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"Lord Dantalion, may I request a dance with the beautiful lady?" a young noble asked politely, offering his hand to his niece, Dhalia. Dali smiled and watched his niece recoil slightly before declining the dance. The youngster didn't press, knowing that going against this demon was not wise.
"Are you alright, dear? You have not danced since you arrived," Dali asked Dhalia, pulling her against him, offering the girl comfort. "Did someone make you feel uneasy? If so, you need to tell me so that I may handle the situation...."
"Don't say it..."
"I'll rip him into a million tiny little pieces!" he stated in a cheerful tone. "After all, this little imp must be protected!" he gestured to her which made her pout.
"Stop calling me that, Uncle!"
"Stop calling me that!" he mocked as Dhalia rolled her eyes. Then she giggled as he hugged her and pressed his face to hers, kissing her on the nose.
"You're too nice!"
"I'm only nice to demons that I like." Dali smiled down at his niece before picking her up bridal style and carrying her out onto the dancefloor which earned him a surprised squeak. He gently placed her on the floor before offering his hand to the completely red female. "My lady," he bowed politely, his hand extended for her. She blushed and took the offered hand and was pulled close to him. Dali took her hands and placed one on his shoulder as the other was held gently by his strong arms. His hand fell to her back, and he slowly danced her across the ballroom.
Dhalia's blush brightened when she realized how many people were watching in awe, mostly women, who were sighing at the beautiful scene. Dhalia couldn't help the small smile that appeared on her lips. Her Uncle was really popular...she should have expected as such. Her eyes looked around the room as she caught the gazes of multiple men. Some were glaring daggers, some were just curious, and some were filled with desire...not the best sight...but at least he was popular with females, and that made Dhalia feel at ease. She sighed in relief, causing her uncle to frown slightly.
"Something the matter?" Dali asked as Dhalia shook her head. "Is this boring to you? Am I making you uncomfortable?"
"No," Dhalia whispered softly as she placed her head against Dali's chest. Dali chuckled as his hand tightened on her back. "Just wondering why everyone is watching...are we really that entertaining?"
"No," Dali said which confused the girl. Dhalia looked up at Dali to see that he was smiling widely. "They are simply watching the most beautiful demoness at this ball dance with the luckiest demon in the world!" Dhalia couldn't stop her eyes from twitching and the frown that appeared on her face. "My dear niece!" he continued with his dramatic act. "You are the star of this evening! After all, it isn't every day that such a beautiful creature walks the netherworld...oh! You must be feeling lonely in a space filled with so many ordinary people!"
"Shut it..." Dhalia's words didn't have much strength as the red tint appeared on her cheeks.
"It is fine...you will be adored by everyone," he cooed. "As I'm sure they know...they mustn't lay a finger on our little imp...or they might lose their limbs!" Dhalia couldn't help but laugh as Dali winked. The dance ended soon after that, and the two sat down, catching their breaths.
"Uncle...is it alright for you as a teacher to talk so much about 'ripping someone's limbs' in front of these people?" Dhalia asked as Dali thought about her question. "And saying it with that happy-go-lucky smile...."
"I might be a teacher but I am also a demon...this is our culture," he responded which caused the girl to look around and sigh. He chuckled as she groaned in frustration. "Protecting your family is what every demon does," he stated.
"Protecting me...who said I need to be protected? I can do it myself...." Dhalia huffed which made Dali chuckle again. "I can protect myself, thank you!"
"That's great dear," he praised. "Next time you decline all these suitors yourself." He gestured to all of the males around them who were still eyeing the two with curiosity. Dhalia's expression dropped before she sighed in defeat. Dhalia looked up and pouted, causing her Uncle to chuckle at her cuteness.
"I might be in need of protection after all!" she sighed before Dali brought her in close and pressed her head against his chest.
"Just tell them you have an overprotective Uncle who would gladly 'rip their limbs off,' if you don't like their advances," Dali whispered which made the girl laugh. He smiled brightly at the sound and gave her a loving gaze. "How about we go home and enjoy a nice cup of hot tea?"
"Uncle, it's still early... Grandmother told me to stay at this ball until it ended and to mingle with other demons... she will get angry with us if we go now...." Dali looked at the girl as she played with the skirt of her dress. The girl had never been one for large crowds, and this event was just making her more uncomfortable. He sighed softly, understanding her dilemma.
"Well then, we shall go out into the gardens, have some fresh air, and chat like the demons of old, my dear niece!" Dali's eyes flashed with happiness as he gestured for the girl to take his arm. Dali guided them toward the entrance of the gardens before giving Dhalia his full attention. "Is something the matter?" Dali asked his niece, his tone laced with concern. She had been unusually quiet, and it had Dali slightly worried.
"Lately...I've been having dreams....they have been strange..." Dali blinked a few times as he stared at the female. Dhalia was holding a hand in front of her, staring at her fingers with a faraway look in her eyes. Her eyes seemed different than they had been not too long ago. He blinked a few times in confusion but allowed the female to continue.
