Knocking. All day long, he has heard knocking. No one else can hear this knocking but him. His friends thought something was wrong. His brother thought he was going crazy. But he wasn't. He knew he heard knocking. His brother heard nothing. Shiemi heard nothing. Kuro heard nothing. But everywhere he went, there is knocking. And most, have no doors. This was strange to him. It's never been there before. It started when he first woke up that day. September 29. Knocking, knocking, and knocking. It was everywhere. And he didn't know where it was coming from, until finally…He opened his front door the same night.

Chapter 1: The Knocking

"Oi! Nii-san! Get up or you'll be late!"

Okumura Rin, the eldest of Okumura twins, stirred slowly from beneath his black comforter before suddenly sitting up to stretch and yawn.

"Nii-san!"

He grumbled as he pulled his legs over the edge of the bed and stood up sleepily to yawn and stretch again; scratching his back, clad only in his boxers.

"I said get up already!"

"I'm up!" Rin scowled while lazily dragging himself to his bathroom to groom for the day. He was glad when he and his brother separated rooms a couple years back. He felt free from his brother's overbearing reign. He was also glad he managed to find a room WITH a private bathroom in this gigantic building. He grew tired of brushing his teeth in the hallway and then going to the dorm's wash room all of the time. At least this was closer than having to find a floor that had a washroom, that's for sure.

He looked himself over in the mirror as he turned on the water while reaching for his toothbrush on the counter. He brushed his teeth and washed his face. He would have showered if he wasn't going to be late; luckily he took one before bed. He then strode out his bathroom and stopped mid step as he took a good look at his room.

"Damn, now where did I put my clothes again?" His room was a disaster for any eighteen year old boy. Manga, candy, junk food, clothes, and what looked like everything else was scattered all over the place. It was as though a tornado ran through it.

"Rin! What are we doing today? Any missions? Meow!" yawned Kuro as he stretched out his paws before jumping down from the window to land besides Rin's feet while the blue exorcist moved to put on his shirt he spotted somewhere underneath several books of manga. Kuro had grown slightly over a few years; he also looked fatter than before.

It had been three years since their last sighting of Satan. It didn't take much for his minions to pop up everywhere. It was just him they hadn't heard of recently. During that time, Rin had done nothing short of training and constant exercises; both with his body, mind, and his flames. His swordplay increased significantly; putting both Shura and Angel to shame. He can admit they were far greater in other areas, especially with incantations and spells. He had a lot to learn in that aspect. But he had grown amazingly strong over three years. If only they increased his rank. He was still nothing but an Esquire.

"I don't know. Most likely just school!" he cursed the last word and he finally found his pants and moved to put them on too.

"You think you'll get any missions this time? I wanna go outside and plaaaayyy!" His familiar then sat as he watched Rin get dressed. His partner had grown in height and muscle mass. He was kind of surprised since he hadn't given it much thought before or even noticed for that matter. Rin had reached the six-foot height along with Yukio; however the younger twin was still taller for he had grown as well. He was now well toned because of his training; almost ripped but not quite for his age and development. He was still lean. The change was just obvious then before.

Or so, Kuro just didn't notice until now.

"Play? You must be excited for some reason!" The male pulled on his sock before strapping on his belt; sending the demon-cat a raised brow.

"YES! We haven't had any fun for a very long time! Also, you promised an unlimited supply of catnip as a reward!" grinned Kuro; watching Rin shuffle around his room for his tie. "Is Mephisto still angry with us for our last mission?"

"Most likely!" shouted Rin from his bathroom before stepping out to look for his school bag. "I don't see why, it's not my fault he got away. And we did everything right!"

"I think it's because you accused him of working with the Earth King."

"Was I wrong?!"

"It pissed him off.."

"Because I was right!" smirked Rin throwing his homework into his bag. He knew that was partially why he wasn't given any missions as of late. Their last assignment was to deal with Amaimon's kin that seemed to have scurried into the school's classrooms. Normally they would see the coal tar floating around harmlessly; only they belonged to the king of rot, Astaroth. These were goblins that ran through the schools and then made their way into the city. There were hundreds of thousands. To Rin it looked as though Amaimon was attacking for his own reasons and Mephisto allowed it to happen. It made no sense as to why these low class demons were roaming freely on the school grounds and in the open. Didn't Mephisto swear up and down that it was heavily guarded and protected? How is it that ONLY Amaimon and his toys keep breaking through so easily and as if it was something he was permitted to do? So naturally, Rin deduced that Mephisto was allowing this and it was only to entertain him since everything seems so boring now that Satan's moves have decreased.

