Finally back with number 7, have at it.
Oh, and all of the update notes will be at the bottom after the chapter.
Okay, now have it.
Yorukaze sat with a deceptive smile plastered on his face, as he listened to the drunken bar attendees banter back and forth.
The young assassin looked to his own glass of scotch that had been untouched.
"Funny, how people like alcohol, but not vice versa.." He mused to himself. It wasn't until he heard the tavern doors open, that he turned his attention away from his drink.
There in the doorway, stood his target.
The man was around 30 years of age, a bit of a rugged look with short and shaggy brown hair, and a bit of stubble on his cheeks and chin. His brown eyes scanned the selection of different whiskeys to wines on the shelves behind the bar.
Yorukaze took a sip of his scotch as he watched the man stroll in without a care in the world. It seemed he was relaxed, most likely he had some free time on his hands, and he chose to spend it here in a tavern.
"I'll take the Gruner Hund Vintage." He said. The bartender nodded handed him a bottle of 1991 Gruner Hund whiskey. A very well liked German whiskey.
Yorukaze did have to admit that the had some good taste. Yes, the young assassin did have a tase for alcohol, sue him.
"Mind if I keep you company?" Yorukaze's eyes flicked up, and the man was standing in front of him with the chair already pulled out.
"By all means." He replied.
"You look a bit young to be in a place like this." His target said, taking a long swig from his whiskey.
"I didn't know I needed permission." Yorukaze retorted before taking his scotch down.
"You want it darker fellas?" They heard the bartender asked. There were rounds of 'yeah' and 'yes' from all around the room.
'We kill the flame.' The clock on the walls chimes as it reached up for 12:00pm.
"Time to go." Yorukaze said lowly. The man heard him mutter and asked, "What was that son?"
The moment the lights went dim, Yorukaze stood up and left the table, dropping something in the man's bottle as he passed.
As he left, there were shouts and cries of shock as the man inside began to choke on his drink.
"Irony." Yorukaze mused as he melted into the shadows.
Issei watched with concern as Indra was once more being healed by Asia's magic. The devils were on their tail now, and it would only be a matter of time until they were found out.
On their way back to the hideout, the assassins had spilt their oaths as to avoid being caught all together.
Indra just happened to be the unfortunate one, and ran into trouble on his way back.
(Flashback)
Indra slipped through the crowds with the flexibility and agility of a snake, coming in hot on its prey. The devils were surely looking for them now, as well as the remaining Yakuza members that had discovered their operation had gone awry.
During his musings as he fled, Indra was unfortunate enough to ram into a searching member.
"Hey, that's one of them!" He cried, and shortly after he was joined by his companions.
Indra reached behind his back and grabbed his kodachi, swinging it out in reverse grip.
"Get him!" Indra sidestepped and ducked below a clumsy swing before he slit the fool's throat. Indra whipped his head around to the left to see a Yakuza member leveling a pistol at him. He grabbed the closest member and used him as a shield and took his own pistol out.
*Pew!*
Indra popped a bullet through his head when his enemy ran his gun empty. One last Yakuza member remained, and he was sizing up the assassin.
They both took their swords and the Yakuza member rushed forward, the thrusting his sword straight at Indra's heart. Indra parried the blow, but the redirecting of the blade went sour when the katana blade still managed to cut Indra's right arm.
The Yakuza member took this time to shove Indra back before raising his sword high, and intended to plunge the blade into his stomach.
Indra, seeing his pistol close, rolled on the ground before the boss could hit home, and fired off three solid hits into his chest.
*Pew!* *Pew!* *Pew!*
The Yakuza member fell dead, and Indra gathered himself before fleeing the scene.
(Flashback End)
Issei shook his head, hoping to clear his thoughts. It did little, but he managed calm himself some.
"I really wish the others here." He said.
"Don't we all?" Ichika said, sitting up with a grunt. "What do we do now? If we go back to school, I know damn well we will get cornered." He said.
Issei agreed. The devils would be on guard now, waiting for them to make an appearance. The templars were the least of their worries right now. After all, both sides are on the brink of extinction.
"We'll just have to make do. We can wait this out, but we can't just remain idle either. We still have work to do." Issei said, after sorting his thoughts.
"Were in quite a pickle, huh?" Ichika said, leaning back into his pillows.
There couldn't be a better way to describe it.
"Issei." The brunette looked up to see Indra walking over. He had a note in his hand.
