The next day Amaimon was walking around Ikebukuro. It was a hot day. He was thinking about
the dreams he had last night. He had a reoccurrence of the memory where Rin defeated him and the creepy Shiemi dream again. He also had another one with Mephisto in it, telling Amaimon that he was disappointing and saying that he was going to come after him. Dreams were weird. Amaimon didn't see the point. He didn't like them. Izaya was walking around with them. Amaimon was going to meet his "friends" from school.
By friends, he meant Mikado, Masaomi, and Anri. Izaya had wanted to tag along. He claimed there, 'were a couple of other people he would like Amaimon to run into while they were out'. Izaya had the mischievous smile on his face, so Amaimon had the feeling he was up to something. It was interesting seeing Izaya acting like this again, as though yesterday never happened. The strange thing was he couldn't find the normal clothes Izaya had gotten for him, so he ended up wearing his old demon clothes. Amaimon had asked Izaya about it, but he of course denied having anything to do with it.
What was he up to? Izaya is so weird.
"So, hopefully we won't run into Shizu-chan in town. I don't mind taunting him, but I don't want him messing with you."
Amaimon didn't respond to this. He knew he probably wouldn't get a straight answer from a direct question.
"Although, perhaps Shizu-chan will be more careful with how he reacts on the streets. Given, that is, the condition of the man he brought in to Shinra and Celty's apartment. Especially since he's trying to be 'a better person'." Izaya laughed."As though he could ever succeed in that. Anyways, my point was hopefully you don't have to worry about him."
"So, who did you want me to meet, Izaya?"
"Well, I didn't exactly say you would be meeting someone. I just thought it would be interesting for you to run into someone specific I had in mind, but I wouldn't go out of my way for you to see them."
Izaya was so weird.
"Hey man! What's the big idea!?" He heard a voice from the crowd in front.
With all the similar voices he'd been hearing lately though, Amaimon couldn't tell whose it was that he knew. He tried pushing past people to get to it. Looking past some people, Amaimon saw the three friends he'd been trying to meet. Yet again, someone grabbed Mikado's face.
"Your-your voice sounded like someone I know. Could you do something like that? Could-could that be you you snake? After all, we did receive an anonymous text telling us to meet them here over an urgent matter. Was that you just trying to mess with us, You scumbag?" The other boy holding him had his face turned away, but Amaimon could see he had spiky blue hair.
But, a familiar blue spiky hair that he hadn't seen in a long time.
No way. Could that be? Masaomi held hands up in the air in exasperation. He was yelling at the blue haired guy. Anri just looked at them with shock. There was a familiar looking blonde girl, very small and young looking. She very lightly touched his shoulder.
"Rin, I don't think that's him."
It was him, Amaimon realized. Rin immediately let go and stepped back, scratching the back of his head. His sword was strung across his back, like usual. His twin brother Yukio was also there, looking concerned about his brother's outburst.
"I-I'm sorry. I thought you were someone who had really hurt my friends."
It appeared to Amaimon that Rin had lost it.
Reacting that way because someone sounded like him? Perhaps his younger brother had become just as obsessive about their fight as he had. Although, he didn't know too much about how the human mind worked, so he wondered if this has caused the young half-demon to lose his sanity.
Mikado was breathing heavily, but he looked angry. Something Amaimon had never seen from him.
"What has been with people in this city lately? Why have so many freaks shown up?! It's not okay to do things like try to take someone's eyeball! Even if they sound like someone you hate! Has everyone lost their mind? I am so done with all of this!"
And this was just when Mikado had been enjoying the suspenseful life of this city. He had never expected it to become annoying though.
Everyone just stood there, shocked. Those who know him, knew this was so unlike Mikado to react that way.
"Wait, did you say tried to take your eyeball?" Rin pressed.
What should he do? Could they see him where he was? He would have to reveal himself eventually; otherwise they would get the upper hand.
Izaya clapped his hands together dramatically and weaved his way through the crowd to the confused six. For some reason, he had decided not to reveal Amaimon's location yet.
"Ah yes. I've been waiting to meet you three."
Rin, Shiemi, and Yukio all looked at him confused.
