running out of the building in hot pursuit of her future husband.   

While exiting, Darkness didn't realize that she dropped her letter on the floor. Yunyun picked it up, and was about to read it. But immediately decided not to. The Crimson Demon wasn't that rude. Ei noticed this and approved the teens actions. Yunyun will return the letter to Lalatina.  

Once Darkness was out of sight. The entrance doors miraculously closed somehow. Catching many people off guard.   

Suddenly Diavolo became visible again, in front of his crew. Startling Yunyun and everyone else. Except for Raiden, she was able to sense the Italian the entire time.   

The Crimson Demon recognized that spell. ‘He just used Concealment.’ She figured it out easily.  

Most of the folks here thought it was very clever of Diavolo getting rid of Darkness like that. A few others saw it as dishonorable and cowardly. Those minor hypocrites wouldn't dare speak out.  

Lorenzo let out an exhausted sigh. “Idiot.” He said dispassionately.  

Dread crossed Diavolo’ face when he realized that he technically hurt a mortal. So far he didn't receive any divine punishment. 

‘That Masochist is no saint’ He tried to reassure himself.  

Mr Zeppeli looked around as everyone was now gawking at his group.   

"What the HELL are you looking at?!" He raised his voice, feeling annoyed that people could think that they could watch them like a circus act.    

The sound of his voice snapped the onlookers back into whatever it was they were doing, fearful that the man would grow fangs and attack them.   

Lorenzo wordlessly walked towards the register post. Ei and Yunyun glanced at each other and followed the pink haired man.   

The brunette teen was a little bit upset at how Lorenzo made Lalatina cry. She might confront him later at home.   

Raiden wasn't really concerned about Darkness. She had much more pressing matters to worry about.   

People parted their way in front of Diavolo and his squad, the weak hearted were afraid of him from the moment they saw him in a foul mood. That wasn't entirely bad for Lorenzo as being feared might give him some leeway around here.  

Yunyun and Ei weren't so thrilled regarding the Italian's actions.  

“I can't believe him." Raiden muttered in displeasure. An embarrassed Yunyun also agreed silently.  

Our Heroes found their way to a counter where a line of people were standing, the line dissipated with their presence. Luna was by the counter. She stood her ground though, swallowing hard with a wary expression on her face.   

 "A-ah, good morning. Have you finished your quest?" The main receptionist asked kindly, while trying not to lose her composure.      

Yunyun decided to speak up first. “Uh, yes. I think we killed more than ten timberwolves… and, er- yeah.” She finished off awkwardly.  

Lorenzo really needs to help his young friend with her social skills.  

Ei wasn't all that bothered, because Yunyun actually reminded her of Makoto when she was younger. Now Raiden tried not to get depressed from her better memories.   

Luna smiled nonetheless. “That's wonderful news! We'll even reward you extra for your efforts. May I see your Adventurer card's please?” She asked kindly.   

In order to get the reward for a completed quest, the Adventurer must show the monster's name in their card list of slayed monsters.   

Yunyun turned towards Diavolo. “Why don't you go first?” She says nervously.    

Diavolo raises an eyebrow at Yunyun. He had an idea as to why his young comrade is behaving like this.  

Raiden had a similar suspicion too. Guilt began to build inside her. She tried so hard not to show it outwards.   

Mr Zeppeli just shrugs his shoulders. Before moving to the counter. He pulled out his card and handed it over to Luna for inspection.        

The blonde receptionist quickly scanned over Diavolo’s card. “Ah, you've completed your quest splendidly.” Luna nodded in approval.    

“Hmm, the amount of timberwolves you killed…” She did a double take while noticing something very alarming.    

“YOU KILLED THE ENCHANTRESS?!!” Luna shrieked loudly. 

“Yunyun and I did.” Nonchalantly Lorenzo replied. He was trying not to get angry at the rowdy blonde.  

Said girl was biting her lips and trying hard to remain inconspicuous.     

The Guild was in an uproar.  

Members stood up at what they had just heard. Some even fell off their chairs and others were choking on their beverages. They burst into a loud squabble, mostly amongst themselves.   

