" Grab your caretaker boy , Come along " Aizen moved towards the automobile , Opening the back door and sitting himself down comfortably within the back seat .
Alexi was frozen to the spot for the moment, Wandering just why he had done what he did , his glasses turning to face aizen whom looked apon him expectantly .
" Well ... I'm waiting " Aizen spoke softly , But that was enough to rouse alexi into action , Turning to his unconscious father whom he walked over , Slinging his hand under the man's arms before dragging him to the car .
" In the boot ... he'll wake up in due time ... until then ... drive me to my destination boy " Aizen didn't both buckling himself in , Placing his hands comfortably on his legs " After that ... we'll see just what we can do about your predicament "
...
" I don't know how to drive " Alexi spoke up from the driver seat , Looking at the odd nobs and extremities and the pedals below in the automobile .
" There is no better time to learn than the present boy... do not fear the ants outside, Simply do so now " Aizen looked outside the car as alexi fumbled with the gear shift, the car shuttering violently as it began to roll backwards , He quickly shifted back and put the car into drive .
With it slowly beginning to urge forward , Alexi sighed , Placing his foot down on one of the pedals , Only to rock forward as he had placed his foot on the brake .
" Sorry " Alexi announced before putting his foot on the accelerator, Lurching back slightly at the sudden acceleration .
" hmhm ... " Aizen chuckled as they slowed down , Alexi easing the gas as they decelerated to forty kph " Do not fret ... Now ... take me to the library "
" Okay " Alexi sucked in a snot bubble, Swirling slightly through traffic as a honk was heard behind the car as they crossed two lanes of traffic .
" So .. " Alexi tried to speak , Yet was silenced by a look from aizen through the mirror .
" The first lesson I can give you boy is an important one . Never think you know something despite pulling it off , Pay attention to the road " Aizen gestured forward , Alexi suddenly swerving as he realised he was about to hit someone's rear bumper .
...
The car screeched to a halt , As they came to a stop infront of the library . It's old infrastructure standing tall infront fo them .
Opening the door to the car , Aizen stepped out , Adjusting his thick jumped around his shoudlers , Regarding alexi with a look over his shoulder as the boy was going to follow him.
" Deal with your caretaker then meet me inside " For several minutes they had been hearing the thumping of the cars boot, petricov yelling from the back of the car to release him .
....
Shaking his coat , Aizen stepped into the old library , Clearing his throat as he stepped into the building , The doors creaking behind him before slamming shut with a heavy bang .
" Shhh " A girl roughly hushed him as she glared in his direction from one of the sitting tables .
" My apologies " Aizen smiled in her direction before making his way to the bookshelves .
' Let's see ... fiction ... no ... ' He walked past one to the second ' science .. perhaps but not yet '
He walked to the third to see the history section , Dismissing it before finding the books he sought .
' There we are ' He found a series of books he was Keenly interested in ' Local politics ... international politics ... biology ... local supernatural phenomenon and urban legends ' He picked up one of each book before dragging them towards an unused sitting table , Placing them down before pulling out a chair and sitting himself down.
Reaching for the first book , Aizen opened the book to the pages selection , Eyes scrolling down before he found what he sought, Flicking through the book to the second hundredth page .
Quietly , Silently he began to read .
" Sit ... read ... learn " Aizen spoke up after couple of minutes as alexi and his caretaker entered the room . The young boy readily listening , Reaching for one of the books infront of aizen .
" Not ... those ones . Pick something else ... you have three choices ... beginners politics ... general biology or geography, Go pick " Alexi gulped , Rising from his chair and moving to the book shelves , As aizen looked at petricov from the corner of his eye , The father Glaring at him but staying near the entryway to the library.
" Hmpf , Why don't you go get us some tea ... I'm sure the boy would like some " Petricov seemed to wish to retaliate , Yet as alexi rounded the bookshelf with three different books , Having picked all three , The caregiver grunted and moved away.
" Hand me the book you wish to read first " Aizen urged , Flipping through page depicting urban legends of Russia, Most depicting or being somewhat related to devil activity .
" Uhm ... this one " Alexi handed a basic book of politics to aizen , The man taking and opening the book .
Scrolling through the chapters and their comments for a brief moment, Aizen handed the book back to the boy.
