Rin was in the kitchen making dinner when his cellphone rang abruptly, making him almost drop the sauce pan he was carrying.
Pulling it out of his pocket it, he answered,
"Rin speaking, what's up?" There was a grumble from the other line of the phone; he tilted his head in confusion as he pressed his ear closer.
A female voice responded clearer,
"Hey, Rin, I need you to tell father I'm going to be late. Something came up and I needed to get my blade sharpened."
Rin frowned, the tone of the very familiar voice made him more concerned than her words.
"Okay, but-"
There was a loud crash from the other line before Rin could finish and the dial tone was prominent in his ear.
He sighed, the normalcy of the situation almost surprised him; this happened quite often and most of the time it was he who was on the other line.
Rin put his cellphone away and continued the prep work for dinner, pushing the phone call to the back of his mind as he focused on the task at hand.
Everyone was seated around the table, plates of steamy, hot curry laid out in front of them, but before anyone could grab their plate Shiro spoke up,
"Has anyone seen Kori? She was supposed to be home an hour ago."
Rin swallowed his water hard, remembrance striking him.
"Oh, old man, Kori called forty minutes ago. She said something about needing her katana sharpened." The blue haired boy rubbed the back of his head and gave a shy smile in apology for not telling sooner.
Rin missed the expression that passed over Shiro's face and the look he and Yukio shared.
Rin grabbed a plate and started to shove rice in his mouth at the same time he spoke,
"Don't worry pops, she has been out like this before. She'll be fine. Plus, you'll have to get used to it sooner or later, look at Yukio, he's leaving the church to go to school tomorrow." Rin sneered at his younger brother, a mixture of pride in his eyes.
Shiro grabbed his own plate, sighing and laying a hand on his chin.
"Why can't my kids just do what I want them to do? You all are brats."
There were laughs from across the table as merry chatter lapsed over and dinner resumed.
There was a noise coming from the monastery's gate as it slowly creaked open, shadows moved in a cluster as someone entered through.
White hair persevered through the dark shadows and revealed a young woman, fourteen years old.
Her pure, bright hair fell out of a messy ponytail and cascaded down her black jacket; the distinct comparison made her hair glow even brighter in the dark. Her blue undershirt and the red strap of her katana bag across her chest gave some colour to the scenery, but the black leather pants made it seem as if she was floating.
The mystical phenomenon dissipated as she escaped the pull of darkness all the way.
Nagatomo, whom was walking in front of the monastery, saw her stagger slowly through the gate.
"Kori?" She raised her head and stared at him with such glazed and lifeless eyes it took him aback.
"You okay?" The curly, brown haired priest called out to her.
Kori gripped her sides suddenly, pain seared across her face as her legs gave way under her.
Nagatomo rushed to the young girl as he looked at the hand clamped to her side, blood oozed profusely over her fingers.
The monastery priest looked around frantically as he began to yell for help,
"We need assistance! Father Fujimoto! Someone!"
A side door opened and Yukio rushed out, freezing when he saw Kori on her knees, blood dripping to the floor,
"Rin! Father!" Yukio called back Inside as he ran to to them.
Maruta met Yukio with a first-aid kit just as Shiro and Rin breached the doorway. Shiro looked to Rin, grabbing his shoulder,
"I'll get some freshwater, Rin go and take her into the church once she gets emergency first-aid applied." Rin nodded as his father rushed to the back of the monastery where the well lies.
When Rin reached his sister's side her head lay in Nagatomo's lap, Maruta fretted behind them, displacing his weight from side to side as Yukio applied bandages to the bloody wound on her abdomen.
Kori looked up to Rin, a smirk on her pale face,
"It's not as bad a it looks, trust me." Rin forced a stiff laugh as he eyed the wound not only on her abdomen but the scratches on her arms and legs,
"After all the fights you and I have been in these past ten years I hope you don't kill over from that little scratch."
His attempt at a joke to smooth over the situation earned him a glare from Yukio as the twin put tape on the bandage to keep it from unraveling, but Kori did show him a warm smile for his effort.