One of the strongest rogue demons in the world just got killed by a professional and a beginner. Two people. Which is pretty damn impressive!  

Diavolo shifted around and shut everyone up with a harsh glare.     

Ei looked ashamed, quickly she masked her emotions with a poker face. Yunyun reached out and grabbed Raiden's hand with her own. The purple haired woman jumped a bit, then looked at her young companion. Yunyun was trying to reassure Raiden in her own endearing manner.   

“Thank you.” A grateful Ei whispered to the Crimson Demon.  

“You're welcome.” Yunyun muttered and smiled happily.

The guild manager nearly had a stroke. “At this rate, both of you will end up killing the Devil King himself!” She exclaimed loudly in amazement. Whilst pointing at Diavolo and Yunyun.   

Lorenzo leaned forward gazing at the leader seriously. “That's what I'm planning to accomplish.” He frowns lightly and glances towards his companions.   

Luna couldn't help but feel intimidated by him towering over her.    

Then Diavolo turns back at Luna, with determination. “No, what WE will accomplish!” He confidently states.     

Ei and Yunyun smile pleasantly. They are happy that Lorenzo didn't forget about them. The rest of the occupants were awestruck to say the least.  

“O-oh, right! I believe in you all!” The blonde says meekly. 

Luna then looks at the shy Crimson Demon and shifts her mood positively. “Ah, Yunyun. I don't need to see your card. Because you definitely performed spectacularly as well.” She says nicely.   

“T-thank you!” A high-strung Yunyun responded. Due to all the attention she was receiving.    

Luna remembers something important. “Before I forget…” Going into the staff room at the back.  

She then returned two minutes later. Coming out with two pouches. The receptionist handed Lorenzo and Yunyun each a purse with lots of money.    

“We extend our gratitude for your diligent efforts. Kindly accept this.” Luna had bowed respectfully.   

Everyone cheers loudly for the odd duo. Diavolo let out an inaudible huff and the shy teen was flattered.   

Both of them took their money and stashed it away safely. Yunyun was the only one kind enough to thank Luna.    

The lead receptionist had even given them a huge advance on their pay. For the timberwolves and deceased Enchantress. Said demon had a bounty on her head.  

‘The Enchantress isn't really dead.’ Diavolo thought darkly. He didn't want to strain his head further on the topic.  

Folding his arms, Lorenzo had shifted near Ei. The purple haired woman already predicted what he wanted.   

The former Mafioso beckoned with his head towards the register. “You're next.” He tells her coolly. Raiden just nods silently. She hated his rude gesture, but decided to keep quiet.    

Ei proceeds to step forward. “I'm seeking to register with this guild." Speaking calmly to the manager.    

Luna wouldn't mention it out loud, but she's mesmerized by the purple haired lady's beauty. Everyone else was too. 

"Ah, I see! Well, to register with the guild requires a fee-" The blonde took a good look at Raiden and the rest of Team Crimson. "But I suppose we can just waive that for now.”    

Then Raiden underwent the same Adventurers explanation process her squad had undergone previously.    

After that, Luna tries to simmer down. "Wow, to get Diavolo’ and Yunyun' attention must mean you are special! I can't wait to see your status. Come over here please." She said enthusiastically. Then waving her hands over to a familiar blue sphere.   

Ei walked on, but was surprised to see people that were in the main hall had formed a crowd near her. Somehow they managed to find some courage.    

Team Crimson didn't even notice it happened. Lorenzo was too exhausted dealing with these morons.    

Luna performs her duties with the gadget and finally places a card in the slot.    

"Put your hand on this orb and focus your mind on it." The blonde woman said as she stared intensely at Raiden.

Her stare was amusing to Ei, but nonetheless followed the procedure. The purple haired lady had an idea. Focusing a tiny amount of her energy into the orb it began violently shaking, unable to contain the power Raiden released.   

Everyone is observing wordlessly in amazement.  

It started glowing a bright purple, illuminating the entire room for a few seconds before everything went back to normal.  

Luna was panicking and so were a few others. "T-this has never happened before?" She said, while leaning over in front of Raiden to inspect the machine. Thankfully it wasn't broken and nothing else was wrong with the device.   

