Chapter 15
After riding the elevator up, Jack took Vincent to the cafeteria so that he could grab a bite to eat and meet up with Sophie and the others.
Jack: ...You know you shouldn't tell anyone about the whole “saviour” prophecy, right?
Vincent: I know.
Jack: Good. Don't worry, I was just kidding about telling Alex.
Alex: Kidding about telling me what?
Jack: !!!
As if on cue, Alex appeared from a side hallway and overheard the last part of the conversation.
Alex: Tell me, you know I don't like secrets…
At this point, Alex seemed to be threatening both Jack and Vincent. For some reason, when Vincent looked at Alex at that moment, it awakened the trauma that ES had instilled into him, making him extremely fearful and his mind went blank as he relived the horrifying nightmare she'd put him through. Alone without any allies, Jack came up with the most clever lie he could come up with to get Alex to calm down. It was truly the strategy of a genius older brother.
Jack: We were just talking about how Vincent has a crush on you. He didn't want to tell you because he was too embarrassed so he decided to confide his secret in me, and now you demand that i just betray his trust. Have you no shame dear sister? (B:Told you.)
Once those words were spoken, Alex took a moment to process what had just been said. Her face changed from one of deep pondering to realization and then finally to complete embarrassment.
Alex: M-m-m-my b-bad. I d-didn't know that it was s-something so p-personal. I-I'll see-talk to you later Vincent.
After stuttering through her words, Alex ran away at a speed that seemed way above what she showed during her match against Vincent.
Vincent: (CE… You are my best friend! Sucks I have to wait until she's older...)
Somewhere in the endless void…
CE: ………………..Baka.
Back to the main story…
Jack: Sorry about the lie, Vincent.
Vincent: It's fine, I wouldn't mind having such a cute girl as my wife. (Crap, did I say that aloud!?)
Jack:... So, looks like I'm the one who's gonna screw over humanity.
However, before Jack could lay a hand on Vincent he was interrupted by Sophie, John, and Russell who were waving at them from one of the tables near the exit to the cafeteria.
Sophie: Oy, Vince! We're over here!
Jack: ...Watch yourself brat.
Vincent: I'm so lucky to have such a caring big brother. Don't worry, I'll be sure to show Alex the same care…(Srew it, you triggered the flag, let's see how this ends in a couple of years from now...)
Sophie, completely missing the aura between the 2, continued to wave and yell towards them without any clue about what was going on whatsoever. She stopped once she saw the 2 of them walk towards her and her companions.
Sophie: Geez, are you guys deaf? What took you so long?
Jack: Sorry, we were just talking about the abilities of Vincent’s innocence. It's always good to know as much about one's innocence as possible. We wouldn't want him to bite off more than he can chew…
Vincent: I'm so lucky to have Jack looking out for me. As thanks, I'll make sure to play with Alex for the rest of my life.
If Sophie wasn't there, Jack and Vincent would have long since started a fight. Everyone in the cafeteria except for Sophie saw the tension in the air and remained silent for the sake of not ending up in between the 2 of them.
Sophie: That's so nice. See, I told you you'd find people here that would care about you. Isn't that great Vincent? Now, let's eat.
Jack: Please have what I've ordered. It's extremely healthy for you, Vincent.
After saying so, Jack gave a look at one of the chefs. The chef seemed unwilling to do something for a moment, but then went into the kitchen once he saw the look in Jack’s eyes that seemed to say that not doing what he asked was asking for a fate worse than death.
A few minutes later, multiple servants came out holding plate after of plate of strange dishes that seemed extremely unappetizing.
Jack: What's the matter, Vincent. If you can't do this much, then how are you going to protect Alex for me?
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Sophie: Jack, what are you doing!? He's just a kid that's not even 4 ye-
Vincent: It's fine Sophie. I was just thinking about how thoughtful Jack is. You must really want me to take good care of Alex if you're willing to go this far. Don't worry, I won't let you down.
After saying so, Vincent immediately started digging in, finishing each plate that was put in front of him. To onlookers, it may seem that he was forcing himself to eat, but in reality, it's just that none of these dishes could come even close to what ES had made him eat that day when they had a misunderstanding… it's likely that no dish ever would.
Throughout the whole time, Jack continued smiling as each dish was placed in front of Vincent. Each one seemed even worse than the last. The last thing to be placed in front of him was a metal bowl with a strange dark liquid in it. The wooden spoon that was placed inside the liquid seemed to be melting in it.
Sophie: That doesn't look edible!
Jack: Come on, is this as far as your resolve goes?
Vincent: (Judging from the fact that it doesn't seem to melt metal, I might not need to spend points to survive this...) What are you talking about, for my friends I'd go to hell!
As he said those words that he most likely chose to say since his enhanced senses told him that Alex was hidden amongst the crowd of onlookers, Vincent quickly placed the bowl to his lips and chugged the liquid down his throat. It wouldn't be a lie to say that as it passed through his mouth into his stomach it melted parts of him, but he just worked his faith energy combined with the small amount of soul energy that he could control when out of shinigami mode to speed up his healing abilities.
Everyone except Alex and Jack: (I have so much respect for this kid...)
