A/N:
Since I was unhappy with chapter 2, I rewrote it. Sorry! Here's the new chapter 2! Beginning is pretty much the same still, though. Updated 6/24/2018

More notes at the end.


It's not something he understands— those memories of a world where he's nothing but the protagonist of a fictional story. It's strange, and he's not entirely sure if he even believes them, hell, for a long time he thought he was crazy for having memories of a previous life at all.

But it's not like he'll ever get any answers, no matter how much he thinks on it. It's something he's had fifteen years to come to terms with.

He's not sure how much it matters anyways, since the memories of it are practically thirty years old by the time he's fifteen. They're old and fuzzy by now, though he can still recall the overall plot and...

Yukio.

Rin scowls at the thought. In the story... A lot of bad things had happened to his brother, and a gap had formed between the two twins. One that couldn't be fixed so easily. He can't remember if it ever was.

One part Rin remembers disturbingly clear is the image of Yukio putting a gun to his head and pulling the trigger.

Rin's heart breaks at the mere thought. It terrifies him to his core— that they could grow apart on bad terms, that Yukio could—

He shivers, blinking away tears that threaten to form.

If there was so much as a sliver of a chance that those memories were real... He didn't want to chance it. It was far too important. From a very young age Rin had been dedicated to carefully laying down the bricks of trust and support, always reassuring his brother— he never gave up a chance to let Yukio know that he was amazing, skilled, and reliable.

But most importantly—

"You protect me, and I protect you," He remembers telling him once, after Rin jumped in to protect him from some delinquent of a student a few years back, and Yukio got angry for it, for needing to be protected. "Not because the other is weak and has to be protected— not because we need to, but because we want to. We're brothers, and we'll always have each other's backs."

It was absolutely imperative Yukio understood this. Yukio had always hated to lose, and somehow asking for help was 'losing'.

That's why whenever Yukio does ask for help, Rin is absolutely elated. In the past few years, he seemed to be more open to accepting it, and Rin couldn't be happier.

Rin sways back and forth in his seat, scribbling doodles in his sketchbook idly as he waits for his brother to come home from cram school.

Or rather, from his job as an exorcist.

Yukio hasn't told him about it, not yet. It hurts that his little brother would keep something so important from him, but Rin understands why, even if he doesn't agree with it. However, sometimes, it looks like Yukio wants to say something, but he always decides against it in the end. Is it about demons? Rin often wonders. He hopes so. He wants Yukio to be the one to admit it by his own choice.

But for now, he waits. He always waits for Yukio to come home from exorcist stuff, no matter how late it gets. A minor show of support, in Rin's own way.

The door to their bedroom cracks open, and Yukio steps inside, looking exhausted. He drops his bag down by his desk and flops onto his bed.

"Welcome back," Rin greets, earning a tired hum in reply. "You okay? Can I do anything for you?" He offers.

Rin waits patiently for Yukio to tell him no, Nii-san, I'm fine, but instead Yukio rolls onto his back and says; "Could you make me something to eat?"

Rin pauses, processing the request, before he grins from ear to ear. "Sure thing! Anything specific?" He asks, already out of his chair and on his way to the door.

Yukio twitches— a motion that was probably meant to be a shrug, but was aborted halfway through due to exhaustion. "Not really. Something warm."

"No problem!" Rin says, before he practically skips out of their room and down to the kitchen.

It's progress.


The day started out like any other. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary— only the gut feeling that something was about to start, and it left Rin feeling uneasy the whole day.

If Rin had to make a bet, he'd place money on the plot of whatever manga he's the star of beginning today, but it's not like he really knew what to expect, since the memories were so old. Maybe that's a good thing. He doesn't particularly care for knowing his future, he's the type to live in the moment.

Regardless the day passes slowly without incident, leaving Rin unsettled and on edge as he walks home from the store. He feels like something's gonna jump out at any second, and it's really—

THWACK

Rin jolts, nearly dropping his bag of snacks for him and Yukio. His head swiftly turns to the source of the sound, only to find a group of teenagers laughing wildly with... Is that a fucking crossbow?! Rin's eyes widen, then follow their line of site to a flock of pigeons, struck by the arrows.

Instantly, his blood boils. "Hey!" He shouts, catching their attention. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

The kid with the white hair swings his crossbow in his direction and fires without hesitation. Rin doesn't even flinch as it grazes his cheek and embeds itself in the wooden pole behind him.

"Whaat? I'm just cleaning up the trash," he says smugly. "These things are everywhere, flocking to garbage like moths to a flame,"

Rin glares. "That's cruel, y'know,"

He laughs mockingly, his friends snickering beside him. "So what? Who gives a crap."

