I do not take credit for any of the character's from Blue Exorcist/青の祓魔師. All right is given to Kazue Katō as the respectful owner. I only take credit for Ryuu Akihana, Nox Galiant and Takashi Haru. Enjoy!
Once the three men had made it back to True Cross Academy and informed Mephisto of all that had happened, the principal wasted no time on calling for reinforcements to help defend the school. Foreign branches were ordered to send in their top exorcists in the event that Takashi would make good on his promise to attack the school, with Rin and Ryuu at his side.
In the mean time, Yukio,Ryuuji and the other students were ordered to evacuate the town while Nox was held for questioning and insight on what to expect from the attack. Being away from the succubus made Yukio worry, but he buried it down in an effort to hide his anxiety from the students and townspeople.
Ryuuji, although worried as well, could see his teacher's suffering and did his best to comfort him since he was the only one who could possibly guess what was bothering the half-demon.
"Okumura-sensei, that should be everyone from the west district. Should we head to the east district to continue evacuation?"
Yukio shook his head with a small smile.
"No, don't worry about it. Tsubaki-sensei reported in saying that his team finished early and that they'd take care of it. You kids should join the evacuation and get to safety."
The familiar group of friends looked almost offended at the idea of leaving the city to save themselves. Izumo, stepping forward towards their teacher, was the first to speak.
"You must be crazy to think we'll quietly escape when our friends are in trouble. We're staying."
Yukio shook his head in disagreement at Izumo's determined words.
It's too dangerous. My brother and Akihana-san may be your friends, but right now, with things as they are, they will not hesitate to strike you down if you get in Haru-sensei's way. I'd feel much better if you all joined the rest of the civilians in the evacuation."
Ryuuji scoffed at the teacher, surprising everyone with how the most studious of their group disrespected their teacher.
"Suguro-kun, did you have something to say?"
Ryuuji met Yukio's disapproving stare head on with his determined one.
"You're cruel, Okumura-sensei. You know that we care about Rin and Akihana-san, yet you're telling us to sit and wait around while you and other exorcist, who wouldn't hesitate to kill them on sight, go to fight them."
Yukio looked down as he thought over Ryuuji's words. The two-toned exorcist didn't stop as he stepped forward to stand in front of his teacher, lowering his voice so that only Yukio could hear him.
"Put yourself in my shoes, Sensei. If the same thing were happening to Nox, would you accept what you're telling us?"
Yukio sighed in defeat, realizing what Ryuuji was trying to get across to him. He smiled as he looked back up at Ryuuji.
"Thank you, Suguro-kun. I see your point now."
Ryuuji nodded in approval and turned to his friends victoriously.
"Let's go! We have to join the others in preparing for battle! It's going to be a big one!"
The students cheered as they ran back to the school to help set up the defense, Yukio shaking his head with a smile.
"Well, they seem enthusiastic enough considering what lies ahead."
"Of course, Häschen! Their determined to save their friends."
Yukio chuckled when a pair of arms wrapped around his waist and he leaned back into the strong, warm chest of his boyfriend. Nox rested his head on Yukio's shoulder, nuzzling into the exorcist's neck.
"How long have you been eavesdropping on us? I thought the Order had you all locked up."
Nox snickered mischievously.
"You should know by now that nothing in existence could keep me away from you!"
Yukio laughed as he brushed Nox off of him gently.
"You were gone for most of the day. You must have not been in that much of a hurry."
Nox whined while chasing after his laughing boyfriend.
"Since when did you turn into such a tease, Häschen?"
Yukio smirked back at his boyfriend coyly, making his way up to the students that shouted for the couple to hurry up.
"Is it a turn off?"
Nox watched as Yukio ran ahead to join his friends, smiling fondly after him.
"Not in the slightest."
Weeks of preparation went by of as diverse troops of exorcist representing different origins of the Order showed up on by one to join the defense. Little information had been gathered on the impending attack regarding when or how it would take place.
