Co-Written with Demons Anarchy of Pride. The creator of many fantastic masterpieces such as: Fire Emblem: Eternity Unto Reformation, Code Geass: Lelouch of the R-eset, The Crow: DxD, Highschool, DxD: Shatter Destiny, RWBY's Reaper, Code Geass 00, Fractured Reality, Code Geass: Suzaku of the Counterattack, Devil Survivor: Destiny Rewind, and some of his new projects, such as Lagrange 111: You Are (Not) Alone, Tokyo Ghoul: A Flowered Colored Darker Than Black, Persona 4: The Unseen Truth, Monarch, Kill the Deadly Sin, Code Geass: The Butterfly Effect, DxD: Final, DC Heroes: FORGOTTEN BLOODSTAINED LEGACY, DxD: Nocturne, Project, A Tale of Three Dragons, A Dragon Darker than Black, Code Geass: Kill the Rebellion, RWBY: Colorless Memories, RWBY: Black Rebellion, and more.
I highly recommend you check them all out.
I really appreciate your help, man. Couldn't have done this without ya!
Thank you to all who continue to support this story.
Also…..ALL FLAMES CAN JUST BURN IN HELL!... So don't even bother.
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Chapter 10: The King's Conquest
The CCG Main Branch was all but empty as the leader of Aogiri entered its halls, his cloak swaying. "A bit smaller than I expected..." the One-Eyed King hummed, looking around. "And it stinks of Wasshu."
The masked King cringed slightly beneath his mask. Truly, that batch of humans smelt so foul to him. It was quite annoying that this organization even existed. But then again, if they didn't exist, who would protect the humans?
It was a shame that putrid dynasty would end today.
But then again...it would be the most fun he had in a long time.
As he strode further inside, he heard the sounds of weapons at the ready. A grin settled beneath his face. "...Matsuri Wasshu," he chuckled. "The first of the many to die tonight."
Oh he was definitely going to enjoy this slaughterfest.
Slowly, out from the darkness, came several CCG soldiers, all armed with rifles and Quinques.
At the head... was none other than Matsuri Wasshu.
"Well, well, well...just ask and thee shall appear."
The man's face curled into slight disgust. "Well, you're quite a sight." he remarked with a sneer. "So, then... You're obviously no grunt, so would you grant me the pleasure of knowing your name?"
The One-Eyed King chuckled. "Here is a hint for you, Matsuri..." he spread his arms out. "While my subordinate created Aogiri... I am the one who brought them under a single banner."
At this, all the humans blanched, their complexion becoming ghastly pale. They had every right to be...as the one who brought Aogiri together...was known to be the most powerful Ghoul in existence:
The One-Eyed King.
Matsuri, in spite of this fact, remained composed. "So..." he said slowly, eyeing the King carefully. "You claim to be the leader of Aogiri?"
"It is no claim." he rebuked. "But, if you wish to confirm for yourself..." Through one of the eyeholes, a Kakugan burned brightly, and darkened mist flowed from his back. "Then come, Commission of Counter Ghoul. I will show you... true despair."
The dark mist solidified into his Kagune behind him. It was a series of armored, black tentacles with razor sharp tips.
The Investigators all took a step back, but Matsuri stood his ground. A scowl formed on his face as he clicked open his briefcase. "...come, then." he said as his Quinque formed into his hand. "I will take great pleasure in ending the life of the leader of Aogiri."
If at all possible, the mask's already sickening grin grew wider. "Then let us BEGIN!"
And so the One-Eyed King took to the battlefield.
XXXXXXXXXX
"WHAT IN THE WORLD HAPPENED TO EVERYONE?!"
Rias cringed underneath the combined, shrilled shriek of Rossweisse and Ravel the moment they entered the clubhouse. Without a doubt, they sure looked as if they had been through hell, with their clothes being torn up, and freshly-applied bandages around certain parts of their bodies. Akeno, on her part, had a medical eyepatch over where Tatara had stabbed her, and Kiba had a fresh pair of bandages wrapped around his thigh.
All in all, they looked as if a tornado had ripped through them and spat them back out.
"It's nothing, you two." Akeno assured them with a grin. "We were just rough housing is all."
Rossweisse gawked at the Queen's words. "R-rough housing?!" she cried. "Himejima-sama, you all look as if you just had an encounter with the Hero Faction!" An angry scowl formed across her face. "It was another Ghoul, wasn't it?! Where are they?! I shall tear them limb from limb!"
"That won't be necessary, Rossweiss..." Rias said.
The former Valkyrie looked at her in confusion. Before she could even retort, the Crimson princess raised a hand. "...it is because the culprit is now dead."
The Valkyrie's eyes widened, but then nodded in understanding. Ravel, however, smiled happily. "Sugoi~! You guys beat 'em by yourselves?!"
"Fufufu~" Akeno giggled. "Not exactly."
The two were confused until the bathroom door opened. "Um, Rias-chan... not to be rude, but, aren't these my old clothes?" Blinking, they turned their heads to find a young man emerging out from the bathroom. He was dressed in a dark red v-neck with a tanned blazer over it, along with denim jeans. His hair was messy, tinted with dried blood that covered the mane completely. His right eye was covered up with a medical eyepatch, similar to the one Akeno was currently wearing. "It's... kinda small."
"Oh, nonsense." Rias waved him off with a smile. "You look fine in it."
The red-haired man didn't look convinced. "When I mean small, I mean it's REALLY tight around the... you know." This earned a fiercely red blush from the women in the room, especially from Rias. Akeno, however, looked vastly amused by his words, likely thinking of the ways she could tease the poor souls who were unlucky enough to be caught in the crossfire. Ravel and Rossweisse, however, were confused, as they looked back at each other, and then at the man. Who was he? His presence was akin to a Ghoul, yet they also felt the presence of a Devil from him as well. His features seemed familiar, but they couldn't quite put their finger on it.
"Um... Rias-san?" Ravel voiced her confusion as she pointed to the male redhead. "Who is this?"
It was only now that he took notice of them. A somber smile crossed his face once their features seemed to register with him, added only to the sad look in his eye. "...yo, Ross-chan. Ravel-chan." he greeted with familiarity. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
"…I-I-I...Issei...san...?" Ravel stuttered as her mind sparked with recognition.
Rossweisse's eyes widened in utter shock. Suddenly, the reason became clear. Despite the bloodstained hair, there was hardly any way she could not recognize that face of his.
The face of the boy she failed to protect all those years ago.
He was not the same as he was...that much was for certain. It could be distinguished from his eyes...eyes that hold so much pain and suffering. As if he had crawled out of the depths of hell.
"I-I-I..."
Ravel could no longer contain it. Fiery plumes spread from her back as tears fell from her face, launching herself at the source of her affections that she had pushed away in a moment of idiotic stupidity. "IIIIIIISSEEEEEEIIII-SAAAAAAN!"
The Phenex daughter crashed into the Hybrid. If it were his past self, he would've been knocked to the ground. But now, he stood firm and caught her advance.
His arms wrapped around her tiny waist as her own limbs wrapped around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder.
"You're alive...you're alive! Alive!" She sobbed. Issei patted her on the back in reassurance.
"I'm sorry I took so long..." he apologized. "A lot happened... I'm sorry for causing you guys so much trouble"
"Issei-san! Issei-san!" Ravel only held him tighter, afraid she'd lose him again.
The peerage could only smile at Ravel's waterworks, whereas Rossweisse remained where she stood, barely able to comprehend what she was staring back at. "I-I...se..."
The man looked up, and smiled at her. "Hey, Ross-chan."
"B...but how...how are you...?"
Issei chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "That's... kind of a long story."
"Does it matter how he's here?!" Ravel shouted, her face still marred with tears. "He's back! H-he's finally back! UWAAAAAAAH!"
"There there. Don't cry."
"B-Baka!" Ravel snapped at him, her face red. "W-why shouldn't I cry?! Stupid big blockhead!"
"You know, she has a point, Ise-kun." Irina pointed out, causing the young man to pout.
"Yare... so mean, Iri-chan."
Despite Issei's smile, it only gave off a solemn tone.
It perturbed them for sure.
