Three words, yet they were like a sledgehammer to the boulder weighing in his heart. Igor felt his breaths ease and his vision brighten. An elation rose in his chest, an elation brought by much-needed relief.
"You…you can do it."
His voice was low as the corners of his mouth upturned. For the first time in months, Igor had his first genuine smile.
"You can do it, Igor. One step at a time."
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|DxD|- Chapter 73- A Meeting Of Two Powers
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12/Mar/1997- April 7, 1997, Kuoh Town, Japan
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From frosty snow to flowering fields, spring had fallen upon Kuoh. The scent of cherry blossoms lingered in the air, and frozen waters rippled with splashing sea life.
Kuoh had a beautiful serene lake just a short trip from the town. It was massive and lay on the outskirts of the forest, a hidden treasure that had a majestic mountain as its background. Kuoh's river ran through this lake and every once in a while, people came to visit and relish in this natural resort.
Today, there was only one man sitting on one of the few piers. His sunhat, simple shorts, and floral shirt marked him as a fisherman, a very broad-shouldered fisherman. His rod stretched over the lake with complete stillness, not a ripple coming from his line.
Minutes turned to an hour as he sat there in stillness. The sun climbed higher until it peeked over the mountain. Its rays of light fell over man, lake, and forest alike, shining brilliantly as afternoon neared.
Another man casually approached from behind. His white hair was the most striking, seconded only by his odd attire. He belonged more to a gladiator arena than a lake where families came. His steps were unhurried and his boots thumped on the wood. His cloak carried in the gentle breeze until he reached the pier's end.
He paused for a moment, a soft curious smile adorning his face. Wordlessly, he sat down and took the fishing rod handed to him. With practiced ease, he rigged the bait and cast the line into the water. Neither said a word, only fishing in silence. The once empty bucket gradually splashed with its newest residents as the sun shifted once more.
Time passed, and Diehauser had to admit. Much of his surprise and tension had ceased. He didn't quite envision Shuri's secret patron would be a cadre of Grigori. It was…enlightening in the most interesting of ways.
"Four-thousand years ago…"
Baraquiel suddenly began. His eyes wistfully fell over the lake, as if imagining a different time, a different era.
"...I never understood the allure behind finding a creek and casting an empty line. I did not see the essence behind it. Perhaps it is because I was young then."
Baraquiel chuckled in reminiscence. How time flew.
"My brother sat me down just like this and we spent a day with no catch. But, I caught something far more important."
He continued narrating as if he were speaking alone. His eyes remained over the shimmering lake, his hold on the rod firm as before.
"There are birds that fly for years without pause. But they eventually set foot upon land and rest. Our kind has been blessed with wings, but even we must rest every once in a while. Don't you think, Diehauser."
"An interesting anecdote, Lord Baraquiel."
"Drop the 'lord'."
Baraquiel glanced at Diehauser for the first time since his arrival.
"A certain blonde instilled me with an aversion for lofty titles."
Diehauser chuckled.
"He is quite special, isn't he?"
"In more ways than one."
Another silence passed, carried forth by the chilled breeze from the lake. Curious deer peeked through the forest fringes before ultimately retreating into the woodland. The minutes trickled on until Baraquiel paused the silence with a question.
"You are a smart man, Diehauser. I believe you have uncovered the reason I reside in this town."
Diehauser smiled helplessly. Baraquiel hit the nail right on the head. And him asking such a thing only confirmed his formed suspicions in the last hour. A cadre of Grigori and a healer of the Shinto made for an amazing romance story. This, however, was the real world. Far too many avenues of exploitation existed, especially since they both shared a child.
"Baraquiel. I still cannot understand. Knowing the immense risks regarding your progeny, why did you not opt for more resolute measures?"
If the question offended him, Baraquiel did not show it. When a hybrid was born, it was not rare for the child to be killed, especially if it was without a sacred gear.
"I can see it in your eyes, Diehauser. You have yet to find your peace in this turbid world of ours. As such, no matter what I say to you, you will not truly internalise it."
Baraquiel reeled his line and caught a large fish. He gently unhooked it and threw it back in. He cast his line again and raised his finger to stop Diehauser from interjecting. He spent the next few seconds adjusting his rod until he was satisfied. Through it all, Diehauser sat silently until Baraquiel spoke again.
"You found out that Igor was an Ariyan. Can you share how?"
The route on Baraquiel's personal life had ended. Diehauser was truly curious how a man who'd lived for thousands of years could fall in love with a human woman, but some things could not be pried.
"It was not easy if I must be honest."
He shifted himself and adjusted his line.
"My biggest lead was Shuri mentioning Igor's secret had to do with the gods. If it was not for that little slip, perhaps I might still be investigating."
"I see."
Diehauser was vague and Baraquiel wouldn't dig any further. Diehauser had long proven his sincerity when he revealed his knowledge. Be it for personal or altruistic intent, he intended to keep Igor's lineage a secret, and that was enough for Baraquiel.
"Igor is a promising lad, Diehauser. I want to see him grow into the man I know he can be. Do you hold similar motivations?"
"Hahahaha."
Diehauser chuckled with joy and amusement.
"My intentions have never been hidden, Baraquiel. From the very moment I first met Igor, I wanted nothing more than to study him. His vitality is a conundrum I have full intent on solving. I cannot do that if he is hunted now, can I?"
"Then our goals align. I hope we can work together, Diehauser."
"Naturally. The Ariyans were unfairly targeted. I do not intend to let the last one be killed."
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AN: I won't hide it. I was kinda disappointed with this chapter. I was half-expecting a fight or at least something exciting. Whatever this was was boring. It's just men fishing. How mundane can it get?
Chapter 73
END