"And, you are?" Yukio raised an eyebrow and asked, skeptical.
"Why, I'm the person who sent that text to you meant for you three. My apologies on the urgency I expressed in that text, admittedly I just wanted to meet you in person. You see, I'm the info broker who you hired to receive special exorcist information from. Who knew there'd be serious demon business in this city of all cities?"
Amaimon had gathered the impression by now that Izaya was aware of all the types of business that occurred in this city. He was so irritated by all that Izaya had hidden from him! Did he know about Amaimon's connection to these three? Amaimon wasn't sure what to think of his caretaker anymore.
"I figure you probably would like to hear of what happened with the illegal independent exorcist? The one that the True Cross had been after due to his unprofessional conduct and uncivil way of dealing with jobs? However, due to the circumstances of our meeting that is information most likely for another time. However, I will tell you that I'm the one who introduced your brother and friend/student here to my chat room."
Everyone seemed taken aback by what he was saying. Anri, Mikado, and Masaomi just seemed confused. Clearly they were out of place in this conversation, despite the fact that Mikado was the one who inadvertently brought it up.
"Wait, why did you introduce us to that chat in the first place? What do you know about us?" Rin asked.
"Ah. That is indeed a very interesting question. Being an information broker, I have my ways of learning things. However, even I don't know everything. From your arrival in this town I'd heard things about how you three were…interesting." He showed that sly smile of his again.
"Plus, there's someone I know who I'm sure would be very interesting to interact with you. I for one would love to see how that would play out." Izaya was stealing his show.
If he didn't step in now, Izaya would for sure far impress them or take away the awe of his own ascent to power again. He couldn't hesitate anymore. He had to stop wishing to live a human life in an exciting city. He had to do this. Amaimon took a deep breath. Reminding himself of his reasons for doing this, he let on his playful smile that he usually showed when he was playing games. It was harder to put up this time though. He wasn't sure why. He didn't want this as much as he usually did in the past. Nevertheless, this had to do for now. He had to want it. After all, if he were to abandon this then what would he do next?
That uncertainty was what scared him more. One detail that Amaimon was unaware of was that, the location where this was currently unfolding was the same plaza where the first meeting of the Dollars took place. This was where Mikado had sent that to text to all the members.
He knew keeping up his calm expression would be more difficult this time, but he had to do this. He had to act like this was all according to plan. Otherwise, what would be the point of all this? He had no choice. This would be more fake than in the past, but he still had to. In the past it would have been simply to cure boredom. This time was different. This time, it felt like an obligation. He couldn't disappoint Mephisto. He couldn't seem weak. He had to gain victory. He had to be a strong demon. This was very much so a matter of pride. He had obsessed over this so much, he would be ashamed of letting it go. Amaimon wasn't even aware that most of the conflicts he thought he was dealing with were primarily coming from himself.
The people he worried about didn't care nearly as much as he thought. However, most people aren't aware that their worries and internal battles are primarily from their own circling thoughts. It was a very human thing that Amaimon wasn't aware of. The other options he truly had were unthinkable to him. He couldn't admit that he was scared. Since demons in the past normally didn't deal with having any morals or human-like, it was often unaware that a demon could go insane.
Amaimon's thought obsessiveness aside, he began to clap dramatically.
Wow, that really does seem like something a villain from a cheesy manga would do. I really need to come with new material. He didn't have time for that right now. He slowly began to walk towards the confused group. He let out his jolly villain laugh, surprised by how genuine it was.
That's right, focus on the goal at hand. This could be fun. Remember, it's a game. Like it always has been. Win. Don't let your guard down. Just do it.
The group all turned to look at him. Izaya smirked.
Of course. You probably don't even realize what you've started though, Izaya. Amaimon almost felt bad for Izaya…almost. Mikado, Anri, and Masaomi looked surprised and confused. Anri almost immediately after seeing him, quickly got out her phone, began typing quickly on it, and put her phone away. Amaimon didn't think anything of this. Rin, Yukio, and Shiemi all looked at him in shock. Rin's was more of shocked anger. Amaimon cocked his head up to laugh into the sky, and then crossed the rest of the way until he was directly in front of all of them.
