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R3hmix - Thanks for reading, I really appreciate it :)
Guest - I'm sorry about my updating schedule, but school has been a pain. I'll try my best but I can't promise I can update as frequently as I did with The Assassin in Black.
3Issei and Asia came home to see Ryusei watching T.V in the living room, eating popcorn. He had his legs kicked up on the coffee table, his hair clipped back to not get in his face. He wore a loose fitted white shirt with a pair of shorts and fuzzy socks. Incredible, Issei thought. He's been home for two days and it's like he never left.
"Oh, welcome home you two." Ryusei smiled. "Say, have you guys seen these Marvel movies? I haven't read any of the comics, but these are amazing."
Issei felt like an idiot for worrying about him. Whether he was on an island or not, Ryusei was still the same idiotic brother from five years ago.
Asia took off her shoes and walked in. "Ryusei-Kun, I'll make some tea for us."
"Thanks Asia-Chan, you're the best." Ryusei smiled as she quickly went into the kitchen. Ryusei turned his attention to the T.V as Issei walked in and sat down on the adjacent couch. "Did you hear what happened? About that guy who got attacked?"
So it's already on the news. Amadeus Griffin. Issei knew that he was a big real estate tycoon, but he had no idea that he was associated with the supernatural, or that he was a vampire. Amadeus was a bad man, Issei knew that much. For the last couple of years, he's been extorting families who can't afford rent, kicking them out of their homes and using their houses as marketing for real estate. Tearing them down and making them a lot more expensive then they should be. Poverty and homelessness has skyrocketed since then, things in Kuoh have really changed since Ryusei has been gone.
"Yeah," Issei sighed and leaned back on the couch. "Did you hear who attacked him? Some guy in a hood, with a bow and arrow. Can you believe that?"
"Crazy nutjobs." Ryusei sighed. "A lot's changed in five years. How did I only just know find out what an iPhone is? They're like mini computers that can talk to you!"
Issei smiled. "Yeah. Hey, you're still going to go to school right? Mom and dad would love it if you attend Kuoh Academy with me."
"Kuoh Academy," Ryusei echoed. "The former all girl's school, turned co-ed. My God you must love it there. How is that you still don't have a girlfriend?" Ryusei laughed.
Issei blushed. "Shut up. I had a lot to deal with. You were gone, mom and dad barely talked to each other anymore. I felt like everything in my life was falling apart."
Ryusei had a look in his eyes. Issei wanted to say sadness, but it was more like regret. "Hey, brother. Why haven't you asked me about what happened? What happened to me on that island?" Issei widened his eyes. "Mom and dad have been asking me constantly, saying that I need to talk about it with someone. They even want me to go talk to a therapist. So why haven't you asked me yet?"
"Because," Issei grinned. "I know that you'll talk to me, whenever it is you're ready."
…
Lian-Yu, Five Years Ago
"What the hell shot at us?" Naomi asked, frantically and panicking.
Krissy's embrace tightened. Ryusei could hardly breathe, but he knew she was scared so he didn't mind. He watched, as Lyon bit the collar of his shirt while Kaito broke off the end of the arrow. "This is gonna hurt."
"Do it!" Lyon shouted.
Kaito gritted his teeth, and pulled the arrow out through the back of Lyon's shoulder. Naomi screamed, but Kaito quickly placed his hand over her mouth and calmed her down.
"All right, listen up." He said. "Whatever-whoever just shot at us, is probably still out there. They're probably going to come back, so we need to be very quiet." His tone was quiet and gentle. "Krissy, pack up whatever food rations we have, nothing too heavy. Ryusei, go help her. Naomi, tend to Lyon. Tear a piece of her shirt off and put pressure from the back, I'll stitch him up later. I'm going to get Jin-"
"He's gone!" Krissy pointed.
The spot where Hasegawa Jin was sleeping just minutes before, was empty. "T-They took him!" Naomi panicked, but Kaito was quick to calm her down.