Thankfully, however, before any awkward mood could settle, Akeno grinned lecherously. "My word, Ravel, are you actually fondling Issei-kun's rear?" The blonde Phenex's face exploded into bright red as she immediately backed away while Issei himself looked quite confused. What was that supposed to mean? Ravel was quite small, so her arms were naturally around his waist. It wouldn't surprise him to know if her hands were on his butt, so why was she so flustered? Eto-chan did it all the time. "Fufufu~ Quite the pervert you are!"
"I-I-That's not...!" the poor girl stammered, unable to form a coherent sentence.
"Oh, don't worry, I completely understand." the Fallen/Devil hybrid said as she licked her lips, eyeing Issei's figure. "I caught a glimpse of him as he was changing... And I must say, you've gotten more well-built, especially around the back."
Rias rolled her eyes, but one could faintly see a pink blush on her cheeks. "Akeno, MUST you be so vulgar?"
"Sorry, Buchou. Can't help it." her Queen shrugged, still smiling. "Besides, it's been so long since I've been able to tease like this!"
"It has, hasn't it?" Rossweiss thought.
Koneko merely glared at Ravel, clearly not amused by the idea of her grabbing Issei's ass. "...hands off senpai, yakitori."
"Stop calling me that!" Ravel snapped.
Xenovia giggled. "It's been so long since we've been like this."
Kiba nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it has." he smiled before looking at Issei. "By the way... Why is your hair still red?"
"Oh, you mean this?" Issei pulled down one of the strands, frowning slightly. "Well, I figured it would be a pain in the butt to wash it out, so I left it as is."
"...It looks weird. You look creepy." Koneko stated bluntly.
"Really?" Irina pondered. "Personally, I think it looks cool."
Issei blushed at this, rubbing the back of his neck as he smiled bashfully. "You think so? I don't think Eto-chan would approve much of it, though."
As soon as he said those words, Rias frowned. "Ne...Issei-kun...Who is this Eto you're speaking of?"
"Eto-chan is someone special to me." he answered honestly. "Just like you and everyone else here." It was a half-lie, but it was a lie nonetheless. He hated lying to them, but somehow, he got the feeling that they would react pretty badly if they learned that she was his girlfriend. Unlike how he used to be, he was fully aware of the girls' affections for him, and he was not about to deny them that. It would hurt them, but not as much as it would hurt him.
Then again, he was already hurting, just remembering what he had almost done to them back when he met them for the first time in two years, as well as what happened back at the Auction Raid.
Rossweisse frowned heavily. "...Ise, is this Eto girl..." she said slowly, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "...a girl we should be weary about?"
"Well, so long as you stay on her good side." he told her honestly. "Eto-chan can be PREEEETTY scary when she's angry." He grinned slightly in pride of his lover. "She's not called the One-Eyed Owl for nothing~"
"WHAT?!" Everyone in the room exclaimed in shock. Issei backpedaled from the magnitude of the shout. He tapped his ears to make sure he retained his hearing.
"Th-th-th-th-the...The One-Eyed Owl...?!"
"Yep." he nodded. "And no, she's not the One-Eyed King. I had the pleasure of meeting the guy myself." he shivered upon recalling the memory. Their meeting may have been civil and welcoming, but Issei could only remember the smell of blood that heavily flooded his nostrils just from being close to the man. Whoever he may be, it was clear he had slaughtered many, and that record of kills seemed to be only growing.
The girls, however, were still shocked. Issei... was friends with one of the most fearsome Ghouls known to them: the One-Eyed Owl. "...as usual," Kiba remarked. "Issei attracts strong people."
[Isn't that the truth?] Ddraig voiced, a green light flowing from his hand. [It's usually what happens around mine and Albion's hosts.]
"Hey, old man."
[Oi, what's with the old man talk?!] The dragon snapped. [I may be close to a thousand, but I ain't that old yet, you brat!]
"Keep telling yourself that. You are almost 1000 years old. By definition, you are old."
[...I think I liked you better when you ignore me]
Issei grinned widely. "Yeah, well, you're stuck with me from now on, partner."
The others slowly got over their initial shock, Issei's conversation with Ddraig easing the tension from before.
"Speaking of Albion," Issei's eyes lit up with interest. "How's Vali been doing? I haven't heard so much as a lick of him in Aogiri."
Issei raised an eyebrow. "Upset?"
"Yeah. He was pretty upset about a few things. One was his rival being so weak to be killed easily. The other was his rival being killed."
The word "weak" instantly caused a scowl to form on his lips. "Hey! Sure Tatara kicked the crap out of me, but I was NOT weak!" he growled. "That ass! Wait till I get my hands on him! I'll show him who's weak! I'll show him what a REAL dragon looks like!"
Power fluctuated around him as he clenched his fists tightly. The rest of the Gremory Group flinched at their friend's current behavior.
[Sorry about that,] Ddraig apologized. [Let's just say that, while he might be Issei Hyoudou again, he's also still Kurimuzon, the Crimson Dragon.]
"Damn straight I am..." Issei made no move to deny it. "Why would I deny and reject that part of myself? Kurimuzon is my Ghoul side...a part of me."
That slightly disturbed the group. Issei... wasn't angry about becoming a Ghoul? "Your... not disturbed by that fact?" Rias asked, clearly in concern for her beloved pawn and friend. "Issei... you won't be able to eat human food anymore. Doesn't that bother you?"
The red-haired Devil/Ghoul shrugged his shoulders. "I was, at first... but if being a Ghoul means I can get strong enough to protect everyone, so be it." he said before pausing. "Although... Fallen Angels taste horrible." He stuck out his tongue in disgust. "Especially Kokabiel... Seriously, that dude was DISGUSTING! It took me a week to get the taste outta my mouth!"
[Well, least you killed the bastard.]
"Eh, true... but he still tasted nasty." he said before his face became laced with sadness. "Um, Rias-chan... H-how are Asia and Gasper? I, uh... noticed they weren't here with you guys."
"They're being treated over at the general hospital in the 20th Ward." she informed. "Because we allied ourselves with the CCG, they offered to look after them as they healed up."
Suddenly, Issei froze, and his heart dropped. 'Oh, no...' he thought in horror. 'No, no no...'
"Ise?" Rossweisse called out, seeing the color from his face suddenly drain away. "Are you okay? You've gotten pale."
"I-it's nothing, Ross-chan." he lied. "I'm just... shocked is all. I... I didn't realize that I..."
"...Issei-kun...stop lying..." Rias stated, seeing through his facade.
Issei couldn't look her in the eye.
Not only had his friends joined the CCG... Asia and Gasper... were in the hospital?!
W-was all of this... because of him?
His teeth were clenched tightly. Dammit! Why...? Why the hell was this happening?!
"Issei-kun." Akeno gently touched his shoulder. "What happened to them isn't your fault. You weren't yourself."
"Even so...Even so I...I...!" In accordance to his frustration, his Kakugan flared.
The group immediately became alarmed. Rias shot up to her feet. "Issei!"
He immediately snapped out of it, his hand covering his exposed eye. A scowl settled over his face. 'Dammit... I can't even control it anymore.' he thought bitterly. Unknown to his friends, the reason behind the eyepatch was because his right eye remained in it's altered Kakugan state. Even after Tatara's death, his right Kakugan remained, as it frozen in place. It was perhaps as a result of waking up as a complete whole rather than a piece of one, but it was still worrying.
"...sorry," he apologized. "I, I just..."
He was frustrated. Everyone could plainly see that. He still blamed himself for everything.
Rias understood how he could feel that way. After all, twice he had tried to kill them. The memories... they must be killing him, even as they speak.
He was torn. He was fractured...He was...broken.
"Issei..."
XXXXXXXXXX
"...as you can clearly see from up here, the entire 1st Ward has become a gigantic battleground, with hundreds of CCG Investigators, and Aogiri Ghouls, all battling in this one area. The structural damage is unbelievable, and the fighting has continued for at least nearly two hours. However, neither side is backing down."
"Yare yare..." Suzuya chuckled as he played around with his knife, looking at the TV screen while sitting next to Asia. "What a mess, huh, Argento-chan?"