At least, it all made sense to Rin. Mephisto was always a ill-behaved clown that would stop it nothing to keep the fun going. Even if it was something as small as allowing Amaimon to use the city as a playground. And as he thought about it, he was sure, no damn POSITIVE, that Mephisto was still pissed at him for not only confronting him on it but also reported it to HQ.

Hey, they shouldn't have taught him how to do it.

"And he can be pissed all he wants. At least we kicked Amaimon's ass this time!" he grinned while Kuro grinned with him. "HAI!"

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Three loud knocks sounded from around him, but to Rin it sounded like his door. His brow then furrowed and shot his door a hard glare. 'Impatient four-eyed ass!'

"I said I'm up already!" he stomped to his door and threw it open.

"Huh?" he blinked in confusion when no one was there. He poked his head out and looked both ways; no one. 'What the hell?'

"Rin? Did you hear something?" asked his little furry companion; now standing next to him to look both ways of the hall as well.

"Un, I guess not."

"Huh?" The demon cat blinked in confusion and watched as his master moved back to grab his shoes from behind the door.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Rin shot up straight as he flung his door back again and he looked around quickly. "Who…?"

"What's wrong Rin?" asked Kuro, watching his partner in question. His demeanor changed.

"Don't you hear it? The knocking?" asked Rin, now standing in the hall.

"Knocking?" Kuro followed him and looked around with him. "I didn't hear any knocking."

"You didn't?" Rin listened intently in case he heard it again. He waited a few minutes and nothing. Kuro looked on in confusion. "You okay, Rin?"

Rin's brow furrowed then, "Yeah…I….guess…I'm just hearing things."

"Let's eat breakfast; I want gourmet cat-food!" Kuro jumped to the half-demon's shoulder happily with stars in his eyes. Rin still stood a moment longer before nodding his head quickly and walking back to his room to finish getting ready.

The moment he walked into the kitchen, he paused. Yukio was already seated and eating his breakfast with an annoyed twitch to his eye. "About time you got up! I was growing agitated!" he mumbled chewing; with food still in his mouth.

Now Rin's brow twitched. "Well, Ohayou to you too!" he replied sarcastically as he took a seat across from his frat twin where his meal was already prepared. Kuro happily told Yukio 'good morning', who nodded his recognition, as the demon-cat ran to his gourmet-food filled in a shiny bowl on the island counter where Ukobach stood and nodded to him before leaping off somewhere. He already knew they liked his food.

"What do you expect? As usual, you overslept!" Yukio kept his eyes closed in annoyance as he continued his breakfast. Rin sat a cross from him—drooling at his tray; sniffing his food with a large grin.

"Yeah, yeah. But I still get to school." He quickly thanked his food and dug in with his chops. Yukio shook his head; finishing his tray and took a slow sip of his green tea.

"I have something to tell you." Yukio placed his tea back down beside him and Rin looked up with noodles hanging half out of his mouth as he chewed. Yukio scrunched up his lips in disgust.

"You know, that's nasty."

"Makes the food taste better." He said between chews with it still hanging half-out of his mouth.

"Eww…"

Rin laughed slurping up more of his noodles before taking his green tea jug to down. "What do you have to tell me?" He asked after slamming his drink down and belching. Yukio shook his head and leaned back in his chair.

"I have a mission." Rin continued eating; he nodded.

"I will be gone for awhile." Rin nodded again; taking another sip of his tea.

"How long will you be gone?" He asked through gulps. This made his brother frown a bit since some of the tea spilled from his mouth.

"Ah…. Just six months."

Rin choked and coughed. "What?!" He wiped his mouth with his sleeve, looking at Yukio in disbelief.

"Six…" Yukio looked away under his brother's stare. "..months."

"Six months?! Are you kidding?"

"No."

"That's the longest mission you've ever had! And I'm not even up there yet, my missions only last two weeks!"

"Nii-san.."

"Can't I go?! I want to go!"

"No."

"What?! Why?

"It's my mission given to me. You were not on the list to go, nii-san.."

"Then what am I going to do here without you?!"

"Like you always do; go to school, do your homework, take whatever missions that are given, and most importantly…" His eyes narrowed at his older brother. "Clean your damn room."

Rin scoffed; looking away in repulsion. "I don't care to. And even if I do, what then!? You'll be gone for months! It'll drive me mad being alone here. And it's not like I can enjoy the company of Uckobach. All he cares about is cooking!"

The tiny demon cook snorted from wherever he was hiding in the kitchen.

"Kuro is here!" Yukio emphasized him as the cat meowed now sprawled out on the counter for he was full. That meal was delicious!

"No, he will be going with you if I have to stay here!"

"Whatever, nii-san! You act as though I can't take care of myself!"

"Where are you going anyway?!"

"Classified."

"What? You can't tell me?"

"Nope!" He turned his head away stubbornly in a more playful manner; crossing his arms.