" Read and commit chapters one through ten to memory , Then I'll quiz you on what you've learnt . And if you fail or dissapoint me with your lacking answers , Our deal will be off . I have no use for uselessness and stupidity " Aizen spoke bluntly , his expectations were low , If not the lowest they could be . Yet he knew the thing across from him was a simple human child , So , Whilst he would usually handle his expectations to the same level as the shinigami back home , He was aware such a bar was way to high . And so adjusted it promptly .
If the boy couldn't do this, Then he would focus his previous attention to other more meaningful prospects , And if the boy couldn't handle that , Then that was his own fault .
' In the meantime ' He looked at an photo of a cavepainting depicting devils fighting ' It appears I was right, Devils only officially made an appearance to the wide populous within the two hundred years , Otherwise how would humanity have progressed so far amidst such widespread distraction. What drove these devils to begin acting enmasse around the globe after so long, did something make them , Was it a collective decision or instinct ... how ... amusing "
Approaching from the entryway to the library , Petricov approached with two cups of tea , Eyeing aizen wearily as he placed the two porcelain cups down infront of the two .
" Very good , Thank you " Aizen inclined his head slightly , Accepting the China cup , Lifting it and bringing it to his lips " Mm ... It is acceptable .. "
Placing the drink down , Aizen only half paid attention to the book he was reading , Instead he guaged the boy sitting at his side through subtle glances.
' His mental acuity appears to he rather dull to the standard bystander ... ' Aizen saw the sharpness in the boys eyes , The desire , the want for more ' But his ability to grasp what he sees before him appears to be somewhat above standard '
' Hm ' He picked the tip of his finger and flicked to the next page whilst maintaining a not so noticeable gaze apon the chubby boy ' His desire to be more is commendable if not an unreachable dream ... let's see what happens when life gives him an olive branch '
....
The cockroach devil squared in a clearing in the middle of the snow ridden forest , Snow flakes falling round it as it slowly inserted the head and upper Torso of a screaming child into its open maw before crunching down and Silencing the screams of the child .
It's antennae twitched as it's eyes snapped to the side of the clearing , Freezing in place at the rather unamused glance he recieved from aizen whom had apparently appeared out of nowhere .
Completely unaware of the fact it was merely kyoka suigetsu projecting aizen ifnront of the devil , The creature lowered itself , Shaking on the ground under the sharp brown eyes of the creature it couldn't comprehend .
" Have you finally come to kill me " The devil asked , Ready to fight for its life despite its futility , It's exoskeleton creaking as it clenched its fists .
" No ... I have use for you bug . The boy you hunted previously amuses me to a certain degree , As such I plan to make a deal with him , youll make a contract with him , I want you give him your longevity , Endurabce and adaptability and the abilitiy to summon you in exchange for something you desire , I want you to come to the library , Follow my scent ... you'll find us at the local library ... do not make me wait ... " Aizen vanished from before the devils eyes , It's nose twitching in the air as a thick scent permeated the air , A near visible phenomenon that would easily lead it to its target .
' Fine ... but I'll be getting something out of this to ' The devil took off and ran through the forest at breakneck speeds , Nimble Tearing through trees as it rushed through the snow , Splinters spraying everywhere as trees simply collapsed in its wake .
...
The fourth and final book snapped shut with a loud clap , Startling alexi and petricov , The tea having long since finished .
" Petricov ... that is your name right " Aizen Rose from the wooden chair with a creak . Towering over the aging individual whilst looking down on the man down the bridge of his nose .
" It is " Petricov tightened his jaw and looked defiantly up into aizens eyes .
" Go get the car ready , I have things to discuss with alexi here " Petricov wanted to retort but a Pleading glance from alexi silenced his retort , A huff escaping the man before he turned and marched out the front door.
" Uhm... what is it you wanted to tall to me about " Alexi asked as the large doors to the library slammed shut .
" Come with me ... " Aizen said with a tone of finality , Turning to the emergency exit doorway and marching towards it , Stepping around the tables between himself and the door as alexi quickly scooted himself from the chair and rushed after the tall man .
" What ... where are we going " Alexi asked rushing to aizens side , huffing after the exertion he had put himself through as aizen pushed the doorway open , Stepping through with one swift movement .
The light was blinding for but a moment as alexi stepped through after aizen , But as soon as the brightness in his eyes cleared , He froze . Instinctual terror rushing through him as he fell to his back , A loud screech escaping his mouth as he scurried back , His back slamming into the door .
" KILL IT KILL IT NOW " Alexi plead. Seeing the cockroach devil knelt on its haunches , Knuckles planted on the ground as it examined alexi and aizen with wide analysing eyes.