The blonde nun had bandages wrapped around a majority of her body. Most of them were wrapped around her torso, covering the wound Kurimuzon dealt her previously.
Her face was etched with worry. "Yes..." she whimpered. "This is... Horrible."
"Eh, I've seen worse." Suzuya shrugged. "Though this is the first time since the Owl attacked the main branch that we've seen such a large force. Heh, this might count as a war." A grin formed on his face. "Man, they must be in a bind right now."
Asia turned to the black-haired Investigator with disapproval. "How can you say that?" she asked, appalled by his lack of worry for his comrades. "Aren't they your comrades?"
"It's because they're my comrades that I'm not getting involved." he replied with a wide smile. "After all, if I can't have faith in any of them, how can I call 'em my friends?"
"But if they are your friends, shouldn't you go and help them out there?"
Suzuya shook his head. "I've been given my orders, Argento-chan." he told her. "And they're from Yoshitoki-jiji, so yeah, I'm not allowed back at the 1st Ward. Besides, I can't leave you and Vampire-chan here all alone, can I?"
Suzuya's gaze shifted to the unconscious Dhampir in the medical bed.
"Still, your friend's pretty strong." he commented. "You said his name was Hyoudou-kun?"
"H-hai."
"And... you know he's a Ghoul, but your willing to risk your life to save him?" he pressed further. "Even though he only sees you as an enemy?"
"H-hai." She nodded again.
"Why would you do that? From what I recall, he was this close to killing you and your friends." He pinched his index finger and thumb together with barely a centimeter of space between them.
"It's because he is my friend that I can't let him continue on like this." she replied resolutely.
"Even when he took a huge bite out of your body?"
Asia nodded. "Even then."
"...You are so strange, Argento-chan." Suzuya stated bluntly.
Asia smiled back. "So are you, Juuzou-san."
The stitched boy grinned widely. "Oh, come on, call me Suzuya! Practically everyone does!"
"Alright, Suzuya-san."
"Meh, close enough."
The two laughed. Contrary to what she first thought of Suzuya, in spite of his appearance, he was quite kind in his own way. He believed so much in his friends that they could fight against such a large array of enemies, despite being human. She wished she was there, in order to help them as much as she could. She didn't hate the Ghouls as much as her friends did. No, far from it. She felt sad for them, being unable to enjoy the things humans could. However, she couldn't quite forgive the Ghouls responsible for taking Issei away from them.
"Ne, Argento-chan..." Suzuya spoke up, bringing her out of her thoughts. "I've been meaning to ask... How'd you become a Devil, anyway?" The girl blinked in surprise, turning to the Special Class Investigator. He immediately brought up his hands. "If you don't mind me asking."
"No no. It's fine." She reassured him. "If I were to put it bluntly, I died once. But Rias-San and Issei-San saved me."
Suzuya's smile fell. "...sorry."
"Oh, don't be." Asia smiled gently. "Besides, if it weren't for that, I wouldn't have gotten to meet Issei-san or the others." She glanced down at her hands. "I guess I should also be thankful for this too." she gestured to the rings on her fingers. Seeing Suzuya's confused gaze, she elaborated. "This is called a Sacred Gear. It's something some humans are rarely born with. Mine is called Twilight Healing."
"Twilight Healing?"
"Mm. It lets me heal anyone, regardless if they're human, angel, or Devil."
"Heal...anyone..." Suzuya trailed off, the gears in his head turning.
"Yes. I can even heal fatal injuries."
"Even someone in a coma?!" Asia jumped when Suzuya inched closer to her. "Can you heal someone in a coma?!"
"I-I think so...but I'm not entirely sure. I have never done that before..."
"Good enough!" In a swift motion, he dashed out of the room. Not a second later, he came back with a wheel chair. "Follow me!"
"W-wait, what?! W-waaaah!"
She couldn't form a coherent response as Suzuya picked her up and plopped her into the chair. He then proceeded to wheel her out of the room very quickly.
"W-w-wait! T-too fast! P-please slow down!" She begged.
"No time!" Suzuya replied, his heart thumping against his chest. Finally... Finally! There was hope for him yet! 'Hold on, Shinohara-san!'
"S-Suzuya-san, stop! KYAAAAAAAH!"
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"G-Graaaaaugh!"
The Investigator was thrown against the walls of the main branch, his blood splattering all across the walls. Others remained impaled on the tendrils, which remained idle in the air, the owner of the Kagune simply standing where he stood, looking as menacing as he appeared to them. "Come now, was that all?" the One-Eyed King taunted. "I would have expected more, Matsuri Wasshu."
The bespectacled man was leaning against the wall. His left arm all but gone, his right hand clutching the stump. He was trembling in absolute horror. This...this was no ghoul...this was a Demon!
'H-how...?!' he thought in disbelief. 'How can such a monster exist?!'
"Well, then again..." the King clucked his tongue in disappointment. "I didn't really expect much from you. Perhaps Yoshitoki Wasshu would provide more entertainment." He threw the corpses around him away, and aimed his tendrils at Matsuri. "Now, if you would be so kind..."
"Hiiiiiiigheeeer..."
"Hm?"
"MIIIIIIIIIND!"
A massive blast of energy intercepted him.
The King brought up his tendrils, which wrapped around him like a cocoon. The blast threw him into a wall, breaking through it, and sending him flying out into the main interior of the building. Matsuri, surprised by the attack, turned his head to see Mougan and Hachikawa standing in front of the main entrance, their Quinques already brandished. "Heh, not bad." the scarred Investigator chuckled. "Blocked at the last second."
"Mmmmm!" the burly Investigator grinned. "Good reflexes!"
"Indeed. That blast was powerful..." The King stepped out of the rubble.
"Che." Hachikawa snorted. "Of course the bastard survives..." His face contorted. "And you smell like shit... how many Ghouls did you eat?"
"I lost count after 1000." The King shrugged. "And that was years ago..."
Matsuri's eyes bulged. A thousand... that monster devoured a thousand Ghouls?!
Hachikawa chuckled. "Your a real piece of work..."
"As are you, Chou Hachikawa."
"Oh? So you know of me?" He questioned.
"Indeed. I make it a habit to know about my foes. That way, they won't be forgotten when I devour them."
Mougan snorted. "How quaint of you." he said indignantly. "Unfortunately for you, boyo, you are going down!"
The King laughed at this. "Then I hope you do better than this pathetic excuse of a Wasshu," he gestured to Matsuri. "Now then... Shall we begin?"
"Gladly!" Hachikawa aimed his Quinque at him.
Mougan aimed his Quinque as well.
The Kings tendrils were brandished, ready to strike as well.
Then, they charged.
XXXXXXXXXX
"S-Suzuya-san..." Asia moaned, stars dancing around her head while her eyes were left as swirls. "Please... don't ever go so fast again."
"Sorry, Argento-chan," the black haired boy said as they stood outside a hospital room... the room of someone very precious to him. "When you told you me you could heal someone, I just... got really excited is all."
"But I'm not even sure I could do it." She shook her head. "I never healed a person in a coma before. I don't know if I can even wake them up."
"It's better than nothing!"
Asia looked up at the man, seeing his expression.
It was a face full of desperation and hope.
Suzuya gulped a nervous lump in his throat as he opened the door, pushing Asia inside. The girl then saw the room's occupant.
It was a middle aged man rigged to a life support system.
His eyes were closed, and an oxygen mask was strapped over his mouth. The only signs of life that came from him was the steady rising and falling of his chest, and the sounds of the monitor rigged with his heart beeping regularly. "This is Shinohara." Suzuya introduced to her as he placed her in front of the bed, moving next beside her as he took a seat on the chair close to the bed. "He's a Special-Class Investigator, and one of the best people you'll ever meet." A sad smile formed across his face. "He's... also like my father."
"Your...father?" She asked.
"Yes..."
His face became disheartened as his hands clasped around one of Shinohara's in a gentle grip. "It was two years ago, when the Owl attacked us during the Suppression Mission." he elaborated. "He received major brain damage... the doctors were able to put him on life support, but ever since, he's been like this." His eyes became glassy, almost as if he were ready to cry. "Even though Shinohara's wife told me it wasn't my fault, I still feel like it's because of me that he's even in this bed, hooked up by a bunch of machines." His grip became tightened over his father figure's hand. "I hate myself for it... if I was just a bit stronger, then maybe Shinohara wouldn't be..."