Squads were simply ordered to put up as many defenses as possible while keeping alert for an ambush or anything unusual.
Nox was under strict surveillance, much to his uncaring knowledge. Sticking to Yukio's side allowed him to roam happily to his lover's defense if need be. At first, Yukio was embarrassed by the unwavering gazes of Nox's 'posse', as the demon jokingly called them. Nox comforted the teacher, assuring him that the demon would hold in his 'carnal urges' until he was free and clear of suspicion.
The mischievous demon earned a punch to the gut from his lover when he pointed out how 'cute' he was when he was flustered and blushing.
Ryuuji spent his time assisting the ranked dragoons of the Order at different high points in the city with setting up perimeters and shooting points if needed.
The teen didn't feel comfortable setting up deadly traps for his two friends, but saw no choice if he wanted any chance of rescuing them from Takashi's grasp. There was no way he'd allow anybody to hurt Rin or Ryuu, but for now, he had to do as told try and prevent the Academy or the Order from being brought down. If Rin awoke from his trance to find that he had killed his friends and hundreds of others without any will of his own, it would kill him inside.
"Suguro-kun, quit spacing out and hand us those semi-automatic snipers. We need to set them up here in case the dragoons need to quickly take out a threat."
Ryuuji nodded before doing as he was instructed. The other exorcists helped set up the vantage point on the cliff overlooking the city entrance. Many other vantage points throughout the city were previously set up with squads dispatched to them and rotated periodically. With weeks going by, and no update on the situation at hand, the exorcists were getting anxious, leaving more than a few people on edge.
Say, what's that over there?"
"Are we even sure that an attack is coming? Who's to say that this Takashi guy was just bluffing to escape?"
Everyone except Ryuuji stopped what they were doing and thought about what the man said. Ryuuji continued working, ignoring the exorcist's discussion, hearing the same words over and over again.
"Do you think it's possible?"
"Probably. Or it could have been some elaborate trick Sir Pheles put up. You know how Sir Pheles hates boredom. I wouldn't be surprised if he set this all up just to mess with us."
"Well now, that's not very polite."
Everyone turned in shock at the familiar voice of Mephisto Pheles, who sat in a luxurious looking chair sipping tea with Amaimon sitting at the top, chewing on a lollipop.
"Sir Pheles! What are you doing here? Is there news on the attack?"
Mephisto shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly while drinking his tea.
"Who knows. Our scout team that was sent out never returned."
Everyone froze at the news. An elite scout team of exorcists were sent out to try and locate Takashi, Rin and Ryuu and gain information to provide them an upper hand in the oncoming battle, but no news had come from them as of late.
Ryuuji stepped forward from the group, shaking from head to toe.
"Sir Pheles, are you saying that…? You don't think…?"
Mephisto nodded solemnly, confirming the groups greatest fear at that moment.
"Yes, we must now consider the possibility that the scouts have either been captured or worse. Given the limited distance allowed for them to search, it's likely that the attackers are closing in. Have you received word from the perimeter watch?"
The leader of the group, a larger man with a receding brunette hairline, answered hesitantly.
"No sir. Not since this morning."
"Call them. I want an update."
The man flinched before nodding an retrieving a communicator hooked to his belt. Pressing the 'Talk' button, a beep was heard before he spoke.
"This is Squad 7's, Raizen Enzo, of the sniper devision requesting a progress report. Over."
Releasing the button on the communicator left the group of exorcists with only dull static. Everyone was silent as they awaited a reply back from the squad defending the perimeter, but nothing came. Mephisto sighed as he rose from his chair and overlooked the cliff, noticing a distant form coming closer.
"It's begun."
No one said a word as they rushed to the cliff edge and looked off in the distance, spotting the same form approaching the sealed archway at inhumane speed. Ryuuji trembled in a mixture of excitement at seeing the familiar figure and dread at what was quickly coming next. A shout rang out from the group leader.