" Calm alexi , Calm ... it is not here to cause trouble... are you " Aizen huffed , Crossing his arms as the devil shivered under the man's piercing eyes .
" How can you ... " Alexi made to say but froze as he felt a weight settle on his shoulders , The ex shinigami captain turning his gaze to the child .
" I am offering you a chance child " Aizen turned fully to the boy , Whilst the cockroach devil itself felt the weight exerted by aizens reitsu being pressed apon their surroundings .
His breath huffed , Breathing in and out rapidly as his round glasses fogged up .
Walking over, Aizen knelt down infront of the boy , Unblinking , Striking cold brown eyes stared directly into Alexi's own.
" You want power ... But you fear " Aizen began , Now fully crouched before the boy.
" You want to be more but you hold yourself back from Grasping it , from doing what has to be done " Aizen growled dangerously , The disapproval In his eyes and tone clear as day .
" You shake like a leaf instead of Grasping at a chance to become something. .. more " Aizen slowly rose to his feet. The small fat child's eyes and head rising to follow aizens eyes .
" Evolution stands before , Presenting itself. YET you lay on the ground , Frozen in fear . Are you going to remain down in the mud , Scared of bring devoured by the weakest of society . The gnat nobody asked for or cares about " Aizen growled , Lips Curling down into a very noticeable frown .
The words struck alexi , His shaking slowly stopping as aizen beat him down in his sorry state with nothing but facts about his reality .
Several long seconds of pure silence reigned before alexi finally stopped shaking , The boys eyes slowly spanning from aizen to the cockroach devil whom was salivating behind it .
' Grasp my fear and become something more ... ' Alexi repeated aizens words in his head , Lips quivering ' The gnat nobody asked for or cares about '
His hands curled , A huff escaping him as he rolled to the side , Around with his hands planted before him , Kneeling on the ground.
' Scared of nothing but the lowest of society ' He bit down on his tongue , A shiver rising over his body before he slowly rose , Glaring down at the bug .
' Scared of a fucking bug when devils rule our world , Destroying society, What is fucking bug to that ' Alexi glared harshly at the bug , With aizen silently Stepping to the side , The boy marching forward and standing defiantly before the cockroach devil .
" Fuck you " Whether it was delirium or momentary fear enduced psychosis , The cockroach devil knew naught what it was as it's eyes slowly turned to aizen behind the boy , Seeing the subtle smile on the man's face .
Aizen gave a nod , giving the go ahead of what was to be done .
" Consider yourself lucky child for your protector has decided you are of some negligible use " The cockroach devil spat at alexi , Saliva running down its fangs as it rose to its full height , Towering over alexi .
" Let us make a contract child ... " The cockroach devil looked at aizen subtly out of the corner of its eye .
" A contract ... for what " Alexi spat out , Incensed and bolstered by the supposed support of aizen behind him .
" I'll give you my strength , My power . You'll be Able to withstand the greatest of punches with my carapace protecting you , survive months without food with naught but the smallest of energy reserves , survive without vital organs for days , Adapt to damn enar anything . Survive even the most dire of situations , You'll even be able to summon me at a whim to aid you in battle ." The cockroach devil spun it's most favourable offer it could give , Suspecting jts impending doom should it not do so at the hand of the brown haired entity behind alexi .
" And what do you want in turn , I'm not giving you my life or my blood , You can take that shit to hell " Alexi spat , Riding the high of power he was feeling for the first time in his meaningless life , To be in control of a situation for the first time in ... ever .
" I want of that , this is a contract through proxy . Since I am unable to form a contract with the man behind you , You'll make the contract in his stead . I want guaranteed safety from retribution of action by the man behind you. Should I die at his hand , You will die alongside me . I shall not move against him nor you , And you will extend me the same courtesy. My loyalty is yours . I shall never make a move against you or the man , Should I knowingly turn against his or your interests my life is yours to end , And the same is vice versa " The cockroach devil spoke its terms clearly and without hesitation, Wanting an out from under the monstrous beings clutches. With this its safety would be guaranteed, Whilst it couldn't move against aizen , It had no desires to do so . And so it came up with the best alternative . Instead of running from the mightiest predator, You hide under it from other predators.
Alexi turned to face aizen , afterall this wasn't just his decision to make it seems .
