Date: Fri, 16 May 2014 23:23:32 -0700 From: R B Subject: Red Hood Rising Part 2 This story is a work of FICTION. The events described are my own invention. Any similarities to actual events or persons are strictly coincidental. The author retains the copyright, and any other rights, to this original story. You may not publish it or any part of it without my explicit authorization. This story contains depictions of consensual sexual acts between teenage males. It is intended for mature audiences only. If you are under the legal age to read said material; please proceed no further. Disclaimer: This story is based on the characters of DC Comics Batman series. All rights to these characters belong to DC comics. Comments are welcome: castoryteller@hotmail.com Red Hood Rising Part 2: Operation Demon Seed In the weeks following the demise of Sifu Quan, Devin and Damian trained together with Richard Morehouse. Prior to joining the Society of Shadows, Morehouse had been an officer in the Special Air Service, the elite commandos of the British Army. His reputation within the Society was legendary. During the Falklands War he'd led an infiltration unit into the occupied island and wreaked havoc behind enemy lines. Talia deemed him a suitable substitute for the deceased kung fu master. Talia was worried Devin might be reluctant to train with his brother. She knew all about the training session in which Damian had almost broken Devin's arm. Damian couldn't stop rubbing it in the older boy's face. She needn't have worried though. Since eliminating his former teacher, Devin had been filled with a new sense of confidence. He no longer allowed himself to be intimidated by Damian and had won every sparring match they'd had under the new regime. It frustrated Damian but Talia saw that as a good thing. Her little boy was confident, sometimes too confident. He needed to learn the lessons only defeat can teach you and he was learning them now. The boys were also learning to work together. Talia noticed a sharp decline in their arguing which was a relief to everyone in the castle. They hadn't exactly become friends overnight but the improved détente allowed their mother to plan the next phase of their training in relative peace. The Society of Shadows is a vast cartel with operatives in cities around the world. Each of these men and women is well trained in the art of death but some are absolute masters. Talia wanted her sons to learn from these men and women the way most parents want their children to learn the piano from a virtuoso or baseball from a champion. That's how Operation Demon Seed came to be. In his public life, Niccolo Vizzini was a world renowned art dealer. Behind the scenes he was one of the Society's most lethal assassins, code named The Sicilian in honor of his birth off the Italian coast. Based in Rome, Vizzini was an expert in poisons and would be hosting the al Ghul boys while he prepared to eliminate his latest victim. He would instruct the boys in the complexities of covert assassination culminating in the removal of his target. It had been a cold winter in Romania and Talia suspected the boys would enjoy a brief sojourn to the Eternal City. The al Ghul compound might be remote but that didn't mean days there were leisurely. The boy's had full schedules. Each morning began with training at 6am, breakfast at 9am, lessons with private tutors from 10am to 3pm, afternoon training from 3pm to 5pm and then dinner at 6pm. Though she hadn't said anything, putting them together for training suggested to Devin that mother wanted the boys to get closer. Devin embraced the idea, after his experience with Sifu Quan; he felt it was important for him and Damian to bond. It was just after 5pm when Devin walked out onto the grand balcony with a baseball and a couple of gloves under his arm to find Damian. Devin, like most teenaged boys, was happy to change into street clothes after his daily lessons. He stood in jeans, a warm hooded sweatshirt, sneakers and a baseball cap, which he wore backwards, as he watched Damian for a moment. Damian was still in his training clothes, in this case, a black yori. Spread out before him in the courtyard below, the soldiers of the Society were in formation, drilling with their swords. Each man among them was an expert marksman but nothing could be as silent or deadly a weapon as a blade in the right hands. Daman also wielded a sword though the katana was almost as tall as he was. He watched the soldiers and copied their movements. Devin admired the little boy's dedication but he also knew all work and no play could drive a boy stir crazy. He figured it might be why his kid brother was always so uptight. "Hey," he greeted. Damian spun around. If he was startled it didn't show in his cold blue eyes. He raised his weapon, the point poised to strike Devin through the heart if he made a false move. "What do you want?" "I just came to see what you were up to," said Devin. "Training of course." "When did you start training with a sword?" "It's been so long I can't recall." "You looked pretty good. Maybe you could teach me sometime." "Why?" said Damian, eyeballing him suspiciously. "Might come in handy someday," Devin smiled. "The Society of Assassin's have always been first and foremost swordsmen." "See, that's the kind of thing I'd like to know more about. You're so much more knowledgeable about this stuff than me," said Devin, stroking the little boy's ego. "I suppose I could give you a lesson or two. In the meantime, if you didn't know I was training out here, what did you come for?" "Like I said, I wanted to see what you were up to. I thought if you weren't busy you might play catch with me." "Dear brother, you know very well I don't play," Damian practically hissed the word. "See, that's an area where I can help you out. Think of it as training." "Training for what? To be infantile?" "What if we found ourselves in a situation in which you had to act like a regular kid? Regular kids love to play. You'd stick out like a sore thumb." "Superior intellect and ability always stands out from the flock," said Damian, haughtily. Devin was tempted to roll his eyes but he was trying to make peace with his brother and so he resisted the urge. "Regular kids don't talk like that either. What if we had to go undercover to get close to a target, wouldn't it be better if you learned to...lower yourself in order to avoid suspicion?" Damian raised an eyebrow and pondered the question for a moment. "You