Author's Note - So this a new story idea based off of Arrow. It's going to incorporate flashbacks in every chapter and I'm still working out the plot in the head so I don't know where this is going to go. Let me know if you guys think it's something you guys would wanna read, I guess this is just a test chapter. Anyways, I hope you guys like it :)
1Present Day…
Issei sat nervously in the waiting room of Kuoh Central Hospital. Night had fallen just two hours ago, just around the time he had arrived. His heart, despite having sat perfectly still for so long, was still racing a million beats a minute as he anxiously waited for the doctors to come to them.
He looked at his hands only to see them tremble and shake. How long had it been…just how long had it been since his heart had been completely broken? Ever since that day…the day that his little brother had supposedly died on a plane headed towards New York City. When he heard from his parents what had happened, it was like time had stood perfectly still. An instant in time, where his soul had been crushed, perfectly captured in a single, unforgettable memory.
"Issei-San…"
He looked to his side to see Asia Argento. She was still dressed in her school uniform with a worried look on her face.
"Asia…what are you doing here? It's pretty late," He said.
"I…I heard what had happened from your parents," Asia said, fidgeting with her fingers. "I didn't think you should be alone…so I came to see how you were doing." She walked over and sat next to him.
He sighed. "He's been in the examination room for three hours. The doctors aren't letting anyone in there…"
"I see," Asia said. "Everyone in the club is worried about you. The prez wanted to come too, but…"
"It's okay," Issei mustered a smile. "I really appreciate you coming here, Asia, I really do."
"Of course," She smiled warmly.
Just then, he heard footsteps coming from behind him.
"Issei!"
It was his mother, and his father. They both seemed restless.
"Any updates?" His father asked.
He shook his head. He noticed that his mother had brought along a basket of food. She was probably worried sick…and his father was no better. He realized that they were in the same boat…he wasn't the only one who was worried.
"Mother, father," Asia said.
"Thank you so much for coming, Asia-Chan," His mother smiled and took her hand.
The doors to the examination room finally opened. A doctor walked out and towards them carrying a clipboard and a blank expression.
"Doctor," His mother said. "How did it go? Can we see him?"
"He's recuperating in one of our rooms right now," The doctor said. "You're allowed to visit since you're all immediate family, but I would recommend you let him rest for awhile."
"How is he…" Issei asked, his hands still shaking.
The doctor sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Physically…it's a miracle he's even alive."
Issei's heart dropped. He looked to his mother to see her covering her mouth and her knees trembling. If his father hadn't reached out to catch her, she would have fallen.
"Please…" Issei said. "Let us see him."
The doctor was against it, but he finally gave in and nodded. "Come with me."
They followed him through the hospital and up the escalator. On the second floor, in the far back room in the hallway, was his room. There was a one-way window that let them see through while the patient inside couldn't.
Issei looked in to see the hospital bed wrinkled sheets and a figure standing facing the window, looking out into the city. It was hard to believe, almost impossible, but it was really him. He was older, his body physically grown and his hair a lot longer…but it was really him. But his body…
"Oh my…" His mother began crying.
"Doctor…" His father said. "What happened…"
"Over 30% of his body is covered in scars," The doctor explained. "Bruises, cuts, stabs, burn marks, and even some improperly healed cuts on his hands. Several fractured bones, bruised ribs…like I said, it's a miracle he's still alive."
"Has he said anything?" Issei asked.
"Not a single word," The doctor said. "We tried asking him what had happened, but he wouldn't talk."
"May I go see him?" Issei asked.
"Issei, no-" His mother said.
"It's okay, mom," Issei smiled. "He's my brother, it's my job to make sure he's okay."
"Very well," The doctor said, scanning his card on the door and opening it. "Don't stay for too long, he needs his rest."
Issei nervously walked in as Asia stayed outside with his parents. Walking into that hospital room was like walking into an entirely new world. Though the air was warm, he felt completely cold and dead inside. He gulped as he reached the hospital bed.
"R…Ryusei," Issei found himself struggling to speak. "It's me…do you remember me?"
Ryusei's was shirtless, wearing only the pants issued by the hospital. He turned around slowly, but Issei finally was able to meet his brother's eyes. He looked different…physically, his face had changed. His features were much sharper, more defined, he even had a scar running from his chin to the bottom of his nose on his left cheek. His eyes were emerald green, like two jewels. His brown hair had grown out tremendously, flowing down to his shoulders and bangs covering his forehead. His eyes were beautiful…yet they seemed to void of life and meaning.