Asia placed her hands over his. "It's okay, Suzuya-san..." she said gently. "I understand." She looked back at the sleeping, comatose form of the Special Class Investigator. "Is he... why you asked me if I could heal anyone?"
Suzuya nodded. "Argento-chan..." he said quietly, giving her a pleading look. "Please... Please, help Shinohara."
"I...I will do my best..." She nodded.
She turned her attention to Shinohara. She took a deep breath, and held her hand over his chest.
She focused her power into her hands. As a result, a green light manifested in her palms. She directed her hands above Shinohara's head, as that was where most of the damage was.
Suzuya held his breath, his grip still present over Shinohara's hands.
"Please, let this work..."
Asia whispered in hope. She focused her power on the man's brain. Normally, she would have to see the injury in order to repair the damage. But now, as long as she has a general idea of what the injury was, she could heal it.
But to mend a comatose patient was something she never even attempted.
She tried the best she could; all the while hoping that she was able to heal him.
She couldn't let Suzuya down. Not after how nice he had been towards her.
With that, she continued to pour as much power as she could into Shinohara.
After what seemed like several minutes, the glowed died down. Panting, she reclined back in her wheelchair, sweat pouring down her face. Suzuya looked at her, worried that she must have exhausted her power to try and heal him. He then turned his attention back to Shinohara, studying his face closely, and then turned to the monitor.
There was hardly any change.
The only difference he could see was that his complexion had gotten less pale, and maybe his face looked a tad fuller. But he was still unconscious.
His face became dishearted, a broke smile crossing his face. "...I should have known better." he said dejectly. "I should have known..."
"I'm sorry, Suzuya-san." Asia apologized, disheartened that she was unable to stir him from his slumber. "If I was stronger, then maybe..."
"It's fine, Argento-chan." he stopped her, shaking his head. "It's my own fault... I was so stupid, thinking this would work." He laughed bitterly. "I was so, so fucking stupid..."
"Don't say that!" She snapped at him. "It wasn't stupid at all! You saw a chance, and you took it, despite knowing the odds! Who can blame you for that?!"
"Yeah, maybe..." he replied, still disheartened. "But I..."
"...Juu...zou...?"
Suzuya's body stiffened. His eyes were wide like dinner plates, his breathing hitched. Slowly, he turned around, afraid if what he heard had been a mere delusion.
But it wasn't. When he fully turned around, he was greeted with a sight he thought he'd never see. Shinohara...fully conscious.
His eyes, tired and worn, as if having woken up from a very long nap, looked up at him.
"S-Sh-Shi..." Tears fell from his face. "Shino...hara...san?"
Beneath the oxygen mask, the Investigator gave a wry, yet worn smile. "Hey..." he croaked. "You've...gotten taller."
"Sh...Shi...SHINOHARA-SAN!" Suzuya cried, tears falling freely from his eyes. He wrapped his arms around the bedridden man, not caring for the multiple machines attached to him.
The man coughed haphazardly, but still managed a smile as he wrapped his arms around the young boy. "H-hey... watch it, kiddo." he said weakly. "I just woke up."
"Shinohara-san! I...I'm so sorry...!"
"What're you apologizing for..." Shinohara chuckled, patting the boy's head. "You didn't do anything wrong, kiddo..."
"But...Because of me...you...you were...!" He sobbed.
"Hey, now..." Shinohara smiled warmly. "I'd do anything to protect ya in a heartbeat..." He grinned. "After all, you're under my protection, Juuzou."
"Sh-Shinohara-san...!"
"So dry your tears. There is no need to cry anymore."
"Hrgh-UWAAAAAAAAH!"
As Suzuya continued to cry from the sheer joy, Asia smiled softly. She had no idea if this plan would work, but... she was glad it did. It was such a heart-warming sight, to see a father and a son reunite. She wondered if the reunion between her and Issei would be like this too, once he had been brought to his senses.
Not wishing to ruin the moment for them, Asia quietly turned her wheelchair, and left the room, closing it softly behind her.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Hiiiiiiigheeeeeeer MIIIIIIIIIND!"
Mougan fired another burst of energy from his Quinque. The One-Eyed King stood his ground before dodging it at the last moment.
The blast shaved off some of his cloak, but his feet skidded across the ground, only to use his Rinkaku to bat away the incoming shards from Hachikawa. "Is this all two Special Classes can do?" the King asked blandly. "I am not impressed."
"Really? I say we're pressing you into a corner, King." Hachikawa remarked sarcastically as she shot out more shards.
"Well, you know what they say..." The One-Eyed King grinned. "When an animal is cornered, they tend to strike back viciously."
The two frowned at this before noticing black mist flowing out from his back. The One-Eyed King arched forward as the mist seemed to solidify.
Then, two smoky, black wings emerged, standing proudly alongside the sharpened tendrils.
"A Ch-Chimera?!"
"Ah..." the King moaned as he rubbed the back of his neck. "It's been a while since I've used my Ukaku..."
Now that he thought about it...it's been about a year since he used it.
Mougan sighed. "What is it with Chimeras these days...?" he mumbled. "First the dragon, then the Nutcracker, and now the One-Eyed King."
Hachikawa scoffed. "Whatever..." he snapped. "Just kill this motherfucker already, and be done with it."
"Too late..." A voice whispered behind them. Neither reacted quickly enough and received several black crystals lodged in their bodies.
Mougan found his back littered with them, blood gushing from his mouth while Chuu gritted his teeth, refusing to give the son of a bitch the satisfaction of hearing him scream. Mougan's vest had managed to protect him somewhat from the damage, but the crystals still managed to pierce through the kevlar vests, whereas Chuu was lucky, as none of them pierced his vitals...didn't mean it hadn't hurt like hell, though.
However, his musings were cut short as the King followed up with his attack. Two of the black armored tendrils shot forth and skewered him. One impaled his dominant shoulder. The other tearing through his stomach.
This time, blood gushed through his teeth.
"Hachikawa!" Mougan cried. "Damn you! COMPRESS!"
A sphere of blue energy gathered at the end of Mougan's weapon. It continued to compress itself until it could no longer compact the energy.
"Now, DISPERSE!"
With that, several blasts shot forward. The King jumped back, avoiding the blasts completely while Hachikawa was thrown back by the explosion. Thankfully, the blasts hadn't injured him, but the wound in his stomach would definitely prove to be a problem.
Once the blasts died down, the King saw the opportunity to counter attack. He wrapped himself in his Ukaku and charged, his Rinkaku trailing behind him.
Mougan quickly changed the mode of his Quinque, taking up its battering ram form.
"And the coup de gra!" he announced. "HIIIIIGHER MIIIIIIND!"
The King cursed. "Son of a-"
The gigantic blast struck him dead on.
Despite his Kagune taking the brunt of the attack, some of his cloak was vaporized from the blast. Even his grinning mask gained a few cracks from the impact.
The blast had forced him back, sending him skidding across the ground before coming to a stop. His cloak, which now covered only a portion of his body, flapped about lazily while his mask developed spiderweb-like cracks, as well as singe marks along his hair. "Not bad..." he commented. "Not bad at all..."
"If you think that wasn't bad," a new voice called out. "Try this."
"Hm?"
The King turned, and shifted his body to the right, dodging a large yellow crystal from impaling him. It pierced into the ground next to him, but it began to glow and whirl loudly. It only took him a second to realize what it was doing, and curled his Ukaku around him. The shard exploded, and sent him flying into the wall, his Kagune protecting him from any damage.
"I see...so you arrived as well...Kousuke Houji..." The King stated.
The older man gave the Ghoul a calculating glare. "...and you might be...?"
"Houji-boyo..." Mougan said as he held his 'angel' firmly in his grasp. "That Ghoul...is the leader of Aogiri."
"...I see."
The King chuckled. "Three Special Class, and yet only one of you has managed to actually injure me somewhat." he taunted. "Perhaps the strongest humans the Wasshu's have to offer aren't as powerful as they're lead to believe."