make a valid point. What did you have in mind?" "Take this and let's go down to the back courtyard," said Devin, handing him one of the gloves. When Talia finished making arrangements for the trip to Rome, she went to share the news with the children. She found them playing catch and was so surprised to see them getting along, she decided to watch for a moment before interrupting their game. "No fair, you threw it over my head," Damian complained as he chased after the ball and tossed it back. "You could have caught it. Hold your glove up, keep your eye on the ball and back up a little bit," said Devin. He threw another high ball, Damian followed his instructions and this time was rewarded with the satisfying thwack of a ball hitting a leather glove. "Hey I caught it!" the little boy squealed in delight. "Told you," Devin smiled. Damian was the first to spot Talia leaning against the wall under the portico with her arms crossed as she watched the boys at play. "Mother look, I caught it," said Damian excitedly. "I saw my treasure, very impressive," she grinned approvingly. "Come here for a moment boy's." The boy's joined her and she put her arms around their shoulders. She kissed Devin on the top of his head and the two shared a look. It was as if she were thanking him for the effort he was making with Damian. What Devin didn't know is when his mother saw the bright happy smile on Damian's face as he caught the baseball, she almost cried. The little boy was so serious all the time, so dedicated, she felt like his training was robbing him of the ability take any joy from life. She was delighted to see that wasn't true. She'd been right; all her little one needed was a brother. "How would you feel about spending a few days in Rome, my darlings?" "Seriously?" asked Devin. He was thrilled at the prospect. He'd never been anywhere, at least not anywhere he remembered. "You leave in the morning," she smiled. "We leave in the morning?" said Devin. "You're not coming with us?" asked Damian. Worldly and mature for his age though he was, he'd never traveled without his mother before. "I'm sending the two of you on your first mission." The next morning a small convoy of three black Mercedes S 500's left the castle and wound their way through the village below. The villagers paid little attention. They were well paid to keep their mouths shut and ignore the goings on of the masters above them. When the convoy pulled onto the small airfield that serviced the region, the al Ghul's waited patiently while their security detail secured the perimeter. In his years as The Demon, Ra's al Ghul acquired many enemies making his children and grandchildren prime targets for assassination or kidnapping. It was a complication that was sometimes difficult but quietly endured. What other choice was there? The boy's said their good byes to their grandfather before leaving the castle and he sent his most loyal servant to protect them. Devin was glad Ubu had ridden in the lead car and wasn't looking forward to being trapped on a plane with him for three hours. Ubu would accompany the boy's as far as Rome, form there they would be under the protection of Niccolo Vizzini. Ubu would wait for them in the city and when their mission was complete, he'd bring them safely home. Devin was grateful for that. With his new found confidence in his abilities, he didn't think he and Damian needed a bodyguard and given his distaste for Ubu, he didn't want him ruining what might otherwise be an exciting trip. When Ubu opened the door for them, Devin quickly moved away from him and waited for his mother and brother. When it was time for the boys and their protector to board the waiting Gulfstream G4, it was difficult for Talia to let go. Damian had never been anywhere without her before. He was such a willful child and she hoped it wouldn't get him into trouble. Then there was Devin, such a sweet boy, she'd grown to truly think of him as her own. Anytime he was away from the castle there was the potential for him to evoke some sort of memory that might change their entire relationship. It worried her but her father had big plans for the boy and he needed to learn. She couldn't hide him away forever. Before they boarded the jet, she pulled the boys aside for a final word. "Be a good boy. Listen to Vizzini and mind your brother," Talia admonished Damian. "He's not my boss," Damian pouted. "No he isn't but in this situation he is your superior officer. Will you be my good little soldier and follow your orders?" said Talia, appealing to the boy's sense of duty. She'd been watching the boys for the past few weeks and wouldn't have sent them on this mission if she didn't have faith in the belief that Devin would protect his brother. The boys were so different in that Damian was rash and headstrong where Devin was calm and cautious. She hugged her little boy and watched him scamper excitedly up the stairs after agreeing to behave. "Watch out for him, you know how he is," she told Devin. "Don't worry, I will." "I know you aren't fond of Ubu but remember, he serves your grandfather with absolute and unquestioned loyalty. If you find yourself in a situation you can't handle, call him." "I will." "Promise?" "Yes mom, I promise," Devin smiled. "Good boy." She hugged him and kissed his cheek, then stood by the car. She watched the plane takeoff and stood there until it was merely a dot on the horizon. Devin took his seat and put on his iPod as soon as he boarded the plane. Once they were airborne he reclined his seat and slept until they made their decent. When they left Romania the sky was cold and grey, when they landed in Rome the sun was shining on a gorgeous day. There wasn't much to see at the airfield but Devin was excited nonetheless. This was his first trip anywhere and he wanted to remember everything he could. The plane taxied to the private terminal at Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci Airport and came to a halt beside a pair of black Maserati Quattroporte's. By the time the brothers emerged from the jet, two men had gotten out of the first car. The first had to be Vizzini. He was older, effeminate and dressed in some gaudy pink nightmare of a business suit that only an art dealer, or possibly a retired pimp, would think was cool. The second man, on further inspection, wasn't a man at all but rather a boy Devin judged to be about 16. He had pale skin, short, pale blond hair, his eyes were hidden behind dark sunglasses and