DISCLAIMER- I DO NOT OWN BLUE EXORCIST OR TOKYO GHOULAN!!!- this was inspired by a prompt on Tumblr that TongueTiedRaven tagged me in. I hope the anonymous person who requested this likes it!

Humans are thought to be the top of the food chain but there are beings who hunt them as food. These monsters who feed on the dead flesh of humans… they are called…Ghouls.

"The number of ghoul attacks these past couple months have been ridiculous!" Squawked Renzo Shima. He went limp, smacking his face into the briefcase in his arms. He did look more tired than usual, his pink hair hanging limply around his eyes. "They're even thinking of sending reinforcements from Tokyo! That's when you know, it's bad!"

Konekomaru's face was a pale green, eyes wide as he digested the information. Even Ryuuji felt disturbed by it.

Tokyo. The capital of the worst infestation of ghouls in the world. It was practically a war there. Other countries had jokingly said they should bomb the whole city and get rid of over half of the ghouls in Japan. And if things were getting bad enough here in Kyoto to garner attention from that place… things weren't looking good.

Ryuuji Suguro had been a lucky child. He had never knowingly come in contact with a ghoul. The same couldn't be said for his friends. They knew firsthand how horrible and bloodthirsty the monsters truly were.

Renzo Shima had been raised in a large family of Commission Of Counter Ghoul investigators, an organization of officers trusted to kill ghouls and protect civilians. After Takezo, the eldest brother, was slaughtered by a ghoul called Owl the family had sworn to avenge him. All the children had been sent to the Academy in Tokyo where Renzo recently graduated. He excitedly came home to Kyoto, happy to be away from the gomorrah.

Konekomaru Miwa was an orphan, adopted by the Suguro family after his parents were killed by the very same Owl Ghoul. The boy was far too meek to think he could ever go against one of the strongest ghouls in the world.

"I hope we get Reaper Okumura!" Renzo gushed, a dreamy look clouding his eyes.

Ryuuji rolled his eyes, glancing at Konekomaru who shot him a grin. Renzo hadn't stopped going on about Tokyo's Reaper since the single mission they went on together. That night, Ryuuji had a three hour phone call about how, apparently, the guy was "hot". Reaper Okumura was a legend among investigators. He was unbeatable. Super human speed, hyper intelligent and deadly. He had been given the nickname Reaper and was even compared to a god. He was the only one to ever land a substantial hit on the Owl and in return the Owl was the only one to hit him.

He was the ultimate super soldier and Renzo would not stop talking about the guy. He went on and on about his low voice, broad shoulders and teal colored eyes.

"Well, I better start heading back." Ryuuji stood, cutting Renzo off from another overexaggerated tale of the 24th Ward in Tokyo. (No way was that real… a labyrinth underneath Tokyo, scattered with skeletons where a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse took place… it just didn't seem real.)

"Aww come on, Bon!" Renzo whined.

"No. I'm supposed to help my mother with the Inn tonight. And I need to work." Ryuuji lifted his bag, frowning at Renzo.

"Neko will stay with me! Won't you?" Renzo shot hopeful, puppy dog eyes to Konekomaru, knowing the boy wouldn't be able to resist. Not only would Renzo get to keep a friend, but Konekomaru wouldn't have to walk home at night.

Ryuuji exchanged farewells with them and gave Renzo's dog a pat before venturing out into the warm night. Spring had brought humid warmth, plants coming back to life and rains plentiful.

He tried not to think about the stories of creepy ghouls in Clown masks, an army of ghouls slaughtering his family, and the Owl. The Owl with razor sharp claws and blue fire erupting from its body. Red eyes following his every move… no, stop it.

He shivered, considering turning back. And looking back at the moment, he wished he had. Because just up ahead, a figure hunched against a trash can. Their shoulders trembled visibly, pale hands gripped at their blond and red hair.

Ryuuji was raised to help those in need, as his father led their Temple so he didn't think to hesitate before he called out. "Hey, you alright?"

They stiffened, hunching further. A musical voice chanted repetitively. As he stepped closer he could hear them.

"Hungry… so hungry… hungry… smell good… food…"

Ryuuji shuffled nervously, glancing around the empty street. "We have a Soup Kitchen nearby. I can take you."