"My dreams have shown me...a shadowy figure...sometimes male... sometimes female... it holds a grimoire in its hands..." Dali studied the female's face; she didn't seem to notice his wandering gaze. "Strangely enough, I have found myself drawn to the figure... my mind keeps forcing its image on me. Who could it be...?" she mumbled to herself, not noticing her Uncle who stepped closer to her and raised his hand and rested it against her cheek, caressing it gently. The touch made the girl blink and look up at her Uncle. "Oh, Uncle...Sorry I got lost in my own thoughts again."
"No, go on," Dali whispered gently as he brushed his thumb against her cheek, his gaze not leaving her face. His brown eyes were filled with love and gentleness. "Tell me did something else happen in this dream."
"No, it was just that," Dhalia admitted as she snuggled into Dali's hand. "At least, that's all I can remember. I think I had more but they have slipped my mind..."
"Come, let's rest over here for a bit." Dali held the door open for his niece, and she stepped out into the gardens. They walked around, passing the flowers and the trees.
"There aren't very many people out here," Dhalia whispered before looking at the gardens. She let the smell of flowers and the cool night breeze wash over her, loosening the knot in her heart. "I bet it's so much nicer during the day; the plants seem to be vibrantly colored, and the scents are inviting and calming."
"The place is extremely serene, and I agree, the place is lovely." Dali stopped at a set of chairs and tables, which were placed underneath a magnificent tree. He watched as his niece trailed her fingers over a stone wall before looking back at him with bright eyes. "Sit here and let me tell you a story."
"Alright," Dhalia was quick to take a seat. Her Uncle smiled in amusement at her eagerness. His gentle brown eyes lifted to the night sky, taking in the multiple shining stars. His deep voice echoed slightly in the air, alerting the girl of the start of his story.
"Legend has it that there was a human wizard who was called the King of Magic. He managed to summon seventy-two demons with high-ranking powers and knowledge. One of these demons was Dali Dantalion our ancestor and the Name that is used to refer to the active protector of Babyls. " Dhalia listened with wide eyes as her Uncle continued. "Dali appeared sometimes as a beautiful woman and other times as a handsome man. He was always seen with a grimoire in his hand...." Dali watched Dhalia's eyes widen in realization before she gasped slightly.
"Could it be...? Uncle, do you think I'm seeing the original Dali Dantalion in my dreams?" Dhalia's shaky words made Dali blink before smiling slightly.
"No, dear," Dali admitted which made the female deflate. "I think the shadow that you see represents you...." Dhalia blinked in confusion as Dali chuckled. "Some of us have seen Dali in their dreams when their time as the protector has arrived. Some others when a big change was about to happen in their life...." Dali leaned forward and brushed his niece's cheek with his fingers.
"Change?" Dhalia questioned which made Dali smile.
"You may be young but you are growing up...." Dali trailed off which made Dhalia's brows draw together. "Your body is maturing, and your heart is welcoming new emotions...these demonic dreams are simply warning you that changes are coming...." Dhalia blushed brightly which made Dali coo at how cute his niece was. "Don't worry dear, everything will turn out fine...change isn't always a bad thing...."
"I understand...." Dali watched Dhalia as silence fell between them. Her eyes were distant, and her hands were fiddling with her skirt. He sighed slightly before placing a hand on her head and patting it lovingly.
"Is there something else on your mind?" Dali asked which made the female look up at him. "Is school troubling you...? Are the students bullying you...? Do I need to rip someone's limbs...." Dhalia giggled which made Dali grin brightly. "Come on dear, tell Uncle all your worries...I promise to fix them all!"
"I have no worries!" Dhalia stated which made Dali raise a brow. "Really Uncle...school is great, and the students treat me well...." Dali hummed which made Dhalia blink.
"Then is it a boy...?" Dali teased which made the female tense. "Ah! It is a boy!" Dali laughed which made Dhalia blush brightly.
"Uncle...." Dhalia whined which made Dali compose himself.
"Sorry dear...your reactions are just so cute!" Dali praised which made the female pout. "Now tell Uncle who has captured your heart...." Dhalia blushed which made Dali blink in surprise. "My dear niece...have you fallen in love...? Do I need to kill...." Dali paused as the female covered his mouth with her hand.
"Uncle please stop...." Dhalia begged which made Dali blink innocently. Dhalia removed her hand from Dali's mouth before sighing. "It isn't anyone...." Dali didn't believe her which made Dhalia groan. "Uncle...can we not talk about this...?"
"Fine...I won't push...." Dali held his hands up in surrender which made the female sigh in relief. "But dear...whatever you do...remember to use protection and...." Dhalia screeched which made Dali laugh.
"Uncle!" Dhalia covered her uncle's mouth again which made him wink. Her embarrassment made him snicker as she moved her hand away and started to pout at him again. "This is exactly why you don't have a girlfriend, Uncle...." Dali chuckled and ruffled the female's hair, earning a halfhearted slap from his niece.
