Title: Loser
Author: Sage SK
Date Started: 7/6/2015
Date Finished: 7/6/2015
Comments: Based on Chapter 69 of Ao no Exorcist. Minor spoilers for those who haven't caught up.
Yukio hated the dark. It was devastating, an endless stretch of nothingness that housed his worst nightmares. Nightmares which formed into demons that haunted him, tormented him, laughed at him as he cowered from their mocking gazes. Nightmares that drove him into becoming an exorcist, to fight back, driven by his Father's words to conquer that fear.
But, as much as he hated the darkness, it was nothing compared to competition.
Yukio also hated losing. He always had, always felt that he somehow had to one-up his older brother. Brother, who wasn't afraid of anything. Brother, the better fighter, the better cook, the better friend and, if he continued to work hard, the better student.
Rin's test score, while barely passing, had told Yukio enough. As he begrudgingly congratulated his beaming twin, he forced back the involuntary anxiety, remembering the offer Lucifer had given him.
Salvation? No, Yukio didn't need salvation. He'd already been saved numerous times, hesitated as his brother protected him, and he'd had enough.
This was why he needed to do this alone, why he'd made this decision.
He looked around the shambles of the building he was standing in, glaring at the darkness, daring it to mock him.
He clenched his fists, another strange feeling beating against his chest. It wasn't the familiar feeling of paranoia or fear.
It felt warm, a strange, welcoming sensation. Is this what determination felt like?
He was going to become stronger. Stronger than Brother. Strong enough to protect him.
And, this time, he would win.
End