Hello! Welcome to my first big fanfic. I've written stuff here before, but the chapters were always short and I eventually lost interest or started over. Anyway, this story picks up after the anime. There will be spoilers for the original ending in the first chapter (this one!) It takes place in an alternative universe, so none of the True Cross students were present during the anime's ending.

I want to apologize to anyone expecting this to have BonXRin in it. This was originally supposed to center around BonXRin pairing, but I can't plan out a plot properly and so the pairing never really happened. So I removed the tag from the description (it wouldn't fit anyway.) However, there are short scenes/dialogue that hint on a (albeit awkward) romantic relationship between the two, but nothing more than that.

Blue Exorcist belongs to Katou Kazue and Co.

The Night Nobody Said Goodbye
Chapter One

My name is Suguro Ryuji and today I am graduating.

Sort of.

Graduation day, to us exwires, is a time when we receive our final assignments and temporary licenses.

I thought I would be more excited than this, finally able to achieve a life-long dream, but instead I sat calmly in the large, leather chair, impassively awaiting my future.

Mephisto sat across from me, comfortable at his cherry wood desk. He was silent as he examined my written request for a specific mission. After a short while, he looked up at me, his deep, mossy green eyes intimidating and piercing. He was scrutinizing every tiny detail, from my posture to my expression, searching for something to use as an excuse to reject it. I waited patiently, eyes firmly locked to his. It was not an easy decision to make and I'd rather not ruin the opportunity by speaking out of line.

Finally, he spoke, a relief from the deafening silence that surrounded us. "I am very impressed with your progress, Suguro. Out of all my exwires, you have improved the fastest," he paused, folding his gloved hands neatly in front of him. "It doesn't surprise me that you requested this mission, and it shouldn't surprise you to know that I have already given you much consideration."

"Thanks," I muttered. I wasn't really in the mood for receiving more compliments and, as a result, my tone was brash.

He seemed to linger on my response, but quickly continued outlining the details of the mission. "This is a very dangerous assignment, Suguro." He lowered his eyes, darkening his expression. "Your job will be to infiltrate the heart of demon territory and assassinate the bastard son of Satan."

I closed my eyes and breathed deeply before nodding.

Rumors have spread about this mission over the past year: every exwire who accepted it never returned. It started being offered at True Cross Academy about fourteen months ago. The Paladin said it was because they needed someone who the enemy was unfamiliar with. Demons were social creatures, similar to humans, and those who remembered the faces of exorcists spread descriptions and sketches throughout the community, so it was a logical reason. Unfortunately, almost all exwires are inexperienced and young. Thus the nasty rumors, which everyone knew were more truth than gossip.

I planned on accepting this mission, or something similar, since I fully dropped my high school classes to focus on my license. The other students dreaded it, treated it like a suicide mission, but I was not afraid. "I understand."

Mephisto smiled at me, a warm, mournful expression. Surely he expected the worst would happen and had little hope for my survival. He opened his mouth, hesitating with his thoughts before whispering a humble, "Excellent." He fumbled with a few things on his desk before sliding a small packet of papers to me. "His name is Rin. We don't know much about him or his lifestyle."

A picture of a teenage boy, about my age, was attached to the top of the pile. His hair was a deep navy, disheveled and attractive as it drew attention to his young features. He had striking blue eyes and an innocent, playful expression. I found it odd how human he appeared, save for the subtly pointed ears.

"This is a strangely professional picture for a demon," I noted, irritated by the charming profile shot. Why didn't I ever look this good in my pictures?

"Ah," Mephisto let out a soft chuckle, voice like music. "How foolish of me to think you wouldn't notice." He leaned back in his chair, staring out the window behind his desk. The view was ugly and morose, a veil of monochrome miasma invading the horizon. "Rin is a half-breed, born in Tokyo and raised human."

My eyes shifted down to the photo, curiosity peeked by his words. Never in my years of studying demonology had I heard of one living imperceptibly among humankind and then being taken back once hitting puberty. "'We don't know much about him', huh?"

He gave me an impish smirk before turning back to the window. "The Vatican eventually became aware of this and allowed him to reside here under my critical surveillance. When the war started, he was traded over to the demon kings. In return, we received assurance that Rome would not be attacked. He was soon after transferred to a demon palace in Nagoya."

"How many are there?" My mind drifted to a different subject and my voice followed.

He didn't look at me, attention focused on the tattered view of Assiah. "We know he lives with two of the kings, but the exact population of demons is unknown."

"Okay, I'm ready." I said, standing abruptly. Mephisto's head snapped to me, confused and shocked.

"Isn't there more you'd like to know?"

I skimmed the first page of the packet, reading over the short description I had just been given verbally, and then shook my head slowly, meeting his gaze. "No, sir."

"I suppose it's good that you're enthusiastic," he breathed, lips forming a small smile as he stood. "Suguro, I will be waiting for you at the main gate. I will take you as far as I can. Meet me at nine."

"Yes, sir." I responded quickly, wanting to be alone.

