The sounds of pen against paper were the only sounds that disturbed the silence in the Student Government outbuilding at Renfield College that morning. Alice sat at her desk in the back of the room, carefully looking over documents and signing her name after each one. She took a brief glance at the clock, reading 6:50 AM, and stretched her back.

"I suppose it would be alright to take a little break." She muttered to herself, pushing her chair back and moving to the small kitchen to start the kettle.

---

It was a brisk morning in Seattle. The sun hadn't started rising yet, and the world was locked in a quiet twilight. The streets were starting to look alive as the first commuters began their days. The evergreens were the only trees left with foliage as the winter chill took it's toll.

Baradiel didn't nearly sleep late as much as his own master did. While he actually did want to help Alice as much as he could, he wasn't sure his master wanted the same thing. He watched just how much reponsibility was placed upon her when Allocer and his wife escaped into the unknown for their honeymoon and no one knew where they were. He was sure that this was an opportunity for Alice to prove herself as the heir to the Devil Name, but it was too much. Other devils had a single location to guard and to maintain.

Alice had two. And they were in different continents too. Seattle and London were completely different yet they had to guard them both. For a peerage as small as theirs, you would think that it would have been impossible. Quite honestly, Baradiel himself knew that this would be too much to hadle but Alice was adamant that she could do it. The amounts of paperwork on her desk, though, certianly made Baradiel think otherwise. But, he promised to support her whatever her decision may be, and this was it.

But Baradiel had some unfinished business with some London folk who had created a contract with him. The man had called him back while he was in Seattle which caused Baradiel to teleport back to London to keep the man happy, despite the fact that it was known that they were at Seattle at that time. He had aided the man in his attempts to learn how to shoot a gun, which was something he had learned himself during combat. Once that was done, it was already afternoon and if he was correct, it was going to be morning back in Seattle.

Great. Baradiel headed back to their building and then used the teleportation rune to get to Seattle in mere seconds. He was too used to teleporting that it wasn't jarring anymore as the office formed around him. He looked around. It seemed like no one was there yet, but he could see that Alice's desk was disturbed. She was here recently. So that would mean she was still in the building.

The Fallen Angel turned Devil headed to the kitchen, planning to get some coffee in his system since he was rather sleepy. He needed something to keep him going for the entire day. As expected, Alice was there. "Good morning Alice." He greeted as he began preparing the coffee machine. One look at her and he already knew that she stayed up overnight again. "Still haven't made a dent on that pile?" He questioned, making conversation with his liege.

"That depends," Alice replied, turning from her vigil on the heating water to look wearily at Baradiel. "What's your opinion on the Ship paradox? The one that asks if something that has all its parts replaced is still the same thing." Rubbing the heels of her palms into her eyes, she sighed as she leaned back against the counter, eyeing the first member of her household. Baradiel had been by her side as long as she could remember, constantly getting her out of trouble and supporting her, but even he was just one person. Her thoughts once again focused on the state of her peerage. If things didn't change, she would soon have to start giving her pieces to people she'd really rather not, just to get some extra hands helping out.

Covering a yawn with the back of her hand, Alice brought her focus back to the present. "I really need to get some rest, but I can't be idle for long. I've heard some rumors about a stray devil lurking around our territory. This side, not London, thankfully. There's nothing specific yet, but I've got a feeling we'll have a fight on our hands once night falls. can you make sure everyone is prepared?"

Alfonse checked his phone on his way out, pausing a moment at the door to take an umbrella. This side of Washington rained nearly every day and ruining a suit wouldn't do. He locked the house’s door and looked over the outside. Some of the paint was peeling off but the ivy he planted was growing well. He made a mental note to find a painter.

He felt a twinge of wistfulness as he made his way down the drive, taking a moment to remember the woman who’d paid him the house in a contract. It was entirely by accident. Narti stole one if the woman’s garden ornaments and left the flyer behind instead. Two days later, he teleported into the women's room and make a pact to keep her children from squabbling over her inheritance and to keep her company before she passed away. It had been easy, getting her to sign him over as the inheritor, changing her children’s memories, and arranging her funeral after the fact.

