Third person

~

After a short walk, Kira was finally feeling a lot better. The enhancement abilities seemed to have washed the toxin from her system and though she still felt a bit lightheaded from the events of the night, she could move much better.

She gave the signal and they made their way to the rooftop of a short building, it wouldn't give them a prime view of any incoming threat but it would do well as a hiding place for a short break.

Kuro pushed out of Troy's hold, a tight smile on his face, "Thanks...I guess," he muttered turning away.

"Whatever," the blond scoffed turning the other direction, "This could have been easily avoided."

"No one asked Angel boy," Kuro's brow twitched slightly, "Accept the thanks already."

"It wouldn't hurt to admit I was right," irritation was creeping into Troy's voice.

Kira gawked, they couldn't possibly still be mad at each other, not after everything thing that had happened back there. She scowled, if they weren't going to behave maturely about this, she'd take matters into her own hands.

She raced towards them, ignoring the strain on her muscles. She grabbed them both by the hair, trying not to take enjoyment in the yells of annoyance they let out as she pushed them to their knees, facing each other.

"What the hell's gotten into you Vermillion?!" Troy hissed.

"Don't tell me you've got a weird hair fetish," Kuro scowled, seemingly equally pissed as well.

"I might but that's not the issue now. You're both acting like bratty five-year-olds, just kiss and make up before I make you," she said, forcing some authority into her tone.

"There's no way you'd actually..." Kuro began, straining to look up a bit, she scowled down at him. Tugging his hair a bit more.

"A lot of things have happened in the span of a few hours. Our emotions were all over the place and none of us were thinking clearly up until now," she started, she was looking straight into his eyes, "If it wasn't for what Troy did back there, you'd be dead, and he was only trying to look out for you from the start."

She turned to Troy, tugging his head up a bit so their eyes met, "I don't know why you can't just behave like a regular feeling person for a single second but you have to learn how to get your point across without sounding like an ass."

She let go of their hair, stepping back and turning away so she could look frightened in peace as their cold glares pierced into her skin. She'd done it now, for all her bravado she was terrified.

"A-apologize already you morons," she called over her shoulder and cursed the stutter at the start.

Troy scowled, turning his gaze to Kuro, "I hate to admit it but Vermillion might have a point."

"Also go two seconds without insulting me!" She screamed.

They ignored her.

"I apologize for not being considerate of your emotions," Troy practically sighed, like it took more effort than it was worth. Kira wasn't having that, she wasn't going to let him use his pretty privilege now.

"Hey, say it like you mean it."

The blond shot her an irritated look, causing Kuro to chuckle a bit. It drew their attention.

The dark-haired boy got to his feet, reaching out a hand to Troy, "I'm sorry I didn't listen to what you had to say too."

Troy ignored the hand and got up himself. Kira let out a sigh of relief, they weren't going to attack her and everything was slowly falling back into place.

"Now that's out of the way, let's head over to my place and check on Xie Ren," she sighed about to start in the direction of home when Kuro called out.

"Wait, Kira...I..." He paused, looking unsure of how to say what he wanted.

"Shyness is unbecoming of you, brat," Troy spat.

"Shut up," Kuro hissed, "I wanted us to go to the hospital...and see if Troy could heal Ryu with his new ability." By the way their eyes widened, he could tell that the other two hadn't thought about it. He hadn't been able to put it out of his mind the whole trip here. He squeezed a hand over his chest at the flood of happiness pulsing through him.

He didn't want to feel too optimistic but the thought was enough to make everything feel worth it.

He met Kira's soft gaze, a smile slowly pulling on her face as she raced passed them, heading towards the direction of the hospital, What are we waiting for, we've only got about two hours before sunrise, let's go!" She screamed taking off.

Kuro grinned, spreading his wings to join her, her excitement giving him joy also.

The atmosphere between them had returned to normal to some degree, and Kira couldn't be more thankful. It would take a while but the tension would slowly melt away, all they needed was time and maybe a deeper understanding of each other.

"Hey, Kuro, it might be too soon to ask but, who was that guy to you, really?" Her feet skidded and she stuck a landing, surveying the streets to judge which way to head next.