"I look forward to your success." His voice held no emotion. I assumed he said this many times before only to be disappointed and could no longer bring himself to sound anything but numb. "Use tonight to say farewell to your friends. I will be in touch with your parents later in the week." To tell them I've died, no less.

And with that, our conversation was finally over. I quietly hoped Mephisto would be his usual perky, strange self during the drive tomorrow. I don't need any more people feeling sorry for me because of my choices.

Instead of spending my remaining hours with friends as Mephisto suggested, I sneaked out of the school's boundaries for a walk around town. I remember the shopping plaza that used to stand here all too well; a bustling place filled with thousands of people. Two years ago, Gehenna swallowed it, leveling exquisite buildings and commandeering what remained. The demons have long since left, however, being uncomfortable residing so close to the exorcist's Japanese headquarters: True Cross Academy.

The sun waned in the distance, scattering shades of orange and purple across the horizon. Its fading light cast ominous, stretched shadows on what remained of the lifeless prefecture.

Barely three years ago, something strange happened at the Vatican. A priest came up with the idea to open a Gehenna Gate and bomb it through the open portal using some foreign technology they found. A large amount of demon blood was needed to summon the gate, so the Paladin forced exorcists all over the world to go on random killing sprees. Needless to say, it didn't go over well. The bomb had no effect and Satan's forces literally poured into Assiah, a fusillade of demons seeking revenge for their kin. At least, that's what we were told.

When all this started, people hardly noticed a difference. Demon sightings became more common, but everyone eventually adapted and tried to ignore it. Then, a year later, things changed. Gehenna declared war on us and innocent people began to die in massive numbers.

They wanted Assiah for themselves for whatever reason, and now the demon realm is ripping apart our world, melding into us like a reality glitch. Parts of Gehenna appear overnight in random areas called 'Gehenna Sectors'. They're like central hubs where demons reside when not slaughtering humankind.

Japan was rumored to be the worst, an origin point of sorts, though no one knew why. Possessions and murders were commonplace and made the jobs of exorcists difficult. Their numbers quickly began to dwindle. The Order is constantly searching for new volunteers, but most of the people that meet the age requirements, (twenty-one), are too scared to sign up.

I sighed heavily and sat down on the remains of a marble fountain to watch the moon rise. The sun had just disappeared beyond the horizon of miasma, but I could still feel its warmth radiating in all directions. It was a comforting sensation, to know that they couldn't take away the heat of summer.

"There you are! I knew I'd find you here." I felt a familiar presence sit beside me. "So...how did it go?" He hesitated with his question, as if he was uncertain whether to ask it.

"He accepted it," I said simply, surprised by how exhausted I sounded.

"Oh," he let his voice trail off. "That's great to hear." He tried to laugh, to lighten the mood, but he couldn't and ended his sentence with a short, barely audible sigh.

We both fell quiet, a piercing silence that made me sick. Shima was my best friend, someone who I relied on to always act cheerful and stupid, to always make me forget when things were bad. I know my decision isn't any easier on him than it is on me, but he is the last person I expected to act gloomy about it.

"So, hey!" To my relief, his tone brightened. "You know what today is, right?" He grinned at me, a familiar, playful expression stretching across his face.

"It's Saturday, you idiot." I smiled.

Shima laughed, waving a hand as if to dismiss my response. "It's movie night."

Before things went to shit, the three of us had this day where we would get together, stay up late, eat junk food, and watch terrible American movies. It was tradition for us, but we stopped once Japan closed its ports to outside countries in an attempt to contain the demons. Soon after, we lost our global internet connection and could only visit websites that used local servers, so torrents were out of the question.

"Movie night? With foreign movies?" I tilted my head.

"You bet." He winked at me.

"And how did you get these 'American movies'?"

His smile widened into something more devilish. "Don't worry about that."

"It better not be porn."

"N-No! It's not, I-I swear!" He stuttered, trying to hold back a laugh. "I even got us a couple pizzas and drinks. Just like old times." He stood, brushing the dust from his pants. "Come on, Konekomaru is waiting." He reached out to me.

Realistically, I should be preparing myself for tomorrow, but in all honesty, the offer was too good to pass up. Besides, Mephisto did tell me to spend tonight with friends.

I accepted his hand and pulled myself to my feet. "I hope you didn't leave Koneko in that old dormitory alone."

He shrugged. "Someone had to come out here to drag your sorry butt back inside."

Morning arrived too quickly, and I scolded myself for staying up late as I waited for Mephisto at the main gate. I didn't bring much with me, just a few necessities I figured would be useful for discretely killing a demon. It was all stuffed into a dark blue gym bag that sat at my feet.

While I waited, I distracted myself by rereading the two pages of the packet I'd been given. There wasn't much to it. However, it specifically stated that I could use whatever lethal method appealed to me and that I would not be held accountable for anything illegal. It also outlined how to get into the gated territory in step-by-step bullet points, which I found rather odd. After sneaking in, I was to immediately seek out a demon who would apparently aid me in gaining access to the palace, but nothing more. A written description was provided along with a crudely drawn map in the unfortunate, (highly likely,it said), event I couldn't find him.