He started up the car, another pact payment. Did he really need to drive? Not particularly but he found the mortal’s metal death traps rather relaxing when they functioned properly. And he needed something in the event teleportation was inconvenient so he had ensured he’d gotten something upscale. It wouldn’t do for Alice to arrive in anything less.

He made a stop by his regular bakery, picking up a box of pastries and bagels and a few newspapers while chatting quietly with the woman who ran the store. He wished her a good day and left, heading straight to the college. His dashboard read 6:40. Just on time.
---------
Alfonse walked into the room and noted the desk and the pile of paperwork. Good thing he brought food, it seemed someone would probably need it. He made his way into the kitchenette.

“Good morning, my liege.” Alfonse said, bowing at Alice. “Good morning, Mr. Dublois. I brought bagels and pastries, I’ll have them laid out in just a moment. The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and The Wall Street Journal will be out in a moment as well.” He glanced at Alice and sighed, taking the kettle of the heat.

“Go sit with Mr. Dublois my liege. I’ll bring your tea in just a moment.” Alfonse suggested softly as he used his magic to bring the water to a boil before setting up the teapot and laying pastries and such on a serving platter.

It hurts...

The black flame that encased his body and had saved his life...was now killing him. It felt as though his flesh was being seared off at the bone at the moment and he could do nothing.

It hurts..

"Don't make this hard on yourself kid, just surrender and we'll make it end." The voice of a fallen angel, the one who currently had him trapped along with two of his minions, offered a pointless pity.

It hurts.

Desmond stared blankly at the trio. He had just fought the hardest battle of his life and still lost. Death was coming, this Desmond knew. The wounds he suffered from his father weren't healing quick enough and this forsaken flame was tearing him apart from the inside out. They wanted a sacred gear from him but he did not possess such a thing, if he had maybe he would have won against his father. A vicious, beast-like glare erupted as his black flame's aura exploded

"IT FUCKING HURTS YOU PRICKS! He screamed at the top of his lungs ready to attack, only to be silenced immediately as a dark blade pierced his back. A terrified look shown in Desmond's face as he look back to see the bloodied face of his father, grinning smugly as the blade was pushed deeper in.

================

Desmond lurched forwards from his bed, sweat beating down the sides of his temple as he breathed heavily. A nightmare. One that had been real not too long ago except for his father stabbing him in the back...at least literally. Both hands moved down the center of his face, stretching skin in a hopes to get rid of some of the grogginess. Sleeping made him feel vulnerable and was the one feeling he hated the most, however at least here he had allies. This hatred...this fear of sleep shown in the dark pits of his eyes, giving him an already unfriendly look atop of his near expressionless face.

The water simply rushed over the top of his head as he stood in the shower, the intense heat removing any remaining fatigue. Desmond took a good look in the mirror at his bare, scarred chest and scowled. He hated it so he quickly got changed into his signature look. A long black trench-coat, black military pants, and a plain black T-shirt underneath. Despite Alice being aware of his scars, he still didn't like them being on display for people to see. Desmond walked into the main room of the Student Government building, where members of his household were congregating. Alphonse, Alice's queen and personal butler it seemed. A kind man most of the time and downright terrifying any other. Baradiel, Alice's bishop and adopted uncle/advisor. His relaxed attitude got on Desmond's nerves sometimes but he otherwise respected the man. Finally and not least of all, Alice. The one who gave him a new purpose "Good Morning, my lady." He spoke with a clear tone of respect that faded slightly as he addressed the two others "Baradiel. Alphonse." The gift of small talk was not one he possessed being that friendship was a privilege he had never known. Regardless of what path Alice went down, as her knight he would follow her to the end.

The smell of coffee immediately grabbed his attention, he could certainly use a cup with the night he had.

Alice wrinkled her nose a little as the scent of coffee began filling the air. She ignored the discomfort, reminding herself that she'd soon have a cup of tea to sooth her nose, and turned with a smile to greet Alphonse and Desmond.

"Thank you Alphonse, you're a lifesaver. I don't know how I'd function without you." She turned to move back to the main room, planning to find a comfortable place to sit and maybe rest her eyes. First though, she stopped in the doorway next to her knight.