"Stop it." He said in a stern voice. "We cannot lose our heads. If they took Jin, that means they're nearby. We have to leave, before more of them come back. Hurry. Krissy, Ryusei, go. Naomi, pressure."
"Who made you the boss?" Lyon asked, clenching at his shoulder.
"Well do you want to save our lives? Y'know, after getting shot in the shoulder?"
Lyon fell silent. "Exactly. Now let's go."
No one else argued with Kaito, who was the clear cut leader. He was calm and strategic, even in a situation like this he was still thinking about their next move. How were they going to survive? What was needed for them to live? Ryusei admired him, because he would never be able to do that.
"Ryu, help me carry this." Krissy said.
Krissy had cut off the lower portion of her shirt to use as a bandage for Lyon. She tied the remainder of her shirt into a crop top. They used whatever clothing laying on the beach to create a sheet, which they used to carry some cans of food. Ryusei did some quick math in his head. There couldn't have been more than a dozen old cans of food from the lifeboat that Kaito and the others got on, there was no way it was going to feed five people.
As Krissy and Ryusei carried the bag, Kaito and Naomi got Lyon to his feet. "Everybody ready? Were going to go into the forest, make our way to higher ground. It'll be dark, filled with trees. Ryu, hold on to Krissy so you don't get lost. Try to stick together."
Everyone nodded, as they entered the forest. The first thing that came to Ryusei's mind, the sound. It was quiet, deadly quiet. He remembered reading history books about Indian tribes who would stalk their prey for hours, even days, isolating them in a closed off area. In the silence of the night, they strike and go in for the kill. If there was ever a time for him to be wrong, now would be it.
"Krissy, are you guys okay?" Kaito asked.
"We're right behind you." She said.
Ryusei wasn't even carrying the sheet anymore, it was all Krissy. Her blonde hair was tied into a bun. She was determined, yet Ryusei could see the terror in his eyes. Ryusei reached for her hand, instinctively, and tightened his grip.
"It'll be okay, Ryu." Krissy shot him a gentle smile. "We're going to be okay."
"How do you know?" He asked. "Why do you care about me so much? You barely know me."
Ryusei wished he could take back what he said. There was a flash of pain on Krissy's face, but it quickly subsided. She took in a deep breath. "I had a brother once, just like you. He was small, and adorable like you. I loved him, and I knew he loved me. We spent everyday, playing together. I'd even read him to sleep. But then some stuff happened with my parents. I was careless and took my eyes off of him for a second, and he wandered into the street. The driver said he didn't even see him…"
He had no idea. Then, it hit him. Everyone on this island, the five of them had their own stories. Ryusei had just assumed they had all just gone on a cruise, but they were all there for different reasons. He was careless, and insensitive.
He let go of Krissy's hand and jogged to her other side. He reached for the bag and began to carry it with her, as they hurried and joined the three up ahead.
…
Amadeus Griffin was one of the many names that was in the book. For his first outing, Ryusei had to say he did fairly well. It had been awhile since he shot an arrow, but he still had the instinct and knack for it.
Griffin wasn't the real target. The Head of the Kuoh Vampire Clan is a powerful. Gato Yumiya is one of the oldest vampires out there. He's been building his empire for centuries. If Ryusei wanted to take him down, he'd have to start by cutting off Gato's legs. Going after the small fry in order to draw out the big fish, that was all he could do now.
Going after Griffin accomplished three things, Ryusei thought as he sat back on his chair and stretched, after doing some further research on Gato. Firstly, it crippled, although slightly, Gato's power and control in Kuoh. By taking down Griffin, not exactly killing him, Ryusei was able to at least tip the scale in his favor. Secondly, he was able to at least return the homes of those Griffin extorted, back to them. Families who were ravaged by poverty and over taxation. And thirdly, the arrival of a new player. By now, the supernatural factions in Kuoh have been informed of The Hood's arrival. The more he could make an uproar, the better.