With the engraving done. The counter staff picked up the card and inspected it.

"Alright. Thank you for waiting… Ms... Raiden Ei? Fascinating name. Let us see…"  

Yunyun and Lorenzo were surprised that her full name was divulged. The former Shogun didn't seem to mind.  

Luna speculated that the purple haired woman hails from a foreign land. Just like Diavolo too.  

The blonde looked at Ei quickly. She seemed to hold a look of complete disbelief. "How…? Who are you? All of your stats, your luck, charisma, strength, intelligence, all of it- are incredibly high. Even greater than Aqua's!"    

This caught the attention of everyone. By this point, everyone was eavesdropping on the receptionist's speech. Some obnoxious muttering could be heard by Team Crimson, so they decided to ignore it.    

"Numerous skills are already acquired." The guild worker noted. "Just about any class is feasible!"  

Luna hands the card over gracefully to Ei.   

The blonde clears her throat. “Please look and pick a job available of your choice." Luna pointed out.   

As ordered, Raiden scans her card. There were many occupations to select, but she didn't find anything particular to her liking yet.  

Until…   

"I choose Hero." Ei said assuredly.  

“WAIT- WHAT?!” Luna yelled out, surprised.  

The card in Beelzebul’ hand sparklingly flashed, nearly blinding everyone. When she looked down, the label Occupation now had the word Hero next to it.  

Again the masses were going wild. Diavolo can only sneer at these looney guild people. Too many times they were over reacting! The Italian vows never to come here whenever it's busy.    

The Crimson Demon openly gawked, while holding her head. If the kid's eyes could get any wider, she wouldn't have much of a face to speak of.  

Yunyun noticed that her squad didn't seem to know the full extent of the Hero title. So she quickly filled them in. 

Luna would have given them an explanation. But is currently hyperventilating. She is unable to speak at the moment.     

The Hero; not much is known about this job class. Legends state that it is only made accessible to someone who defeated or will likely manage to defeat the Devil King.   

Now Lorenzo and Raiden finally understood what the major fuss was about. Nothingness, they found this revelation intriguing.   

Luna’ hands cupping her cheeks. “Oh my God!” She mellowed out. This is quite an honor, to be serving this generation's Hero.    

“Can you hurry up already!!” Diavolo growled. impatiently.  

A scowling Raiden looks at her male comrade in disapproval. The Zeppeli bit his tongue before he could say something he might regret. Even Yunyun was startled by the deadly look.    

"R-right! Your registration is completed!” Poor Luna was trying to slow her rapid heartbeat.   

Quickly Luna took in a breath of air and released it.

"Then it's settled, we welcome you. Ms Raiden. To the Adventurer's Guild of Axel!" She finished, prompting a wave of applause from everyone who has been watching.

Ei turned to the modest group, and bowed to them. Followed by a jittery Yunyun bowing comically. Even a materialized King Crimson bows dramatically. Much to Diavolo's confusion and the folks' astonishment.

o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.    

It was a bustling little town, it had the potential to become a city in the next few decades if it continued to prosper. Ei looks thrilled at getting to see some new things.   

Team Crimson are now walking in the shopping district of the town. Ei can clearly see the difference between Inazuma and Axel now that she is exploring the town more.   

Our Heroes could see the citizens go about their daily business. The calls and announcements of stand owners as they tried to get people to buy from them. It was a good sized town, five thousand or so people.  

Immediately they noticed the attention they were receiving. Again. Mostly due to Raiden. Our Heroes tried their best to ignore everyone.  

Ei was pretty used to being the centre of attraction. Her new allies, not so much.   

The purple haired beauty wanted to buy herself new clothes. Forgetting that she had no money. Deciding to acquire her gear, once she's financially better. 

Beelzebul was long overdue for some new clothes. Her current wear reminded her of Inazuma. This honorable outfit her people created, she has no right to bear. It was a constant reminder of her failure to save Teyvat.   

‘The past does not diminish my potential to redeem myself by safeguarding this new world.’ Ei was contemplating with optimism.         