"Really…?"

"No."

"Why haven't I had a mission?"

"I'm sure it's because you accused Pheles-sama of working with Amaimon!" Yukio raised a brow at him while Rin looked away with a sneer. 'Kuro said the same thing.'

"It's not like I was wrong…"

"And that's why you have no missions."

"Shut-up."

Yukio chuckled as he got up to place his tray on the counter for Ukobach to clean up. Unsurprisingly, his brother was also already done with his meal, the boy ate faster without choking like he used to, as he too got up to place his tray next to Yukio's.

"Its bullshit, I should still have something to do!

"Work is something to do!"

"Ah, that shit's just for school; it doesn't benefit me in the least!"

"Keep talking like that and you will be in school forever. You need to go up in rank! No wonder everyone else was promoted BUT YOU! You still see school as pointless!"

Rin glowered at his brother as Yukio shot him a glare too.. He struck a nerve.

Like he cared. "See….I'm right as usual!" Yukio then sent him a smug grin as he walked away to retrieve his things for both work and his last year at school.

"Again…..shut-up!" Rin yelled after him as he followed him out and to the living room where their front door resided. He stood by the door and crossed his arms while looking away annoyed as Yukio grabbed his long coat after placing on his brown bag and picking up his suitcase. He put on his coat and stood patiently as his eyes spaced off at the door in front of him. This, made Rin raise a brow after a couple of minutes expecting him to open it so they could leave for school. But his brother just stood still, stiff and stared.

'What the hell?'

"We are waiting for Shiemi."

'What? Since when?' thought Rin in shock. 'And hold on…where was the –san?'

"Wait, you woke me up to tell me 'we are waiting for Shiemi'! I thought we were going to be late!"

"You would have been if I didn't wake you up!" Yukio looked to him…amusement shined his eyes…

Rin looked at him confused a minute and then blinked as he got it. "Fuck you!"

His brother laughed. Right then, their front door opened and out came Shiemi. The brothers turned to look at her and they both smiled. The girl had grown very mature over the past few years since she was fifteen. Now as an eighteen year old girl, her hair was longer-reaching to her mid-back and her eyes only narrowed slightly. She was now used to the school's uniform and had plenty of friends from both sexes. Although…..her large breasts never seemed to stop growing either. Even for her uniform. It only made them pop more. Not that any of the males complained. This only made the females either jealous or envious.

If only her personality matured with her body. "Oi! Yuki-chan, Rin! Ohayou!" screeched the loud blonde happily, pulling her brown bag closer to her shoulders with Nii sitting atop her head. Rin took note that she was also wearing another bag that didn't look like a school's bag, which was placed on her back. He raised a brow. 'What's with the extra bag?'

"Ohayou!" the brother's spoke in unison, both nodding to her their acknowledgment. Rin was about to question the unknown bag however Shiemi spoke before him.

"Yuki-kun?! Are we still going on our mission today?! I was sure to pack everything you requested!" the girl saluted as her smiled broadened. Rin blinked..'What?! –Kuun?'

Her eyes then widened as she realized her mistake. "Ooops." She blushed sheepishly; moving to rub the back of head, letting out a nervous laugh as she looked away the moment she saw Yukio send her a solid look and Rin give her one in both surprise and question.

And before Rin could say ANYTHING…."Niii-saaan." Yukio sighed as he turned to him; anticipating the worst.

"Really? Shiemi is going with you for these six months?!"

"Yes, is that a problem?"

"YES it is! I am not going! It is a problem! Also what's with –kun?!"

Yukio chose to ignore that."Well this wouldn't be happening had you kept your accusations to yourself!"

Knock! Knock! Knock! Rin paused a moment after hearing the knocking sound louder than before; strange for it to come back now all of a sudden; but he chose to ignore it.

"Oh? I should keep observations to myself now, since when?! And you didn't answer my question!"

"Since those accusations involved our president!" Yukio ignored him again!

"The baka clown knows very well he was at fault! AND ANSWER MY QUESTION!" Rin could feel his blood boil. He didn't like being ignored; if only a half.

Knock! Knock! Knock! He could hear it again and again he ignored it.

Shiemi could only look between the two as they argued.

"I highly doubt he was! You still should have kept them to yourself!" Yukio's brow furrowed this time, not answering his older brother's question at all.

"Uh…guys?" Shiemi tried to interrupt but the brother's continued to argue and she was solidly ignored.

"Last I checked, voicing an observation is something you're supposed to do! And by the god's Yukio if you don't answer my damn question." He seethed the last part.

Knock! Knock! Knock! Rin's blood began to boil at it.

"Not if there isn't any evidence!" Yukio turned away at this.