"Everyone get to your stations! We're under attack! Notify the other squads!"
Everyone except Ryuuji, Mephisto and Amaimon scrambled to comm the other squads and ready their weapons, now in a panic.
"Be prepared, Suguro-kun. The worst outcome may be unavoidable."
Ryuuji clenched his fists as his shoulders tensed at Mephisto's words.
"I won't allow it. I'll save Rin and Ryuu no matter what it takes."
"That makes two of us."
Ryuuji turned to find Amaimon right behind him with his wide eyed stare as he chewed on the now sweetless, paper stick in his mouth.
"However, Ryuu is our top, and only, priority. If it comes to a decision, Brother and I will sacrifice your lover for her. Are you willing to do the same for him?"
Ryuuji stood silent as he stared back at Amaimon. It was true that he wanted to save both Rin and Ryuu, but would he actually be able to? Mephisto interrupted their discussion, dragging Ryuuji away from the cliff and leading him away, Amaimon following close behind.
"Now is not the time. There is much to do. Suguro-kun, I ask that you make your way to the school to inform the rest of your fellow students. Should they reach that far, it would be best that they are prepared. We don't know what they are capable of after all."
Ryuuji, although shaken by Amaimon's question, nodded and ran towards the direction of the Academy. Amaimon and Mephisto watched the teen's quickly receding back.
"Do you think it will work out, Brother? The worst outcome for us is not all that pleasant either."
Mephisto chuckled as he rested his umbrella on his shoulder.
"It's not like you to be unsure, Amaimon! Relax! It's all in good fun, no?"
Amaimon watched as Mephisto turned back to the cliff, a rare look in his eye that could only be described as uncertainty.
"Or at least that would be ideal."
Ryuuji ran and darted through the streets of True Cross City, nearing the Academy when a large explosion was heard from behind him. The teen turned back to see a large cloud of cerulean blue and black smoke rising from the spot he had left Squad 7.
"No way…"
The alarm went off, blaring throughout the city to alert the other exorcists that the battle was underway. Ryuuji, despite his want to turn back and protect Rin, ran towards the Academy to join his friends. Once Ryuuji had met up with the other's in the classroom, due to the alarm, everyone was already well aware of the danger outside.
"I've also been informed that Akihana-san was spotted coming from the South East entrance. It seems that the plan was to attack on opposite sides and meet up here at the school. I have no doubt that Takashi-san is watching from somewhere hidden, but nearby so that he can watch the carnage."
Everyone took in Yukio's words with angry or troubled expressions. Shiemi was the first to break the tense silence when she rose from her seat with a clatter, surprising everybody and demanding their attention.
"We have to go out there! Rin and Ryuu-chan are in trouble and we're just sitting here doing nothing! I can't just sit back and watch as they unknowingly kill people or suffer themselves!"
Nox stopped the girl before she could rush out of the room.
"Hold on, Girlie. For you, going out there is suicide. I've trained with Little Chick and Princess for the past 3 years. You don't know what they're capable of in their right state of mind, let alone under the haze of pure instinct. They'd slice you to pieces without a second thought."
Shiemi's face fell in defeat as she looked down at the ground. The group jumped when another explosion was heard, rocking the school and causing dust to fall.
"They're getting close so fast. How can they be this strong?"
Nox looked back to his boyfriend solemnly. He knew how hard it was on him to have to hear the battle between hundreds of exorcists and his older twin brother.
"I'd tell you not to worry about him, Häschen, but that would be pointless. Not to mention, it wouldn't be a better outcome in that case either."
Yukio nodded as he looked down at the floor with a lost expression, a twisting pain making its way into Nox's heart. Ryuuji noticed this and grit his teeth together before standing from his seat and making his way to the door. He opened it to find Nox waiting in the doorway, leaning up against the wall with a knowing smirk on his lips.