"How are you doing today Desmond?" She asked, trying to keep the weariness from her face. Her knight held a special meaning to her. Baradiel had been given to her, Alphonse had been pressed into her service, but she had found Desmond on the brink of death, she had brought him back by giving him a place in her family. She often wondered if her mothering annoyed him. She was considerably younger than he was, but she felt like she needed to take care of him anyways.

His crimson-red eyes met hers as she addressed him "I'm ready to make myself useful." He answered directly. A quick scan and he could detect the fatigue that a lack of sleep was having on her. That was something he supposed he could relate with, even if he was burdened with the past and she was seemingly burdened by the present "Are you doing alright, my lady?" He asked plainly. If there was some way he could relieve even the smallest burden off her shoulders, he would jump at the opportunity.

The difference in their age rarely came to Desmond's mind, given her apparent maturity and the constant mothering she expressed exclusively to him. The latter was a issue that Desmond was conflicted about. While he felt honored that Alice was looking out for his health, the manner in which she expressed so was at times unnerving. It was the role of a knight to worry about the safety of his lady, not the other way around he felt. This sense of duty was also the reason for his avoidance of using her first name.

His face scrunched up at the question. "You know I hate those kinds of questions." The kind of questions that made him expend more energy that he'd want. He leaned on the wall as he waited for his coffee to prepare. "But I suppose that means that more paperwork appeared overnight?" The amount of what they had to do was seriously ridiculous. Putting this much pressure on a little girl - in his eyes - was not ideal. Then again, he thought of most of them as 'children' and 'little ones' because of their age. The new generation were only as old as two hundred years old and Baradiel didn't quite see that age as someone who has reached complete maturity.

He rubbed the back of his head, messing up his already unruly hair. "A stray huh? Shouldn't be too difficult. Let's finish it fast." He said. Baradiel was used to being ordered around to do the near impossible. That's how it is in war. He knew that giving up your life was almost a near constant need for all of them. It was a combination of luck and skill that some of them didn't die during the Great War. "You should go to bed Alice. I can take care of Alfonse and Desmond." There was clear worry in his tone as he suggested his King to do what needed to be done. "There's still some time until night time."

That was when Alfonse made his appearance. The young devil was something of a butler. Baradiel knows the motions, as he had done it once before during Alice's father's reign. But he appreciated that someone else wanted to take over that part of his life. It would give him more time to actually handle Alice... who rarely slept. So, of course, Baradiel has to keep a keen eye on the girl so she doesn't pass out on them suddenly. Who knows how many times she fell asleep on her desk doing her paperwork.

"Good morning, Alfonse." He greeted with a smile before pouring him his cup of coffee. Bagels and pastries huh? Sounds delicious. He kept his cup close to him, a smirk on his face as he knew that Alice wasn't exactly fond of coffee. Teasing his King was something he actually did frequently.

He took a sip as he waited for everything to be prepared, but he wasn't sitting down yet. That was when Desmond waltzed in. "Desmond." He greeted back with a nod and a smile before pouring him a cup of coffee. The only other person who appreciated coffee like he did as both Alfonse and Alice preferred tea and didn't exactly like coffee. "Here you go Desmond." Baradiel gave the devil his cup of coffee.

He leaned his head back onto the wall, his eyes closing momentarily. "By the by," He looked at Desmond and Alfonse. "There was a report of a Stray Devil, so we're going out later." He alerted the two males. He wondered if he could patrol this day and see where the stray would find itself at. Abandoned churches was usually the area of interest and he knew every location in there. It's what he first did when he got into Seattle, which was an unfamiliar place to him.

He turned to Alice. "Shall I go out later and collect information?" He questioned with a lazy look on his face which meant that there wasn't enough coffee in his system yet.

“And good morning to you as well, Mr. Desmond.” Alfonse responded as he laid out silver platters he brought from London. He laid out the pastries and bagels around a small pile of jams, creamed cheese, and chocolate spread. He place two of them, a chocolate twist and a strawberry topped danish on small plates separate from the rest. ”A stray devil? How disappointing to see kin fall to such depravity. I’ll send Narti out after breakfast as well.” He adjusted a croissant and turned to Baradiel.