"Uh…guuuys!" They both shot her a glare. Shiemi flinched and shrunk away as she sighed defeated. They were seriously arguing. Nii snuggled into her hair.

"Nii-saan!"

"Yukio!"

"End of discussion, we must leave." He raised a brow then and completely turned away from him and to the door; only for Rin to block his way as he ran in front of it.

"Not until you answer my question!"

Knock! Knock! Knock! Rin did everything in his power to not look away from his brother's stare.

Yukio couldn't help but to cut his eyes at his brother. He knew what he was getting at and he chose not to address it. He felt it was none of his business even if he knew his brother's feelings for the blonde-girl. Shiemi looked to him as well since he was the one that told her to keep everything a secret until he was openly ready to tell his brother himself but because of her slip-up she felt it was her fault.

"Get out of my way, nii-san!"

"No, answer me!"

"I said, get out of my way!"

"No! Answer me!"

Knock! Knock! Knock! He growled then and only briefly…briefly..did he look behind him to the door before looking back at Yukio.

"Nii-san!"

"Yukio if you don't fucking answer me!"

"JUST TELL HIM!" The blonde interrupted. That was enough! She grew tired of listening to them quarrel. It was time they told him the truth after keeping it secret for so long. Over a year of waiting was forever. Shiemi wanted the secret to stop.

Both males looked at her; Rin in both shock and query with Yukio in alarm and uncertainty. Rin guessed she had matured over the past few years! Yukio then looked away…suddenly disheartened.

Knock! Knock! Knock! He couldn't take it anymore. "WHO IS IT!?" Rin whirled around and slammed the door open to see nothing but brightness and sunshine of the familiar bridge and yard that he knew all too well. No person or being was on the other side of this door. "Where is the knocking coming from?!"

Yukio and Shiemi both looked at Rin, puzzled. Knocking? They didn't hear any knocking.

"The knocking! Don't you hear the knocking?" Rin embellished. Yukio and Shiemi shared a look before turning back to Rin; they shook their heads.

"No, nii-san. We don't hear any knocking. Are you okay?" Yukio took this as an opportunity to distract him. Too bad, his brother caught on to it for he raised his brow; now concentrating back to the situation at hand.

"I'm fine. You just better answer my question." Yukio looked away again; closing his eyes, he sighed in defeat.

"Shiemi and I…we…." Yukio's mouth ran dry as he hesitated. He gulped, finding it very hard to swallow. Rin raised a brow; waiting for an explanation. Yukio sucked in a long breathe before releasing it all the same. 'Just tell him!'

"Shiemi and I are dating!" He looked away; afraid to look his brother in the eye. "And we have been dating for….two..years now…"

Rin's eyes widened, he stilled. His heart dropped, his breathe caught, his face blanked. He stared at nothing when the lights in eyes faded away. He stood still a few moments longer; saying nothing; surprising both Yukio and Shiemi. Before slowly, very slowly, did he turn away from them to walk out of the door. He shoved his hands in his pockets and took a slow stride; staring towards the ground as he did. He said nothing. There was nothing to say.

"Nii-san..?" Yukio moved to follow him, only to feel a gentle tug to his sleeve; he stopped.

"Leave him be, Yuki-kun. He needs time to think."

He nodded in dismay and sighed miserably. He should have told him sooner...

Rin laid at his usual spot under the tree in the courtyard as he stared into the leaves of the tree as though they were the most fascinating thing he's ever seen; however he was in deep thought. He hadn't seen his brother since this morning and refused to look Shiemi's way most of the day. Both hadn't the courage to approach him and that; he was very thankful for. He didn't know how to talk to them after such news; especially since it's been going on right under his nose. He should have looked for signs if there were any other than what he's seen earlier. They've always acted normal around him so he would have never guessed.

'I can't believe they didn't tell me. What? I can't take it? I mean I'm older now, it's not like I'm still a brat. I'm….just pissed off he didn't tell me.'

He couldn't comprehend exactly when they must have hooked up even after they told him two years ago. But then, two years is still a long time without him knowing. He just couldn't believe that.

'Two years….What the fuck?'

Knock! Knock! Knock!

He shot up quickly and carefully looked around him. "Wha—?"

"Hey, what's up Rin?" He snapped his head up to see Bon, Renzo, and Konekomaru all looking to him amused. They've all grown taller, even Konekomaru. Bon retained his hair since he loved it and Renzo actually had a commonly cool haircut but kept his pink locks. Bon's eyes narrowed only slightly and Renzo's did as well however brighter; fitting his lively personality well. They've matured properly over the years and held a strong friendship with their cram school peers. Their ranks were all shared as middle first class however remained students of Yukio's since they enjoyed his teachings. Although not a part of the actual courses themselves, they helped often as assistants.