Yukio nodded in sign he was finished,
"It isn't deep, but you have lost a lot of blood and that's the main reason you almost fainted. You should be fine after rest, fluids, and if we clean your wound properly later." Rin let out a sigh as he dropped down and carefully took hold of her,
"Hey, Rin, I'm fine. Put me down." Kori squirmed in his arms, but she quieted as her strength failed her, getting dizzy once again from blood loss.
Shiro came into the church just as Rin set her down on one of the benches,
"Want to tell me what happened?" Shiro set the bucket of water down beside them before he crossed his arms and looked down his nose at the young girl.
Kori sighed as she shifted on the bench to a more comfortable position,
"I got my katana sharpened and some punks were teasing a dog in the park," she paused, her features twisting in disgust at the memory,
"So I decided to test out my blade on them, but more of their buddies came and brought weapon of their own."
She shrugged as Shiro groaned in displeasure, rubbing his temple,
"Well, you just need to be more careful. I don't know what's up with you and Rin with fighting but you guys need to knock it off. Rin was in a fight earlier today too. Are you all idiots?" Kori smiled to her father and giggled at his concern; seeing through his anger.
Her sudden chortle caused the group to look around in confusion, but then Rin suddenly covered his mouth, trying to suppress his own laughter at the situation.
The contagious laughter soon took over the whole group, even Shiro, who's features softened greatly at his children's happy expressions, roared with laughter at the un-funny comment.
The next day, Kori perched herself on top of the monastery's roof and started reading a book when she spotted Shiro speaking with Rin near the gates.
Rin was wearing a black suit, which looked strange, but handsome on the young boy and Kori couldn't help but snicker at the appearance.
She stuffed her book in her pocket as she watched them converse, some parts arguing, but she could feel the love from where she crouched. As Rin left she jumped off the roof, her clothes flapping in the wind as she landed gracefully on the concrete. The jump pleasantly stung her feet as she stood from her crouched position.
She looked at Shiro's back, it somehow looked like it was dreading something with every fiber of its being,
"Hey, dad, where's Rin goin'?." Shiro turned around, surprised at the sudden voice behind him,
"Kori, what are you doing? You're still injured for God's sake!"
She waved her hand in front of her face, dismissing his words as she put a hand on her hip,
"Did you really think that little scratch would put me down? You know I heal fast."
Kori raised her T-Shirt without any embarrassment, showing a small scar where her gash was yesterday. Her skin red and agitated, but the once bleeding wound was completely shut.
Shiro narrowed his eyes, his demeanor turning from frantic to serious,
"Put that away, you know better. If anyone else saw they would ask questions."
Her cocky smile was wiped away as she pulled down her shirt forcefully, looking away as she grumbled her understanding.
There was a moment of silence between them before Kori asked spoke,
"You where going somewhere, right? I'm dying here by myself, since Yukio left for his first day at school so early this morning. So can I come, please?" Her more humble attitude surprised Shiro for a moment, but he couldn't resist the smile creeping up on his features.
He chuckled as he ruffled her glossy, white hair,
"Of course you can, come on." He motioned his head towards the gate as he casually put an arm around his daughter's shoulders,
"We have to go and get groceries for tonight's dinner, Rin is going to work today till four so we'll have to make it." She looked to him, disappointment clear in her eyes,
"We're making dinner? I love Rin's cooking though, we suck compared to him." She pouted slightly, but Shiro flicked the side of her face before removing his arm from around her shoulders.
"Too bad. Eat it or starve." He teased lovingly, laughing as he jostled her arm with his elbow in casual friendliness as they strolled out of the monastery.
They walked down the street, two blocks down from the church, enjoying the scenery and sound of laughter as they passed a park.
Suddenly the laughter turned into shocked screams, Kori turned around just as a small group of children knocked into her, crying. They ran, looking back at her, and what's past her, with terrified eyes.