I must admit Mr. Dublois, I discovered at the bakery this morning I am quite ignorant of your breakfast preferences. Besides the obvious of course.” He nodded at the coffee pot as he check on the tea and started setting up the other tray with milk and sugar cubes. He placed cups, silverware, and small plates along with them. Satisfied with the tea, he pulled out the mesh and dumped the loose leaves in the trash and covered the pot again. “Hopefully, you’ll find something agreeable in the others I selected and when you find the time in your schedule, please email me a short list of foods you enjoy excluding your morning battery acid.”

He gave the trays a quick glance over, decided he was satisfied, and picked them both up with ease, passing quietly past Alice and Desmond while chuckling inwardly at the Knight’s puppy-like devotion. He placed the trays down at a coffee table between two couches facing each other, pouring tea for Alice after placing the twist at her seat and placing the strawberry danish at Desmond's.

“At your leisure, breakfast is served. Although I recommend my liege and Mr. Desmond don't dally as your pastries may cool past your liking.”

Alice smiled again at Alfonse and Desmond as she took her seat, barely stifling another yawn. "I'm as well as can be expected, considering I haven't slept." She gratefully took her tea, breathing in the steam before adding a sugar cube and a splash of milk. After taking a moment to drink and collect her thoughts, she spoke again.

"Alphonse, go ahead and send Narti. Focus on the edges of our territory, I don't think it's crossed inside yet. Baradiel, I want you on hand in London to take care of any issues that might crop up. Desmond you should go with him in case he needs support. I'll call you back if we find any leads, but keep me updated in the meantime. I need... I need to get some rest. I can't go into a fight like this, even if it's just a stray."

Looking around at her small family, Alice smiled once more and finished her tea quickly, leaning her head back and closing her eyes. "I'm just gonna... close me eyes for a minute." She muttered as her focus started to drift. "Can't be caught asleep. Not when there's so many people who need..."

"Though it is disappointing, I find other cases as interesting. Strays who become strays because of their own master's carelessness." Baradiel said before sipping his coffee again. There were times when he actually did delve into the case a bit further than he should. Call it morbid interest. Sometimes, they were so drunk in power that they decided to simply kill their masters or leave. But sometimes, rare occassions really, they do it for a reason. A morally valid one, if anything. Though, a Stray is a Stray, and they must be put down. "There are Kings out there who isn't as kind as our master." He continued, knowing the cases all too well. Though, thankfully, not from personal experience.

When brought the question of his preferences for breakfast, Baradiel couldn't help but be surprised. After all, he was the type of person who would eat anything as long as there was something to eat. Though considering how Alfonse moves and how he acts, it shouldn't have been a wonder that he would be picky over these things. "I'll keep that in mind, Alfonse. Though, your selection is quite excellent as it is." He gave the male a thankful smile. He then laughed. "I still don't get why you and Alice don't like coffee." Baradiel could see why the Corrumpi Household decided to give him over to them. He was more than useful. And more than powerful in his own sense. A very helpful Queen, this one was.

He then looked over to Alice when he gave out the instructions, internally grimacing when he heard that he was returning to London. While the trip of going here to there only took a few seconds, the fact that he had to be completely separated from the peerage wasn't something he preferred. Though, hearing that Desmond was coming with him at least did put him at ease. "Alright. I'll be out once we're done eating. Just this one croissant..." He said. Baradiel hadn't eaten anything for the past nine hours and these pastries were looking really good.

He then turned to Alice when she began to trail off, a soft smile on his face. Even when she's a young adult, he just can't seem to see her as anything but. Baradiel walked over to her. He bent down and whispered, "Good night, princess." He placed a light hand on her head and then looked at Alfonse. "Well then, might as well get her to the room, Alfonse. We'll head on out."

He took out a paper bag and then placed the croissant he's been eyeing inside. He then gulped down the coffee. "Come on Desmond, we have a patrol to do. Unless you need a bit more time to eat." Baradiel wasn't in a complete rush. He could always get more coffee and wait for Desmond to finish anyway. After all, Baradiel needed more than one cup of coffee to last him the day, especially if he had to go into battle later that night with a Stray.

”My liege and I maintain enough sense to avoid drinking battery acid Mr. Dublois.” Alfonse said before bowing to Alice and holding out his hand, his familiar’s summoning circle appearing briefly before the crow replaced it. She hopped up onto his shoulder and cawed. Alfonse chuckled and pulled out a few nuts he kept for her. She snatched them up as he walked over to a window.