"Ryusei…" Issei said as tears filled his eyes. "Brother, it's me. It's Issei…"
"Issei," Ryusei spoke with a softened voice. "Brother." It was subtle, but a smile tugged at his lips. "Long time, hasn't it?"
Issei couldn't keep it in, and burst out crying. He ran over and embraced his little brother. He was warm, so warm. It was really him, after all this time…it was really Ryusei.
"I've missed you," Ryusei said, hugging him back. "Are mom and dad here? I wanna see them too."
Issei parted and wiped his eyes. "Yeah, one second." He looked back and signaled for his parents to come in. His parents walked into the hospital room, slowly and unsure of what to say.
"My boy…my sweet boy," His mother ran over and grabbed him, crying her eyes out on his chest. "My sweet, sweet boy."
"Mom, I'm okay," Ryusei smiled and hugged her.
"It's good to see you again," His father smiled and hugged his side, tears showing at the edge of his eyes.
"Dad…" Ryusei said, grinning as he embraced them.
"Oh, there's someone else I want you to meet," Issei walked to the door and pulled Asia in.
"Issei-San, wait-"
"Ryusei," Issei smiled. "This is Asia. She's your older sister."
"Asia…" Ryusei said. Issei was scared he wouldn't accept her, but a smile showed on his face. "It's nice to meet you."
Asia blushed and smiled. "Nice to meet you, Ryusei-Kun."
The doctor walked back in and spoke to them. "Hyoudou-Kun, how are you feeling? Would you like to stay the night?"
Ryusei shook his head. "I'm okay, doctor. I'd like to go home tonight, if it's okay with you."
"Fine by me," The doctor smiled. "You seem to be lively, now that your family's here. Once your parents sign you out, you can check out then."
"I understand," Ryusei said. "Thank you very much for your help, I really appreciate it."
…
The house hadn't changed one bit. Still the same two story house that he remembered growing up in. Walking inside, it was clear that even the decoration and furniture were still the same. Though as he looked around, it was clear that all the pictures that had his face in it were gone…it must have been painful for them…
"Welcome home," Issei smiled.
"Glad to be back," Ryusei grinned as he walked in.
"I'll grab your bags and put them in your room," His father said.
"No," Ryusei grabbed his suitcase before his father could touch it. "Don't worry, I can handle it myself dad. Wait, my room?"
"Yeah," His mother smiled. "We haven't changed a thing. I never had the heart to."
"I see," He closed his eyes and smiled.
"Need any help settling in?" Issei asked. "Asia and I could-"
"No it's okay," Ryusei said. "I'm kind of tired, I think I'll call it a night."
"Oh…" It was clear that his brother was disappointed. "Call me if you need anything, okay?"
Ryusei grabbed his suitcase and walked towards the stairs. "Promise."
His room hadn't changed one bit. His bed still in the corner, even his desk and cabinets were cleaned dustless. His mother must have cleaned this place often…she always was so sentimental.
He laid his suitcase on his bed and looked at it for a second. Opening it, he took a sigh of relief. He only brought a couple of things back with him, but the weight of these items felt so much heavier then he could have imagined.
Ryusei took the bracelet and looked at it. It was a black laced bracelet with an emerald center. Putting it on, he felt like he was once again taking on the burdens that he had thrown away those years ago. The only other things in the suitcase were a small journal and a small nodachi blade.
Picking up the journal, he took a look inside. Page after page of names, some were crossed off and some were stared or highlighted. Regardless, these were the names of influential figures in the supernatural world. Heads of various companies, leaders of gangs, mob bosses, even a few mercenaries and bounty hunters. This was the mission he inherited, cross off every name in this journal.
It was gonna be one hell of a job, some of these people were nowhere close to Kuoh, but he had to find a way. He was entrusted with this task from him. All the people who helped him along the way and the sacrifices he's made, it was all leading to this moment.
There was also something else in the case, a few stacks of talisman papers. He was gonna need this if he was going to even do anything. Getting to work, he wrote down sigils on a few of the papers before plastering them on his door. Illusion magic that masked the appearance of his room. Able to be casted from anywhere, it would make anyone who opened the door to think his room was perfectly normal. Until he finds a good enough place to serve as a base of operations, his room would have to do.