The hair on the back of Kori's neck rose as she realized there was a cluster of coal tars floating around her, filing her vision more than usual.
Shiro shared the same look of concern as she as they looked around; a dark, echoing voice rang inside Kori's head,
"Ah, where is the young master? You know where the young prince is, don't you, Kori of the Fifth Pillar?"
Three boys motioned in the shadows, the one who spoke lead the group and stepped halfway out.
His face was contorted with bandages around his left eye; sharp teeth escaping his gaping mouth, the whites of his eyes were a pail red, hair the colour of burnt flesh, and stud piercings above each eyebrow.
The young man came out of the shadows fully to reveal spiral horns on the side of his head and long, pointed ears.
A Demon.
And Kori knew exactly who it was too.
"Astaroth." Kori hissed the name and felt her hand motion to her katana, Red Moon.
"Don't call me by my title, damn it, not here." she clicked her tongue as she looked to Shiro, her eyes annoyed, but serious.
Shiro looked to her, taking the situation in stride,
"I'll find Rin, you distract him as long as you can, but I only want you to use the back of Red Moon, he's obviously possessed and we don't want to hurt the human too much." Shiro eyed the demon and cursed himself before turning and running in the direction Rin's work should be.
Kori Waited till Shiro was out of sight before turning her attention back to Astaroth,
"What are you doing in Aasiah?" The possessed human tilted his head at a sickening angle,
"I'm here to bring the young prince home, Fifth Pillar, and if you don't tell me then I'll find him myself."
The demon started to walk, his two friends looked thoroughly confused at their conversation but followed him none the less, obviously not realizing their friend is possessed.
Kori unsheathed Red Moon, spinning it in her hand to where the dull back of her katana faced them,
"You're not going anywhere." She held her katana to the side of her face as she growled the command, not getting any reaction from Astaroth.
He continued to stroll in her direction, but just as he got to the side of her she twisted her sword and propelled her arms forward.
He skirted to the side, dodging her blow, as he flung his jacket behind him, reaching towards his pant legs. He revealed daggers strapped to his legs. He put four in each hand and erratically threw all of them in her direction.
She skillfully deflected one dagger after another, turning her blade just the right way so that all eight laid haphazardly around the street.
The follower with spiky, yellow hair came towards her with a bat, screaming as he swung wildly. She dodged the first swing as she turned her sword and grasped the hilt strongly, driving it into his wrist; knocking the bat from his grasp.
The underling fell to the floor, holding his hand as he scooted backwards. He scrambled to his feet as Kori took a step towards him and ran off into the distance.
She looked around and realized Astaroth had taken the opportunity to escape.
She felt her blood boil as she looked dumbfounded at the empty area, she cursed as she stomped her foot to the ground, wishing everyone in Gehenna could hear her anger.
She whirled around and stormed into the direction of the monastery, Shiro will bring Rin back safely so she needs to get everything ready on her end.
Astaroth will not go down easy.
It had been hours since Kori reached the church and there was still no sign of Rin or Shiro.
She had already gathered all the holy water in the monastery and helped Nagatomo and Maruta strengthen the wards around the church. All that was left was for her to wait for her brother and father to come home.
Just as Kori was at her limit and was about to search for them herself, Rin and Shiro ran into the gate. The assistant priests ran to greet them with relieved smiles but Kori stayed back.
She could feel the power radiating from Rin and his lost, confused eyes made her break out in a cold sweat. She could tell he knew he was the son of Satan.
Despair and frustration raced through her as she pushed back her hair and looked at Shiro.
He had ignored the men's concerned complaints and stared directly back at Kori and nodded to her.
She whipped around and headed into the monastery, Rin barely noticed as he looked blankly to the side. Shiro didn't look at his son as he guided him into the church.
Just as they entered a blaring noise came from the front of the monastery and the wall fell in, revealing a large truck.
Kori was already hurriedly exiting a space underneath the alter with a long bundle in her hands when the truck came through. She protected the bundle with her body as rubble knocked her over.