The figure inhaled sharply. Ryuuji peered closer, he couldn't tell if they were male or female or even their age.

"Food? No… mustn't. Yes. I… I-I need it." They seemed to come to a decision, nodding at the ground. "He offered. I must!"

They snapped their head up and Ryuuji froze. Black and red eyes stared up at Ryuuji, a pained grimace on the ghoul's face. Ryuuji shuffled back, horrified, as great flaming wings expanded from the ghoul's shoulders. They flickered beautifully, glowing in the darkness like an out of control bonfire.

"Please don't run." The ghoul whispered. Ryuuji didn't listen, he couldn't die here. He needed to get back to Renzo.

Daggers of fire rained down from above as the ghoul flapped its powerful wings, aiming to kill. Ryuuji could feel the blades sinking into his back as he ran. It was no use…

Blood flowed freely down his spine and around his legs. The Ghoul was right at his heels.

Another wave of daggers flew then something exploded. He looked up, seeing a figure in a clown mask grinning down from a crumbling building. Ryuuji hit the ground hard as concrete boulders crashed down. A chunk hit the back of his head and darkness dragged him under.

He awoke with a jolt, his body aching and eyes snapping open. An odd sensation in his left eye. Adrenaline rushed through him and something told him to run. He couldn't remember exactly how he ended up here but he needed to get out.

He fought to sit up and suddenly there were hands forcing him down. His eyes snapped to his father and he allowed himself to relax. His father looked shocked, eyes wide and mouth hanging open.

"Dad?" He croaked, his throat dry. His father shook himself before smiling.

"Yes, it's me. It's alright. Don't be scared." Tatsuma Suguro encouraged, retrieving a plastic cup of water and helping him drink.

"What happened?" He felt so heavy, and he eyed the IV wearily.

"An old building collapsed. It should have been taken down a long time ago. The company who owned it will be paying your hospital expenses." Tatsuma frowned, at their negligence.

A blurry image of a tearful but deadly face came to mind. "Was there someone else with me?"

Tatsuma nodded. "Yes. Another person was discovered in the rubble. They didn't survive."

Ryuuji's breath left him in a rush. He had gotten so lucky… to escape a ghoul in such a way. "What's wrong with me?"

"Many things. You were at Death's door when they called me. Several deep wounds, punctured organs and a brain bleed…" Tatsuma exhaled, his hand trembling as he stroked Ryuuji's hair. "It was a close one. They ended up giving you the organs of the deceased. It's a miracle that you are even awake now."

Ryuuji froze, tilting his head at the knowledge. No way… no way… Ryuuji shook his head, sucking in panicked gasps. Tatsuma was saying something in a low voice but it didn't reach him. His body broke out in a cold sweat, trembles dancing down his spine. No. It's impossible. Nothing to worry about.

Tatsuma pulled him into a warm embrace and he allowed himself to break down. Tears escaped his eyes and he sobbed, clutching his father's robe. Soft murmuring of strangers voices made him stiffen but his father just continued to rub his back. Something clicked nearby and almost instantly, he found himself drifting off. He was safe in the arms of his father. But… he couldn't help but acknowledge that his father smelled really good.

The plate in his lap looked innocent enough. A scoop of rice and baked fish on top. He was a bit hungry. But for some reason, it didn't look appealing at all. He frowned, leaning down to sniff it.

It certainly didn't smell good. Maybe it was old rotten fish? He carefully pinched some rice between his fingers, foregoing table manners. The rice felt ok… cooked well. He cautiously nibbled at the rice in his hand and jerked away. It was awful. Slimy and tasting like tiny bugs. He quickly spat it out, growling. Hospital food…

"Ghouls can't eat anything but humans. Our food tastes disgusting to them. If they do eat it, it weakens them." Renzo had told them.

"But why do they have to eat humans?" Konekomaru was curious but fearful.

"Their bodies depend on a cell only found in the human body, known as Red Child cells, RC cells."

His stomach rumbled slightly and he laid back down, reluctant to face the reality of his suspicions.

"Hello, there. I am Doctor Drac Dragulescu. My nurses tell me you are not eating. Can you tell me why that may be?" An old man with a monocle and mustache was talking to him but Ryuuji didn't want to look at him.