he wore a beige suit with a white shirt. To Devin, he looked like a young James Bond. With their hair perfectly combed and their preppy clothes, the al Ghul brother's looked more like choir boys then would be assassin's and it didn't go unnoticed. "Etienne, look at this. The mistress says she has men for me to train and she sends me baby faced children," Vizzini laughed. "Yes master but as the Demon's own grandchildren I'm sure they are more than up to the task at hand," Etienne replied. "Si, si," the art dealer nodded then threw his arms open to greet the boys. He hugged Damian and kissed him on each cheek then moved to do the same with his elder brother. Devin pulled back, he didn't want some creepy guy in a pink suit kissing him, and extended his hand. "You'll have to excuse my brother. He was raised in America and European courtesies are a mystery to him," Damian winked at Devin. Devin gave him a subtle elbow to the ribs to shut him up. "An American, how exciting," said Vizzini as he shook Devin's hand. "I am being The Sicilian, Niccolo Vizzini, of course and this is my house boy, Etienne. Etienne, come forward and meet the sons of the Demon's daughter." "How do you do?" Etienne smiled politely and shook their hands. He was slightly taller than Devin but not so much that you'd notice. "And this must being your big friend," said Vizzini, gesturing at Ubu. "My big friend, my driver is yours for the week and there is a suite waiting for you." Ubu looked over the boys and spoke in almost a grunt, "alright?" "Yes Ubu, we'll be fine," Devin nodded. The bodyguard gave them one last look and then Vizzini showed him to the second car. Etienne collected the boy's luggage and they climbed into the backseat. Damian, haughty as ever, was surprised Vizzini drove himself. He was going to make a comment about the lower classes but stopped himself as Vizzini spoke in his heavy accent. "We go to the villa now. You can settle in and then we talk about the mission, si?" "What?" said Devin. "Si, yes, we talk about the mission when you get comfortable, yes?" "Yes, fine, thank you," Devin replied and returned to looking out the window. "Tsk, tsk, tragic," Damian shook his head. Fluent in French, Italian, Arabic and Chinese, his language skills were far superior to his brother's. Devin was so entranced by the passing cityscape he didn't think to admonish his little brother. Vizzini drove through the streets of Rome like a teenager playing Grand Theft Auto. He wove his way in and out of traffic making great use of rude hand gestures, creative Italian curse words and the horn. Devin hardly noticed. All Devin really knew of the world were the slums of Gotham City and the drab Romanian village outside the castle he called home. Rome was vibrant, exotic and ancient. He was afraid to turn away from the window; he didn't want to miss anything. Eventually the sporty black sedan wound its way through the suburban hills surrounding the city and pulled through a massive wrought iron gate. Vizzini's villa was large and palatial which pleased Damian. He didn't want to spend the week slumming after all. Etienne grabbed he boy's bags and Vizzini directed them to follow his house boy to their rooms. He would give them time to settle in and make themselves comfortable, then they would meet in the library to discuss the weeks mission. They dropped Damian off first and when Etienne showed Devin to his room, he was pleased to find a large balcony. He didn't hear Etienne excuse himself and Damian found him leaning against the railing, staring out at the city when he came to collect his brother an hour later. "Are you ready to go downstairs? Vizzini will..." Damian began. "Shhh," said Devin as he put his arm around Damian's shoulder. "Look." "What am I looking at?" asked Damian, taking in the view and seeing nothing particularly fascinating. To Devin, the sun blazing down on the red tile roofs was a feast for the eyes. He was entranced by the view and didn't want to turn away. "The city. It's breath taking." "In a Eurotrashy kind of way, I guess," said Damian. "You have no poetry in your soul, little brother. We're looking at the city that gave us Caesar and..." "Caligula?" Damian interrupted. Devin ignored him. "Look, there's the dome of St. Peters and that over there, I think that used to be the Forum." "And across the street from it is a Sbarro's and a McDonalds. So?" said Damian. "You've seen the world. I guess it takes more to impress you," Devin sighed. "There will be plenty of time to sightsee later, can we go downstairs and focus on the mission? You know, the reason we came here?" "Fine, fine," said Devin as Damian pulled him reluctantly from the view. A few minutes later Devin found himself in a comfortable chair surrounded by tomes containing the wisdom of the ages. The books were incredibly dusty and he wasn't too surprised. Vizzini didn't strike Devin as much of a reader. Vizzini was the type of person who collected rare books simply for their value; he never had any intention of reading them. For a moment Devin understood how Damian must feel around him, that sense of elitist superiority. He shook it off and focused as Vizzini passed manila folders to him, Damian and Etienne. He opened his folder and was surprised by the picture of the target. "A priest?" said Devin. "That, dear boy, is Cardinal Giancarlo Spatafore. A very dangerous man," said Vizzini. "But sir, he's one of your best customer's," said Etienne. "It cannot be helped," Vizzini sighed. "I don't know about this," said Devin. "Killing a priest..." "Cardinal," Vizzini cut him off. "Whatever. A man of the church, it feels wrong." "Ah, but he is a very calculating and dangerous man of the cloth. He plots against the Pope himself. Spatafore believes he has the votes in Conclave to make him the next Holy Father should the current Holy Father meet with an untimely end." "This guy wants to take out the Pope?" asked Devin, incredulously. "It's been done before but sadly for our friend the Cardinal, he didn't hire us to do it for him," Vizzini grinned wickedly. "Speaking of which, who did hire us for this?" said Devin. "The Swiss Guard of course." "I thought their job was to protect the Pope?" asked Damian. "Ah, but is that not what we are doing? Protecting His Holiness from those who would do him harm?" "I guess," Devin agreed. "I don't like it but it seems that it has to be done." "Bravo," Vizzini smiled. "How are we going to do it?" asked Devin. "This Friday I will