Kuro landed on a ledge on the other side, "His name is...was Akio, we were friends, or at least I hoped we were. He grew too clingy after a while and I started to hate it," he sighed, "I thought he'd get over it and the next we met, we'd just be good friends again. So much for that huh?"

"I'm sorry things didn't go as planned," she said, picking their route and leading them on.

"No need to be sorry, it's not your fault. Anything wrong with both of us, 'she' was the one who nursed it."

"She?" Troy inquired, hiding the interest in his voice.

"My master, Lady West," Kuro never planned to divulge his past to them, it wasn't important, there was nothing worth knowing that would aid. He also didn't want to recall all those years spent in pseudo-captivity. All the tears he'd shed before he learned tears wouldn't help anyone.

But now, as they flew through the skies, just the three of them bonded by ties so delicate but meaningful nonetheless, he couldn't think of any other people he'd rather share his story with. People whose comfort he actually wanted.

"We were in some kind of temple, hidden within the mountains, surrounded by forests. We didn't know where we were because she used a teleportation spell to take us there. She put us all through a lot; mentally, physically, psychologically...you name it," he paused taking a moment to study the city below.

"If you didn't have someone by your side, it'd be easy for other students to take advantage of you. She didn't care, whoever died wasn't strong enough in her eyes. I chose Akio because no one else would, they hated him as much as they feared him, he was sneaky, good with poisons, and had the highest kill count of those of us there. I thought confiding in him would be of both interest to us but he used my real name against me for his own selfish needs."

"Wait, so your real name isn't 'Hatake Kuro'?" Kira asked stopping abruptly.

Kuro's dread lifted at her stunned expression, and a bubbly laugh burst from his throat, "Of course not! Why do you think everyone has titles and aliases? Pretty sure your demons are using fake names too."

'Obviously,' Lucifer drawled so dryly she could almost imagine him rolling his eyes.

"So you're real name's aren't 'Lucifer' and 'Mammon'?!"

'Nah, using your real name as a spirit is practically asking for a death wish. You can be easily bound or erased from existence,' Mammon replied in a less caustic tone, "Greek and Hebrew names are also in this season so it's best to pick one suited to you for the next millennia or so."

Kira felt a vein in her temple tick, she turned to Troy who was standing at her side, and pointed menacingly, "Tell me you're at least using your real name."

He turned away, "It's none of your business, Vermillion."

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

She faced her attention back on Kuro who was watching her with interest.

"What about you Kira, I don't want to assume but did you only change your last name when Ares adopted you?"

She nervously ran a hand through her hair, "Not really, I might tell you my real name if you tell me yours though," she grinned.

Kuro's eyes crinkled in mirth, the little mole slightly above his left cheek suddenly more visible than it had right to be in the moonlight, wind blowing hair wildly. He placed his right index finger over his lips in a shushing gesture, smiling with a playful wink as he said, "It's in everyone's best you never know."

Kira nodded in understanding, not actually really understanding though. She wanted to know, she wanted him to trust her but there be no excuse if she were forced to confess it and the wrong people gained that knowledge.

They continued their journey and soon the hospital was in sight, Kira could feel the swell of her heart, they'd be able to help Ryu and this terrible day can be put behind them.

***

"It's... not working," Troy sighed into the dark hospital room, the glowing light around his hands glowed brighter, healing waves pulsing through the room like the heartbeat of life itself.

Kira's jaw dropped, and she pushed off her leaning space by the window they'd come through, moving closer so she didn't have to raise her voice, "What are you talking about?"

The blond shook his head, lifting his hands off Ryu's thigh, "When I healed Kuro, I didn't know exactly what triggered the powers but once they kicked in, I suddenly knew what to do. I'd read about how healing spells don't work miracles, they work with the body, stimulating the cells that are alive by tapping into the magic energy of the victim and the healer. His magic energy is a bit okay for a regular human but the cells at the point of damage, they aren't reacting-"

"They're dead aren't they?" Kuro asked coolly, cutting Troy off before he could finish.