"I'm just not hungry." He lied. He was getting hungry. And it hurts.

"I see. You went through something traumatic. Sometimes it takes a while for things to settle down inside the body. Other than that, you appear to be in good health. I am pleased with your progress. I will be sending you home tomorrow." Dr. Dragulescu said… like it was normal to jump from the ICU to being released in four days.

Ryuuji muttered thanks, tears stinging his eyes.

"I know it seems scary now, but it will get better."

If only that was true.

It was nice to be home. Ryuuji could feel the tension leaving his shoulders as he walked into the Inn. His parents watched him worriedly as he walked without swaying. He felt as strong as ever and didn't need their concern.

He offered a smile, his gut churning. "I'm going to go to my room."

Torako trotted next to him. "I can help you settle into bed, dear."

He rolled his eyes at her hovering, trying not to breathe. She was too close. "No mom. I can take care of it."

She blinked at him, eyes overly concerned and traced her hand over his hair. He sucked in a breath, trying to not tremble. "If you're sure… but call me if you need anything."

He nodded and shook off their concern the best he could. Once he was out of sight, he ran to his room and slammed the door. He fell against it and tried to slow his racing heart.

What the hell do I do?

One of his eyes was burning, throbbing like he had half a migraine. He didn't want to look. He already knew what he would see but he had to confirm it. He turned to his closet, hands shaking violently as he opened the door… and there it was.

Reflected in the mirror before him was the left eye of a ghoul. Black sclera and glowing red iris damning him. His other eye stayed the chocolate brown it always had been. His fist shot out before he realized what he was doing and he punched. The glass shattered on impact and the wood splintered under the force. Not a single shard pierced his skin.

He locked himself in his room for four days, thankful that his phone had been destroyed as people came to his door again and again. He considered letting Renzo in just so the man could put him out of his misery. A mantra of monster, evil, demon screamed in his head over and over. He had been on his knees for hours, days, praying and pleading for strength. For all this to be just a dream. For Death to show him mercy.

His mother set food out for him but he didn't eat it. Her scent drove him mad, teasing him with something he would never dare to eat. What kind of monster wants to eat their own mother?

He clenched his hand around his prayer beads and cried out when he felt them crumble in his hand. He had always been strong, stronger than the average human so it shouldn't surprise him when things broke in his grip. But a part of him seemed to crumble to dust as the beads did.

It was late now… the sun had set long ago and Ryuuji couldn't sleep. The hunger ate away at him, making him want to thrash in a vain attempt to ease the pain. He… he needed to get out.

No one should be out in the halls now. He walked silently, hyper aware of all sounds. His own heart beat thundered in his ears. He was relieved when he didn't run into anyone.

It was raining gently and it eased his pain for a moment. He sighed, enjoying the cool water. He winced when he realized he hadn't bathed since the hospital. That's gross.

He walked along the edge of the Inn, sniffing the air. He couldn't smell anything. He fidgeted, longing for a set of beads. He turned his sights on the temple up the mountain. That would be a good place to hide for a while.

The walk was uneventful, peaceful even. It was a relief and he blamed the rain for the fact that he didn't smell his father inside the temple.

"Ryuuji!" His father's joyful voice brought him back to his senses and he gasped. His father was grinning at him from where the man knelt before a warm fire. Ryuuji wanted to bolt, his legs itching to run. "Now now… it's alright. Come sit with me, son."

Bad idea. Bad bad idea. Ryuuji chanted in his mind but he wanted the comfort his father would bring. His gentle, understanding father. He tucked his legs under him, mirroring his father.

"Dad…" Ryuuji whispered.

"Shhh… everything is alright here. Close your eyes and relax." And he began to pray quietly.

Ryuuji allowed his body to unwind, his eyes falling shut but he couldn't find it in him to join his father's voice with his own tonight. What right did a demon have inside such a sacred place?

Tatsuma reached out to nudge the fire, his arm passing a little too close and Ryuuji was moving before he knew what he was doing. His teeth sunk into the Deltoid muscle and his body hummed as blood filled his mouth. It was nothing like filling your stomach as a human. It was desperation in its most raw form. His body was soaking the nutrients in. He wasn't sure if it even made it to his stomach before it was absorbed.