host a gathering for my finest clientele. The Cardinal has already agreed to attend. Before he returns to his home, the little one will put a little something in his drink," said Vizzini, winking at Damian. "Poison? And you want Damian to deliver it?" "Si, the boy will never be suspected." "Seems like a cowardly way to kill a man," Devin mused. "Statecraft often requires a deft touch. It would not do to make a public spectacle of the Cardinal's demise." "Fine but Damian's not doing it, I am," Devin insisted. "That's not fair, I'll do it," Damian complained. "I believe the little one would be able to get close enough too..." "No. If he were to be discovered...It's too dangerous. I don't want Damian that close to the target. I'll do it." "Who died and made you my boss!" Damian exclaimed. "Mother, when she told you that you were to obey me," Devin retorted. "She also asked me to keep you safe and if I let you do this I'd be breaking my promise." "But..." "My decision is final!" "Fine," Damian groused. He wasn't pleased but he didn't want to provoke a confrontation in front of their hosts. "Now, what's this poison we'll be using?" asked Devin. "Ah, it is called Deadly Beauty because it leaves no trace of itself to be discovered during an autopsy. To any and all observers it will appear as though the Cardinal's heart simply stopped from old age," Vizzini smiled. "It is my specialty. It takes a week to reach that certain potency which gives us just enough time. I will show you how it is done." Devin wasn't pleased. He thought poison was a cowardly and dishonorable way to kill someone. He wasn't a religious person but the idea of killing one of God's anointed priests, no matter how corrupt, made him uneasy. And he really didn't like Vizzini's plan to use Damian to deliver the fatal dosage. All it would take is a tiny mistake and his brother would be in very serious trouble. No, Devin wasn't happy and it showed on his face. The rest of the day passed easily enough. Vizzini would start on his noxious poison the next morning and in the meantime the boys had the run of the villa. Devin spent his afternoon swimming laps in the pool and sitting on his balcony, enjoying the view spread out before him. He turned in early that night, it had been a long day and he knew he'd be up at dawn the next morning. This was no vacation; he and Damian still had training at 6am. Even with the window open it was still warm. The villa was built long before the invention of central air conditioning so when he was preparing for bed, Devin left his pajamas in the drawer and stripped down to his black Calvin Klein briefs. He got into bed and pulled the sheet around himself and then began to toss and turn. When he did finally get to sleep, his mind was filled with dreams of fire, brimstone and hell. After all, what else could death hold for a boy who murdered the holy? The worst of the dream was just passing when he felt a strange hand groping between his legs. He woke with a start and jumped out of bed. He grabbed a pillow to hide his near naked body and turned on the bedside lamp to discover Etienne in nothing but a black bikini stretched out on his bed. "What the hell are you doing?" Devin demanded. Etienne rose lazily from the bed and stood before Devin. He gently pulled the pillow away before resting his hands on the younger boy's hips. "My master sent me," Etienne grinned as Devin squirmed and tried to wiggle out of his grasp. "W-why?" Devin stuttered. "You seem so uncomfortable with the mission at hand. Vizzini asked me to help you relax." "I-I'm perfectly relaxed." "No my sweet," Etienne smiled and backed him into a corner. "You're so tense." "Yeah?" "Oh yes. I can feel it here," said Etienne, running his hands over Devin's shoulders. "Here," he ran his hands over Devin's muscular tummy. "And especially here," he gripped Devin's balls and gave them a gentle squeeze. Every instinct in Devin's body was screaming at him to break this French boy's arm and run away but he couldn't move. Devin was very curious about his body. Most 14 year old boys know exactly what they want but Devin wasn't sure if he was gay or not. Etienne was a rare beauty with his pale blonde hair, big doe eyes and delicate body. It was so lonely at the castle. He really only had his mother, brother and grandfather to talk too. Some of the Shadow Soldiers were young and cute but they'd never touch him, they'd be too afraid of his grandfather. "I-I don't know what to do," he confessed. "So innocent, so sweet," Etienne smiled. "I will show you." The French boy put his slender arms around Devin's narrow waist and drew him close. He nudged the boy's chin into the proper position with the tip of his nose and then kissed him softly. It was a sweet kiss, very tender and gentle. When he pulled away, Devin was smiling which encouraged Etienne to move in for a second round. This time the French boy pushed his tongue against the sweet young lips and when they parted, he slipped it inside. Instinct took over then. Devin began to stroke Etienne's tongue with his own while he ran his hands slowly up and down the beautiful Frenchmen's back. Etienne's tongue retreated drawing Devin's into his mouth. When they stopped to catch their breath, Etienne stroked Devin's cheek. "Not bad for your first time." "Thanks," Devin blushed. "Did you like it?" "Oh yeah." Etienne smiled again then dropped to his knees. His fingertips deftly maneuvered their way into Devin's waistband and soon his underwear joined the pile of clothes he'd left on the floor when he stripped for bed. He knew what was coming but Devin still drew a sharp breath when Etienne's mouth swallowed the head of his throbbing erection. There was no feeling more exquisite in the entire world. Etienne's mouth was soft, warm, wet and he made the cutest noises as he gave suck. A skilled lover, Etienne took his time bobbing up and down on the young cock. He was used to servicing his master's business associates when ordered but it was rare for him to enjoy one so young and handsome. When Devin reached down to stroke his hair, the pretty blond practically purred. As much as he was enjoying it, Devin didn't last long. When he began to fill Etienne's mouth with his essence, the blond dutifully drank it down. With his thirst quenched, Etienne rose to his feet and used the back of his hand to wipe his mouth. "Feeling relaxed?" "Oh my God...yeah," Devin panted. "You see? No more tension. I'll leave you to your rest." Etienne turned to