Devil May Cry: Volume 1 (OFFICIAL NOVEL)

Phase 3: Part 2

Tony was deep in thought after he left Goldstein's shop. He wandered the pre-dawn streets wordlessly, his collar turned to help combat the chill

He knew few people would consider him quiet or thoughtful, but they didn't know his true nature. He arrived at a narrow alley leading to his home and paused. Normally he'd have gone straight to bed and slept like a rock during the daylight hours, but he wasn't remotely tired. His new guns were heavy at his sides, itching to be handled.

He felt an unidentified anxiety and wondered whether it was related to the night at the Oz Club bank.

Did I dispose of the demons for good? Why haven't I been attacked since that day?

The sound of a footfall snapped Tony back to reality. He spun around instinctively, whipping out the pistols and aiming them at the newcomer. His weapons were ready to fire a moment before the figure had drawn his own.

Tony's eyes widened and he froze.

His opponent was an older man holding a sleek Python. It was a face he knew better than any other.

"Grue!"

His friend cracked a thin smile. "Put the gun down. You know I don't have a chance against you."

Tony holstered his weapon and grabbed Grue by the shoulders, choking back emotion. "Where the hell have you been? What's going on? You're not going to tell me you've quit, are you?"

"Do you really think I'm the kind of guy who'd quit so easily, Tony?" But his reply was lifeless, hollow.

Tony shook him violently. "What happened? We've been together for so long! Why did you just disappear without a word?"

"Don't get excited, Tony." Grue's voice was flat and empty. "I had my own problems." Grue looked off into the distance, avoiding his friend's eyes. This only further irritated Tony.

"Well, what is it? Did you even consider what I'd do if you just vanished?"

"When did you get so worried about what happened to other people?"

"Of course I was worried! Anything could have happened!" Tony released Grue, embarrassed.

Grue grinned like a knowing parent and lit a cigarette. The smoke made Tony feel nostalgic.

When Grue spoke, his tone was gentle but the words were harsh. "This isn't a friendship. We're just colleagues. That's all."

Tony stood there, speechless.

"We can't work together forever. Both you and I have to move forward."

This cold, logical statement cut Tony deeply. As a mercenary, he knew Grue's words had merit. But the two men were friends. Nobody was closer to Tony than Grue. But the man's voice was clipped, like a father regretfully cutting an apron's strings.

"Don't feel bad for worrying about me. You have your things to handle. I have problems of my own."

"I understand that, but-"

"Then stop asking me questions," Grue snapped. "Let's leave it at that. Don't make this awkward." He stubbed out his cigarette and turned away from Tony. "I've got a job to do. I'm gonna go."

Tony stepped forward, choosing his words carefully. "I want you to tell me what happened. Or do you not trust me?"

Grue stood in silence for several minutes. Finally, he spoke. "If you don't walk away, I will."

Suddenly, it all clicked into place. Tony frowned. "An assassination job?"

It was a sharp, short question. Grue's chilled silence was an eloquent reply in and of itself. His broad shoulders sagged under the weight of his emotions. Like Tony, he did not enjoy killing others.