“There’s a stray devil running amok dear. If you’d be so kind as to circle the edge of our territory until we find it, I would greatly appreciate it.” It took a moment but she cawed again and took off out the open window. He closed it and watched Baradiel murmur to their King. He felt the familiar itch at the sight. It was perfect, practically begging him press on that connection, see what chaos he could cook up. He stamped the instinct down, hard. He wasn’t here to turn them against each other. He was here to support them. He repeated that to himself as he moved to the sleeping King and gently picked her up.

“Of course Mr. Dublois. She’ll be well taken care of while you’re away.” Alfonse nodded at the pair, stepping into another room they had repurposed just for this. He slid her underneath the blankets and tucked her in carefully, stepping out quickly return with a glass of water, a small bottle of painkillers, and her pastry for when she woke up. He placed them on the bedside table and quietly closed the door behind him. He looked at the other two.

“Will you be requiring my teleportation circle gentlemen?” He asked as he settled down on a couch, sipping at a cup of tea.“And if you could, bring me a copy of The Independent, The Daily Mirror, and The Guardian while you’re out please. I dislike being behind on our territory’s events.”

It was a relief to Desmond that Alice gave a honest answer and he wouldn't have to pry to get more "I'm sure after a long rest you'll be fine." His lips curving into a very small smile, almost unnoticeable, and also took a seat at the couch. The aroma from the breakfast Alphonse brought now began to enter this nose and with it, the unmistakable delicious smell of strawberry.

He graciously took the cup of coffee from Baradiel, the bitter drink went well with sweet pastries he found "Thank you." He replied, looking into the dark liquid. His attention turn to Baradiel again as he indicated he had one more thing to say to him "A stray devil?" His grip on the cup tightened, not in fear but in resentment "I hope we find it before it causes too much trouble." A bitterness underlying his voice. Lucius had these tests where he would lock Desmond in a large room with a stray devil and he would fight until he could fight no more, then Lucius would clean up.

Crimson eyes widened a bit as the strawberry danish was placed in front of him by Alphonse. He did not deserve such good treatment "You're great Alphonse, Thanks." Without a moment longer, he began to eat his breakfast. His taste buds exploded in delight as the strawberry flavor touched his tongue. Desmond was not one to waste time eating so in mere moments the pastry went from the plate to his hand to his stomach. He had no problem with those of the household knowing his liking of strawberries, but he he would be mortified if his secret love of sweets. It was not something a Knight of Alice's household should indulge in.

Desmond kept quiet as Baradiel talked about incompetent masters. No mater how much he despised stray devils for the hardships they gave him growing up, he could understand the point being made. His father's cruelty is what ended him up here in the first place. If a parent can be vicious to their child, a master could be vicious to their pieces. Speaking of master, he watched Alice go from giving orders to lights out in one paragraph. The paperwork was hitting her harder than he thought.

He rose as Baradiel addressed him and drank the rest of his coffee in one, long sip "I'm good to go." He responded strongly as he placed the empty cup on the plate. Alice had ordered it so that's what he was going to do, even if he wanted to stay to watch for the stray devil "It would be much faster than any other method if you please." Desmond responded "We'll have them for you once we get back." Alphonse was Alice's queen and operated as her second-in-command, so his orders were nearly as absolute as Alice's even stated as a request.

Baradiel couldn't help but shake his head. "Hey, battery acid really is too much." He muttered. But he didn't say anything else. Maybe he'll go for tea tomorrow though. It was time to shake things up a bit. Been a while since he went with tea. It didn't help with keeping him awake though, so maybe he needed to get a good night's sleep later that night. Though that would remain to be seen. A ridiculous pain in the back called memories and Alice usually kept him from getting that sweet, sweet sleep.

Once Narti was taken out to find the Stray Devil, Baradiel knew he had to go as well. "Oi Kouta." He called out and from under the couch, the small white wolf emerged. As he walked, the wolf grew bigger until it was normal sized. He placd a hand on Kouta's head. "Alrighty, you know what to do boy." Kouta seemed to do a nod before padding over to the room. If anything, Kouta pretty much acted like Alice's teddy bear from time to time. If Baradiel needed back-up, it was easy to call the familiar to him.