leave but Devin grabbed his wrist and pulled him back. "Is there something more I can do to serve you?" "Stay with me tonight, please?" "As you wish." The boys climbed into the bed and after he turned out the light, Devin wrapped his arms around his blond lover. Etienne wasn't used to such tender moments. When his master's clients were done with him they usually sent him away. He rewarded Devin for his kindness by gently petting his arm. "You are so beautiful," Devin yawned. "Thank you," Etienne yawned. "Promise me you'll stay all night?" "As you wish," Etienne smiled in the dark. Devin woke before the sun rose the next morning feeling well rested and more content then he'd ever felt in his life. At first he was afraid it had all been a dream. A wonderful dream but a dream none the less. When he rolled over and found Etienne breathing softly, cuddled against his pillow, his heart leapt. It was early and he didn't want to wake the sleeping angel but he couldn't resist the urge to kiss his cheek. The blond boy murmured something in his sleep but he didn't stir. Devin smiled and then got out of bed to dress. "Why do you have that stupid grin on your face?" asked Damian, when the boys met in the foyer. "I don't know what you're talking about," Devin blushed. "Come on, while we're young." Devin led the way outside and then the boys ran around the perimeter of the villa. Vizzini only had a handful of guards but they watched their guests run their laps, practice their forms and finish with a little lite sparring. Damian won the day's sparring. While he attributed his victory to superior skill, Devin knew it was because his mind was preoccupied. It was hard to think of anything other than Etienne's beauty or his heaven sent mouth. Devin had found another world there. He wasn't any closer to deciding if he was gay or bi sexual but he came to the conclusion that labels didn't really matter anyway. When the boys finished their morning routine, they returned to the villa for breakfast. Etienne was waiting there. He handed Damian a towel to dry the sweat from his brow and as the little boy headed for the stairs, he handed a second towel to Devin. "How are you feeling this morning?" Etienne grinned. "Amazing," Devin blushed. "Can I see you again tonight?" "Of course, we can't have the mission stress getting to you." "Nope, sure can't," Devin smiled. He looked around to make sure no one was watching then he kissed Etienne on the cheek and ran upstairs to shower. The rest of the morning was devoted to learning the fine art of poison making. Devin didn't pay much attention which seemed to annoy Vizzini but the boy couldn't help it. He couldn't get over the fact that it was a coward's weapon and though he understood the need for stealth in this situation, if he was going to take a life he wanted to look the victim in the eye first. Damian was a different story. The younger al Ghul brother was fascinated by Vizzini's teachings and the gleam in his eye gave Devin the sinking feeling he was going to have to have one of the Shadow Soldier's test his food for him for the next month. Devin spent most of his day counting the hours until he could be with Etienne. The afternoon and evening seemed to drag on; at one point he was sure the hands on the clock were moving backwards. Eventually the sun went down and it was time for bed. When he retired to his room he stripped naked and waited for the blond to arrive. Etienne arrived just after nine in his bath robe. "It seems great minds think alike," the Frenchman smiled and let the robe slip from his body to reveal his naked form. Devin smiled and Etienne straddled his body. He took the French boy by the hips and then ran his hands up his back. He pulled Etienne down on top of him and kissed his soft lips. "I've wanted to do that all day," Devin smiled. "So have I but there is something to be said for the anticipation." They kissed again. Devin wanted to drink in every bit of the exquisite blond creature. He kissed his lips, down his elegant neck. He kissed Etienne's chest and nibbled on his tender nipples. His tongue traced a trail between Etienne's lean stomach muscles and swirled around his belly button. Devin had never sucked a cock before but when he came face to face with the pink head, it's all he wanted. It was cute in a way that he'd never thought a dick could be. His kissed around the base, kissed up the shaft, kissed the head. He ran his tongue over the sensitive glans and swallowed the head, emulating the motions Etienne had performed on him the night before. The blond was generous with his praise for Devin's efforts. He stroked the boy's raven hair. He moaned in appreciation and pleasure and when he simply couldn't take anymore, he pulled out of Devin's mouth. "Did I do something wrong?" asked Devin. The look on his face was one of utter disappointment, like a puppy who has just lost his favorite chew toy. "No my sweet," Etienne stroked his cheek. "I want to teach you something else." Etienne rolled Devin back onto his back and straddled him again. He reached behind himself and stroked Devin's cock which had begun to leak precum. When he was sure the boy was sufficiently lubricated, Etienne spread his buns and Devin felt the Frenchman's velvety opening teasing his prick. Etienne gave him a mischievous wink and with a gasp of pleasure, he impaled himself on Devin's cock. Devin almost passed out from the intense pleasure. Etienne slid down until his bottom was resting against Devin's pelvis. When he grew accustomed to the invasion, he began to rock his hips back and forth, slowly fucking himself, ridding Devin like a particularly handsome pony. When it was over, Etienne collapsed against Devin's chest, sweaty and exhausted. Devin held him in his strong arms and gently stroked his back. It went without saying that Etienne would spend the night. "Thanks," said Devin, after a moment's quiet. "It was my pleasure. You're very handsome," Etienne smiled coyly. "You say that as though not all the men you sleep with are." "Most aren't. They are usually clients of Vizzini. Men of such wealth and...appetites aren't usually young and good looking." "Why do you do it?" "It is my lot in life. I serve Vizzini." "Would you have come to me last night if he hadn't ordered you too?" "Yes," Etienne smiled. "You are a rare treat." Devin squeezed him tight and rested his head on Etienne's shoulder. "How did this happen. I mean, how did you end up here?" "When I was 12 years old I was