"Alright dear, you got me...." Dali stood up as he clapped his hands together. Dhalia looked at him curiously as he grinned down at the girl. "Since we can't talk about boys...I, the amazing and cool-uncle, will entertain you!" He flexed which made Dhalia laugh again which warmed Dali's heart. Dali walked around to face his niece before holding a hand out for her. Dhalia blinked and allowed the demon to pull her up and out towards the middle of the garden. He twirled her and then grabbed her waist and hoisted her up before tossing her in the air and catching her as she squealed in surprise. "Now laugh my dear niece, and dance with me!"
Dhalia didn't hesitate and allowed her Uncle to lead her as they spun and danced across the grass. Her giggles and laughs filled the garden which caused Dali to smile brightly. The two continued to dance for a bit before the female collapsed onto the grass with a bright grin.
"That was fun Uncle...." Dhalia giggled before breathing in the cool night air. Dali hummed and sat next to his niece and looked up at the sky. The two demons remained there and simply watched as the stars twinkled in the distance. "Uncle...? Do you ever have strange dreams too?" Dhalia questioned. "You told me others have...do you? What do yours say?"
"Of course, I had them right before I was chosen as the next 'Dali'..." Dali responded. "However, nowadays mine tell me that one of my students will bring danger to the school...."
"Danger...?" Dhalia sat up, which made Dali hum.
"Nothing that we can't handle....the danger is only because they will be different than other demons. They will have powers that are different, and our laws and way of life will be challenged....That's what my dreams are telling me. Though I don't know when they will appear, though." Dali smiled and ruffled the female's hair. "I wouldn't worry about it too much...it will turn out okay in the end!" Dhalia smiled which made Dali pull her against his body and into a one-armed hug. "Now come dear, let us return to the ball before your Grandmother tears my limbs off for a change...."
"She would and that with the most elegant smile on her face. This family really likes to threaten limbs...." Dhalia mused which made Dali chuckle as they stood up.
"I blame it on the 'Dali' blood in our veins...." Dali admitted which made Dhalia laugh before the two walked back inside.
The night ended without much fanfare, and Dali returned Dhalia to her home, with the promise of escorting her to the next event too. Dhalia sighed contently as she changed into her pajamas before slipping under her covers and getting some sleep. As she slept, her dreams shifted and swirled before they cleared, showing the shadowy figure that had been haunting her nights. The image held no form but a book appeared in its hands before it was tossed away. Dhalia blinked before reaching out, the image got clearer for a split second before fading.
Dhalia woke up with a sigh before she looked out her window at the rising sun. The dream had not given her any answers, and her Uncle had teased her which left her a bit frustrated. However, she couldn't stop the smile that found its way to her lips as she got out of bed and prepared for the day. The dreams had been strange but if her Uncle believed everything was going to be okay, then she would believe him. Dhalia finished getting ready and headed downstairs, and the smell of breakfast met her nose, making her stomach rumble in excitement.
"Huh? You seem more even more cheerful than usual....did something good happen?" Eito commented as he watched Dali happily pour some coffee into his mug.
"This weekend I was able to attend a ball with my niece and spend some quality time with her!" Dali sighed happily which made Eito roll his eyes. "She's so cute; I just want to carry her everywhere and show her off to everyone!" Eito shook his head as he listened to Dali's cheerful tone. "I also promised her that I would go with her to the next one...." Dali hummed.
"If you dote on her too much, you'll spoil her rotten...." Eito warned which made Dali snicker.
"You mean, I haven't already done so...?" Dali questioned. "My niece is a princess for me! The other demons have no chance when I have someone like her to shower with all my love!"
"Right...." Eito sighed before looking down at his coffee. Dali hummed and sat at his desk before grinning.
"Anyways, let's start preparing for the entrance ceremony." Dali clapped his hands which made Eito sigh again. "Did the cleaning crew do their job? What about the banner that they are putting up this year...? How is it looking so far?" Dali questioned before looking at his documents and checking the school schedule.
"Yeah, they did a pretty good job...." Eito watched as Dali opened up an email.
"Okay, good...." Dali murmured as he started typing out a response. "Now about the students that applied this year...." Dali's eyes drifted to the file Eito was holding and gestured for the demon to give it to him. Eito handed the files to him before he started to flip through them. "Huh... Wait why is a student listed as Lord Sullivan's grandson?" Dali's brows furrowed which made Eito blink in surprise.
"Lord Sullivan has a grandson?" Eito questioned, "He doesn't even have a wife or a child...."
"I have never heard Lord Sullivan talk about his family... hmmm...." Dali looked over the other applications before handing Eito the folder back. "Well, this year's applicants seem interesting."
"You don't look too concerned," Eito pointed out which made Dali smirk.
"Should I be?" Dali questioned which made Eito shake his head. "Now come...we have more important things to worry about than the students who applied." Dali clapped his hands which made Eito raise his brow before chuckling slightly. "Let's make sure to create a fun welcoming ceremony for our new students! Let's do everything to protect our treasure...." Eito looked at Dali, who had a dangerous look in his eye before snickering slightly.
"Yes sir!
Soon the day of the entrance ceremony came. It would mark the beginning of a legendary rise for a group of 13 misfits but that is not my story to tell.