Rin half looked at them and around him again before he got up to properly speak with them. "Hey, I—.." He looked around again as they looked to him strangely at what he was searching for; following his gazes as well.

"What are you looking for?" asked Renzo as Rin shook his head in confusion before he shrugged it off. Now if he hears it again….

"Ah, nothing…I was just thinking." He distantly looked away as Bon choked back a laugh; he now looked to him narrowly.

"You? Think? Now there's something new." Bon received a scowl from Rin as the other two males laughed playfully.

"Bon, you know what—.." Bon laughed harder since he knew where this was going.

"Hey now, guys no fighting. We came over to see if you wanted to chill before we left out later today. We'll be gone for six months. Wouldn't you miss us?!" grinned Renzo as Rin's eyes widened to him.

"What? You were on the list too?!" Bon's laughter faded and he raised an amused brow to him. "Well, yes. To be fair, I wanted to ask you what you did to piss off Mephisto for you to not make the list. You're the only one in our class not going."

"What?!"

Knock! Knock! Knock!

He then stomped his foot in frustration and shouted. "Not now, damn it!" The other males looked to him strangely as Bon gave a small chuckle.

"What the hell, are you going crazy?"

"No! I've been hearing this knocking noise and I don't know where it is! Didn't you hear it?" The other males blinked to him before looking at eachother.

"Knocking? How many knocks?"

"Three..hold on you might hear it." There was a long pause and nothing. "Hold on…" the males all stood and waited. The three monks suspected it could be a demon however…they still didn't hear these knocks.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"There you hear it?!" Rin looked at them expectantly and they looked at him oddly.

"No. I didn't hear anything." Replied Konekomaru, he at first thought that it was either a spirit or a demon since hearing three knocks was associated with death in a way however if he was hearing it more than once than he didn't know.

"Neither did I." Replied Renzo and glanced to Bon whom rolled his eyes.

"Are you sure you're hearing knocks?" Bon now understood why he wasn't on that list.

"Of course I'm sure! Why wouldn't I be?!"

"Because this could be the reason you're not going."

"What? I only just started hearing them today."

"Well you should see Mephsito about it if that's the case. I mean there's only so much even you can do if you don't know here it is coming from but again, we didn't hear any knocks. You're probably just hearing things. If so, I'm sure this is the reason you're not going. You probably weren't cleared!"

"No, I think he's still asshurt about my report to the Vatican!" Renzo laughed at this and Bon smirked with a slight chuckle; that was an amusing situation since he agreed with him.

"Thus, you should find out why you're not going. I mean, I backed you on that case but I'm still going. Perhaps it has to do with talent!" Bon picked playfully.

"You go to shit! That's not fair! Why am I NOT GOING!?" Rin growled as he balled up his fists. The males around him sweat-dropped nervously except Bon.

"Because, they see our talent!" smirked Bon as Rin shot him a hard glare at what he was implying! "I mean come on, you're hearing noises and going crazy."

"What?!" Rin lunged at him, only for Konekomaru and Renzou to keep a hold on him.

"What are you saying?!"

"Exactly what I said!"

"Fuck you, Bon!"

"And that's all you can say!"

"Aaaahh!" Rin wanted so badly to hurt him if it wasn't for Yukio coming out of nowhere and snatching away out of the boys grasps to pull him away from the males.

"Nii-san! Quit picking fights, Pheles-san would like to speak with you!"

Rin snatched away from his brother as though he were a stranger.

"Don't touch me." Rin gripped the strap on his school bag and turned away coldly. Yukio blinked in surprise but only for a moment and turned away as well.

"Ah, nii-san. Pheles-sama would like to—."

"I got that." Lowly answered Rin as he walked away towards the school building. The males all watched in puzzlement as they looked between the two brothers; Yukio sighed and shook his head and followed after him. Bon was about to speak and ask what was going on only for Yukio to place up his hand.

"Not now."

And he said nothing. Bon, Konekomaru, and Renzo watched their young sensei sigh again with his head low as he continued to move along. As soon as he was out of earshot, Renzo turned to Bon whom was still watching their sensei.

"You think Rin knows about Shiemi and Okumura-sensei?"

"Most likely after looking at that face." Bon ran his hands through his hair and moved to use his phone since he suddenly wanted to text his girlfriend.

"Okumura-san didn't take it very well I suppose." Said Konekomaru. Renzo raised a brow to him and suddenly wrapped his arm around his shoulder.

"When are you going to get a girlfriend?" Konekomaru turned red.

"Na-na-na-nani?!"

Renzo laughed only to receive a smack on the back of his head. "Ow!"