taken from my village in France and sold in an auction. My first master was a cruel one. He beat me and raped me every day I was with him. Vizzini saw me one day and his heart went out to me. He killed my master and since then I've been his. I strive to serve him well." "But Etienne, that makes you a slave." "That's not how I see it." "But if you had a choice wouldn't you rather be with your family?" "It's been so long. I wouldn't know what to say to them. Maybe you should ask one of the other boys." "What boy's?" "In the basement. The ones for this Friday's auction." "What auction, what are you talking about?" "The party Vizzini is throwing of course." "Wait, you mean the Cardinal and his other guests, they aren't art lovers they're..." "Vizzini deals in the art of the flesh, Devin. His clients come here to buy boys. You didn't know this?" "They're here right now?" "Down in the basement." "Show me." Devin and Etienne put on their robes and the Frenchman led the way. The basement was illuminated by dim lights on sconces along the walls. There were 10 cells and in each one there was a boy between the ages of 11 and 15. Each boy wore a collar around his neck and little else. "All of these boys have been kidnapped?" "Some are runaways. Some are street rats we cleaned up." "Vizzini is going to sell them?" "It's what he does. Devin, you mustn't worry about them. The men who by them spend a lot of money, they'll be well taken care of." "Were you well taken care of when the man who bought you beat and raped you?" "I...it's what we do. This is our business. You did not know this?" Etienne asked incredulously. "No!" Devin exclaimed and stormed towards the stairs. "I'm waking my brother and we're leaving." "Please, you mustn't. Vizzini will be furious!" "I could give a fuck!" "If you leave he'll know it was I who told you about these boys. I assumed you knew, I don't know what Vizzini will do. Devin, please?" Devin looked into his pleading blue eyes but what he saw there chilled him to the bone. It was one of his first memories. It was something he'd never told his mother or grandfather, something he hoped he would never have to share with anyone. He'd been roaming the street for a week with no memory of who he was or how he got there. He was so hungry he decided he'd try picking a man's pocket in order to get money for something to eat. He tried to be discerning in his selection of a target but made the mistake of selecting a man whose muscular bulk was well concealed by a billowing trench coat. The man was opening his trunk when Devin made his move. He reached for his wallet but the man sensed him and grabbed his wrist. Devin was afraid he'd call the police but the reality was far worse. The man yanked on his arm and before he knew what was happening, he was tumbling into the open trunk. The would be victim slammed the lid and drove off. He left Devin there for hours. He screamed and begged to be let out until he passed out from exhaustion and lack off food. When he woke he was naked and tied to a bed, the man he had planned to make his victim was brutally raping him. He screamed. He cried out in pain but the man never spoke a word. When it was over, the man gently brushed the tears from Devin's cheeks. "You picked the wrong guy to mess with." "I'm sorry. Please, just let me go. I swear, I won't tell anyone." "I believe you," the man nodded. "So you'll let me go?" "I'm going to fuck you until I grow tired of you and then I'm going to snap your pretty little neck." "No, please..." Devin panicked. He couldn't finish his sentence. The man stuffed a rag in his mouth and walked out. Over the next three days the man raped Devin several times a day. On the third night, Devin slipped a wrist from his bonds and was able to free himself. He found his clothes in a pile next to the bed. He scooped them up in his arms and ran naked into the night. Looking into Etienne's eyes he saw the Frenchmen's past and the future that awaited the boys being held captive in the basement. He put his memory aside. He'd blocked it so thoroughly that it was the first time he'd thought about it since Talia brought him home. He was a different person now. He filed the information away knowing that one day, he'd find the man and treat him to a night he would never forget, for now, there were more pressing matters. "Alright. I'll forget what I've seen here for your sake but if anything happens to my little brother..." "It won't! My God, the Demon's grandson? Vizzini would never..." "Alright, alright," Devin soothed him. "Let's go back upstairs." Etienne followed Devin back to his room but he was too nervous to relax. He assumed Devin would know Vizzini's true occupation but then he assumed Ra's al Ghul knew. Clearly he'd been mistaken and now that the cat was out of the bag, he wasn't sure he could trust Devin. Etienne had originally come to Devin as the aggressor but on seeing how upset he was, Devin pounced on him. He fucked Etienne hard and passionately and when he was finished, the French boy slept in his arms. Devin waited for an entire hour before extricating himself from his lover. He dressed quietly and then searched Etienne's robe until he found his key ring. Devin crept downstairs as silently as a cat. When he reached the basement he found the key that unlocked the cells but the boys were too afraid to move. He realized most of them didn't speak English and hadn't understood his conversation with Etienne. They were as afraid of him as they were their master. The boy's cowered when he entered their cells but he was gentle as he took each by the arm and led them into the center of the room. Their clothes had been taken, there was nothing he could do about that but he knew there was a van in the garage, if he could just get them there. He searched through Etienne's keys and found one that unlocked a door from the basement and led out to the grounds. Once outside he hugged the wall and the boys followed suit. He knew there was a guard on the back terrace; they would have to get past him in order to reach the garage. Devin looked around the corner and spotted the guard patrolling near a row of hedges. It was too easy. Devin gestured for the boys to wait for him, and then he snuck around the hedge row and made his way up the gravel path. The way the guard carried his rifle it pointed out in front of him. When Devin saw the barrel travel past him, he grabbed it and gave it a yank. He knocked the guard off balance and then jabbed him in