This time, Rin actually does drop his bag. He marches right up to him and snatches the crossbow from the boy's hand with ease, the other no match for his strength. "I care, asshole!" He shouts in his face, taking the crappy wooden crossbow and snapping it in half.

The guy's face changes from shock to fury in seconds. "What the hell, man?!" He shouts back, shoving Rin for emphasis, and his friends turn serious and all begin to crowd around Rin, clearly itching for a fight now.

"If you're gonna do crap like that, then it shouldn't be in your hands!" Rin returns, dropping the remains of the weapon and throwing a fist in the guy's face. He practically goes flying. There's about five seconds of pause before hell breaks loose, and the others start swinging.

Rin jumps back out of their immediate range, before closing back in on another guy and punching him in the gut. He coughs and keels over, groaning in pain, but Rin pays no mind and moves onto the next, catching him in the throat and kicking him away into a wall.

The white haired boy charges him again, slamming his fist into square Rin's face, but it hardly does any real damage aside from making his nose bleed a little, and Rin returns with another solid punch to the face, downward, forcing him to fall to the ground.

"Fuck!" One of them cries, a hand over their stomach. "Demon! You're a fucking demon!" He shrieks, stumbling back and grabbing his white haired friend by the arm, practically dragging him away.

Rin glares after them as they run off, wiping his face with one hand, feeling the blood running from his nose. "Haven't heard that one before," he bites under his breath. "But if anyone's the fucking demon it's you assholes..." He scoffs.

He looks down at his hand and sighs at the bruised knuckles and blood across his fingers in disapproval, disappointed in himself even if those cruel bastards deserved it. I'll definitely get another lecture, Rin scowls, swiping his bag of snacks off the ground.

Rin listlessly stumbles his way back to the monastery, head down, but when he soon reaches the gates, he stops, hesitating at the threshold.

Holding up his hand, he stares at the evidence of a fight that still lingers. I need to get my act together... he frowns, finally stepping into the monastery grounds. I keep getting into fights and going nowhere fast with my life.

Quietly, Rin slides a window open and slips the bag inside, before he quickly retreats from the building, and steps back outside the monastery, looking for some space to think and clear his head.

Silently berating himself, Rin wanders the evening streets, still early enough to be light, but quickly darkening as the people around him make their ways home. He let his gaze fall back to the ground, slouching as he walked, betraying his foul mood to anyone who passed.

"What the hell am I doing?" He mutters to no one but himself.


"Rin's late," Shiro mutters, arms crossed from where he sat at the end of the dinner table, fully set up and waiting.

The younger twin fidgets at the table, casting a glance down the hall every now and then. "Knowing Nii-san, he might've gotten into some trouble..." He mumbles, his tone and expression appearing irritated, but Shiro's keen eye can easily spot the underlying worry.

"You don't think he got into another fight, did you?" Izumi asks warily.

Nagatomo sighs. "Unfortunately, that kid happens to be a magnet for trouble..."

And with that, Yukio finally rises. "I'll go look for him." He says, already moving around the table and down the hall.

"Be careful, Yukio," Shiro calls after him. "I'll save some dinner for you two, so hurry and drag your brother home."

Yukio is already at the door now, but he replies over his shoulder as he puts his shoes on. "I'll be quick!" He says, but as he turns back something catches his eye— a small plastic bag from the convenience store sitting by the open window.

Reaching out, he pulls the plastic bag closer, revealing the mineral water he'd asked his brother to get for him, as well as Rin's own iced tea and snacks.

"Nii-san..." Yukio frowns.

He came home but...

His worry deepens— Clearly something was up with his brother. Yukio quickens his leave and sprints out of the monastery, looking left and right before running down the street.

If I were him, then I'd definitely go there!


Creak... Creak...

The metal chains of the swing squeaked softly as Rin gently swung back and forth, eyes caught on the ground as he loses himself in his thoughts.

It's always act first think later that causes me to get into fights all the time, Rin scowls at the ground. I can't keep going like this! When the hell will I get it through my thick skull!?

Before he can keep yelling at himself, something cold is suddenly pressed against the back of his neck, and Rin leaps away off the swing with a squeal.

"I thought I'd find you here,"

Rin swivels around to find Yukio standing before him, holding his iced tea, breathing slightly uneven from running.

"Yukio?!" He exclaims in surprise, taking the offered iced tea.

Yukio's face takes on a somewhat amused expression as he steps up to stand on top of the swing Rin had just been sitting on, swinging back and forth a little. "It's the first place I thought you'd go if you were moping,"

"I'm not moping!" Rin instinctively denies. "And what're you doing playing on the swings?! Man, people would freak if they saw the oh-so-mature Yukio playing on the playground!"

Yukio laughs. "If I recall, it was you, Nii-san, who actually lectured me for once, for not acting my age, and told me to stop acting so mature." he says.