Sitting back down on his bed, Ryusei took a look at his hands. The scars that covered them always haunted his dreams, making him remember things he wished he could forget. He remembered the first time his fingers were broken, or when his wrist was bent so far back his middle finger touched his forearm.
A knock at his door. "Ryu, it's me. Can I come in?" It was Issei.
"Yeah, come in."
Opening the door, Ryusei watched as Issei walked in with a smile. He brought a cans of soda and a bag of chips.
"Ryusei-Kun," A head poked around the corner. "May I come in as well?"
It was that girl, Asia. She had her hair tied back in a ponytail and a smile on her face.
"Y-Yeah," Ryusei mustered a smile.
Ryusei moved to his desk chair while Issei took the floor and Asia on his bed. "Let's make a toast. I know mom and dad really wanted to celebrate too, but they'll get a chance tomorrow. For tonight, it's just the three of us."
"A toast?" Ryusei asked.
"To your return," Asia said. "Issei-San's told me a lot about you. I feel as though I practically know everything about you."
"He did…did he?" Ryusei gave his brother a frustrated smile. "I hope it was nothing too bad."
"No, no," Asia waved her hands. "He told me you were a smart and talented boy. You even got a scholarship to a University in America at the age of 12! That's really amazing, Ryusei-Kun!"
"It was really nothing," Ryusei scratched his head.
"Oh please," Issei laughed. "Listen to this Asia. You know Ryu is a genius? We had him take an IQ test when he was qualified for the scholarship, and he scored a 158? He's a genius!"
Blushing, Ryusei threw his can of soda at Issei's face. "Stop telling her unnecessary things you idiot!"
Ryusei paused. What did he just do? He didn't mean to lash out like that…he didn't mean to call his brother an idiot. "S-Sorry…I didn't mean it…"
"What?" Issei asked, rubbing his cheek. "What are you talking about? It's fine. I'm just happy to see you haven't changed."
He stared at his brother with wide eyes, in complete shock. "I…haven't changed?"
Issei picked up the can. "When I heard what had happened to you…where you'd been, I was scared that my brother, the brother I loved so much and had lost, was gone forever. But seeing you now, like this…" His eyes began to water. "I'm just happy you're still you, and home with us." He smiled and handed Ryusei the can, still crying.
Reluctantly, Ryusei took the can in awe.
"I know that you don't really know me, Ryusei-Kun," Asia said, fidgeting with her fingers. "But I hope you come to accept me as family. I'm always here for you if you need anything. But, I'm just not that good if you need advice on girls…you see I'm still a bit clueless about that sort of thing." Asia smiled.
Ryusei looked down at his can, his determination growing. "I…I need to tell you something, both of you."
Wiping his eyes, Issei looked up at him. "What's up?"
"It's about where I was," Ryusei said, clutching the can of soda before opening it and drinking some. "The island that we crashed landed on…was called Lian Yu. It's Mandarin, for purgatory."
Their eyes were wide, with every intent to listen. Thankfully, they didn't ask questions and just sat still to listen to him. He was grateful for that. He didn't know if he was ready to tell them everything, but he knew he had to at least tell them the summary of it all.
"Five years, felt like an eternity there," Ryusei said, trembling. "I was a scared, weak, and timid. Ever passing day felt made me regret on the things I didn't do, on the people I couldn't see anymore. The things I had to do just to survive, to live so that one day I could come back here. The people who gave up their lives for me…" He reached for his bracelet. "I'll never forget a single moment of it. Ever second that I spent on that island will be ingrained in me, for as long as I live."
"Ryu…"
"So I decided to live," Ryusei smiled. "I decided that I would live, for those who couldn't. I'll live for the people who saved me, live so that the people who wanted to hurt me will regret not killing me, live so that the memories of those I lost will never be forgotten."
Issei's hand went for his. Ryusei looked to his brother, who had a smile on his face and kind, welcoming eyes. Asia also stood up and placed her hand over theirs.
"You're not alone anymore, Ryusei-Kun," Asia said. "All the pain, all the memories, it's good that you'll never forget…but know that we're always gonna be here to share that burden with you."
"Whenever you're ready," Issei said. "We'll be here with you through it all."