Ryusei had began a crusade against injustice in this city, but it was only a matter of time before things went haywire. A boy returns from being lost at sea, and at the same time a vigilante appears. Someone, eventually, was bound to make a connection. He's been going at this alone, but he needed to let someone in.
Ryusei picked up a pen, and tossed it up in the air. He put in arrow in Griffin, though it didn't kill him. He would eventually, after being ashamed, report it to Gato. There will be a manhunt out for The Hood, things were about to get crazy.
He caught the pen and immediately shot it at the dartboard. Without looking to see where it landed, because his aim was true, Ryusei leaned back on the chair. Sitting around wasn't going to do him any good.
He got up and stretched his arms and legs. Asia's tea and cookies were amazing, but he was still a bit hungry. She and Issei must be tired, and his parents had given him some money. Going out to get something to eat may not be such a bad idea.
After getting dressed in some casual clothes, and hiding a knife in the sleeve of his sweater, Ryusei left the house and ventured outside. The night was quiet, no surprise since they lived in a nice neighborhood, though if he walked down far enough he'd hear people partying and having a good time.
He began to walk towards a McDonald's down the street, and began to think about Issei. Even though Ryusei was the one who came back from a deserted island with secrets to tell, it was more like Issei who had a secret he was telling. Ryusei couldn't tell what, but there was something off about him. His smell, it's changed since five years ago. He didn't smell…human.
"You know, you really suck tailing people." Ryusei sighed. He shoved his hands in his black jogger pockets, as the wind picked up.
"Ehhh? So you sensed me after all. And here I thought I could at least tail you to McDonald's. I'm getting hungry y'know?"
A gust of wind formed behind him. Ryusei glanced back, to see a man manifesting from the furious winds. He seemed to be in his early twenties, with medium blonde hair and emerald green eyes. He was rather good looking, though Ryusei knew instinctively he was one of the most lazy people in the world. The boy yawned and covered his mouth. He wore a green fleece jacket with a black shirt and trousers.
"Who are you?" Ryusei asked.
"I don't know if I should tell you," He said. "I might get an arrow to the heart, like Amadeus Griffin."
Ryusei's lips curved into a smile. "I hope you enjoyed the show. I wanted to send a gift to Gato Yumiya."
"Picking a fight with the Head of the Kuoh Vampire Clan, that takes balls." The boy said. "Hey, can we go to McDonald's now?" He rubbed his stomach as it growled. "I wasn't kidding when I said I was getting hungry."
Ryusei sighed. Arriving at McDonald's the boy ordered food fit for a king. A couple dozen burgers, a dozen so large fries, and one milkshake. All Ryusei had was three Big Macs and a large drink.
"So," Ryusei said. "Who are you? Seeing as you know who I am, it would only be fair to tell me yours."
"Man I love McDonald's." The boy smiled with warmth. "Delicious cuisine is one thing, but nothing beats McDonald's."
"Are you even listening to me?" Ryusei was getting a bit annoyed.
"Oh right," The boy shoved an entire Big Mac in his mouth and finished it instantly. "Name's Dulio. Dulio Gesualdo."
Duilio Gesualdo. Ryusei made a mental note of his name. This boy wasn't normal, he definitely wasn't human if he could eat this much. "So, who are you anyways?"
"Exorcist." Was all he said, before chowing down on more food.
"What the hell is an Exorcist doing in Kuoh?" Ryusei asked.
"Well, I say Exorcist, but that was my old job." Dulio said. "I'm actually an Angel."
Ryusei was on his guard now. Angels. He had dealings with Angels before, Fallen Angels. Dulio seemed like a nice person, but after everything that Ryusei has witnessed and experienced, trust issues were the least of his problems.
"Don't get all hostile now," Dulio said, placing his elbows on the table and smirking. "If I had wanted to kill you, I would've done it by now. I'm actually just very curious."
"Of me?"