A generous Yunyun reassures Raiden that she will buy whatever Ei needs and won't charge her with anything. The new Adventurer tried to decline her offer. But Yunyun wouldn't hear any of it. 

Even Lorenzo wanted to help out, which shocked his companions.  

Raiden greatly appreciated her comrades' support and thanked them wholeheartedly. She even held them in higher regard.  

These present moments Diavolo is learning to take small steps for the better. 

‘You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.’ He reminisced, something learned from his innocent days.  

Mr Zeppeli knows the harsh truth is that thanks to the former Ruler, Yunyun and him actually got filthy rich.  

They found the Blacksmith outlet to get Raiden properly equipped. Same place where Yunyun and Diavolo got their new gear.    

Everyone went inside the shop where the owner was making knives on his anvil.

"Welcome to my... Ah, it's my favorite customers.”   

“I bet you tell everyone that.” Lorenzo accuses dryly.  

Mr Forger laughed and wasn't offended in the slightest.

The old man noticed a new face. “You brought your wife over?" He asked, seeing Ei.    

Diavolo wanted to tell the imbecile off. But opts to just close his eyes and calmly breath.     

“Eeh?” Yunyun mumbled dumbfounded. She looked towards her friends.   

Raiden didn't outwardly show it, but she wasn't amused. ‘What is it with these inhabitants and their misconceptions?’ She wondered to herself.   

Mr Forger was smiling pleasantly. “You're a lucky man, being married to this lovely lady.” He said in a cheeky manner. While winking at Diavolo.    

Ei got blunt to the point. “I require new attire to ensure my immediate well-being. Therefore, I request that you present your available options.”  

Her intention was not to exhibit impoliteness; she was merely not inclined to entertain frivolous jest now.  

“I can get you the best armor I can find, madam." The owner enthusiastically says.    

Then Mr Forger showed off multiple sets of light armor and clothes for her size. Raiden wasn't impressed by most of it, finding them inadequate.    

After looking through multiple sets, Ei finally found something worthwhile. Mr Forger even handed Raiden a duffel bag for her old clothes. She went to the change cubicle in the back.

The smith decided to make some small talk with his customers while Ei changed. "So when did you find your significant other?"   

Lorenzo glares at the owner. “I don't see how that's any of your business and she's not my wife." He rudely answers.    

Yunyun decided to elaborate further; “We fought the Enchantress and saved Raiden.”  

Mr Forger's eyes widened. “You did what?!” He exclaimed loudly in surprise.   

Diavolo let out a huff of annoyance. “I sent that wretched demon straight to hell. Don't pop a blood vessel now.” The Italian wanted to add more details, but refrained from doing so.   

The smith looks at them in admiration and chuckles. “I truly believe all of you will save this realm.” He says sincerely.        

Both heroes' eyes widened and had different looks on their faces. Yunyun was graciously smiling and Lorenzo just let out a sigh, while trying not to smirk.    

The old man just reminisced about something great. “Hey, Pinky! Got an upgrade for your Vermeil fangs. Pass it here for a minute.” Beckoning at the Italian's weapons.  

Lorenzo frowned, but nonetheless obliged. Unstrapping his throwing knives and placing it close to the shopkeeper's table.  

Mr Forger runs towards the back of his private room and comes back with a small box. He opens it and pulls out some sheets of paper inscribed with special seals, centering around a mountain like insignia.  

Yunyun recognized those designs; their Dwarven crafts!  

Throughout their existence, the so-called Naugrim, or Dwarves, were experts at making and using various weaponry, with no equal. This skill came from the Vala Aulë the Smith, who crafted the Dwarves many centuries ago.    

Lorenzo seemed to take note that there was some significance to these papers. Judging from his younger friends' behavior.  

"People would sell a fortune just for one of those seals!” Yunyun chattered.    

"Really?" Diavolo looks on in astonishment.  

The Blacksmith burst out laughing joyfully. He attached the seals on both flat sides of the weapon. Continuing the same process on each and every knife.     

Mr Forger let out a pleasant sigh. “When I was about your age, decided I had enough of the mines. And then I met a sweet woman named Myrna. Knew right away she was the one.”   