'The eagle is migrating.' It said. Issei smiled. "The others are alright. We might not have to wait for very long." He said.
Shoraku took a deep breath and savored the smell of the air. The smell of home. While being born in the city of Kyoto, Shoraku was still happy to be back in Japan, even if Kuoh was less exciting.
"We're finally back." Hayato said, standing beside his golden eyed partner. Shoraku smiled, eyeing the top of a skyscraper under construction.
"What do you say to getting a good view?" Shoraku asked. Hayato smiled back at Shoraku and the two rushed over to the abandoned construction site. They scaled the tall skyscraper, going to heights not even some of the most fearless climbers would dare to.
They reached the top level where the floor was incomplete. The wind playfully tugged at Shoraku's hair as he roamed the horizon of the city with his eyes.
"Kuoh, never thought I would see it again." He mused. Hayato rolled his eyes beside him. "What, were you expecting to die?" He asked rhetorically. Shoraku grinned and replied anyway. "Yep." He said.
Hayato chuckled, before he leapt from the end of the ledge, flipping gracefully onto his back as he landed in a rather setup of mattresses. They looked rather old and worn out, and yet they still maintained their softness.
"Was someone trying to camp out here or what?" Hayato looked around seeing just how many worn out mattresses were sitting on the ground. He counted about 7 old mattresses sitting about.
Looking up, he saw Shoraku free running his way down, landing on beams that were jutting out and using them like swings to lower himself.
"I didn't think that was your style Hayato." Shoraku snarked, seeing his friend on the pile of stained beds.
Hayato shook his head. "Come on, let's see if we can't find Issei and Indra." He said, standing up and brushing off his robes.
Shoraku hopped off his perch and followed Hayato into the city.
Issei stepped back when Ichika thrusted the blunt end of his naginata at him. He missed the deadly pole-arm by a few inches. He took the opportunity to swat the weapon to the side and swung his bokken upwards before it stopped right under Ichika's chin.
"You have good skill, assassin. But as a master I have much more under my belt." He said, letting Ichika ease out. The two sat down on a nearby bench, taking a break from their training.
"That was really good you guys." Mittelt said from around the corner. Issei smiled and patted the spot next to him, inviting her for a seat. The younger blonde sat down next to the master assassin as he tilted his head back, taking in gulps of water from a water bottle.
"How are you doing Mittelt? I hope you don't feel too cooped up in our hideout. I know it's rather bland to not get out once in a while." Issei said after wiping his mouth.
"It's okay, I guess. I'm grateful you gave us a place to stay, but I would like to see the sun again sometime." Issei smiled.
"Well, I guess I could take you outside, as long as you don't wander on your own. The devils will mistake your intentions." He reasoned. Mittelt nodded gratefully and followed Issei out of the hideout.
In the library, Indra and Fei occupied the corner of the room, keeping their intimacy from prying eyes. The pale master assassinhad his hands resting on the Cheshire Cat's hips, with the female partner having her arms coiled around his neck.
"You know, I was worried when I heard you were caught." She said, leaning her forehead against his. Indra moved his right hand up to caress her cheek comfortingly. "I thought you had more faith in me." The slightest trace of amusement began to become evident in his voice as he spoke.
Fei pouted. "What is a woman to do when the man she loves is injured?" She asked dramatically. Indra tilted his head at her act, making her pout further. "You're no fun." She said.
"You're overdramatic." He replied, stone faced.
Piercing amber met with acidic green, locking in a gaze that could probably melt time itself. Indra captured Fei's lips, engaging in a liplock with the riddle loving feline.
"Mmmm." She moaned into the kiss. The separated with a wet smack before they quickly wrapped their arms around each other again and locked together again.
At the park, Issei watched Mittelt as she sat close to him and enjoyed an ice cream that he got for her. It was funny really. This girl—a fallen angel no less—was younger than him by only a year, and she had such childlike energy.
"What?" Mittelt asked, noticing his gaze directed at her.
Issei shook his head, amused. "It's a little hard to believe you're a fallen angel sometimes." He said. True enough, Mittelt's childlike demeanor would have been mistaken for a child with a pure heart if it wasn't for one thing. She had been exposed Raynare and Kalawarner, hence her fashion of choice as well as her harsh words that sometimes come out of her mouth in combat.
He noticed Mittelt tense up suddenly, which could only mean one thing.
'Dammit.' He cursed in his head.