No one said anything, the was silent with only the beeping of the machines keeping Ryu alive.

"I healed everything else though, he won't need life support," Troy stated, maybe just to let them know or as a try at consolation.

Kira couldn't will away the heavy sensation of frustration in her gut, twisting and churning at her emotions. She wished there was more she could do to help this situation other than stand there with the hopelessness eating away at her.

Kuro stood from the bed, eyes resting on Ryu's sleeping face, there wasn't much he could make out in the dark but he could seem just okay enough. He sighed, willing the tears away, now wasn't the time.

He'd fix this, one way or another, he had to find a solution.

He turned to the others, giving his best grin, "No use crying over it, the doctor said there's a chance with the treatments they have planned so let's trust in that."

"Kuro..."

"It's fine Kira," he softly, "Can we have a moment alone."

Troy placed a hand on her shoulder, tilting his head towards the window. Kira nodded solemnly, casting an emphatic look on Kuro's face before hopping out the window. Troy followed without a glance. Kuro took Ryu's hand squeezing gently while making a new promise, he wasn't going to rest until he made this better.

'You wanted me to chase something Ryu, I've found it now, my dream is to see you walk again.'

Ryu woke, bleary-eyed and disoriented. He felt a vague tingling sensation of warmth in his left hand.

He was slowly slipping back though, nothing hurt but he felt weak, his attention was drawn to a moving shadow at the corner. He tilted his head slightly to get a better look, pain blossoming slightly but it was worth the sight.

A small form with glistening black wings, he caught the glow of red eyes peeking back to check on him before the being soared away. Leaving only billowing white curtains and a single feather that glided into his lap.

***

With an hour before sunrise to spare, they arrived at the Vermillion housing complex to meet Xie Ren pacing to and fro at the entrance, a guitar case hiding his weapon was strapped to his back and he was wearing a pair of jogging pants that did not go well with the flannel shirt.

"Where were you guys?! I've been here for hours, worried sick!" He turned on Troy, "And I told you to call, mister."

The blond gave an uninterested look, "You'll cause a scene if you keep screaming, I'm already embarrassed to be seen with you dressed like that."

"Why you-"

"Where are the henchmen?" Kira asked, looking around.

Xie Ren resumed his usual lax demeanor, "The bodies are in a dumpster a few blocks from here."

"You killed them?" Troy asked pointedly with a raised eyebrow.

Xie Ren shrugged, "If I hadn't they would have just come back to finish the job later, they knew Kira Vermillion was Demona and she lived in this building."

The idea of killing didn't sit well with Kira, beating them within an inch of their life was bearable but full-on ending that life felt beyond her. Nevertheless, Ren's logic was sound, and was happy the choice hadn't been left up to her.

They'd gotten rid of their costumes a while ago and were standing in front of the building in plain street clothes. Kira stretched, mind already working in overdrive; trying to decide on whether to take a thirty-minute nap or a quick cram session for her math test.

But even the looming dread of a test couldn't stop her from being thankful that the long night of painful memories had come to an end as she waved bye to Troy and Ren.

She turned back to Kuro, about to invite him in but he was already long gone. She wanted to be worried, and maybe she was a tad bit, but overpowering that worry was a strong sense of assurance. He'd be fine. She could feel it in her heart.

***

Nightmare looked up from his work desk at the sound of rough scraping sounds approaching from the entrance to the warehouse. He activated his Mask, leaving only burning blue slits to be seen against the dark swirl of mist hiding his features.

Belzeblub and Ahlai entered, the male demon dragging behind him a body that he paused to kick occasionally when it made a single sound.

They bowed to Nightmare who gave an inquisitive brow.

"We've brought him, Master," Ahlai said reverently. Belzeblub followed her lead, raising their captive to stand and pulling off the sack hiding the person's face.

Akio gasped, taking in a lung-full of air, Nightmare watched in fascination.

"So you're the one who's been causing havoc on my territory? Not much by my standards but my demons tell me they found you with a spilt throat...alive." He took a few measured steps forwards, "Mind explaining what you exchanged for a demon of such power to grant that ability to you?"