The old man was lost in memory lane. “Look at me, about to bore you with my old stories.”     

“I'm used to this.” Diavolo said, looking deadpanned. Yunyun wanted to elbow him, but refrained from doing so.   

The shopkeeper slammed his hand on the counter. “Well, the lesson here is once you find your soulmate, you never let 'em go.” He carried on with his lecture.  

“You don't have to overthink things. That ain't no way to live! You gotta just go for it.” Mr Forger tapped his head, emphasizing his point.   

Lorenzo snorted in amusement. “What, you mean like you all the time?”   

The old man smirked. “Huh, Touché.”  

To the customers' surprise, the seals magically branded themselves into the metal.

Now the fangs are inscribed with Dwarven markings that seem to glow dimly.  

Mr Forger was done with his modifications and handed the Vermeil fangs back to Pinky.  

“Don't wait when it's too late.” The old man says seriously.   

Yunyun enjoyed the smiths' tale, she's credulous for romance. Diavolo could only click his tongue.  

“Try throwing these at your enemies next time.” Mr Forger mysteriously says, while doing throwing motions.   

Finally Raiden walked out of the changing room and tried to test her new gear. She was carrying her old clothes and accessories in the bag given. The sensation was mild, but she could feel giddiness from wearing this new set of equipment.   

Everyone was very impressed. Raiden has the ability to appear well-presented in any attire.  

Ei is now wearing a high-slit black turtleneck dress. She has a high collar, and an open cleavage obscured by a lace-patterned fabric. It has puffed sleeves ending in mid-forearm.        

Inside these sleeves seemingly are a deep crimson color fabric reaching down to dip sharply before her hands, which are covered with black gloves. Her dress also opens in the back, exposing Raiden’ shoulders blades down to the small space of her back. The dress's skirt is high-slit, and is shown to be made of a flowing, flexible fabric bearing a similar texture to leather. She is also wearing her blouse over a matching black tank leotard.         

For her footwear, she wears dark thigh-high garter stockings with black lining underneath thigh-high black leather boots equipped with heels.   

Raiden chose this clothes due to its nature, in allowing her to perform a wide arrange of moves to suit her combat style. It also felt really comfortable and she didn't even feel hot at all wearing it.  

Unknowingly Lorenzo and Yunyun noticed something significantly important on Ei.   

At the right side of her head, she is still wearing her ōgi-bira kanzashi; a fan- shaped hairpiece. It belonged to her twin sister, Makoto. She would never take it off, no matter the circumstances.    

‘She chose the Ethereal armor combat suit.’ Mr Forger noticed straight away.  

"I say you're a fine warrior, perfect armor for a hero. Don't you think, guys?" The smith compliments her. While looking at Lorenzo and Yunyun.  

Team Crimson widened their eyes, surprised. They just nodded their heads soundlessly. If only the elder knew the irony of his words. That Ei truly is a Hero of this era. Deciding it was better to keep that information classified.   

When done with her final inspection. Raiden looks at the craftsman. 

“Did you make this?” She queried, while sounding pleased.   

“No, it was actually my daughter's handy work.” He was really proud.  

Then he pointed a thumb towards a wooden door. “She's actually in the back, right now. Anna really gets engrossed in her work.”   

“I see… and your name is?” A curious Ei asked. 

“Lyon Forger. The one and only.” He dipped his head in respect.  

“Raiden Ei. It's been a pleasure Mr Forger.” She replied in kind and bowed.   

“No, the pleasure is all mine.” He says humbly.  

Then Lyon looks at Diavolo. “You can learn a thing or two from Raiden.” He jokes.   

Lorenzo rolled his eyes and placed money on the counter. “Thanks again old man.” The Zeppeli turned around and waved his hand lazily. He went outside, deciding to wait instead.    

Lyon did a quick count of the cash. “Well, I'll be damned. He paid the right amount.” Actually lying to the females. Because he wanted to give a discount.  

Yunyun looked uncertain and wanted to voice her concern. She didn't want to rob the poor man. 