The King chuckled. He was mildly disappointed. Not one of them gave him the challenge he sought. It was too easy.
Mougan snorted. "Big talk for a man who has yet to bring us down."
"All in time, big man..." the King said. "All in time..."
Another cloud of dark mist manifested behind him.
The three became shocked, as sprouting around his arms were jet black blades, resembling almost like broadswords, with a bloody red edge. "What the shit?!" Hachikawa screamed. "Why the fuck does he have three Kagune?!"
They were witnessing the impossible. Out of all the Ghouls the CCG has record of...they were only meant to possess a single Kagune, with the exception of Chimera types. But even then, A Chimera type was only meant to have two Kagune at max.
Just what was the King then?!
They settled over their shock, and prepared themselves. The King chuckled. "Now then... On to Round 2!" he cried, leaping into battle.
XXXXXXXXXX
'...man, this blood really does look like a pain to wash out.' Issei thought as he pinched a few of his hairs, looking at it in slight dismay. 'I think I should leave it as is... I mean, sure it kinda looks like I'm related to Rias-chan, but I don't think that Eto-chan would approve of the hair color.'
Then again, he would probably have to wash it out anyway when he showered.
It was a shame, though... He found his red hair to be rather cool. Perhaps he should dye his hair this color? ...nah, too much work. 'The length is pretty annoying though.' He hadn't realized it during his time as Kurimuzon, but his hair was absolutely horrible. Not only had it grown past his shoulders, but it was starting to obscure his eyes, and while it had not proven to be a problem so far, he knew it was a matter of time.
"I need to cut this..." He stated, running his fingers through his stained locks.
He rummaged through the bathroom cupboards before finding a pair of scissors. He looked back at himself in the mirror, glaring at the messy mass of hair he sported, and carefully put the blades around his head, tugging on some of the strands. Just as he was about to snip them, he paused upon realizing something.
He didn't know how to cut his own hair.
Now that he thought about it...the ones who had cut his hair in the past were his mother or the barber he went to on occasion.
He had absolutely no clue to how do that.
He sighed. "Great..."
What was he going to do now?
"Issei-kun?" Akeno's voice called out from behind the door. "Are you decent?"
Issei blushed somewhat. He was wearing only his jeans, and had discarded his shirt and jacket, leaving him completely topless. In other words, he wasn't decent. "No, I am not."
"In that case, I'm coming in~"
"Wait, what?!" Issei gaped, not believing what he was hearing. He grabbed his shirt and tried to put it on before Akeno walked in.
Unfortunately, it was too late. Akeno barged right in before he could even grab the red tee.
The girl was about to comment on his build...until she saw the numerous scars marring his flesh.
At almost every part of his body, there was a horrible wound. Some had been simply scars that were close to fading away, while others remained as horrible slashes of healing patches of skin. His upper body was covered in the latter wounds, with few of the former found anywhere. His shoulder held the worst of the scars, where Naki had put a Komodo Dragon in. His left torso had a scar from where Noro had bitten into him in their first encounter, which stretched all along his rib.
There were even scars along his elbows, where Naki had ripped the joints and ligaments out with a pair of pliers. And another where Naki drilled a hole into his sternum.
Akeno bit her lip. Just what had Issei gone through in order to suffer so much? Why did this have to happen to him?
"A-Akeno-san!" Issei barked, his face as red as his bloodied hair. "Do you mind?!"
"S-Sorry!" She stepped out and shut the door behind her.
As soon as she did, Akeno's body started to shake. 'Why...?' she questioned, tears falling from her face. 'Why did he... have to suffer?!'
Inside the bathroom, Issei scowled, the bangs shadowing his eyes. "...she was the last person I wanted to show her these scars."
XXXXXXXXXX
"W-W-W-W-W-W-WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY, RIAS-CHAN?!"
Rias pulled her phone away from her ear when her brother screamed into the phone.
"Please, lower your voice, Onii-sama." she asked, tapping her ears to ensure her hearing was still intact. "You almost blew out my eardrums."
"Sorry, sorry! I just...I just believe it! Is Issei-kun really back?!"
"Yes, he is." she answered. "He actually saved us from the same Ghoul who attacked us all those years ago."
"He did? Where is he now?"
She smiled. "Take a guess."
"...damn...Issei-kun has grown strong, hasn't he?"
"Of course he has. He's my adorable servant, isn't he?"
"And a possible brother-in-law~" Sirzechs teased with a sing-song voice, causing Rias to blush. "Jokes aside, is he alright?"
"...To be honest...I am not sure Onii-sama..."
"What do you mean?"
Rias bit her lip. "Issei-kun, he's... he's not how he used to be." she said, unsure. "I mean, I knew he wouldn't be the same, but... even still, it's..." She took a shuddering breath. "It's very worrying."
"Rias..." Sirzechs tone became serious. "What happened?"
Rias gave a slight pause. What HASN'T happened was more like. She didn't even know where to begin.
From Issei's arrival in Kuoh, to him taking a hit for her, to reviving and killing Tartara...she just didn't know.
"I...don't even know where to begin, Onii-sama."
"Just take it slow," he told her. "Start from the beginning, if you can."
Rias sighed. "...Okay...It started with Issei and the Ghoul that took him arrived at the academy..."
From there, she recounted all the details. She explained how Issei, as Kurimuzon, seemed to be very reluctant in fighting them, and how the Ghoul called Tatara, fed up with their interference, released his Sacred Gear; the Dead Apostle. She recalled how deadly the nails were, as they sealed off their abilities to cast magic, to channel their power, to even walk or lose their sight. She even recounted how Issei took the blow that was meant for them, seemingly dead at her feet before she retaliated, which only appeared to piss the Ghoul off.
Then she told her brother of how Issei regained his memories, seemingly. How his hair, which had gone from brown to white, was stained completely with bloody red, easily mistakable for someone in her clan. She had told her brother how easily he had taken down Tatara, of how he obliterated the Ghoul in a mere matter of seconds.
It had only been at the end of these explanations that Rias realized she had said all of this in a few breaths, leaving her slightly panted.
The Crimson Satan was rendered speechless at what he just heard.
"...so, in other words..." he said slowly, digesting the information. "He came, he saw, and he kicked ass?"
"That Sums it up..."
"…well."
Unbeknownst to Rias, Issei was listening in on their conversation from outside the room.
The boy's hand was trembling over the door knob.
A part of him wanted to go in...but after hearing Rias converse with his brother...he just couldn't.
His hand was shaking.
He could feel his Kakugan flare up again.
His breath was shuddering, close to hyperventilating.
He...he just couldn't stay here...not after what he'd done...
He slowly pulled his hand back, and turned on his feet. He was glad nobody was seeing him in this state... it was pathetic, really, seeing tears flowing down his cheeks.
"What have I done...?"
XXXXXXXXXX
"Houji, to the right!"
"Che!"
The Investigator leaped to the side, avoiding a mass of sharp crystals.
As soon as he was oriented, he unloaded his Quinque, shooting out several crystals. The King brought up his wings, deflecting them with ease before charging forward with the intent of skewering the man.
But his Koukaku blades were intercepted by another energy blast courtesy of Mougan.
"Don't even think about it!"
"Tch. Nuisance!" The King clicked his tongue as he maneuvered his Rinkaku to stab Mougan while simultaneously shooting off crystals.
The burly man easily countered, though some of the shards shot into his skin, causing more discomfort. He held his ground, and shrugged the man off. He grinned widely. The King was at point blank!
"COMPRESS!"
"I don't think so..." The King denied. Another mass of dark mist gathered around him.
Before the man could activate his angel's special package, a jet black tail lashed out from behind the King, bearing several spikes along its hide. Matsuri's mouth dropped, and Hachikawa's eyes threatened to pop out. "...no fucking way..."
The King... possessed all four Kagune.
What they saw before was impossible...but this is a downright anomaly. Never in history did a Ghoul ever possess more than two Kagune, and the being before them had exceeded that amount twice.
Just what was he?!
"H-how?!"
The King laughed. "Begone!"