the gut with his own weapon. With one hand he grabbed the man's jaw, with the other he held his head in place and with a sharp snap, the guard's neck was broken. Devin hid the body in the bushes and slung the silenced M-4 over his shoulder. He returned to the boy's and led them to the garage. Sure enough, one of Etienne's keys unlocked the van inside. "Can any of you drive?" "I-I can," stuttered one of the older boys. He had a British accent and Devin figured he must have been too frightened to speak before. "Take the keys. I'll take care of the guard and open the gate," Devin instructed. The frightened boy nodded his head. They proceeded down the long driveway and as they approached the gate, a guard stepped in front of them, blocking their path. "W-what do I do?" asked the driver. "Stop the van, I'll handle him." When the van came to a halt, Devin opened the side door and leapt out. He dropped to one knee as he'd been taught, brought up the silenced rifle and double tapped the unsuspecting guard. His first shot took the guard in the chest, his second exploded out the back of his head. He scrambled over to the body, found the guard's keycard and slipped it into the gate controls. The iron gate creaked open and Devin cringed. It seemed so loud in the stillness of the night. "Alright, get out of here," said Devin once the gate was open and he walked back to the van. "Aren't you coming with us?" "I have to go back and get my little brother. Don't worry about us." "Where should we go?" "As far as you can get from here," said Devin. The driver nodded and hit the gas. Devin wondered out to the street and watched as the van fishtailed around the corner and disappeared. After hiding the second guard's body, he jogged back to the villa. There weren't any more guards left but he was still cautious as he returned the way he'd come. Just as he was making the turn back into the basement, a shovel connected with his face, knocking him unconscious. It was after dawn when Devin woke with a terrible headache. He was sitting up and his wrists were tied behind his back. Soft light flooded the basement from the windows that ringed the upper walls. Etienne stood before him dressed in one of his elegant suits. "I'm sorry I hit you my sweet," said Etienne. "Untie me," Devin ordered. "Now." "I'm afraid I can't do that, you see the boys you set free were worth rather a lot of money. Someone is going to have to take their place." "My grandfather will..." "Will never know. Vizzini will call your bodyguard later today and when he arrives we'll show him the bodies of the guards you killed. We'll tell him they died when the villa was attacked and that you fought bravely but you and your brother were taken." "How could you..." "You left me no choice. I do this now to save my life. If I let you return to your grandfather with this knowledge, surely he'll kill us." "You can't do this. Let Damian go." "Don't worry about him. He's a very pretty child. I'm sure a kind master will treat him well." "When I get out of this, I'm going to kill you." "I think not my sweet." Etienne came close. He leaned forward and planted a kiss on Devin's forehead and then stepped back to admire his handsome face. Something was different. Etienne had always found Devin's green eyes to be warm and friendly, as he looked into them now they were hard as stone and sparkled with malice. The boy that might have had mercy for Etienne was gone transformed into a coiled viper ready to strike. Devin took advantage of Etienne's confusion. He was still close, just close enough. Devin head butted Etienne breaking the Frenchman's nose. He stumbled backwards, choking on his own blood, and tripped over the very shovel he'd used to subdue Devin. "You should have tied me to the chair," said Devin. He stood up and then contorted his body until his hands were in front of him. Now that he could see what he was doing, it was only a matter of seconds until his hands were free. "Please, I'm sorry. Don't hurt me," Etienne begged. "Now it is I who has no choice," said Devin as he dropped to his knees beside his erstwhile lover. "I'll try to remember you fondly." Devin put one behind Etienne's head and grabbed a handful of his pale blond hair. With his other hand he took Etienne's chin and caressed the delicate jaw with his thumb. "Please don't," Etienne pleaded. There were tears in his eyes. Devin knew this wasn't all Etienne's fault. He'd been taken from his home, raped and beaten. He'd been turned into this thing who thought nothing of doing the same to other children. Etienne was a victim but like many unfortunate victims he'd been infected with his tormentor's disease and became a monster himself. Devin knew he couldn't leave a monster roaming the quiet Italian countryside. "I am sorry," Devin sighed. With a quick movement of his hands, he broke Etienne's neck. It was quick and painless. Vizzini wouldn't be so lucky. The rifle he'd taken from the dead guard was leaning against the wall. Devin grabbed the weapon, made sure there was a round in the chamber and headed upstairs. He looked out a window and saw Damian taking his morning run around the grounds. Good, he would be safely out of the way while Devin dealt with Vizzini. It didn't take long to find him. The master of the villa sat at the dining room table enjoying a breakfast of mixed fruit when Devin marched in with his rifle raised. "What is the meaning of this?" Vizzini demanded as he stood. "I found out about your little side business." "Etienne!" Vizzini shouted. The boy was usually armed and his master expected him to run to his defense. "Etienne won't be joining us for the rest of his life," said Devin coldly. "You can't so this! I am the Sicilian! The Society of Shadows..." "Does not exist to shield perverts from justice!" "Who are you to judge me?" Vizzini spat. "Why, the Demon's grandson of course," said Devin calmly. A head shot at close range would have killed Vizzini before his body hit the ground. Devin judged it to be too quick a death for the flesh peddler and shot him in the stomach instead. He'd still die but it would take time for him to bleed to death. The pain would be excruciating. "Devin! What did you do?" Damian demand. Finished with his run he'd been in the kitchen getting a drink of water when he heard the shouting. Devin put his weapon down and explained what he'd learned about their host. Damian was just as shocked as his brother. "What do we do now?" "The guards are dead. Etienne is dead. We