Ei felt the same way, due to being reminded of a similar situation. When individuals feel underpaid, it can lead to a lack of engagement, less efficient performance, and many other things that can affect a community.     

“Don't sweat it you two.” The Blacksmith smiles casually.    

Mr Forger winks. “Just make sure your family stops the Devil King and we can call it even.”      

A grateful Yunyun and Raiden thanked the craftsman immensely and proceeded to leave.  

An epiphany occurs within Lyon, before sighing in content.   

‘The materials for all three armors—the Assassin, Leather, and Ethereal suits—were derived from the very same Cacofiend Dragon that the Crimson Demon killed… They indeed constitute an even more familial bond now.’ He mused internally.    

"Come again soon." The Shop owner finally says to them.   

Finally reuniting with Diavolo outside. Ei decided to procure additional items for herself.

-0o0- 

∆∆∆∆

It was safe to say that Yunyun’s house was the nicest place that Raiden ever stayed in, and this bedroom was no exception. The large space was decorated with comfortable-looking furniture and dark oak paneling along the wall. Sunlight poured out of a large window set over a nearby desk. 

Ei looked out the glass to see the peaceful town. As she slowly exhaled, she heard footsteps behind her.  

Yunyun looked at the purple haired woman with a hopeful light in her eyes. “Do you like it?”   

Raiden raised an amused eyebrow. “The view or the room?” 

The Crimson Demon shrugged. “Both, preferably.” 

Ei lips curled upwards. “Yes. Thank you.”  

Yunyun grinned brightly as if the older adult's short answer had been a grand compliment, which it was in the lady's own way.  

“Great!” Yunyun stepped back and started walking out of the room. 

“I’ll let you get settled in now. After you’re done unpacking, feel free to join us for some tea!”

Raiden nodded curtly. “Sure.” 

With that, the brunette finally left. Ei closed the door with a soft click. 

Beelzebul quickly set to work on unpacking her belongings. She didn’t know whether to be sad or pleased that it took a grand total of roughly 5 minutes to set everything in place. 

As a former ruler, she didn't care to have many possessions on her anyway since she was always busy. Plus more belongings meant more hassle to maintain. But it was still a little jarring to see the room looking completely unchanged.  

Not one thing suggested that another person lived in the space unless you opened the single drawer that contained her clothes. Ei wasn’t quite sure where that revelation came from. Maybe it was because of Yunyun and the girl's apparent love for maximalism? That Raiden realized just how little she had.  

No matter, though. What she didn’t have in possessions, she had in purpose. Her great purpose as Hero, and her purpose towards saving this world.    

To make people safe, this mission has to go perfectly. Keep tabs on the Devil King. By tracking the movements of his army and much more.   

She nearly forgot that Yunyun had invited her to join them for tea after she was done unpacking.  

Raiden brushed back a few loose strands of hair from her face. After looking in the mirror of her vanity and deeming her appearance orderly enough, she stepped out of her room and made her way to the kitchen.  

Yunyun was standing over the stove. When Ei got closer, she was greeted by an unexpected faint fragrance of fruit. The kettle set on the stove was whistling and steam shot out of the spout like a geyser.  

Diavolo sat by the dining table close by with a pensive look on his face. It seems that he was reading Lalatina's letter.  

Soon as the purple haired woman stepped into the kitchen. Yunyun noticed her and smiled softly. “Hey, Ei! You're done packing?”

“I am.” Raiden responded. Then, to be polite and make conversation, asked “Is that scent coming from the tea? It smells good.”   

“It is!” Yunyun grinned, clearly excited about the topic. “I found this blend recently at the market. It’s mostly known for its fragrance, but it also tastes great! Sit down, I’ll pour everyone a cup.” She gestured to a small table in the corner, where three teacups and a plate of cookies were already set.

Ei took a seat. Yunyun turned off the stove and brought the kettle to them. She poured out three cups of tea before setting the kettle aside and taking the seat between her companions.  

The Zeppeli emitted a weary exhalation. He wanted to burn it in his hand. “This is a goddamn manuscript. It wasn't even addressed to that Masochist. It was meant for your petty friend Megumi.” 