Ryusei leaned back and enjoyed the next hour. They spent it talking about everything he had missed. News around the world, how Issei started high school. Apparently, the two of them were even in the same club in Kuoh Academy. Asia was a nun who came to Kuoh but got caught up in some bad business. Issei decided to take her in, and now they were living together. He was curious as to what had happened, but he didn't want to pry any further.
"It's getting late," Issei stood up and stretched. "We should be heading to bed. We have school in the morning."
"School?" Ryusei had completely forgotten it was a Sunday.
"Don't worry, you'll be a student at Kuoh Academy in a few days," Issei said. "Mom and dad are already doing the paperwork, and I have someone who's close to the Student Body President. It won't be long now."
"I see," Ryusei didn't realize how quick the events were unfolding. If he went to school, it would mean that he would have less time to do what he really needed to do. But he also had to have an alias for where he would be when the events took place…that's right, an alibi. It would be better if he could see he was at school doing homework or participating in after school sports.
Issei and Asia got up and headed for the door. "Alright, I'll see you in the morning Ryu. Good night." Issei left.
"Good night, Ryusei-" Asia said, but caught a look at his nodachi blade in the corner of his bed. "Ryusei-Kun, what's that?"
He stood up and went for it. A nodachi blade, small and compact. It was about the size of his whole forearm, still in it's scabbard. He picked it up to look at it, unsheathing it a little bit to expose to the blade.
"It was a gift, from someone very close to me," Ryusei said with deadpan eyes.
"I see…" Asia walked over to him, getting on her toes and kissing his cheek. Ryusei was completely silent, and turned to her. "Good night, little brother."
"Good…" He said as she walked for his door, waving good bye as she closed it. "Night…"
He looked at the nodachi. The blade's name was ingrained onto the blade near the hilt. He took a look at it and remembered her face. Before he knew it, a smile came across his face.
"I hope you're looking over me," Ryusei said. "I had hoped you would be here when I got home. You would have loved my parents, and my brother, and my new sister too. They're really nice and caring…Alicia."
He set the blade down next to his pillow and climbed in bed, calling it a night.
…
Rias Gremory sat in the Occult Research Club, looking out into the school yard and up at the shining moon. Yesterday morning, a powerful and almost otherworldly magic pressure had entered the city. Of course she alerted her brother, and had hoped some action would be taken before she had to resort to investigate it herself, but somehow she got the feeling it wouldn't be that easy. Ever since than, the magic pressure had slowly subsided, but the feeling of uncertainty still resided in her.
"Worrying isn't good for your health, Rias," Her best friend Akeno set down a cup of tea before sitting down across from her. "It'll cause you to wrinkle."
Rias's eye twitched. "I really wish you'd sugar coat your words sometime, Akeno."
"Then what good am I as your best friend?" Akeno snickered and covered her mouth. "You're worried about Issei, aren't you?"
"Five years…" She said. "I don't know how he survived five years there, but I can't imagine the person that has returned. I hope Issei and Asia are doing okay."
"I'm sure they'll be okay," Akeno said. "Those two are much more resilient then you'd imagine."
"Oh?" Rias smirked. "You seem to be awfully more caring, aren't you? When did you three get so close?"
"What could you mean?" Akeno smiled. "They're my precious underclassmen, of course I would care for them."
"Of course, of course," Rias smiled and rested her cheek on her fist. "But you sensed it too, didn't you? That powerful magic pressure, it's nothing like I've ever felt before."
"Yeah," Akeno said. "Things should be getting interesting soon, aren't they? I can't wait."
…
Five Years Ago…
Ryusei sat in his seat, fidgeting and squirming. His heart was racing and his palms were sweaty. What should he do? Should he be helping other passengers with their stuff? Should he just pay attention to himself? He had the window seat on the plane so maybe he should just ignore it and look outside. He was so nervous, he didn't know what to do!
"Hey kid," A voice called to him from the center walkway. "Can you give me a hand?"
He turned to see a boy, around 18 with long silver hair and gray eyes. He seemed to be struggling with his carry on. Was he really that weak? He didn't know how much help he could be, but Ryusei quickly got to his feet and climbed up on the seat above the compartment and pushed the duffel bag inside and sighed.
"Thanks for the help," The boy smiled. "Looks like we're gonna be neighbors for awhile. Nice to meet you, I'm Merrick."