"Of why you do what you do." Dulio said. "You were on an island, for five years. That island has wardings that blocked even the Angels in Heaven from seeing what was happening. Though we head prayers. We heard prayers from one of you, Naomi, was it? It was hard, hearing someone who needed our help and not being able to do a damn thing."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I am interested and curious of you." Dulio said. "You've been through Hell, literally, and yet instead of breaking, you just reforged yourself. I know, I know what happened to Imari Kaito. That should have broke you, and yet here you are. Playing vigilante in a city that is beyond help. The Underground city of Kuoh is dangerous, not even the House of Gremory can do anything about it. And you think you can?"
"Watch me," Ryusei said with a glare. "And you're right. What happened to Kaito, it did break me. Hyoudou Ryusei died on that island."
"And what are you here?" Dulio asked. "Who am I staring at now?"
"I don't know," Ryusei said, with all honesty. "I thought that if I could come home, things would be the same. That I would be the same person as the one who left, but I'm not."
Dulio studied his face, until he sighed. A smile played on his lips. "Well, whatever the case, it might not be so bad, having a vigilante in Kuoh."
"You said it was beyond help."
"But that doesn't mean it's not worth helping." Dulio said to Ryusei's shock. "I know what it feels like, to go through hell. I commend you, Hyoudou Ryusei. Not many people can come out of Hell sane, and almost none can come out with such determination as you have. If it means anything, you have my respect."
"Who are you?" Ryusei asked.
"My name is Dulio Gesualdo. I am an Angel of the Lord, Joker of Lord Micheal. Congratulations, Hyoudou Ryusei, for crawling out of perdition."
Ryusei couldn't get a chance to question Dulio any further. He heard the sound of wings flapping, and Dulio suddenly disappeared. Ryusei didn't mind him leaving unexpectedly, but the least he could have done was pay for the food. "Frickin Angels." Ryusei cursed.
…
After that little talk with Dulio, Ryusei returned home. If that conversation did anything, it made Ryusei realize that he had already been on the Angel radar since he returned from Lian-Yu. Which means that either the Angels have been watching him, or it's only been Dulio who was following him.
Next up on the list tonight, was Vincent Greta. Greta is a drug dealer who deals demon blood, street name Juice. Greta is high on the chain of command, but Ryusei was able to track down their shipping location. It was an abandoned warehouse by the airport in Kuoh, they were shipping things into Kuoh via air travel.
Ryusei was already dressed for the occasion. He was already in gear as he pulled his hood over his head. He made sure Issei and Asia were asleep before opening the window the crawling up to the roof. He looked out into the night sky. There was something about the night that both calmed and pleased him, but also made him alert and on guard.
The blue of his outfit contrasted well with the night sky. His quiver was full and his bow on his back. Ryusei pulled out a talisman and set it on the ground, before clapping his hands and pressing them to the talisman. Blue electricity covered him as he portaled to the location of the shipping manufacturer. Portaling required a clear mind and the ability to focus. You have to be able to visualize where you want to go and focus on it. One misstep and you could Portal yourself to a different country.
The warehouse was the largest in the an entire area filled with abandoned warehouses. It was worn down and looked to be falling apart, yet Ryusei could hear machinery inside. He pointed his grappling hook and shot it up at the roof, as it retracted, Ryusei climbed up. He pulled out his bow and made his way to the open ceiling window.
It was dark inside, at least in the crawl space and catwalk where he landed. Ryusei was surprised there weren't any snipers on the catwalks, it seemed like a stupid thing to do.
Looking down below, Ryusei spotted Greta, counting money and talking to his men. Other low level dealers were packing crates full of the drug into trucks, ready to ship out to other dealers. Greta was definitely the head of this. He was a middle ages man with a bald head, wearing a tailored white suit and counted money by the hundreds. Ryusei was going off task. Greta had connections to the Alpha of the Kuoh Pack, but not with Gato or the fangs. Going after him would be a waste of time, but a lot of people would die if those drugs get delivered into the city.
Ryusei pulled an arrow from his quiver, knocked it, and aimed at Greta. No wind resistance, perfect angle, this was a kill shot. Afterwards, taking out the others wasn't as important as blowing up the drugs. Demon blood can corrupt people, make them act like…well, demons.