"Oh, hey Issei!" The brunette heard the familiar voice of Rias Gremory. Coming from the left—most likely a store—was the red haired princess of Kuoh academy.
"Hello Rias, how are you?" He replied with his own question.
"I'm doing fine, but am a bit concerned. Are you okay? No one saw you yesterday." She said, getting straight to the point.
'Very daring.' Issei thought as he made a quick excuse. "Yes, about that. I was called by an old friend who really needed some help. I couldn't really say no, since I like to look out for my peers." He said.
Rias smiled and nodded, her smile never once changing. "That's completely understandable. I hope that they're okay." She replied.
Issei smiled. "Yes, they are now. Thank you for your concern." He said. This was not good. Rias was trying to carry on the conversation while Issei was trying to end it as quickly as possible. He also knew that Mittelt and Rias were aware of what the other was.
He stood up and bowed to Rias, before gently taking Mittelt's hand in his own. "Well, I apologize to cut our time short, but my girlfriend and I must get back to having our own one on one time." He lied.
Rias kept her smile, and said, "Of course, please don't let me intrude."
Issei subtly sent Mittelt a look with a flick of his eyes in her direction. He had to make sure she was calm, and didn't blow their little act. Right now, they both walked hand in hand, like any normal couple.
When Issei was certain he was out of her hearing distance—knowing full well devils had hearing 10 times better than a human—he took Mittelt into a shop.
"Listen carefully, Mittelt. You have to remain calm when you're around the devils." He said.
"But-" "I know, it's hard being so close to your enemies, but you have to keep up a calm demeanor. If the devils find us out, we have a much bigger problem on our hands. We'll be caught in between two enemies at once." He reasoned.
Mittelt went silent after that. Issei was right, while the templars were just as few in number as the assassins, it did not mean that they would simply sit idle. They would use any chance they could to wash them out of hiding, and hunt them down.
The blonde was conflicted. She didn't want to be anywhere near the devils, but she also didn't want to put the assassins in more danger than they already were.
What she failed to notice were two silhouettes on the roof across from the shop, watching them.
"Okay." She said, after being quiet for a few minutes. Issei then pat her on the head, making her hum with a warm smile. "Now while were here, why don't we order something for lunch?" He suggested. Mittelt wouldn't disagree.
On the roof, the two assassins smiled seeing their friend enjoying himself. "Should we go say hi?" Shoraku asked, looking at Hayato from the corner of his eyes while smirking.
"Not right now. Let Issei enjoy his date first." The red eyed boy replied.
"Right then. So, what did you think of that Gremory girl?" Shoraku asked beginning to inspect his L118A1.
"I don't think she's going to leave us be. You saw how she tried to pry Issei for information." Hayato replied, sitting at the edge of the roof.
"Don't forget, this is her territory. She's going to keep an eye out for anyone she thinks is suspicious. It's her job, as much as I don't like it." Shoraku replied back, cleaning the lense of his scope.
Hayato nodded in agreement with that one. However, just because it's her territory, doesn't mean Rias is aware of everything that happens. She may have started becoming suspicious now, but she has no clue what she's trying to get involved in.
A war for humanity's peace, with the utmost discretion.
"Come on, let's find a spot." Shoraku leapt off the roof, down into an alley with Hayato following suit.
Issei had felt the eyes on him as he shared a crepe with Mittelt. While it did feel a bit suspicious, Issei could sense no hostile intent from his audience.
When they were finished, Issei left some money to tip the waiter.
Outside once more, Issei took Mittelt by the hand again, and led through an alley. He wasn't going to take a chance—on the off chance it was another devil—with this new stalker.
They they were almost out on the other end of the alley, when they heard a voice call from behind them.
"Really Issei, is that any way to treat your friends? And we came all this way to see you again." The voice held a tone littered with dry amusement.
Issei turned around—getting a sense of deja vu—and saw two robed figures. The robes were easy to recognize by just design alone.
The first figure wore robes with a light grey base and dark red trimming. On his hip was European styled katana.
The second figure wore robes with an amber colored base, and white trimmings. The L118A1 sniper rifle was easy to see, with butt end poking out from behind his shoulder.
They both lowered their hoods, revealing two young boys about Issei's age.
The first boy had hair as black as the lead of a pencil, and crimson colored eyes. His skintone was just slightly darker than the regular Japanese. The second boy's hair was much darker—dark as the feathers of a raven—and his eyes were a sharp gold that looked straight through him. His skin was slightly paler than a regular Japanese person.