He heard a gasp, the chanting voice wavered but continued, a hand carded through his hair. Ryuuji's eyes clenched shut and he inhaled the scent of prayer smoke and something soothing and familiar. His father. The blood on his tongue was his father's.

He jerked away with a cry, he could feel the blood on his chin, dripping to the floor. Tatsuma was pale but still chanting. He gave a gentle smile to Ryuuji. One that the boy did not deserve.

"It's ok, Ryuuji. We will take care of this. I'll help you." Tatsuma sounded so sincere.

"You're not surprised? … How long have you known?" Ryuuji tried to ignore the tantalizing blood staining his father's robes.

"No. Your eye was changed that first night in the hospital." Tatsuma stood and Ryuuji moved away, reluctant to get close. "We need to find someone to help you."

"Who?" Ryuuji's mouth was watering as he tried to pull his gaze from the blood. He felt the ridiculous urge to lick it off the floor… How low he must be…

"Kyoto isn't a good place for you. The CCG easily hunts down the ghouls here. You need to find someone to help you in Tokyo." Tatsuma lifted his bloody hand, reaching out for Ryuuji.

Ryuuji shied away, shaking his head. "No. No! I can't."

"I'll cover for you. You went away for your health. I won't even tell anyone where you went. It'll be ok. All this will be our little secret…" His father's eyes were glistening in the dying fire, and Ryuuji hated it. He hated making his father so upset.

"I don't want to leave." Ryuuji sounded small, like a begging child.

Tatsuma sighed. "I'll go with you. That would be less suspicious anyway. I'll let your mother know I'll be taking you on a trip to help you heal. No one has to know."

Ryuuji really didn't want to abandon his life here in Kyoto but he couldn't risk it. He would never forgive himself if he killed someone he loved. It was eating him up inside to have even bit his father… no he couldn't allow that to happen again.

"Ok."

The bullet train was the fastest way to Tokyo and the two and a half hour trip felt like the longest of Ryuuji's life. He was scared, trying to keep his distance from all the other passengers. He rubbed at the medical eyepatch over his left eye, hating the restricted vision.

Tokyo was before them now, and Ryuuji had never felt so guilty in his life. He had pulled his father away from the temple for his own selfish reasons. And what's worse is the expenses. His family wasn't very well off and this trip was going to hit them hard financially.

As the doors slid open Ryuuji winced as a blast of hot air carried unwelcoming scents. He could smell the stench of human food, human blood and something that smelled like death. His father tugged him along saying something about an Inn they would be staying in but he was too busy looking around.

The whole environment felt hostile. He spotted two men walking on the other side of the street. They wore white trench coats and carried briefcases. Renzo had that uniform and the same style of briefcase. A Quinque… a body part of a ghoul stuffed into steel to make it behave. One of the men looked over at him and beamed a grin with all teeth. Ryuuji nodded stiffly and continued on his way. As he turned back, something bumped into his chest.

A squeak had his hands snapping out and catching the smaller body before they could fall. Big owlish blue eyes were staring up at him, without blinking. The boy was several centimeters shorter than he was, and had a playful slightly menacing grin on his red lips. Are his teeth blood stained? He leaned closer, inhaling against Ryuuji's chest.

"Thanks for catching me! I may have accidentally fallen for you! Ohhh! Your eyepatch is so cool!" The boy giggled, patted his chest and stepped away. He was wearing a thick blue hoodie, the pulled up hood had perked up ears and the face of an owl covered his feathery iridescent dark blue hair.

"Rin! Quit flirting. Let's go, kid." A man with graying hair clapped his hands to get the boy… Rin's attention. Rin bounced on his feet before doing an inopportune cartwheel and then wobbled away like he was walking a tightrope. His hoodie had a pair of white wings sewn on the back and a chain hung on his hips. Red boots with a white furry top clashed horribly with the blue but Ryuuji found himself thinking it suited the boy. His scent lingered and god… he smells really good.

And not once had he blinked.

"Are you ok, Ryuuji?" Tatsuma had watched the exchange with a look of wonder.

"Uhhh…" Ryuuji blinked as he turned to look at his father, then the CCG investigators across the street and back to Rin. "I think so."

Rin turned back to him and waved happily. He was… cute.