The King became a full blown arsenal. Crystals fired from all directions. His Rinkaku shooting forward like homing missiles. The spikes on his tail elongating before shooting out as the tip of his Bikaku extended a sharp blade.
In a matter of seconds, every Investigator around him was forced back.
Each one nearly lost the grip on the quinques, several spikes and shards penetrating their armor and drew blood. Some had managed to reach and puncture their internal organs.
Hachikawa shielded most of his body, but the shards pierced into his arms and legs, forcing him down to the ground. Mougan was sent flying, smacking into a wall, where the force of the impact was enough to smash him straight through it, tumbling out into the other room. Houji was lucky, as he managed to evade most of the attack, but one of the crystals pierced into his leg.
Even worse, the crystal had stabbed into his thigh, puncturing the femoral artery. Even now, blood continued to drip from his leg. If he removed the shard, he would bleed out.
"D-dammit!"
"I must admit..." The King stated calmly. "...I wasn't expecting to use all four of my Kagune. But I needed to end this quickly, and you humans were just too persistent. I commend you all for your skill...sadly, it's the only thing left you shall receive..."
The Kakugan burned brightly, almost unearthly. "Now... All of you, di-"
"Energy Level: 100%." a calm voice said from behind him. "Release."
In the next second, the One-Eyed King was struck in the back with a full voltage of lightning.
"Gragh!" The King screamed in pain as his back burned in agony. He snapped his head around. His eyes widened briefly before his mouth widened in an elated grin.
"I see...so the Wasshu's Reaper has decided to appear..."
Standing there, Narukami in hand... was Kishou Arima.
"...the One-Eyed King."
His eyes narrowed.
"Target confirmed... Beginning elimination."
The white haired investigator charged forth, his eyes emotionless and lethal. His grip on Narukami was firm, while the sleeve of his jacket on the other arm lay limp and lifeless, given his missing limb.
Even if he didn't have an arm to work with... he was still going to end this. Finally, after so long, the greatest threat the CCG has ever known has revealed himself to him. The One-Eyed King, the leader of Aogiri...
This would be where it all end...
The King did not seem to be worried. Rather, he welcomed the challenge. As a result, he grabbed his cloak and tossed it off his body, revealing a black body suit that covered his chiseled frame.
"Finally..." he breathed. "It's been a while since I've had this much fun!" He reared his head back, laughing. "Come, Kishou Arima! Let's have some fun!"
Arima did not say a word and switched Narukami to its second offensive mode and shot off a bolt of electricity.
The King defended with his Ukaku, and retaliated with his Rinkaku, which shot forward, intending on skewering the man. Arima charged in, avoiding every one of them before following up with another bolt, only for it to be intercepted by the Koukaku. A second later, they were inches apart, barred only by their blades.
"Heh! Interesting. You are still able to fight with such tenacity despite having only one arm. Normally...I would want to see what you are capable of dual-wielding Quinques...like the one you got over ten years ago...I apologize for the One-Eyed Dragon for biting off your arm. But the lad is such a wild child. Only the Owl is able to pacify him. But I am sure he will seek you out and kill you for taking the One-Eyed Owl's Kakuhou in the past..." The King spoke.
Arima closed his eyes. "...answer me this, One-Eyed King." he said, his eyes emotionless. "The Crimson Dragon... was he even human to begin with?"
"Hmhmhm... I'll leave that to your imagination."
With that, the King and the Reaper broke off the stalemate. As soon as his landed, the One-Eyed King's Ukaku wings became hazier as veins of red glowed. He flapped his wings forward, shooting off a stream of black and red vapor that was even faster than the shards.
Arima landed and swung Narukami down on the mist to disperse it. However, the vapor stream bypassed the blade and continued on to the Investigator. The Reaper sidestepped to try and evade the attack. But some of the mist made contact with his body and left numerous minute gashes.
His face showed slight discomfort. "Damn."
The mist did not stop there, The King moved his wings, and the vapor followed the movement in the same direction. Arima used Narukami's second offensive mode to try and disperse the mist once more with electricity.
The cackling volts dispersed the mist. In the same, fluid motion, Arima jammed the blade into the ground, allowing it burst lightning into the ground, and jumped back. The King tilted his head, until he noticed the presence of another. A sickening smile creeped its way to his face. "...Yoshitoki Wasshu."
The commander of the CCG forces stared back at the man with slight intensity before throwing a black case to Arima. "...Special Class Arima," he ordered. "Eliminate the One-Eyed King."
"...understood." the Reaper nodded. The case opened up, and from it came a Quinque. However, this one was different...as this was the first live use of the weapon. "This will be the first time I've used this Quinque," he informed the leader of Aogiri. "Also... this was made from the one known as Kuzen, not his offspring." He brandished the Quinque, aiming the tip at the King. "Shall we continue... your Majesty?"
"...HehehehehahahahaHAHAHAHA!" The One-Eyed King cackled in glee, the grin on his cracked mask growing ever more deranged. "I see...so you made that weapon out of Kuzen's flesh...very well...It is time I took this more seriously..."
The Kagune dissolved into black and red vapor. The glowing of the Kakugan became more darkened and sinister.
"How long has it been..." the King rasped, his voice sounding strained. "Since I've used this...?"
The black red vapor moved and enveloped his body, infusing into his flesh. The mist became metallic like armor. His fingers became sharp as knives. His feet now sported black, metallic greaves. But that was pretty much what the Investigators can distinguish, as the rest of his body was shrouded in a heavy, dark vapor. Beneath the mist, they could tell the shape was humanoid, but it was still indistinguishable.
Beneath the veil of mist, one could clearly see bloody red eyes. "Now, let us continue our banquet..." the King growled. "...Reaper."
Kishou Arima leveled his gaze, and readied Owl. "...beginning elimination."
XXXXXXXXXX
The night air was cold when he left the ORC building. He had made sure to see if the girls were asleep, not wanting to awaken them. He had given the sleeping form of his master a sad smile as he left, a note on her dresser. He didn't want to do this to them, he truly didn't. However, the more he stayed with them, the more the memories of his time as the Crimson Dragon came to mind. It took him at least an hour to calm down, but the effects lingered still, left a shuddering mess.
'I'm so sorry, Buchou.' he thought as he turned around, giving one last look at the building where he had made so many wonderful memories, a sorrowful expression on his face. 'Please, forgive me... I... I just...' He stopped himself, not about to go over the brink. He took a deep, shuddering breath, and turned on his foot, leaving the building behind. He was just about to reach the remnants of the school grounds when a familiar voice stopped him.
"...where are you going?"
Issei paused, mentally cursing himself as he looked over his shoulder to see Kiba standing there with a confused expression on his face. It was only now that he really noticed how much the blonde had changed. His hair was shaggier, and had to be tied back into a ponytail. He was dressed like someone from the feudal era, kimono and all with a pair of swords at his hip. He also noticed how tired and worn his eyes looked, but they had recently brightened, likely because of him. There was also some facial hair at his chin, but not enough to make him lose that pretty boy appeal he hated so long ago. In fact, now, it only made him look like a roguish prince of some sort.
Dammit, this wasn't what he had planned. They should have all been asleep by now! "Just... out for a walk."
Kiba didn't look convinced as he crossed his arms, a frown on his face. "...you always were a terrible liar." he stated, earning a flinch. "Why are you up so late? That bastard did a number on you, and, well..." he shrugged his shoulders sheepishly. "All of us. You should be back in bed."
Kurimuzon tried his best to hide his scowl. 'Please, Kiba...' he begged for his friend. 'Don't make this harder than it already is for me.'
"Seriously, why are you up so late?" the blonde prince asked, a small smile on his face. "Your not exactly a night owl..." He stopped for a moment, his voice trailing off as confusion filled his face for a moment, then recognition, and finally, shock registered. "...W-wait... I-Ise, y-your not..."
Please, don't say it. He was begging him not to say it. Why couldn't have Kiba just let the subject drop? Why was he making this so difficult for him?
"I-Ise..." Panic was clear in his voice. Kurimuzon clenched his teeth, hands shaking. "Please... Your not going back... Right?" There was desperation now. "R-right?"