"Well, Izaya I think you have done an excellent job of amazing and confusing everyone here. However, this is my turf. I think I'll take back this show if you don't mind." He shot Izaya a mischievous smile that even fooled Izaya.
"Oh, and you have no idea what you've started here. I hope you can handle what follows."
Izaya still seemed to think he had control of what was going on, for he was still smirking."Oh, I think you may be surprised by that Amaimon. I am often aware of how far my actions take effect on things."
Rin was looking back and forth between Izaya and Amaimon.
"Wait, you two know each other?" Yukio asked. Surprisingly being the first of the three to talk. Izaya made a gesture with his hands, lifting his palms face up and his arms slightly angled it. This almost looked like someone dramatic making a presentation.
"Oh, you know. We don't have to get into that right now. I simply gave him somewhere to stay while he was in the city."
"Wait, you've been living with a demon? Then why were you doing work with exorcists? And why would you not tell us there's an upper level demon in the city?"
Rin hit Yukio in the shoulder, clearly harder than he meant to."Yukio, seriously? I think the more pressing question here is, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING HERE, AMAIMON!? I thought I killed you in the courtroom!"
Amaimon sighed, trying to seem annoyed."Honestly brother, how naïve you must be to think I could be defeated so easily. Even your blue flames aren't that powerful."
Rin growled in rage.
"Did he say brother?"
Amaimon thought he overheard Masaomi whispering to his friends.
Darn it, did so many people have to be here now?
"Brother? How very interesting." Izaya commented.
This time Amaimon growled, he was really getting on his nerves.
As if he didn't already know we were brothers. He mentioned once that I had a half-brother. He didn't even realize he could get so angry with him.
"Ok, you know what Izaya? Bud out! This is a matter that doesn't concern you or this world. You've already meddled with my plans, so I would appreciate if you would just leave us be to handle this family matter on our own. You are really starting to annoy me."
"Oh, but I couldn't miss out on this. Don't worry, I won't do anything. I prefer to watch."
He really was an idiot, and a cocky one.
Rin was already reaching for his sword, but his brother was trying to hold him back.
"You still didn't answer why you're here." Yukio stated, surprisingly calmly.
"Oh, what do you think? I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. The rematch where I would regain victory. Nobody humiliates the earth king and gets to walk away untouched!"
Rin hadn't drawn his sword yet, but he already flamed up. Yukio stepped away. The Raira teens gawked. Mikado stood in front of Anri in a protective stance, although he himself looked pretty shaken up.
"Do you really want to do this here, Amaimon? Around all these people? I know you don't care about them, but you'd break your cover. Not to mention, they'd surely get in the way of our 'demon business'. I'm the one you want, so how about we go somewhere more private. That way I can defeat you again and in a way where nobody gets hurt. " Rin stated.
"Plus, I'm sure Mephisto wouldn't be pleased if you harmed his precious humans." Yukio added.
"It's more fun for you if the fight is just between us, I'm sure. I'm already agreeing to fight you, so you don't have to try to convince me by using other people. Keep in mind though, I have better control of my blue flames now. It won't be as easy for you to make me lose it. However I've noticed no matter what you always destroy what's around you. Think about this before we begin. Nobody else needs to be involved." His words were angering Amaimon.
Defeat again? Destroy everything around him? Who did this half-human freak think that he was!? He didn't care what father and big brother wanted with him, this boy simply could not get away with that.
Amaimon gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, his nails punctured his skin but he didn't care.
"Oh, I don't care about my cover anymore. And as for effecting the people of this city and my big brother, you should know by now that I do what I want. Although, since you've expressed that this would upset you, it would be most fun to use that in my battle against you."
Rin's eyes widened. Yukio looked wary. Shiemi had been just standing there, not saying much. Masaomi kept looking from Rin, Amaimon, and Izaya. Mikado just stared forward at the scene unfolding in front of them.
Then, Masaomi grabbed Anri's wrist and started to walk away, pulling for her to come with him away.
"Come on Anri, Mikado, we should get out of here. We don't know what's going to happen here."