"R…Ryusei," He said under his breath.
"Merrick!" A girl's voice said from behind Merrick. "Don't go scaring the kid like that, you idiot." Merrick's head leaned forward as someone punched him from behind.
Ryusei saw a girl with short black hair smile and hold down Merrick's head. "Sorry for making you help out like that. He's just a no good idiot."
"Give me a break Alicia," Merrick rubbed his head and frowned. "I just needed help with my luggage and you were too busy getting hit on by those virgins over there that you just left me."
Blushing, Alicia covered her chest. "W-What are you talking about? They weren't hitting on me! I was just-"
Merrick put a finger up to his mouth. "Might wanna keep it down, there are other people here ya'know?"
Alicia blushed heavily as Ryusei noticed the people around them looking at the three with confusion.
"Well," Merrick looked at Ryusei. "Looks like the three of us are gonna be sitting next to each other for awhile. Hope we can get along, Ryusei-Kun."
"Nice to meet you, Ryusei," Alicia smiled.
Ryusei nodded, and sat back down on his seat. Merrick took the middle seat while Alicia took the seat closest to the walkway.
"By the way," Alicia said, leaning forward and turning to Ryusei. "Are you here all by yourself? Where are your parents?"
"I…I'm by myself," Ryusei said. "I'm going to Columbia University."
"What?" Merrick asked. "Are you visiting someone there?"
Ryusei shook his head. "I'm starting school there in the Fall. I'm a student."
The look on their faces were hard to decipher. Was it shock? Envy? Jealousy? Confusion? It was always the same look anytime he told someone that he was going to Columbia as a student.
"Y-You mean you're gonna be a student at Columbia?" Merrick asked. "How old are you exactly?"
"11," Ryusei said, blushing.
Alicia's jaw dropped to the ground as she made an awe sound from her mouth. "T-That's incredible…you must be a genius, huh Ryusei."
"I…I guess…" Ryusei looked down at his knees. "I just want to be a normal kid, that's all."
"A normal kid?" Merrick laughed. "You're an 11 year old kid going to one of the top schools in the world! You're amazing Ryusei-Kun!"
Ryusei looked to him. "You really think so?"
"Yeah!" Alicia smiled at him. "You're really something else, Ryusei."
A smile came across his face. Usually whenever he told someone where he was going, they would always be doubtful or even treat him like some sort of freak. The only people who treated him like a normal kid were his parents…and his brother.
Taking a look at Merrick, he reminded Ryusei of Issei. He had the same demeanor and some sort of…aura about him. It felt like he was sitting next to his brother, how odd…
"Hey," Ryusei said. "What is your relationship?"
"Hmm?" Merrick asked. "You mean me and Alicia?" He looked to her and back at Ryusei with a quirky smile. "I guess you can say she's my girl-"
Alicia punched his head down. "We're childhood friends. We've been vacationing in Japan for the past two weeks but it's time to go home."
"I see…" Ryusei said.
"Dammit that hurt you witch!" Merrick growled.
"It's your fault for always telling people we're dating," Alicia crossed her arms and looked away.
"You're the one who asked me to!" Merrick said. "In case people starting hitting on you when we're together!"
Ryusei looked at Alicia. He could understand why people would hit on her. She was definitely attractive. A slender figure with a shining face. Her hair was silky black down to her shoulders and her eyes an emerald green. Compared to her…his eyes were just a a dull brown. Even Merrick had cool gray eyes. Next to them, Ryusei couldn't help but feel inadequate.
Suddenly, he felt the plane begin to move. "Looks like we're taking off." Merrick looked to Ryusei. "Ryusei, are you alright? You don't seem so good."
Ryusei's stomach began to turn as his face turned gray. "I've…never been…on a plane…before…" He held his breath in order to avoid throwing up.
He felt a hand touch his. Was it Merrick? Ryusei didn't take Merrick to be a sentimental type like that.
"It's okay, Ryusei-Kun," It was Alicia. She took his hand and smiled warmly. "I'm right here with you, there's nothing to be afraid about."
Blushing, Ryusei found himself calming down and smiling. Slowly but surely, the plane began to go faster and faster until they were in the air. Ryusei looked out the window in awe.
"Onwards and upwards, to New York," Merrick smiled at him.