" That is the most favourable contract anyone would ever hear from a devil I suspect " Aizen stepped forward , Reigning in his reitsu as he planted a supporting hand on alexi's shoulder " Accept it "
Nodding to the man behind him , Alexi turned back to the devil , Puffing his chest out and looking the devil squarly in the eye .
" you contract is accepted " Aizen stepped back and watched a phenomenon occur , Pupils dilating as a sort of energy bound chain leapt from within the cockroach devils body , Leaping straight into alexi where it found purchase .
" The contract is sturck , Now all you need is to make it bind , It reached down and snapped off its rightward fingernail " Eat it and the contract is bound by blood and flesh "
Alexi took the fingernail chip , the size of half of one of his fingers , Face contorting in disgust .
Whilst alexi contemplated what he was about to do , Aizen observed the chain between them two seemed to be Wavering, As if it was incomplete.
' What am I about to do ' Alexi screamed to himself internally , Holding back the barf he was about to do as he brought the fingernail to his lips .
" Alright " opening his mouth, Alexi closed his eyes and shoved the fingernail into his mouth , The disgusting taste of the nail nearly making him throw up as the gunk and gruel on the nail stewed around his mouth.
' DISGUSTING' And yet he swallowed.
The change was immediate before aizens eyes , The metaphysical chain between the two becoming solid as steel , A sort of soul chain that linked the two before it vanished, Splitting into two with kanji on the end as they sunk into eachothers bodies .
' The contract seems to be struck on the chain , Their commitments forged in each link , Their half of the contract sinking into their body and the others sinking into theirs ... ' Aizen pondered , As alexi hissed in pain as his right pointer fingers nail was painted fully forced out of his finger , Being replaced by a the sickly brown nail of the cockroach devil .
" I now reside as part of you child ... discover and train , Learn and evolve ... our deal is struck and my safety is guaranteed ... may I leave now " The cockroach devil rose to its fullest height, Turning to aizen whom gave a hum and turned his eyes from the Unmarred flesh the soul chain had sunk into .
' I'll need to study how durable it is at a later date , What keeps the contracts secure and bound ... ' Aizen stepped forward , Causing the cockroach devil to freeze at aizens sudden unwarranted approach .
" You are free devil ... But do not misunderstand... you have bound yourself to the boy, I expect your fullest cooperation in his development " Aizen expressed as the devil stepped back , Nodding before turning away and sprinting full speed away from aizen and alexi .
" Phew " Alexi sagged , The pain in his hand now a dull ache " That was scary haha "
Alexi looked up at aizens back , The ex shinigami pondering in silence for a long drawn out moment .
" What do I do now "
" Well " Aizen turned to face the devil contractor " You're going to make the fullest use of your families finances to make full use of your contract "
" You will not eat tonight... instead you'll be surviving off your contracts abiltiy to draw energy from your body . You'll be performing sprints around your estate until you collapse , And when you rise again you will run until you fall once more ... until sunrise. It is only then that you'll be allowed to sleep , I will wake you when I arrive ... do not dally or try to get out of your duty ... I will know " Alexi shivered under aizens gaze , Nodding slowly after a moment .
" I will "
" Then begone ... " Aizen dismissed alexi before he turned away and vanished with a burst of flash step, Travelling across the city to nicholai's house the next moment .
Appearing before Nicholai's house, Aizen stepped through the front door and into the humble abode of the man whom agreed to house him .
Ending the hypnosis of the family. Of which the child had been playing with an illusionary aizen whom hadn't been there the whole day .
" Can you make yourself useful and help me make cut up these vegetables " Nicholai's wife hissed as she stepped into the loungeroom , Glaring daggers at aizen .
" I would be glad to " He smiled kindly at the blonde woman , Meanwhile his thoughts were once more back apon the contract he had witness being formed .
' Prepare yourself alexi , I am going to push this contract to its boundaries. You may die ... but is a sacrifice I am willing to make ' Aizen sniffed internally as he grabbed several tomatoes and began expertly slicing them into small slices ' All for the greater good of course '
...
PROLOGUE CHAPTER 3 COMPLETE
...
IF ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS OR IDEAS THEY WOULD LIKE TO SPIN BY ME , PLEASE MAKE THEM KNOWN . I WILL RESPOND TO EACH ANY EVERYONE OF YOU IN DUE TIME .
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT , IT IS MASSIVELY APPRECIATED.
POWER STONES ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED IF YOU ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE .HELPS THE STORY FIND TRACTION .
NEXT CHAPTER ... PROVE YOUR WORTH