Slowly, Issei turned to face his friend. It was almost heart-rending to see the expression on Kiba's face. Every facial muscle was telling the same thing: let him be wrong. He wished he could tell him that he would stay, but lying to him would hurt even more, especially when the lie would be exposed. It wasn't supposed to be like this. He should be in bed, resting like himself, and he would already be outside of the club building, and out of Kuoh. He should have been on the outskirts of town by now.
He tried to calm himself, but no matter how much tried, his voice was still so shaky. "...I'm sorry, Kiba." he said, trying his best to keep his tone steady. "But... I can't stay with you all. I just can't stand it, especially when I remember..." He trailed off when he remembered what had happened back at the Auction. Gods, those crushed looks on their faces... it still haunted him. "I can't..."
He didn't want to say it. He just didn't want to. Even if he was a Devil, he was still begging for whatever God that was still in Heaven not to let him say it.
"...I'm going back... to Aogiri."
Issei had dropped the bomb. Kiba was stunned to silence. It took several moments before his mind finally processed what he just heard. He shook his head in denial. He refused to believe what he was hearing.
"Ise-kun! Don't do this! You just got back! Are you really going to leave us after all this time?!"
"What choice do I have?!" He snapped back angrily.
"You always have a choice!"
"You of all people should understand, Kiba!" he shot back, turning to face his friend. "I told you guys before! I'm not just Issei Hyoudou anymore! I'm also Kurimuzon of Aogiri... and I have his memories!" He gritted his teeth. He couldn't cry. He refused to. "Do you know what it's like, Kiba? To have memories of you trying to kill your friends? To have memories of almost killing them with your own two hands, twice?! To have memories of nearly killing the women who mattered?!"
Kiba flinched. It was true. He didn't know what it was like to have such memories... but that didn't mean he could accept this! "And you don't understand the hell we've been through!" he screamed. "Do you know what it was like for us these last two years?! All of us were grieving for you! We thought you were dead back then! We thought it was our fault that you died! If only we had tried to cheer you up instead of pushing you away, then you wouldn't have become a monster!"
Issei's eyes flared. "And there you go again!" he growled, his tone angry. "Thinking that Ghouls are monsters! It might be true that I used to think of them like that, but now that I've seen their world through their eyes, I understand now! Ghouls aren't monsters, Kiba! If anyone is the real monsters, it's the damned CCG who labeled us like that!"
Kiba was taken aback. Was Issei really...defending Ghouls? He guessed it would happen given what he currently was...but he didn't thin he would be so adamant about it. But he wouldn't back down either. "Just what do you mean? Ghouls are savages who kill and devour humans, and even commit acts of cannibalism. The CCG is just defending society from them. Just what is so wrong about that?"
"...Kiba...you have not seen the darkness of humanity like I had...It's true that Ghouls kill and eat humans...some resorting to cannibalistic tendencies...but that does not make then the true monsters. I have seen Ghouls who want to be human, envious of the normal lives they have...lives that they are denied out of the fear of CCG discovering them, and exterminating them as if they were mere vermin!" A scowl made its way to his face. "The CCG made Ghouls' lives a living hell, and for what?! Because the only way they can survive is by eating other humans?! Are you FUCKING kidding me?!" In his anger, he failed to notice his medical patch coming undone from his power leaking out. The sclera of both his eyes was consumed in darkness. One iris was green, the other red. "That is a bullshit reason! Calling us monsters for having no other way to survive?! What right do they have to deny the right of life to others?! Tell me! WHAT RIGHT?! They are nothing but monsters...The CCG...will fall at the hands of our King!"
Kiba, at this point became horrified. "Ise-kun, do you even hear yourself right now?!" he pleaded for his friend, hoping that somewhere, his human side still possessed some form of rationality. "Your condemning the only thing protecting humans from Ghouls! If the CCG falls, what will happen to your friends?! Think of your family!"
"Why do you think I can't stay, Kiba?!" Issei cried out. "The longer I stay here, the more it hurts... The memories of seeing you all..." His determination broke. Tears fell from his face. It was pathetic of him. "Just REMEMBERING me nearly killing you all..." He choked back a sob. "How can I stay here, knowing that I could have killed all of you?! Because of me, Gasper and Asia-chan are...!"
"But they're still alive, Issei!" He told him, hoping it was enough to bring him to his senses.
It wasn't.
"And who the hell put them in that state in the first place?! I...I ate them and all of you Kiba...I was starving...and I used you all to quell my hunger...I ate my own friends...my family..."
He held his hand over his face. "I... I can't..." he hiccupped. "I just can't stay...knowing I...!"
Through his fingers. Clear tears and tears of blood dripped through and onto the floor.
Kiba bit his lip. He couldn't stand seeing his best friend like this. It was too heart-wrenching. "Issei…"
"That's why...that's why I have to go back...Otherwise...I might just fall...apart..."
Kiba gritted his teeth, his head falling low. "I-I'm sorry Kiba..." his friend told him as he slowly reigned himself over, wiping away his tears. "I can't... I can't stay..."
Wordlessly after that, he turned on his feet to leave. However, no sooner had he done so did his body suddenly jolt into place. He jerked forward slightly as an irritating pain pierced through his stomach. Looking down, he saw it was a demonic sword with a blade edge. He looked over his shoulder, seeing Kiba directly behind him, holding the handle firmly in his shaking, trembling hands.
"I-I won't..." he said shakily, tears of his own falling from his face. "I won't... I won't let you go back!"
"...I see...guh..." He spat out a few drops of blood. "...I am sorry for this then..." Before Kiba could even question his statement, a spiked tail erupted from Issei's tailbone and stabbed him in the gut, avoiding any of his vitals. Afterwards, Issei's Ukaku wings manifested and crystallized before stabbing into both of the blonde Knight's shoulders.
Kiba spat out a glob of blood, his grip over the blade slackening. Swiveling on his feet, Issei swirled around, and slammed the swordmaster into the ground.
As Kiba hit the floor, Issei shot off a few shards and pinned him to the ground.
"I know you want to stop me Kiba...but I made my decision..." His tail wrapped around the hilt of the sword and pulled it out of his back. "...I am sorry."
With those final words, Issei turned around and spread out his Devil wings. Not even a moment later, he took to the skies.
Kiba's body was still while the tears fell from his face. "Dammit..." he cursed. "DAMMIT ALL!"
For the second time in his life, Yuuto Kiba had failed to protect someone precious to him.
XXXXXXXXXX
Unknown to Issei, however, there had been a figure watching his disappearance, standing into the air with the moon providing a back light. He appeared to be in his early twenties, bearing silver hair that fell down to his shoulders, tied back into a ponytail with a dark blue ribbon keeping it into place, wearing a heavy black trench coat with purple highlights, a red v-neck underneath it with black jeans with two belts hanging lazily off to the sides, and gray combat boots.
Behind his back was a pair of shining, blue wings.
"So this is your decision...Issei Hyoudou..."
The silver-haired figure held his arms folded over his chest, eyes closed. The breeze crashed coolly against him as he was left deep in thought. When he first learned about his rival's death, he was furious, both that he was so weak to lose to someone as weak as a Ghoul, yet he was also angry over the fact that it was not him who defeated his rival. Of course, thanks to Albion, he was quick to learn later that his rival was still alive, and to his surprise, it was in the form of the first-ever Ghoul/Devil Hybrid known as the Crimson Dragon, a beast feared by all of the factions, being the top hunter of Aogiri, answering to the One-Eyed Owl herself.
Ever since, he has observed from afar. He has seen what had become of his rival, reduced to a child throwing a tantrum, so dedicated to the one who pulled him away from the pain and suffering, but he had also seen how he had come to a new sense of self; a self that accepted both of his aspects, the good and the bad. Now, he was someone else entirely. Neither Kurimuzon nor Issei Hyoudou, yet also both.
However, that was not what made the beatings of excitement flow through his being. What made him feel excitement... was his battle against the Ghoul known as Tatara when he reawakened. He had seen it for himself, the power demonstrated, the form of the Heavenly Dragon allowed to run unchecked. The power known as the Imperius Juggernaut Drive.