"Just where do you think you're going, Captain? Didn't you hear what I said?"
Ryuuji pushed the demon out of his way and made his way down the hallway to find a door. Everyone wasn't far behind him as the ran to find out what the teen was up to.
"Bon, calm down! What are you doing?"
Shima managed to grab the teen's arm and stop him in his tracks. Ryuuji turned back to him with a calm expression, surprising both Shima and Konekomaru.
"I'm perfectly calm. I just don't have any desire to stay cooped up in here while our friends are out there. It's just as Moriyama-san said: Rin and Akihana-san are out there killing people against their will. What kind of person could stay inside and wait when that's the case?"
Shima and the others looked down, knowing that Ryuuji was right. Rin and Ryuu were their friends, and they wouldn't be showing their loyalty or reserve to abandon the evacuation if they didn't live up to their words. Izumo started walking forward, gathering everyone's attention.
"We abandoned both of them when we first found out they were demons. The both of them took on so much to protect us and risk their lives for us even during that time though. Even if we weren't to go out there and try to save them because we were scared, they would forgive us…"
Ryuuji was about to yell at the girl when she turned to the group with budding tears in her eyes, taking away any thought of what he was about to say.
"However, I don't want to live with that as my excuse for being a coward! If I let something like fear get in the way of my resolve, then I don't deserve to be an exorcist!"
Everyone was silent before smiles and determined expressions were shared between them. Ryuuji nodded to Izumo as he walked past her, the group following. They came to a door and Ryuuji used his key to open a portal to an church the led out onto the street. That part of city was still in tact, but the battle was not far, if the rising smoke in varied areas in the distance were anything to go by, as well as the faint sounds of conflict.
Yukio gathered the teens attention by clapped his hands twice.
"Let's split up into teams of 2. That way we have more ground to cover. I wouldn't advice fighting Akihana-san or my brother unless absolutely necessary. Only get involved if you must. They are both strong and unable to recognize a friend from foe."
Nox nodded before adding onto Yukio's speech.
Our goal is to try to find Takashi Haru. For the enchantment to be most effective, he can't be too far from either Rin-chan or Ryuu-chan. If you find him, approach with extreme caution. He's not directly fighting anyone, but it doesn't change the fact that he is still a demon, so he will have an advantage should you engage in battle with him."
Everyone nodded. With Ryuuji joining Shima and Konekomaru, the group dispersed. With battle ensuing and their lives, as well as others at stake, everyone set out on the crumbling city. The search for Takashi Haru was on.
Afterstory Monologue:
Momo: [Waves Nervously] Hey guys. Long time no see. First off, let me sincerely apologize for keeping you all waiting so long for this chapter. If you read any of my other stories, I know I haven't updated on those in a long time either. I feel that the only way for me to really show my appreciation for your patience is to be honest with you guys as to why I've been AWOL lately.
Not long after my last update, some things have happened and events took my attention from what I love most. I sunk down into depression and my anxiety was drowning me with no way to find the surface. I've tried to come out of my rut multiple times, but it proved difficult. I would try to sit and write for you guys, because I knew you were waiting and encouraging me on your sides of the screen, but it was almost impossible for me to get out of bed or even leave the house.
Honestly, I'm still struggling, which is why this chapter is so short (and probably the sloppiest I've ever published). However, I at least wanted to get something out, even if it wasn't my best work. My plan is to hopefully stay above water long enough to finish this fanfic, including the others I have sitting on my desktop, so I ask that you be patient for a little longer.
Thanks for supporting my work, and hopefully I can live up to your guy's expectations of what's to come. I suck at action scenes, so this will be good practice for me (Hopefully, those who are more experienced will share some tips for me to deliver a quality picture). I have fanfic ideas that have been sitting on the back burner too. Let's just say that I've set those up for my reward for when I get all caught up in my writing.
Thanks for understanding everybody! See you soon! [Turns Off Camera]