"Leave him be, baka!" smirked Izumo with Shiemi giggling from behind her. The once hot-tempered girl had long since calmed her nerves after dating Renzo. Her hair stayed out and long to her waist with her eyes beading narrowly. She grew into a very beautiful girl and Renzo Shima was happy to have her.

Renzo's eyes sparkled. "Babe!" He gave the purple-haired girl a tight hug. She sweat-dropped but allowed it. She never did like receiving too much affection from her boyfriend in public but this…was okay. Shiemi smiled brightly at them and Konekomaru touched her arm to get her attention. She turned to look at him eye to eye since he'd grown much taller however still short compared to others and grew visibly short hair rather than his old monk cut. He managed to gain thinner frames along with it.

"Shiemi-san? Sorry to pry, but did something happen between Okumura-sensei and Okumura-san?" Renzo turned to listen as did Izumo with a raised brow. Bon was listening intently as well only he kept his focus on his phone while texting Yoshikuni.

Shiemi didn't know what to say as she looked up thoughtfully and then looked to her left unsurely. She wasn't sure if Yukio would appreciate her talking about the situation without him so she remained silent—looking to the ground dejectedly and shook her head.

Honestly, that was all she had to do for them to understand in their own way.

"Wait, what?"

"I need you to stay here! There are far more important things to worry about!" grinned Mephisto Pheles in that wicked manner of his.

"What is that?"

"Tsk-Tsk!" he waved his finger. "I cannot say! Just follow my orders and stay here!"

"Damn it, why?"

"Nii-san! Just listen!"

"No! And don't you dare talk to me!" he pointed to his brother; who looked at him incredulously and went back to Mephisto. "Why don't I have any missions? Why do I have to be left behind?! Am I nothing all of a sudden?! What the fuck Mephisto?!"

The top-hat demon chuckled at Rin's reaction. He was always hot-headed. That was partially why he wasn't going but most importantly, he needed him here.

"Because, we need someone to stay behind to contact just in case anything goes wrong. Also, it's best if you stay. There are still many whom want you even more now that Satan's moves have decreased. He will be plotting something soon. I highly doubt you believe he has given up now, do you?"

Rin stopped at that. Of course they want him to stay behind for that. But that still doesn't explain why they won't tell him what this mission is about. Especially one that required all of his friends to be there, BESIDES HIM!

"Yeah but I can still be useful. I mean me sitting here and looking pretty won't do shit now will it?!"

"Yes, but it's still best if you stay…and that's that!" With that said, Mehpisto turned his chair around; indicating that he was finished and there was nothing Rin could say to change his mind. Rin growled deeply as his blood boiled. He couldn't stand when he did that.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

He stiffened when the loud noise sounded off around him. That's right.

"Wait a minute, Mephisto!"

The purple-haired demon turned his chair back around with a raised brow. "Hmmmm?"

"There's knocking! I can hear knocking everywhere I go, but no one else can! Why is that?" Mephisto looked at him a moment…a certain glint in his eye that Rin did not catch as he waited for an answer.

"Eh…" Rin listened intently as he waited for the president to reply. He waited, and waited, and….waited.

"I don't know!" he said happily as Rin choked. "Maybe it's just you! You seem to be going crazy lately."

"Ah!" Rin wanted to choke him for making him think he could tell him anything. Naturally the clown couldn't help but to insult him!. "Fuck you, Mephisto!"

The white-clad demon laughed as he Rin angrily stomped away; slamming the door open and then slamming it shut!

"See?! That's all you've been saying! You should stop cursing at people Rin!" Mehpsito's laughter could still be heard by the twin brothers as they both walked away from the room and down the long corridor.

"I swear I wish I could kick his ass!" Rin growled with his hands stuffed in his pocket.

And then they were alone.

Yukio walked slowly ahead of his brother; unsure of how to address earlier. He was uncomfortable around him for the first time since he knew of his flames. That was so many years ago, he couldn't believe he felt the same way now as he did then. Only this feeling hurt more than before. He feared his brother disliked him or hated him even. The last thing he wanted was a girl to come between them. As close as they were to Shiemi, it still felt like they were pulled apart because of her presence. Not to say that it was her fault, but more to say that they both shared a soft spot for the girl and both hoped to one day receive those feelings in return.

However, he was the one to achieve this goal. His brother…..Yukio turned to glance at the elder twin to see Rin glaring daggers at him.

"Don't look at me."

"Nii-san.."

"No…I don't want to talk about it." Yukio sighed and gave up. He knew not to pressure him when he was serious. And in this case, he was very stern. It scared him. He could feel his brother's eyes burning his back as they walked down the hallway. Rin silently sighed as he closed his eyes before turning his gaze to the window. What the hell was going on? Yukio just didn't know what to say. He was leaving his brother for the next six months and could only hope that this would be enough time for Rin to think alone. He didn't know how he'd feel while they were away for half a year. He could only pray that they'd be able to face each other when he returned.