For the first time in two years, Vali Lucifer finally felt the longing for a challenge once again.
Finally...FINALLY! He had someone who could fight with him evenly! He will finally be able to let loose!
And even better yet, it was his rival! He had even found a way to use the Juggernaut Drive without costing him his life! It was just like his Empireo! An excited grin found it's way to his face.
"I'll watch you for a little while longer, my rival." he said. "Until then, get stronger... And show me the power of the Crimson Dragon."
With a single beat of Divine Dividing, he disappeared.
XXXXXXXXXXX
"...Jesus Christ, do you see this, Sassan?"
The black and white haired Investigator looked up from his book, and an unsettling expression crossed his face. The TV was on, showing the current state of the 1st Ward... and needless to say, it was nothing less than a devastated mass pile of rubble. Everywhere the camera showed, they saw corpses, ghouls and humans alike. It was terrifying and horrible to see, and also very saddening for some of them. Shirazu was absolutely disturbed by what he saw, eyes narrowed while Saiko was asleep on Mutsuki's lap, the green-haired boy frowning slightly in worry. Urie stared at the screen intensely, biting on the nail of his thumb.
"As you can see, the hostilities here in the 1st Ward, which erupted merely roughly four hours ago, have ceased." the news reporter in the helicopter reported. "the Ghoul Organization, Aogiri Tree, has seemingly retreated. While some may consider this a victory, the sheer number of bodies, and the level of devastation here in the 1st Ward, are quite disheartening for the Commission of Counter Ghoul. Never before has a battle of this scale and size ever occurred, especially in the heart of CCG territory."
"...It is quite a frightening even to be sure..." Haise stated simply.
"I just can't believe all of this is really happening." Mutsuki said sadly. "How could have Aogiri done all of this? Not even the Owl attack from over ten years ago was this bad."
"It's because of the one leading the assault..." Urie stated grimly.
During the broadcast, they had seen it clearly. The leader of Aogiri himself had engaged with Arima, though Haise had not been present during the battle. Regardless, he had caught a glimpse of the infamous leader himself.
Every cell in his being trembled in terror at what he saw.
"The One-Eyed King really is a monster..." Ginshi muttered under his breath. "I mean, to lead an attack on the CCG itself? And do this much damage?" He shook his head. "If I didn't know any better... I'd say he was declaring an all-out war."
Haise's eyes narrowed. "War..."
Why would Aogiri want to declare war at this point in time? That was the big question.
"Whatever the case..." Urie said coldly, glaring at the screen. "As it stands now, the CCG's fighting strength has been severely diminished. Not only that, but if the reports we received not too long ago are accurate, Special Class Houji and Special Class Hachikawa have suffered serious injuries, meaning they will be off duty.
"Seriously?! Dammit, what the hell is going on?! Why are we on the sidelines like this?! We could've been helping!"
"To what extent? To the King, we would've been nothing more than appetizers."
"He has a point, Ginshi." Mutsuki said depressingly. "We wouldn't have been able to do anything. Besides, you saw that fight. Even Arima-san, the best Investigator we have, could barely hold his own against him."
"But isn't that because he only has one arm? If he had both, maybe he could've..."
"No." Haise interrupted. The Quinx turned to see their teacher staring at the screen with smoldering intensity. "Even if the dragon hadn't taken Arima-san's arm... The King still would have overpowered him."
"Wha...Seriously?!" Ginshi exclaimed in shock.
"Yes. As far as I can tell...the King is holding back, even now..."
XXXXXXXXXX
Eto was worried.
She hasn't heard from Kurimuzon in over 24 hours. She would've thought he'd be back from his assignment by now...but he was still missing. It was unsettling.
The King and his forces had returned earlier, and if the state of their numbers was any indication, it was clear that while they hadn't destroyed the CCG utterly, the damage they dealt was more than enough. She did notice that the King's mask was severely shattered and broken. That had surprised her, and Arima had immediately come to her mind, causing her to scowl slightly. Even with only a single arm, he was still able to cause trouble...
How annoying.
She kinda wished Kurimuzon had killed him already...
She sighed heavily as she pulled her legs closer to her chest. Her room felt strangely empty these days... It was stupid. Why did they keep having to send her precious Kurimuzon out so much these days? It wasn't far!
She blamed Tartara for this. He was the one who made Kurimuzon into Aogiri's weapon.
Upon thinking about the man, her face contorted into a frown. Noro had returned, but Tatara was absent... and Kurimuzon was nowhere seen with them. She didn't have the opportunity to question the man, as the King wished to speak him as soon as he returned.
She didn't get it... where was her beloved dragon?
She was so sure he would be here by now. He is usually so excited to see her first that it was strange that he failed to show up.
She sighed again. "Where are you, Kuri-kun...?"
"...sorry I'm late, Eto-chan."
The bandaged girl immediately perked up upon hearing the familiar voice. "Kuri-kun!"
Her head whipped around to the window, only to falter. It was Kurimuzon, all right... but his appearance had changed. He still wore the red hoodie, but he has received a fresh change of clothes. However, for some reason, his white hair had become completely stained red, and his right eye was eerily similar to a Kakugan, except instead of a red iris, it was green with a slit as the pupil. His hair was also sloppily cut short, though it resembled the haircut he once sported.
"Kuri...kun...?" Eto frowned heavily in confusion. "Is that... you?"
The One-Eyed Dragon smiled thinly. "Yeah..." he nodded. "I know... I must look like shit, huh?" His wings closed back into him as he jumped through the window. As soon as he did, he stumbled back slightly, heavily unsteady on his feet. Alarmed, Eto went over to his side, helping him steady himself before gently placing him against the wall. His breaths were heavy and panting, sweat pouring down his face. "Dammit... I'm so fucking pathetic..."
Eto's eyes glistened with concern. "Kuri-"
She shrieked when he suddenly pulled her close, grabbing her arm and pulling her into an embrace, arms wrapped tightly around her frame. "Please," he begged, his voice choking and tearful. "Let me just stay like this...i-if only for a little while... O-okay, Eto-chan...?"
"O-Okay..." Eto relented. The way he was acting worried her. He looked so...sad and emotionally torn. The One Eyed Owl wrapped her arms around his back and melded into the embrace. She felt his heart beat rhythmically against his chest. It was quick and heavy.
When it was clear that Eto was with him, Kurimuzon had allowed the water works to spill. Sobs and screams roared through the room, sadness and grief present, holding onto the girl as if she were a lifeline.
The green haired girl stood there and gently patted his back. She felt like crying herself upon seeing him so distressed. "There there Kuri-kun...it's okay. I'm right here..."
As he continued to cry on her shoulder, holding her closely, a masked figure from outside the room watched over them quietly, as Eto was unaware that the door was left slightly ajar. "It would appear that our Dragon has regained his sense of self," the figure opposing Noro said, arms folded over his chest. He bore black hair, which seemed almost rotten, which fell past his shoulders and down to the midsection of his back, wearing what looked like the tattered remains of a black shirt and jeans. He bore a light colored amount of facial hair on his chin, forming into a goatee, while his eyes were a deep crimson. "Though, something seems different." The man smiled. "This certainly makes things interesting."
"...did you know?" The man raised an eyebrow, hearing Noro speak, his tone old, yet bearing a sort of rumbling fatherly voice. "That he would kill Tatara?"
"Honestly?" the man chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. "I hadn't anticipated it... Besides you an Eto, he is arguably among the strongest we possess here in Aogiri Tree. That said, I am most pleased with the results."
"Even if it were to mean Issei Hyoudou would betray Aogiri?"
"Of course."
Noro was silent for a while. "...you are an odd man, Your Majesty."
"I know." the King chuckled. "But that is just who I am. Things are use so interesting lately..."
To Be Continued...
"I've always pondered the question... if I... If I were to give into my Ghoul self, if I were to regain my memories... Would I still be Haise Sasaki? I know now who this body belongs to... But even after learning the truth, I am still terrified... If I go back to being Ken Kaneki, would I lose the life I have now? Or... No. Even now, I still can't find the answer. Sometimes, I just ask myself:
Will I disappear as Haise Sasaki, if I go back to being Ken Kaneki?"