"How's it been Issei?" The red eyed boy asked.
Issei blinked, before he smiled and let go of Mittelt's hand.
"It's good to see you two again, Shoraku, Hayato." The three all shared a bro hug, while Mittelt looked unsure.
Issei beckoned her over and introduced her. "Guys, this is Mittelt. She's a fallen angel. Mittelt, this is Hayato and Shoraku. These two are old friends, and assassins like me." He said.
Mittelt swallowed her nervousness, and shook their hands.
"Maybe we should talk in a more secure location? I can feel eyes on us." Shoraku said, prompting them to get moving.
"Been a while since we last saw this place. Now, it's filled with more tenants than I remember." Shoraku commented seeing the fallen angels and Fei, filling out the hideout.
"Glad to have you guys back." Ichika said as he and Hayato fist bumped.
"I know this may not be a good time, but I have to ask. Have you heard from Yorukaze or Komiharu?" Issei was hoping that they would have a positive response.
Shoraku and Hayato shared a look, before shaking their heads.
"Can't say we have." Shoraku sighed. "We last heard from Komiharu before he left for Spain. And Yorukaze went completely dark, no word from him whatsoever." Issei looked down, professing the information.
"We can only hope for the best then." He said, before feeling Ichika pat him the shoulder.
"Hey, remember Issei. They're assassins, skilled ones. They can handle it. Just have patience."
Fei suddenly started growling while glaring at the door. "What-"
Everyone drew their weapons out with lightning reflexes as the door opened. There in the way was Rias Gremory, and her Queen, Akeno Himejima.
"Oh my, what a reception." The ravenette put a finger to her lip. Rias had that same smile on her face from when she was talking to Issei in the park.
"So this is what's going on. It seems we have some rogues that need to be taken care of." She turned to her Queen. "Akeno."
"I'm on it." The Queen smiled before a red magic circle appeared in front of her hand.
The assassins all had blank, cold expressions on their faces. Until Issei gained a smirk of his own.
"Let's get this party started."
And there you have it. So, who will win? The warriors of the shadows, or the magic of the supernatural? Only time will tell, until the next chapter.
Now, again, I'll say sorry for making the wait so long, I know it has been a while. I'm still working on-and modifying pairs, so I will post the listings another time.
Now, let's get to know our new characters!
Character bio
Name: Hayato Kisaragi
Age: Born July 7th, 1998 (currently 17)
Rank: Assassin
Personality: Hayato was not born into the order, and became an assassin by choice after his younger sister Karen was killed in a fire accident. Hayato has a natural good natured and calm demeanor, his home being the calm city of Takamatsu. Hayato is caring towards others, and will not hesitate to help those in need. Unless he knows they don't need it, or it's just a ruse.
Weapons:
Hidden blades: New fashioned hidden blades made from stronger steel alloy.
European katana: A European styled katana, forged to fit Hayato's tastes. It's been made to be as straight as a regular European longsword, but shaped like the traditional Japanese designed katana.
Heckler and Koch USP: Hayato was given this by Issei after he stole it from a templar weapon dealer.
Kunai(max 20): Kunai for silent, long distance takedowns.
Equipment:
Assassin notebook: Used by Hayato to store away vital information and personal thoughts.
Assassin robes: New set of traditional robes, consisting of a modified kimono and hakama pants.
Character bio
Name: Shoraku Anderson Kaneme
Age: Born January 21st, 1997 (currently 18)
Rank: Assassin 3rd rank
Personality: Shoraku was born into the order, and is an assassin by choice. Shoraku is one of the unique members of the group, being born from a British father and Japanese mother. Shoraku adopts both aspects of snarky sarcasm, and easygoing tranquility.
Weapons:
Hidden blades: New fashioned hidden blades made from stronger steel alloy.
Wakizashi: A custom forged, and elegant wakizashi, made only a few inches longer than normal.
L118A1 SD: This sniper rifle was given to Shoraku by his father, master assassin Derrick Anderson. It is equipped with a suppressor.
SIG Sauer P230: A SIG Sauer P230, stolen from a British weapon cache.
Karambit knife: A sharp and deadly karambit knife.
Equipment:
Assassin notebook: Used by Shoraku, mainly to express inner thoughts.
Assassin robes: New set of tradition robes, consisting of a modified kimono and hakama pants.
I'm done now, I'll see you guys next time. I hope you enjoyed it.