Yunyun looked confused at first, then her eyes shone in realization. “Oh, you meant Megumin.”  

Diavolo took a quick sip from his cup. “It is some bullshit narrative about a fortune teller's prediction of a blonde female knight conceiving a child with a green eyed prince who can summon spirits.” He could only sneer in aggravation.   

The two female residents can only stare in puzzlement. Lorenzo handed the letter over to his squad. They both curiously read the paper.   

It looks like Arue from the Crimson Demon Village wrote a manuscript of her new fictional tale to Megumin. Darkness most definitely saw the work of art and misinterpreted it stupidly.   

They were finally done reading. “… the Child of Prophecy, Chapter 1, Author: Arue.” Raiden finished out loud.

Yunyun snatched the letter, crumpled it up, and threw it away. “That’s too much! Arue, that idiot, ahhh!!”

“Who is Arue?” Ei asked.  

“Arue was my classmate from the village. She’s a weird girl aiming to be an author…?” Yunyun got in a thinking pose. 

The teen gasped. “Oh! Just remembered, I actually got mail.” She went off to another room.  

Diavolo and Raiden leisurely drank their warm beverages. Both made some idle chat, here and there.    

Yunyun ran back to the kitchen and looked like she wanted to cry. 

The poor child is having a panic attack. “My home village is being attacked by the Devil King's army! My family and f-f-friends are in great danger!” She probably wasn’t certain if anyone survived.    

Ei got up swiftly to comfort Yunyun. Lorenzo gently took the paper from his younger comrade and read it.      

The letter from her father painted a grim picture of doom about the clan's situation.       

Diavolo is scowling. “Yunyun, why don't we go to your village and check what's going on?” He had a bad feeling about possible dangers.   

There was no chance in hell that Raiden would stand idly by.  

The Crimson Demon jumps up attentively. “Yes, we should leave immediately.”    

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

“Are you ready?” Yunyun asked her teammates.   

Raiden and Diavolo nod their heads. They actually packed some extra clothes. Due to the possibility that they may stay over for a few days. Yunyun didn't need any clothing, cause she already has plenty back in her hometown.    

The brunette girl places her hands gently on their shoulders. Getting ready to teleport in a few seconds.   

Moments later, there was a flash of violet light that infused the duo and they were gone from their living room. 

《~》

The gang materialized in front of a large mansion. Which is near the center of the village. It stood out next to all of the smaller cottage-like homes in the village.  

Looking around the village it hardly seems like they were in open conflict with the Devil King? Rather, there were plenty of people just yawning and lazing around. If Ei and Lorenzo didn't know better they would say this place reminded them more of a resort town than anything.    

“Could it have been a false alarm?” The Italian wonders.

“It may appear so.” Raiden is also unsure of the current affairs.  

Yunyun was just relieved that it's peaceful and no battles are happening.         

The older adults were greeted by the site of an unusual two floored, western-styled house with white colored siding. In other words, the design was inspired from Earth architecture!  

Diavolo could only stare in bafflement. He tried to keep his composure. Might even query Yunyun or her parents later about the layout. Even Raiden was impressed with the fancy residence.      

Everyone soon entered the abode. After taking off their shoes. The older members were given the opportunity to see the inside…which also appeared suspiciously normal. Everything was clean and well furnished. Lorenzo and Ei noticed that the living room had a lot of ancient history paraphernalia.   

“Yunyun? What are you doing here?" Someone asked in surprise. An early middle-aged man entered the living room.   

Diavolo and Raiden already figured out who this person is.   

The Chief is a 38 year old, with a mustache in addition to red eyes and dark hair much like all Crimson Demons. He wears a leather jacket, white shirt, grey pants and boots. His accessories are fingerless gloves and a neck choker.  

Following a sense of fashion which despite seeming flashy to outsiders. Is admired and considered to be fashionable attire among his peers.   

Yunyun ran up and hugged her father. While looking at him over if he is injured or not.  

“Dad! Are you okay? I read your letter! Is there any danger?!” She was talking really fast in worry.    