Sophie: V-Vince, are you alright?
Vincent: It's fine, my innocence can speed up my healing ability.
Jack: Seems like I'll have to accept what you said… Alright, I don't like it but I approve of you. Just don't ruin my sweet little Alex, she's too innocent and naive. Remember, hurt her feelings and you're dead.
Alex: Who's innocent and naive!? And stop threatening Vincent!
Jack: Ah, Alex. Alright, you have my blessing. Remember though, tell your big brother if he does anything to hurt you.
Alex: Whatever… Hey, Vincent. Do you want me to show you around? It's pretty easy to get lost around here.
Vincent: Sure, thanks for caring about me
With the way Vincent phrased it, Alex’s face became bright red but she didn't say anything and motioned for Vincent to follow her.
After that, 2 children could be seen walking out of the cafeteria in silence. All the single people had mixed feelings since they found the sight both sweet and envious. Jack also left through a different exit since he needed time to calm his thoughts about what was happening with Vincent and his sister.
Jack: They're just friends, they're just friends, they're just friends...
After walking for a while in silence, Vincent decided to break the silence.
Vincent: So, you gonna tell me where we're going?
Alex: … *exhales* Yeah, I was planning to show you where the rooms are as well as the general facilities.
With that small conversation between the two to break the ice, Alex began to visibly relax. Now that Vincent got a better look at her, he truly felt that she'd be quite the temptress when she grew up. She had short silver hair along with blue eyes that seemed to suckling your soul in. Though she had no bust, that didn't mean that she had no future potential. (B: He wants to wait cause he's no pedo.)
As Vincent was lost in her adorable figure that made you want to protect and treasure her, their tour came to an end.
Alex: So, where are you gonna be assigned to Vincent?
Vincent: That's something that I don't think I should say. Ask your brother.
Alex: ...Alright. Well, see you later.
If it was before, Alex would have immediately pursued the subject, but now that she had opened her heart a little to Vincent, she respected his answer. It might also just be the fact that Vincent said the intense statement of "going to hell for his friends" sake not long ago, so that was still fresh in her mind.
After arriving in front of Jack’s office, Alex had decided to leave for her room since she was still tired and a little bit injured from her fight against Vincent.
After she left, Vincent decided to go inside Jack’s office. What awaited him in there was Jack himself and someone he hadn't expected to see so soon.
Jack: Oh, hey there Vincent. Seems like your tour with Alex is done. We were just finishing up paperwork involving General Nine’s guardianship of you.
Klaud: Hey there boy, miss me?
Vincent: *nod* (Though I did just say she resembled my mom just to mess with her, she does have quite the mesmerizing mature aura to her...)
Klaud: Well, we'll see after I get through training you. And sign here… done. You're officially my responsibility now, get ready boy, I won't go easy on you just because you're a kid.
Vincent: (Lies. She's extremely kind to children...)
Jack: Well then Vincent, I hope you get strong soon. The fate of humanity is in your hands.
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Currently, Vincent was walking with Klaud to a remote part of the European Branch Headquarters. There was nothing sexual about this, they were only going to an area reserved for General Nine. Since she had become Vincent's legal guardian, she would have to spend a while with him and stop her work of searching for potential exorcists until it was decided that Vincent could fend for himself. The other generals wanted her to "adopt" Vincent since it might increase her bond with him, but she instantly rejected due to Cross chuckling the whole time in the background...
Klaud: Here we are, boy. Home sweet home for the next few months for me and years for you.
After arriving in front of what seems to be a small mansion located in a forest away from the main building, General Nine spoke for the first time the entire journey there.
Klaud: Come on in boy, don't stand there all night.
Vincent: Coming.
After entering the mansion, Vincent took note that there were already people tending to the mansion. It seems like the building had its own separate staff than the staff from the main building.
Klaud: Come on, your room’s on the second floor.
General Nine was Vincent's navigator, so he made sure that he was always one step behind her so as to avoid getting lost.
Klaud: Here we are.
Finally, after another minute, they stopped in front of a door. General Nine opened the door and the inside of the room seemed very well taken care of.
Klaud: This is your room from now on. Mine is the one next to yours, so if you need anything, just come and ask me or one of the servants here.
Vincent: Thank you... er...
Klaud: Just call me Klaud.
Vincent: Thank you Klaud.
Klaud: ...No problem kid. Make sure that you wake up by 6 tomorrow. We'll start your training then. Good night.
Vincent: (nod) Good night Klaud.
(A: They're intimate enough. From now on General Nine will be changed to Klaud.)
Klaud smiled warmly when Vincent called her name for the first time and went in her room to sleep. Vincent also went to his room, though he had to apologise to ES first before he went to sleep. Because of the fact he'd train tomorrow, he needed all the rest he could get. He popped into the other dimension and gave ES a quick kiss good night. She said it was alright that he couldn't spend the night with her and that she knew he could make it up to her whenever he had the chance. After staying for a little while longer hugging ES, Mike went back to being Vincent and slept the rest of the night. In all honesty though, Vincent was starting to feel that ES's sex drive was becoming a little to strong for a person with a body supposedly within the confines of a normal human being...