When Desmond replied that he was ready to go, Baradiel nodded and then grabbed the paper bag he packed the croissant in. He'll eat it while they're on patrol. No shame in that. It's like getting takeout from a takeout. "And back to the teleportation rune I go." He then nodded at Alfonse when he asked if they were going to use it. Better to take that now than fly over the Atlantic just to get there. It would've been so inconvenient if those runes weren't made. He remembered just how much of a pain it would be back when he was still...

"Right." Baradiel nodded to himself, suddenly energized. Or trying to escape from something. He then gestured for Desmond to follow. "Come Desmond, London awaits!" He exclaimed with a small grin on his face. He walked over to the room that contained there teleportation rune and waited for Desmond. Once he was there, he waved at Alfonse. "See you later Alfonse."

And with that, they would disappear and reappear in their HQ in London.

In heavy contrast to Seattle, the London HQ was a very comfortable modern office building. On the surface, the building housed a lucrative consulting firm with clients in almost every field. The reality wasn't too far off, but while the clients were real, the consulting took the form of devil contracts. The building was staffed by lower class devils employed by the Corrumpi family who now technically worked for Alice. In practice, Alice hadn't changed their contracts and they had kept working as if nothing had changed.

The pair teleported into the CEO's office on the third floor, a spacious room with far more luxuries than the Renfield School had at it's disposal. The office took up almost the entire level, with a small reception area set aside near the elevator. It consisted of several rooms including a bedroom, full kitchen, and luxury bathroom. At the moment the two of them were the only people around.

Alfonse nodded at the pair as they left. He cast a barrier on the front entrance, preferring solitude for the moment and relishing the quiet. He settle onto a couch and picked up a bagel, pulling out a little jar of honey he kept for himself, and drizzled it onto a bagel. He hummed to himself as he bit into it, put on his half rimmed spectacles, picked up a newspaper, glancing at the headline, and flipping open to the finances.

”Hm, guess I should drop them, maybe invest in their competitor.” He muttered, making notes directly on the paper. “And now who can I exploit next?” He flipped through other sections, circling names and making notes about prospective payments. This side of the territory could use a few nicer touches frankly.

He cast a critical eye around the room. Definitely hardwood floors, a bigger desk and a better chair, repaint the inside, update the appliances…

”Perhaps I should suggest I find better accommodations altogether.” He said as he made a list on his phone. The list would grow far too quickly otherwise. He looked back at the notes he’d made over the paper, double marking individuals with the resources to either upgrade their current area or give them something new completely.

Desmond did not share the slight enthusiasm Baradiel showcased, whether real or faked, and simply replied in his typcial serious way "I need to grab Ikaruga first." He darted back into his room, and came shortly back out with a katana sheathed in a silver-decorated sheathe attached to his hip "Ready." He stepped onto the teleportation rune, right palm resting on the top of the sword's hilt. A small nod was sent Alphonse's way as they vanished from the Seattle HQ and reappeared in the London HQ.

Once there, Desmond stood in place for a few seconds to get his bearings. Crimson eyes looked around the office with interest though he didn't appear to be that impressed. Luxuries were something he learned to live largely without "Lady Alice should be staying here." Desmond spoke taking a few steps around the room, Alice deserved only the best in his opinion.

He thumbed the top of the hilt idly, tension clearly present in the way his body was stiff. It didn't sit well with him to be so far away from Alice, even if he had access to teleportation. At this far distance away, protecting her would prove difficult should she require him. "Let's get this patrol over quickly." With Ikaruga, his mother's blade, at his side he would make fast work of any threat they found. The blade had taken down many fallen angels under his mother's swordsmanship, and developed an almost sentient thirst for their blood it felt like.

Baradiel let out a small sigh as they appeared in the London HQ. And here he was again. He didn't care much this place was infinitely better than theirs back at Seattle. The Corrumpi Household was obviously quite organized and they have a lot of members, unlike their own. Baradiel was looking forward to having more members so everything wouldn't pile up too much, but he wanted for Alice to choose her members well. No need to rush, after all. He wanted for her to find that spark for her members, just as she did with Desmond - the only one who she actually chose among the three of them.