Akio shrugged, a bored look on his face as he surveyed the room, "I merely can't be killed, the demon I made an exchange with is none of your business." He stated avoiding the eyes of the other, he had kept his gaze on the demons flanking him on either side, very sure there were more in the dark recesses of the building. His ability made him almost immortal, as long as there was blood in his veins, any fatal injury would mend itself and his magic energy would return his body to its healthiest state.

All he'd had to exchange in return was his ability to procreate. Demons asked for the strangest things these days. He'd agreed readily, he wasn't planning a family anytime soon.

The only downside being he'd be without magic energy for a very long period, meaning he could be killed within that time. He looked at the shackles binding his wrists together, he could get out of these but it had to be planned just right.

"To summon such a spirit, I'm sure your magic energy levels must be quite high," Nightmare went further to probe.

"You could say that," Akio tried to step away from the two demons, but Belzeblub grabbed him by the shoulder and tossed him across the room, sending him right into a wall.

"Speak with respect to the Master," the demon growled, red eyes burning.

Akio groaned, struggling to pick himself up when something else caught his attention. A large glowing disk-like contraption on Nightmare's desk. The disk was segmented into rings spinning in opposite direction to the one after it. Each ring was separated into squares and each square held a set of runes. One rune, in particular, glowed a bright green.

Akio knew what he was looking at almost immediately, a calendar, an ancient magical one that humans would never know about or would have forgotten about a long time ago. He wanted to study it more when he picked up pieces of Nightmare's conversation with his lackeys.

"I noticed a destroyed bonding circle with dark feathers in it," Ahlai said to her Master.

The Summoner nodded, turning to Akio, "You're interested in the Dark One am I correct? I can help you get your hands on him, all you have to do is help me capture Demona."

Akio gave a thoughtful look, "Will you tell me what that calendar is for?"

Nightmare's brow furrowed, and the demons behind him looked shocked as well, "You know what it is then?"

The cautious tone made him uneasy, "Not exactly but with a little decoding here and there..." He trailed off, noticing a faint hand sign between that demon named Ahlai and the other named Belzeblub.

He took that as his cue to leave, thankful the morons hadn't searched his clothes. With some magic energy that had returned, he broke the charm on his cuffs with a loud click, and before they could react he reached into the folds of his cloak, pulling out six needles and throwing them. The toxins on these were much weaker but they'd work either way.

He didn't wait to see if they hit his targets, he launched himself onto the large crate of boxes, swiftly jumping from stack to stack or pipes along the wall while launching needles at Alhai and Belzeblub who gave chase. He made it out the window.

Ahlai and Belzeblub tried to go after him but needles found their way into the necks of both causing them to crash down.

Nightmare couldn't hide the amusement in his voice as he called out to the escapee while slashing his hand, the blood from his veins floated up into the air forming a small summoning seal, "I see why you're called the Doctor of Assainations, but you can't escape me."

The seal became a portal, setting free the blood-red serpentine form of a dragon that hissed loudly before chasing after Akio. Breaking through the window.

For a few seconds, all was quiet, until there was the sound of a large explosion that shook the building.

A burnt stench spread through the air and the head of the dragon demon came flying through the hole and back into the room.

"Who the heck is that guy?" Belzeblub grumbled picking himself up.

"A man that we either have on our side or kill" Nightmare replied stoically. He turned back to the calendar, "We can't have him telling the Keeper and her team our plans before we find him though."

"I'll send out a search party," Alhai stated.

"Yes, do that, but I also have another job for you," he turned to but of them, his two most trusted, "Do you still have the dagger Ahlai?"

She nodded, pulling it from the folds of her kimono.

"Good, bring me more souls and I'll assemble a small army, I want you both to kill those three before he can make contact. The Assassin is weak so he'll be in hiding, with the search on his movements will be limited not to draw attention to them or himself."

He studied the dagger, holding it up to his face, admiring its rune-inscribed surface with light of the morning sun creeping in through the destroyed window, "We're too close to let them come in our way, interesting or not, those three must die."

"Yes, master."