He released the arrow, and it went straight down and landed at Greta, but something was wrong. The arrow passed right through Greta, like he was…an illusion. Why were there no snipers posted on the catwalks? Because this was a set up. He walked right into a trap!
His entry way closed, and the other doors shut. The illusions vanished, and the lights went out. Great, just like the island, Ryusei thought.
"All right vigilante!" That voice, it was feminine and sounded familiar. "We know you're here. There's no way out for you. Come on out."
Damn it. They even have wardings to prevent the use of talisman or magic. And since he was in pitch darkness, Ryusei couldn't see how many of them there were. He could be going up against an army for all he knew. But there was one up side to this, they were in pitch darkness. Finally, Silent Hunting.
Ryusei dropped down from the catwalk and on the ground. He lowered his breathing to the point where he couldn't hear himself breath. Assassin's Rule #1: Silence. Dissolve in the darkness and erase your breath. Wait for an opening to attack your target. Silent Hunting was a skill he picked up on the island, but he's never used to attack people, just animals. But the same principles applied. Erase your breath and detect sound.
He heard a sword swing from his left side and dodged accordingly, pulling an arrow and shooting it in the direction of the swing. It hit someone…no, it was blocked by someone. Ryusei heard it snap.
Another sword swing, but this time Ryusei grabbed the wrist of the wielder and knocked him down, pointing the sword at his throat. "I got one of yours. Kill me, and I slit his throat." His voice altered.
It was quiet. The lights suddenly flickered on, and Ryusei opened his eyes. He had them closed the entire time, not trusting his eyes but instead his ears and nose. Standing by the large door were a variety of people. A girl with long red hair, with a girl with black hair. Behind them were…Asia? And Issei?
What the hell is going on? He thought to himself.
"Put, the sword down. We don't want to hurt you." Rias Gremory, the girl with long red hair strolled forward. "Please…"
Ryusei had the sword pointed at a boy with pale blonde hair. What was his name? Kiba Yuuto?
"My name is Rias Gremory, daughter and heir to the Gremory Family, but I'm sure you know that. Seeing as you've been hunting supernatural figures, you must know who I am."
I actually had no idea who she was. Arrogant much? Ryusei thought, as he released Kiba from his grip and dropped the sword. Ryusei looked to Issei, what the hell was he doing here?
"We are here on behalf of the Devil Faction," Rias said. "We'd like you to come in for questioning. Do you understand?"
Suddenly, a figure from behind him ripped down his hood, revealing his face. But just as quickly, Ryusei dropped a smoke bomb and blinded everyone. Ryusei shot an explosive arrow at the door behind Issei, and raced towards him as it exploded the door open. Ryusei slipped by Issei before he could notice him.
"Split up! We can't let him get away!" Rias ordered.
Ryusei ran into cargo crate junkyard. Following him were Issei and Asia, who was quickly catching up with him. It all made sense now. What Ryusei was sensing, how Issei didn't feel human, it was because he wasn't human. He became a Devil. Things sure have changed in five years.
Ryusei turned a corner, but was met by Asia. She had a determined look on her face as she stopped him. "Please stop, we don't want to hurt you."
"There's no where for you to go," Issei said. "Give it up. Who are you?"
Ryusei set his foot down, and stowed away his bow. He was meaning to tell people about his identity anyways, who better than his own brother? His hands relaxed, as Ryusei pulled down his hood, revealing his face to Issei, who stared in horror and shock.
Author's Note - So I decided to introduce Dulio, but I have never read the Light Novel of DxD so I'm basing him purely off of what I think he is like. I'm also going to introduce Vali and his team much earlier in this story then compared to the anime or light novel. Sorry for the late update but I haven't had a chance to write this week, school's got me up all night with homework. I'll try to upload as often as I can. Let me know what you guys think of this chapter and your thoughts on Ryusei becoming an angel. Thanks for reading everyone :)