Mikado just stood there, almost as though he was frozen.
"Mikado?"
Mikado was shaking. He clenched his fists tightly making them even whiter. He was biting his lips, but Amaimon caught that the edges of his mouth were tilted up slightly. He looked as though he was trying fight the fact that he wanted to smile.
How strange…His face was twitching. The way Mikado's stance was right now, Amaimon began to think that if he just blew on the kid that he would fall over. He really looked like he was about to lose it.
"I…can't."
"What? What do you mean?"
He said nothing. Izaya seemed to catch Mikado's bizarre stance, and he laughed like a crazy person in response to it.
Well…he is a crazy person.
"Look, I know you love the excitement of the city life, but think about the girl you care about being here. Do you want anything to happen to her? Think of her first, she's more important!" Masaomi practically screamed in anxiety at Mikado.
"You should leave with them, Anri." Amaimon suddenly said, trying to hide his emotion from his voice.
The three just gawked at him for a moment. Amaimon wouldn't face Anri as he said this.
"A lot is about to happen, and I don't need another demon creature ruining things. This is a matter with my brother. I am in debt to you for helping me with that monster, but you should go before I change my mind." Somehow, Amaimon felt Anri knew he was lying about why he wanted her to leave. The three stayed shock still.
"Wait, what did you mean by demon creature?"
Anri was looking down, sadly.
They're such idiots.
Just then, a van pulled up, and the four he met early on came out. The walked over to the bizarre group of people and stopped in front of them when they saw the tense scene occurring.
"Wait, what are you four doing here?" Masaomi asked.
"We all got a text saying there would be trouble here, so we came immediately to see if we needed to help anyone." Kyohei said .
Then they gawked at Amaimon, as though realizing he was a part of the intensity going on. Kyohei's body tensed as he noticed the type of events going on about them. Amaimon recognized this as the tensing of a fighter preparing to defend. Then, Erika and Walker noticed Rin's flames.
"Whoa, it's as though we're in a manga!" Walker commented.
Well, at least that Dotachin guy was getting a sense of the seriousness of the situation. Yet, he probably wouldn't be able to do much good anyways though… It really bothered Amaimon when ignorant people didn't see the seriousness of his threats. That took all the fun out of scare tactics.
"I knew that dude was something else."
Izaya laughed.
Grrr.
"Amaimon?" Aoba and the Orihara twins came up.
"Whoa. There's definitely something going on here." Aoba commented.
"Let me guess, you received anonymous texts too?" Mikado questioned. Aoba nodded. Masaomi glared at Izaya.
"Well, I did. Mairu and Kururi were with me and happened to look over my shoulder. They said they had to come too."
Just then, a street sign flew through the air and landed behind them, denting a wall.
No way. Everyone looked towards the direction the sign came from.
"IIIZAAYA!" Shizuo came running towards them, and grabbed Izaya by the collar of his shirt. Izaya simply sighed, as though this didn't affect him much.
"What are you doing here Shizu-chan?" Izaya was clearly annoyed.
Shiemi gawked, and put her hand to her mouth. Amaimon hated that he was causing her to be upset, but he immediately pushed the thought down.
"I was passing by and overheard some chaos. I figured you had something to do with it, and it looks like I'm right." This was not what Amaimon wanted. It infuriated him that so many people were here now. He would deal with Izaya later, but now he had to take back control of his game.
"ENOUGH!" Amaimon shouted. The earth surrounding the group began to shake, sending pieces of buildings falling down but not hitting anyone. Amaimon was seething and breathing heavily Everyone was staring at him. They looked fearful, even Izaya. Shizuo just looked confused and astonished. Small pieces of rocks began to float and circle Amaimon.
"You can do whatever the heck you want with Izaya, I honestly don't care. He's caused enough problems for me. But nobody else is interfering with our battle. This is my score I need to settle! And I won't hold back even if someone gets in my way. Although, I would rather not have to clean anything up. No one is going to be a part of this except for me, the son of Satan, and whomever I choose to be a pawn in my game. Everybody else better stay away. I am not a force to be messed with!"