Astorath cackled from inside the truck as he swung out of the door and all the priests jumped into action, calling on their familiars and holy water.
Rin shifted uneasily in the confusion until he noticed Kori under the rubble. He ran to her as the fight continued on, helping her lift the large rock pinning her lower body.
She sighed with relief at the release of pressure, eyeing the battle, but the weight of the blade in her hands loomed more important.
She turned fully to Rin, solemnly placing the bundle in his confused hands,
"This is The Demon Slaying Blade: Kurikara. This holds your demonic powers and is sealed by the scabbard," she lowered her eyes as she felt his searching ones roam over her face, he was about to speak when Shiro placed a hand on his shoulder.
Kori looked around and saw signs of demonic mushrooms roaming over the monastery, the large rocks protected them from it. Astorath's vessel also laid unoccupied in the disarray. Kori sighed in relief, but he attention went back to Shiro, who spoke,
"You must never draw that sword and it must never leave your side. Do you understand me?"
Rin stood, his face contorted as he shoved the sword into Shiro's chest,
"No, I don't understand! Are you telling me demons exist and that I'm one of them? Screw that!" He shook his head wildly as he spoke, nails digging into his clenched hand until he felt blood.
Shiro groaned and put his hand in his chin,
"Yes, accept it because its happening right now and we don't have time for this. I have a friend who can protect you." Rin stepped closer to him, seething with anger,
"So you knew this whole time and hid it from me? Who are you to keep that from me? You're not even my real father!"
A hard pressure landed on his cheek, making him fall heavily to the floor. He looked up, shocked as he held his left cheek in his hand.
The slap left him a shell of dissipated anger and filled his heart with pain.
"I don't want to see you." Rin muttered as he looked to the floor, his heart threatening to burst from the sight of Shiro's hurt eyes and red palm.
Kori stood from her knelt position and took a step towards Shiro, looking wearily at Rin's form on the floor,
"Dad, where are you going?" Kori stopped him before he got too far.
"To call my friend to come and pick you and Rin up. You need to stay by your brother's sid-" his sentence was cut off as the priest doubled over, a hand over his mouth.
The lights began to dim and a cold air filled the room, making Kori shudder as her flesh grew goosebumps.
"Oh, no." Shiro's voice quivered as he held himself, calling Rin's despondent eyes to him.
Kori reached out to her father but he threw his arms out against her touch,
"Don't come near me, get away!"
Blue flames escaped from him, his ears growing longer, his eyes bulging as he turned to face them, a large grin stretching across the priest's face.
He bellowed a laugh so sharp Kori covered her ears, a strange undertone laced the voice as Shiro outstretched his arms,
"My son, how I've missed you." Rin finally stood from the floor, shaking as he looked at the blue flames pouring out from the man in front of him, his skin slowly peeling,
"D-Dad?"
Shiro gave an exaggerated shake of his head as he gave another large grin, leaning towards him,
"Yep, it's Daddy! And Daddy came all the way out here just to see his cute little boy, be grateful."
He leered at Rin but when his eyes laid on Kori the demonic man laughed once again, turning in a circle dramatically till he faced her as well,
"Fifth Pillar, nice to see you're doing your job, continue taking care of my son." Kori gritted her teeth, boiling with rage as she grasped Red Moon's hilt.
She leaped forward, running her blade just above the floor, rising it as she got closer,
"Fuck you, Satan!"
He chuckled as he he raised a hand,
"Any day but today, child. It's my long awaited reunion after all." Satan flicked his hand and a black shadow fell over Kori.
She looked up and dodged a plummeting kick just in time, skirting to the side with her katana at the ready.
She saw a man covered in cloth from head to toe, the black and blue cloak he wore signified him as Satan's Royal Guard.
Without a second thought, the man was in her face, a clear smirk gracing his lips under the cloth. The cloaked man made a single move and Kori was sent flying across the room from a strong punch to the abdomen.
She hit the wall hard enough to the point she felt her ribs crack and her skull lash forward, she gasped from the sheer shock of it all. She plummeted to the floor and Kori saw the masked man melt back into darkness like he never existed to begin with.