Rin pursed his lip in reply, a stubborn pout— It was true, he did say that. Multiple times, in fact, to varying degrees of success. Foul mood aside, Rin's glad he seems to be relaxing more, at least.

"Trying to change the subject?" Yukio raises an eyebrow, and Rin twitches, clearly caught. Yukio sighs. "I know you, Nii-san. You can't fool me."

With a click of his tongue, Rin slouched in defeat and sat on the swing beside his brother, who dropped to the ground and sat down as well. "So? What happened?" Yukio asks. "You're a mess... Did you get into another fight?"

"I..." Rin hesitated. "Yeah, damnit," he dropped his head, putting his free hand to his face. "Once again I just ran in and got into a fight without thinking— I just... Fuck,"

"If you recognize the problem, that's the first step to fixing it, isn't it?" Yukio says. "Guess who told me that one?"

Rin groans, leaning back on the swing. "Are you just gonna keep throwing my own advice back at me?"

"Only because you're a hypocrite." Yukio replies smugly.

"Aaaugh, shut up!" Rin kicks off the ground and swings. "You're right! Fuck you!" Yukio laughs some more, idly pushing back and forth on the swing himself.

There was a few moments of silence between the two as Rin swung himself back and forth, mind whirring.

"We were worried when you didn't come back, you know." Yukio finally speaks up again.

"Sorry," Rin mumbles, skidding to a halt. "I was mad at myself... 'n I knew you and dad would lecture me about it." He laughs a bit at the end. "Don't have a job! Not goin' to highschool! Always gettin' into fights! The problem child, that's me!" Rin throws his head back as he complains.

Yukio is silent for a moment, letting his brother vent. When Rin doesn't continue, he decides to speak up. "And? What're you gonna do about it?"

"I dunno," Rin shrugs.

Yukio rephrases. "What do you want to do?"

Rin looks away and shrugs again, avoiding eye-contact.

Yukio kicks his brother's swing, sending him sideways with a short yelp. "I think you do know."

"It's nothing!" Rin denies, cheeks flushed from embarrassment, feeling ridiculous now. "It's— It's stupid, I dunno!"

Yukio sighs. "Nii-san, I'm not gonna judge you for something you want to do, you know? Dad wouldn't either."

Rin bites his lip, staying silent. I feel like I won't get the chance to do what I want anyways, especially if that story is real...

When Rin doesn't reply, Yukio sighs again. "Alright, for now, let's go home, okay?" He suggests, rising from the swing. "Dinner is probably cold by now, and we need to treat your injuries still..."

At the mention of food, Rin's stomach growls, perfectly on queue. Rin's cheeks turn pink, and Yukio gives him another smug look.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming," Rin tries to wave him off casually as he stands up. "Let's go."

Together, they leave the park, walking down the road towards their home.

It's unfortunate, that on their way back to the monastery, chatting lightheartedly, Rin makes eye contact with someone familiar, who smiles slyly and waves. Rin freezes up.

But only for a moment.

"Oh, uh, hang on Yukio I forgot something at the park!" He says quickly. "I'll catch up with you at home, okay?" Rin suddenly turns on his heel and starts jogging in the other direction.

"— Nii-san?" Yukio stutters in surprise, blinking in confusion at his brother's sudden change.

"Tell dad I just ran back to the park real quick, okay?!" Rin shouts over his shoulder as he runs off down the street. A quick glance shows that they are, in fact, following him.

Rin's eyes dart around as he heads back towards the park, catching sight of all the strange black bugs floating about— no, not bugs, demons, he remembers. Coal-somethings... Behind him Yukio watches as he swats at one with wide eyes, but Rin is already far along. He quickly jogs off in the direction of the monastery, eager to tell their father.

Meanwhile, Rin makes it back to the park. Turning, he finds himself staring with wide eyes. Surrounded, no, swarmed by the small black demons, is the pigeon killer guy from earlier, along with his buddies. What worries Rin the most, however, are the large curly horns that protrude from his skull, and the tail that idly sways behind.

What the hell's with this guy? Rin tensed, taking a subconscious step back. Is he fucking possessed?

"O-ku-mu-ra-kuun~!" The horned boy sings. "Glad we managed to catch up to you. See, I was hoping we could have a little chat. Just t'say sorry about earlier, and all that."

"Is that all?" Rin asks warily. "Cause I gotta get home, y'know."

"Ahh, there was one more thing," the boy digs in his back pocket for a moment, pulling out his wallet. "I just wanted to talk to you about something. See, I'll be starting school at True Cross Academy, so I wouldn't want any unsavoury rumors flying around, y'know?" He pulls out a wad of cash, holding it out to Rin.