Her father returned the hug back wholesomely. “I'm fine dear. Wow! You look cool in your new clothes.” He compliments Yunyun and she thanks.   

Ei can only smile ruefully and the family bond. She barely even remembers her parents. Previously when she was human; Her father perished in a meaningless war and mother died of a terminal illness. A poignant reminder of the transience of life and relationships. Their deaths changed Makoto and her forever. One of the main reasons for the ascension of Godhood.    

Lorenzo could only stare absent-mindedly. When he was a child, the Zeppeli wanted nothing more than to have a real family. But that all withered away when he grew older. He never got to experience family love; which is considered a powerful force that provides support, comfort, and a sense of belonging.  

Both otherworldly duos are slowly embracing change and new possibilities, even when it feels daunting.

Hiropon recalls what his child is talking about. “Ah, that letter. There's nothing to worry about.” He states blissfully.    

"What do you mean there's nothing to worry about?" Diavolo asked menacingly.   

"Meh, that letter was just one to my daughter about how I was doing. I only got so carried away when I was writing it. But that was my Crimson Demon blood acting up!" The leader let out a boastful laugh.  

The Zeppeli has never heard of something so ridiculous before.   

"That is not how blood works..." Ei voiced sharply, while frowning.    

Yunyun was partially in a state of shock. "W-well, if you're fine, can you explain your letter in a little more detail then?"  

“Before that, are they your adventuring comrades?” The zealous man asked in curiosity. While looking at the older members of Team Crimson in reverence.  

Yunyun nodded proudly, almost practically glowing. Before the rest of Team Crimson could introduce themselves, the infamous leader got closer to Diavolo and Raiden.   

For some reason the man became extremely serious and flicked his jacket. "My name is Hiropon! I am a wielder of Advanced Magic, have fought with Generals of the Devil King and the renowned Chief of the Crimson Demons!" The father made a pose to emphasize his idea of importance.    

Although he is the leader of his people, it seems Hiropon has a carefree and cheerful personality.  

Normally Lorenzo might have called the man a dramatic idiot but after having seen Megumin and Yunyun do this, it hardly phased him.  

Regarding the former Shogun, she ponders if the Crimson Demons were related to another clan from her old world.  

The former ruler of Inazuma decided to introduce herself first.  

“My name is Raiden Ei. It is a pleasure to meet you.” She bowed with grace. 

“Likewise, Raiden.” Hiropon nods respectfully. He was very pleased with her manners.  

Then all eyes turned to Mr Zeppeli. “Diavolo.” That was all he said.  

The Crimson Demons didn't seem to mind. Raiden frowned disdainfully at Lorenzo.    

"These are some fine comrades that you've found.” Hiropon gave his thumb of approval to his daughter.   

Yunyun then pulls out the note. "At the start of the letter, it says that you might have passed on from this world?"  

The father tilted his head. "It's just the standard Crimson Demon greeting! Weren't you supposed to learn that in school?" He asked in perplexity.   

Raiden and Diavolo looked at each dumbly. Then back at the older Crimson Demon. Both were flabbergasted at the bizarre greeting protocols in this crazy village.     

Hiropon snapped his finger. "Oh yeah! You did graduate early just because of how good you were, so that can't be helped." He stated proudly, while nodding his head. 

"... the military base owned by the Devil King?" Lorenzo asked, while already guessing the answer.  

"Ahh, that. Well the Devil King built this really elaborate and extravagant base and we didn't know whether to destroy it or keep it." The Leader got in a thinking pose.   

Diavolo was ready to break the coffee table in front of him. Raiden tried to ease the pink haired man. Finally Yunyun looked like she wanted to punch her own father.

Ei let out a tired sigh. "So there's nothing going on here?" She asked, while rubbing her temple.   

"Well, there-" Before Hiropon could finish his sentence.   

Everyone heard a sharp crack followed by a thundering boom.     

They quickly ran outside to investigate whatever that was.   

What they saw made their blood run cold.    

The Crimson Demon Village was burning.     

Half the village was in flames. Smoke billowed toward the sky, creating a dark cloud above the village, an ominous warning to the souls below of the peril they were in.