Rin wanted to speak with his brother but he needed a clear head. He'd only end up arguing with him before he left and he'd rather keep quiet about it until he returned. He now planned to keep his head on his books or else the pain would eat away at him alone and he didn't want any demonic visitors if that happened. He had to keep clear thoughts.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

He growled when he heard the annoying knocking that no one else could hear. He closed his eyes then. 'Keep a clear mind. Keep a clear mind. Keep a clea—."

Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock!

He couldn't do it—he pulled at his hair before hopping around in a circle shaking his hands! "Who is that?! What do you want?!"

"Who is what?" Yukio asked—pausing in his steps—as he looked to his elder brother, confused. Rin then stopped hopping to look to him; wide-eyed and clearly agitated.

"I am still hearing this knocking sound! You don't hear it?!"

"What? I haven't heard anything. And if you do hear knocking. I mean, nii-san….We ARE at school…."

"I…but…it sounded so close…."

"Yeah, yeah come on! I'm sure it's just you!" Yukio rolled his eyes and continued walking. Rin looked at him a moment and looked around himself again.

'Hu... maybe it is just me.'

That night, after bidding farewell to his brother, his friends and sending Kuro off to look after them, he sat at his desk trying his best to focus on his homework. He looked over the mathematical questions several times and found that he couldn't concentrate at all. Now that he was alone the only thing on his mind were his brother and Shiemi.

He could feel his eyes burn and throat tighten at the very thought of them being together. And for so long too. They didn't even tell him or make it known. How was it they had a relationship for two years without so much as hinting at it? Or perhaps it was because he was on cloud nine for Shiemi that he failed to see it; he assumed she was always going to be available. But how could he miss anything? How could he miss this? They were around him enough. Weren't they?

Thinking about it more, he wasn't sure now. He thought over what his memory could serve him and could only find that they were….normal. They went out on missions together as usual, they did homework together as usual, they sat next to each other in regular classes as usual, and they even ate lunch together as usual. What was it? What was different? He couldn't recall anything other than—..

He paused, his eyes widened, and stared at nothing the moment the correct memories answered everything he did not see until now.

Shiemi would move closer to Yukio whenever they sat next to each other. Shiemi would bring Yukio lunch and told him since he was so good at it—she didn't want to compare and only made it for Yukio. Hell, she even asked him for advice and he showed her a few things too—he was so happy then. Shiemi would call only to speak with Yukio but told him it was because of some pharmaceuticals he ordered and yet, they would talk for hours. Yukio would go out with her to shop and they would double up with Izumo and Renzo. But because they were never alone and Konekomaru was left out as well as Bon, he never thought much into it.

Whenever she looked at Yukio, it was as though he was the most amazing thing ever. He was the most beautiful person she's ever laid eyes on….

He didn't see it all until now; he didn't think much of it. He believed everything she said and yet, they were lying to him. Keeping this a secret from him. He would have never done this. He didn't think they would have lied to him. They didn't trust him…did they? They must have thought he would be angry? He would have trusted them. He would have told his brother the truth if he was dating Shiemi. Why hide it? Why did he hide it? Why did she hide it? Why did they hide it? Even his friends…he realized. They must have known and didn't tell him. Although, for them, they probably didn't see it as their place to…however….

The lying….that hurt more than their relationship itself. The lying…it was painful that they lied to him. It was so painful…..

..and it hurt….

The tears in eyes finally spilled down his heated cheeks and onto the paper that now bleed and smeared the work he'd already written. He cared nothing for this as the tears continued to fall. One drop right after another and he whined. He put down his pen and curled his arms over his desk to rest his face in the softness of his sleeves. He cried and cried. He hadn't felt this much pain since the day his father died. It truly felt like something died inside. He didn't know how. But it hurt so much. He should have understood but it hurt so much.

The tears wet his sleeves and his paper. The memories continued to replay in his mind and it only served to feed his pain…..it didn't take long to feed the underlying hate after viewing his brother and Shiemi holding hands and walking happily away from him.

"No!" he slammed his fist down on his desk and sat up with more tears spilling from his eyes..only now..in anger. "No!." He shook his head. He couldn't feel angry—he ran his hands through his hair to calm himself. If he felt anger it would only grow and the next time he saw his brother he would end up attacking him. He shouldn't be angry over their feelings for eachother. If Shiemi didn't feel the same way. Then she just didn't feel the same way. He had to understand this. He couldn't get upset over this. He…..

…he…..he just couldn't.

He loved his brother. He could never hate his brother. Especially over a girl. Shiemi was innocent too. He couldn't get upset with them. It wasn't their fault. It wasn't their fault.