wait until dark and burn this dump to the ground," said Devin. "But what about Spatafore? We can't just let him get away." "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten him. We'll need a driver. We'll have to call Ubu." "No," said Damian. "This is our mission, we don't need him. I'll drive." "Damian..." "I know how!" "Are you sure?" "One of the Shadow Soldier's taught me when I was 9." "Ok then. Did you bring that sword you've been training with?" The brothers waited until nightfall and then set fire to Vizzini's compound. Before lighting the blaze they took the bodies of Vizzini, Etienne and their guards upstairs and placed them in bed. When the fire brigade arrived it would appear as though the master of the house and his guests were consumed by fire as they slept. They took Vizzini's Maserati and even though he had to sit on a phonebook in order to see, Damian proved to be an excellent driver. As the villa burned the black sports sedan found a parking space in a dark alley behind Vatican City. Cardinal Giancarlo Spatafore's official residence was a large apartment in the Palace of St. Charles. Devin found Vatican security to be a joke. It's no wonder the Swiss Guards hired the Society to take out Spatafore, they couldn't protect a cup of warm piss, he thought as he leapt from rooftop to rooftop in his black training yori. Killing Sifu Quan unlocked something inside of Devin. Since his return home he'd been so afraid. He hid it well but it was always there, in the back of his mind. It was a fear that radiated from the unknown, fear of who he had been or who he might be. Now the fear was replaced with determination. He'd killed Vizzini, Etienne, the guards and there was no return of the man in the cape and cowl. There was no internal voice shouting STOP! This is wrong! The beast in him was free and woe to anyone who got in his way. Spatafore's apartment was on the top floor of the palace and offered a magnificent view of St. Peter's Basilica. Devon stopped to admire the view before slipping in one of the large windows that faced the massive cathedral. It was dark inside but he heard water running in the bathroom. He concealed himself in a corner and waited for the Cardinal to finish his shower. When the man emerged from the bathroom in his robe, Devin waited quietly. After all, the old bastard might drop dead of a heart attack if he was lucky. The old man took his time rummaging through a drawer but he rounded on Devin with a gasp when he looked into a mirror and found a figure all in black whose penetrating green eyes seemed to look into his very soul. "Who are you?" the Cardinal demanded. "The boy you planned to bid on this Friday..." Devin began. "I don't know what you're talking about. I..." "Consider me his avenging angel." Devin drew the sword strapped to his back. It was the weapon his brother trained with. The weapon whose edge Damian had honed razor sharp. One quick swing and it was done. It's amazing how long the body stood there after being separated from the head. Damian hated to part with his sword but he knew there was no way he could take it with him. After Devin returned to the car, they stopped along the Tiber River to dispose of the weapon before proceeding to the Excelsior Hotel. They knocked on Ubu's door and when the bodyguard opened it and found his young charges, his eyes squinted questioningly. "Cheer up Ubu," said Damian. "We'll be going home early." The boys shared their story with Ubu, his face impassive as he listened. When they were finished, the bodyguard packed his bag and the trio left for the airport. There was no time to wait for Talia to send them a jet; Ubu deemed it best to leave the country immediately. They were unable to get a direct flight home but when their Lufthansa flight landed in Bucharest they were met by a helicopter. It was part of a fleet of aircraft owned by a dummy corporation that served as a front for the Society of Shadows. The helicopter landed in the main courtyard. Talia and Ra's al Ghul were waiting when they arrived. Their mother hugged them and kissed them and conducted them inside. The boys spent an hour going over everything that had happened. Devin told them about discovering the boys being held prisoner, carefully leaving out his brief affair with Etienne. He explained how he set them free, killed Vizzini and his men and then set fire to the villa to cover their tracks. He went on to explain how the principal target of Operation Demon Seed had been eliminated and how they'd fled the country afterwards. When they were finished, Talia sent the boys to wash up before dinner, leaving her alone with her father. "Did you know?" "About Vizzini? Of course." "How could you let me send the boys to that man knowing full well he was selling children?" Talia demanded. "He would never have harmed them, my dear, but the man was a disgrace to the Society of Shadows and had to be put down," said Ra's. "Did Devin have to do it?" "I wanted to test his instincts." "He killed five men!" "Need I remind you that is what we're training him, both of them, for?" "Too soon," Talia shook her head. "My darling daughter, he did a fantastic job. He adapted to the situation, erased the blight on the Society and managed to kill the intended target. I'm quite proud of him, as you should be." Talia knew this was an argument she wasn't going to win. She nodded her submission to her father's point of view and then went to check on the boys. It wasn't until Devin was safe in his room that he began to cry. While he'd been on the mission his emotions seemed locked away in a cupboard where he couldn't reach them. Now that he was safe and sound he found the cupboard unlocked and his emotions rubbed raw with sandpaper. He knew the men he killed had it coming but he remembered thinking of Etienne as a monster because of what had been done to him and what he became. The little voice in his head was back and it kept asking, if that makes him a monster, what do all these murders make you? He as sobbing when Talia knocked on his door. She heard the muffled cries through the heavy door and when she opened it, she found him clutching his pillow with tears streaming down his face. "Oh my sweet boy," Talia sighed. She went to him, sat by his side and hugged him tight. "A-am I a monster?" he wept. "No. No my child, of course not." She comforted him as best she could but her internal voice rattled around her head asking isn't that what your father is training him to be?