Rin rolls his eyes. "I don't need your damn hush money, okay?" He shrugs, turning, reading to head out. "I'll keep my mouth shut, or whatever."

The possessed boy laughs loudly, his friends snickering beside him as they move to surround Rin. "C'mon, don't try to act so cool. We both know you need the money." He taunts. "You're so poor you can't even pay for school, right?"

Rin bristles at that as it strikes a chord, and he gives the boy a harsh glare. "What are you, a fucking stalker?" He snaps.

The boy ignores him though, and continues to wave the cash around. "Your brother... Okumura Yukio-kun, right?" He begins tauntingly. "He studied hard to get a scholarship for True Cross, yeah? That's sorta like debt, huh... How sad. Why don't you put this towards his tuition?" He snickers mockingly.

SMACK

Rin had moved before he even realized it, his fist connecting with the boys face once again and sending him flying.

"Say whatever the hell you want about me," Rin begins, voice low. "But don't you dare diss my brother!" He finishes with a shout.

The boy, sprawled out on the ground, starts to chuckle. It grows, until he begins laughing wildly. "That hurt!" He exclaims, before his mood turns sour fast and he stops laughing. "What the hell are you so worked up about!?" He shouts, showing off his sharp fangs. "Grab 'im!" He orders, and his previously quiet friends jolt into action and jump on Rin, shoving him down until he's on the ground, arms pinned and a knee in his back.

Rin shouts in surprise and struggles against them, but even with his strength it's difficult to move in this position, so all he manages to do is wriggle uselessly on the ground. The sight makes the possessed boy laugh at him, which Rin returns with a glare.

"Careful now," he hums lightly, kneeling before Rin. "This guy's a real monster." He tells them with a low, dangerous voice. He grabs Rin by his hair and forces his head upwards. "But he's scum of society, y'know? Not going to high school, no job, no aspirations! Pathetic!" He cackles.

"Piss off!" Rin shouts, trying to tug away from him, but he just gets his head shoved into the ground in response.

"Now, now, don't be so rude, Okumura-kun!" The boy grins. "I can help you out, as a friend of course! I know a great place that's hiring right now..." He trails off, reaching into his pocket and pulling out something small and silver. "I'll even help you cut your hair for the interview!" He cheers, revealing with a flick the small pocket knife.

Rin's heart drops at the sight, but another lackey grabs his hair and pulls his head back again. The other boy on his back seems to shift nervously, however.

Hesitantly, he speaks up. "Hey, Shiratori-san, haven't we done enough? That's going too far..." He says slowly. "Seriously, that's a crime!"

The possessed boy, Shiratori, responds violently by putting a fist in the boy's face, knocking him back onto the ground. "Shut the hell up!" He shouts. The other boy on Rin's back tenses, letting go of Rin's hair in surprise, though the relief doesn't last long when Shiratori crouches by his head and grabs him instead. Rin's heart stutters when he holds the knife up to his head. "Now then, don't get mad if a little skin comes off— I'm new at this, yknow!"

Rin panics, trying to yank his head away to no avail, breaking out into a cold sweat as the knife gets closer. "Stop it! Stop—" He struggles uselessly against his grip.

Shiratori laughs wildly, long tongue hanging out and eyes turning to sharp slits. "Maybe if we're lucky, we'll even get to see some brains!"

He's serious— Rin realizes in a panic as the knife gets closer. He's seriously gonna kill me! His mind screams as his eyes remain trained on the blade. His blood runs cold and he struggles harder, desperate to get out, but Shiratori's grip remains firm.

The knife makes contact with his forehead, drawing a single bead of blood...

Then everything bursts in a bright explosion of blue.


A/N:

HELLO?!

Um I wasn't sure if I wanted to rewrite this chapter, but I read it again and strongly disliked how it followed canon so closely. It's ummm Boring To Read! We already know what happens! This was even mentioned in a review, and I agreed! So I rewrote it. It meets the same end, but the middle part is a little different so it's a little more interesting to read. Aaaand we get to see more Yukio and how he's changed in this universe thanks to Rin's influence.

Rin gives a lot of advice, good advice too, but he seldom follows it himself lol... I think I struggle the same way. I know, logically, what I should do and stuff, but sometimes it's harder to follow than I realize...

Anyway, sorry it's not a new chapter, but I hope you enjoyed it regardless. I kept procrastinating on writing chapter three because not only is it boring to read a fic that follows canon so closely, it's also very boring to write!

I've learned my lesson.. I'll try to spice up things as much as I can, even the bits that have to follow canon! I'll keep doing my best, so please look forward to the next chapter! Thank you!

Feel free to leave a review, I love to hear what you guys think! I thrive off of feedback, so please do. I'd pay you to if I had more than one dollar...