It wasn't their fault.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

He froze. He blinked away his tears and rubbed his face after hearing the knocks that plagued his day since this morning.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Who is it?!" he shot up and looked around him. His brow furrowed in frustration as he waited for some sort of answer that he'd waited for all day. Now that he was alone, he was going to found out the source of this knocking.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Who is it?!" pushing his personal thoughts aside; he ran to his door for the knocking sounded like it was coming from the hall. He slammed it open and stood in the dark hallway. He looked around him quickly; waiting for the sound to pound again.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Who is it?!" he called again as the sound of more knocks pounded through the air. He quickly turned to his left since the pounding sounded like it was coming from that direction. He quickly ran in the dark as more knocking sounded around him. "Where are you?!"

It was as though the pounding noise answered his question for the sounds boomed more from a certain place and he followed the noise down the stairway and into the next hall and ran down that corridor when more knocking sounded off. "What do you want?! Who are you?! What is it?!" he yelled in frustration as the moonlight shown through the dark hall while he ran down the next stairway and the next until he was on the last floor. He stopped at the door that led to the kitchen and could sense that Uckobach wasn't there.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

He stilled for reasons unknown to him and looked to the doorway that led to the living room. He slowly moved forward and moved for his weapon that he kept on his back. He finally stepped into the living room and paused in his step to stare at his door—waiting…no..anticipating the three knocks.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

He shot to his front door and slammed it open. Preparing his weapon for strike as he unsheathed it, expecting there to be a being—whether a person, demon, or anything with legs to be standing at his door as he prepared to grill them—only to pause mid-strike…nothing. His eyes widened when he was met with nothing but the night sky and his dark-dreary yard. The sky was cloudy and the earth was cold. He sighed in frustration—seeing his warm breathe visibly from the chilled air. He took a step back and waited a few moments longer to hear the knocking he had been hearing all day.

He waited a few minutes longer as he looked to the now star-filled sky for the dark clouds had continued on its journey. He waited and still nothing.

'Maybe I am going crazy.' He thought—giving up and turned to go back to his room.

Knock! Knock!

He stopped and turned back. The noise….it sounded like…He looked down then and he let out a silent gasp.

"A box?" there on the ground was a long blue box. It took the shape of a long rectangle that would probably stand as tall as six feet. At least, that's what it looked like. "A box?" He looked to it strangely and moved to pick it up. He carefully threw it over his shoulder since it read 'fragile' and brought it in the dorm before kicking the door closed.

He soon made it to his room and placed the box on the floor. He looked it over again in question and found that the knocks have stopped. But why was this box left at his door? And why was it that only he could hear them? More importantly….

"What's in it?" He was kind of excited..most people are when they get…'presents' however at the same time he was skeptical. Should he open it? If he did, what would happen?

"There's only one way to find out." He grabbed for his weapon and unsheathed his blade. He carefully sliced the box open—splitting it down the middle and it broke apart. Covering whatever was in this box was white-stuffing. He assumed it was to protect whatever this fragile thing was. He used his blade to carefully move the puffy-white things out of the way and stopped once a shiny glisten caught his eye.

His brow furrowed upon inspection and bent low to move the rest of it out of his way once he deemed it harmless.

"A..mirror?" He questioned and completely revealed the large object for further observation. It was a mirror…yes. However a strange mirror. He'd never seen a mirror with glass the color of the sky. Its edge was golden-bright and unknown incantations were carved neatly over its shield. It was a striking piece, he admitted but why was this at his door?

"What the hell am I going to do with a mirror?" he scowled then and moved the mirror completely out of the box and slowly brought it over to the corner of his room across from his bed. He sighed in relief when he put it down because, surprisingly, it was very heavy. It made no sense as to why it was heavier out of the box than in. He looked the mirror over and found that it was taller than he by a few inches but not by much. He still couldn't understand why the mirror was blue and also found that he could barely make out his reflection. He would have to report this to Mephisto in the morning.

'Or maybe Yukio could—." He paused once he realized what he was thinking. He frowned. "No, I don't need his help." He stubbornly said before yawning tiredly and turning away to clean up the mess from the bo—no he was tired. He will clean later. He'd also have to catch up on his homework later. He was ready for bed.

"Stronger."

He paused mid-step before quickly moving for his blade on the floor.

"Stronger."

He turned to the mirror, eyes-narrow—with his blade held up defensively. 'Akuma?'

"Stronger."

He carefully stepped to the mirror to stand in front of it. His eyes widened when he realized that he could now see into the mirror. The room he saw was not that of his own. And the face that was before him wasn't his own either. "Stronger." He silently gasped as he slowly brought down his weapon upon gazing into the innocent eyes of—

"A..girl?"

Next Chapter: The World In The Mirror