My eyes wandered back to the picture of the demon prince, Rin. What was he like? He grew up among humans, so surely he was empathic toward our situation. Or maybe he was one of those egotistical, narcissistic assholes that didn't care about anyone but himself. He did, after all, go from feared outcast to adored king in a matter of days.

And then, I wondered if he had a family he cared about here. Anyone brave enough to hide such a dangerous demon must deeply care for him, but did he return that compassion? I wond-

The vibrant shade of a bright, pink limousine ripped me from my thoughts. It looked like a toy, completely out of place as it drove down the dully colored roadway. I folded the papers and picked up my bag. Mephisto stuck his head out the window, motioning for me to enter.

Surprisingly, the interior of the car was a rather normal gray color. It was comfortable, with leather seats and a soft carpet underneath. The only thing that bothered me was a mini bar and buffet combination along the driver's side. It was stocked with candy and...are those packages of instant ramen? I knew Mephisto was a strange person, so I didn't think too deeply about it.

"Hungry?" He noticed me staring at it.

"No, thanks." I didn't eat breakfast, but I wasn't hungry in the slightest. Hopefully the demons would feed me.

"Nervous?" He rested his chin in his hand, grinning knowingly at me.

Uncomfortable under his gaze, I looked down at the folded papers in my hand. Of course I was nervous. Who wouldn't be? I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of mocking me though, so I lied, holding my head high. "No more than usual, I guess."

Mephisto narrowed his eyes at me, seeing through my ruse immediately. "Don't do that." I sighed and allowed my shoulders to slump, admitting defeat. "You'll be fine, Suguro." I could hear the obvious smirk on his face as he spoke, tone amused and light. "I suggest you try to get comfortable in your new environment before you attempt any killing. Relax and make some friends; you're less likely to make noticeable mistakes that way."

"That reminds me," I unfolded the pages, curious about the demon described within them. "Who is this demon you want me to find?"

"Ah, that is my loyal little brother."

Everyone knew Mephisto was a demon, but the Vatican had placed their trust in him, so we did too. Well, it wasn't as if we had a choice on the matter. He owned the school and surrounding town, and none of the students or residents were stupid enough to leave just because the man who was True Cross' president since its creation turned out to be a demon.

"Is he a member of the Order too?"

"No." Mephisto let out a sigh, expression softening. "I suspect Amaimon is the reason our exwires are unable to focus on their assingment."

Amaimon is the Earth King and eighth prince of Gehenna. The youngest, if memory serves correct. Well, I guess second youngest would be more accurate now. I remember reading about him in class, though we only studied his kin, not him specifically.

"He's childish and impulsive and thinks I'm sending him humans to play with," he continued, gazing thoughtfully out the window. The ride was beginning to get rough, meaning we were nearing our destination. "I've tried to convince him otherwise, but he's very stubborn." He faced me, smiling softly. "I know it's against your personality," I shrugged. "Try to listen to everything he says. If you're submissive, he'll help you."

"Is it absolutely necessary for me to rely on him?"

"Well, no. It's merely a suggestion." The limousine slowed to a stop. "I do recommend that you attempt to bond with him, however, even if you don't want his assistance."

I cocked an eyebrow, puzzled by his words. He tells me that his brother is responsible for the difficulty of this mission, then turns around and tells me to make friends with him? Yeah, right.

"I'm serious." He picked up on my disapproval. I scoffed at his response and opened the door. Ultimately, it would be my decision, though I wasn't too keen on making it. "Wait." Mephisto grabbed my arm before I could escape.

I turned to him, surprised to find a revolver in his outstretched hand. I stared at it, mesmerized and concerned. Its barrel had an intricate, spiraled design. "What's this for?"

"It's not because I doubt your skills," he winked at me. "It's for when you find yourself in a tight spot, or if you need a little extra help, or," he paused, lowering his voice. "If you want an easy way out."

I glared at him, offended that he would ever consider this an option. "I-I...I don't need it!"

"Take it," Mephisto shoved it into my hand. "It could mean the difference between life or death in there. You have six bullets cast in silver and blessed by the Pope, so use them wisely."

I stepped out of the car and took a moment to tuck it safely into my bag. "Thanks, I guess."

"Head east," he pointed to a looming cloud of miasma, "you'll see it eventually." I heard the car door slam shut as I picked up my things. "Good luck, Suguro." Mephisto spoke to me through a rolled-down window. "Be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best."

"A lot of good that'll do me," I spat sarcastically. He shrugged, agreeing, and tipped his hat to me in farewell.

I waited, watching as the toy-like vehicle began to disappear into the distance. There was little around me in terms of landmarks – no trees or buildings or signs, just traces of civilization buried under Gehenna's dust. It would be a long walk, but I estimated I'd be there well before sunset if my empty stomach allowed it.

I stretched, steadied my bag on my shoulder, and began the trip to the ruined city of Nagoya.