Before she fell into unconsciousness she felt a tear roll down her check as she saw her one and only father lift Rin into the air by his throat, Shiro's face tearing apart and eyes bleeding from the intensity of Satan's power.
And she was here being useless as everything went dark.
Rain tapped Kori and Rin's hunched forms dolefully as they stood in front of the tomb marker.
Their hands were clasped together at a feeble attempt of consolation, but the touch and even the warble of rain poring around them felt dull. Rin couldn't pull his eyes away from the engraved letters smoothly decorating the slab in front of him.
Kori bit her lip and forced herself to look away, the rain fell in streams down her cheeks as she gritted her teeth.
"You can hate me too if you want." Her words were masked under the beat of the water hitting the earth but Rin squeezed her hand back in response.
"I don't want to hate you. Dad..." He lost the words, not sure what he was trying to say. All he could feel was grief and regret.
Kori gave a ghost of a smile before she un-clasped their hands and dug into her jacket pocket,
"I sincerely hope you still think that later on."
She pulled out Shiro's phone, to Rin's confusion, and pressed a single number before bringing it to her ear.
"Shura, we need to talk. It's about father. Yes, I'll see you then," Kori nodded to herself and hummed a response to an un-heard question before continuing,
"So Mephisto is the friend Shiro was talking about, huh? Understood." She promptly closed the phone and met Rin's inquiring gaze,
"I have to go. Someone's going to come and pick you up, he's a friend and you can trust him, okay?" Rin tilted his head, eyes narrowing in dull anger,
"What aren't you telling me? Why was dad so secretive? Why are you leaving when dad is here dead?" He threw an arm to the side to gesture to the tomb, rain draping his pained features.
"It's because dad is gone that I have to leave. You'll understand everything soon, but not at this moment in time. Don't worry, we'll see each other sooner than you think so remember what you said about not hating me." Her tone was strained in an attempt of playfulness, but her scrunched brows and twitching smile gave her away as she motioned backwards.
A long pink limo pulled up beside the road and Kori walked the side of it, nodding to the tinted window before it opened.
A man with dark purple hair and a large, white top hat with pink and purple colours decorating the base, breached the flamboyant vehicle, his sharp emerald eyes watched Kori's back as she continued down the street.
She heard the door shut loudly and the man's eccentric laughter and unique tone of voice made her cringe slightly as he spoke to Rin, their words lost in the rain.
She felt her legs slow and her straight back slouch as the incoherent voices drew farther away, as she drew farther away from her brother.
A hand touched her shoulder, but she didn't react to it, she knew who it was.
"Shura-nee." A tall woman stood in front of her, her red hair with yellow tips that always reminded Kori of a beautiful flame now looked like wet fire in the rain.
She still wore her red bikini top despite the chill weather and Kori couldn't help but give her a small smile.
Kori pushed her flattened hair out of her eyes, squeezing her grasp on the silver locks as they traveled half way past her head. Her hand trembled and she let it fall limp to her side,
"Dad's dead and I couldn't do anything to stop it. I fought Seika, Satan's head guard and he tossed me around like I was nothing!" She tossed her head from side to side as she spoke hurriedly to the ground, but she stilled and her voice broke,
"I'm still so weak." Shura pulled her into a hug, gently dragging her hands through Kori's wet hair.
"It'll be okay. Even I would have a hard time against that enemy in your circumstance. You still have Rin and four-eyes, right? Put that frustration into your job. Never forget why you're here." She spoke with a lull in her voice and it calmed Kori down immediately.
She nodded her head in Shura's shoulder before stepping back, wiping her eyes, slightly embarrassed.
"Mephisto is going to send Rin to the Academy, right? So let's go too, we have things to prepare after all." Kori focused her eyes on something in the distance as she spoke, regaining all of her composure.
Shura gave her a smirk as she brought an arm around the smaller girl's shoulder and lead her to the Academy