He looked over to Desmond when he let out his opinion. "Yeah. This place is better, especially since she falls asleep in the office all too often." But he knew that Alice wouldn't budge just because that was her family's. Besides, she switched every now and then since they needed to guard London too. But it was a pain when they needed to split the group up, just like times like these.

Baradiel walked forward to get out of the office. "Yeah. The quicker we finish, the quicker we get back to our master." He gave him a thumbs up. He wasn't about to take this longer than he should. From what he remembered, there wasn't any complaints. "We should check up on the devil contracts section first. See if there's some complications then we can go on patrol." He was aware that Desmond was more of the action type of guy. It was painfully obvious, and even without the knowledge of Desmond's past, Baradiel knew this guy was dangerous.

With that, he began to move towards the other department, descending from the CEO's office to talk with the Corrumpi household people. Baradiel got along with them somewhat well, but maybe having the previous Corrumpi household member - Alfonse - would be ideal in talking with them. Ah but whatever, they'll make do with what they had.

As the sun peaked into the cracks of the blinds and the birds outside chirped, it seemed as though nature’s alarm was calling for Raymond to wake up. The boy twisted and turned in his bed before letting out a depressing groan as he sat up on his bed.

”Being a decent human being is a pain in the ass”

He sat there for a minute staring at the wall as he tried to muster up the energy to stand on his two feet though it ended with him just flipping back onto his bed.

This is going to be a long day.

After 10 minutes of contemplating and psyching himself up, Raymond was finally out of his bed and in the shower. A early morning wash was sure to wake the boy up and prepare him for the day, he was hoping to possibly grab a bite to eat before classes would start at the college.

Once he was finished showering and drying himself with a towel, he carried on with his morning hygiene routine before heading back to his room to get dressed and head out. Raymond opened one of his clothes drawers and pulled out a white t-shirt and some black jeans before tossing them onto the bed and changing clothes. He then walked over to his disk in the corner of his room to put his school supplies into his backpack. Raymond grabbed a few pencils and his notebooks before zipping his backpack up and slinging it over his shoulder. One he had everything, he closed the door behind him and made his way towards the front door.

On his way out he saw his dad passed out in the living room with empty bottles of alcohol everywhere. Though it was nothing out of the usual, it kinds pissed Raymond off that he had grown used to it. It’s not a sight that should be seen as normal by any means. The boy just simply shook his head in disappointment on his way out, slamming the door behind him hard. Once outside he took a deep sigh before carrying on with his journey towards the bus stop.

Alfonse finished his bagel, dabbing lightly at the crumbs on his cheek. He folded his newspaper and placed it back on the coffee table as he proceeded to put away the pastries and wash out the teapot. He vacuumed and cleaned, washing the windows, organizing Alice’s desk, dusting here and there. He hummed to himself as he picked up a water pitcher, filled it, and put it aside for when everyone returned.

Then he felt it. It was something close, something powerful, and he knew Alice needed it. Alfonse closed his eyes and let his magic loose, feeling it wash across the campus. He felt whatever it was burn at the edge of his consciousness and he grinned. Sacred Gear. Just walking into their territory without a second thought. How delightful.

Alfonse took a moment to check on Alice. He nodded to the familiar and closed the door on the sleeping girl, grinning sharper as he cast a barrier on the door. Just in case someone tried to sneak in while he was out. He snapped his fingers and a magic circle whirled into existence beneath him and it moved upwards slowly. As it vanished, Alfonse pulled out a compact and examined his work. Eleanor stared back- pale skin, waist length black hair, green eyes, even the woman’s beauty mark of her right cheek perfectly copied- and he nodded at the reflection.

He let his magic grumble at him as he made his way across the campus. He strolled leisurely, pausing periodically to talk as he made his way to the source. He hummed to himself as he finally found him, a human dressed in a white shirt and pants. He spent a moment watching the man as he stepped off the bus, letting himself descend into Eleanor’s headspace. She approached him hesitantly.

“Pardon me sir, I’m having some difficulties finding your Political Science department. Would you mind escorting me?” Eleanor asked desperately, flustered enough she let slip her British accent. “An escort was supposed to meet me at the entrance but no one showed up and I’m awfully late.”