Jolting awake didn't help Aurora's already broken body, but the pain helped her focus on what was going on around her. Yukio had taken a seat on the foot of her bed surrounded by a circle of her other class mates. Feeling the bed move Yukio pushed off walking to the top of it making sure the demoness didn't make any sudden movements that might disconnect any of the cords she was attached to. Along with broken ribs, her lung had been damaged, so the white haired girl had been hooked up to a number of different machines. The problem wasn't the damage, it was her stubbornness to not wake up. Yawning she bared her fangs letting her tongue roll. "What's everyone doing here?" Frowning the 1st class exorcist pushed his glasses up.

"Aurora you've been unconscious for two days." Fumbling around for the remote to her bed she jumped when Bon snorted pushing it into her hand. Finally getting the bed up to look at everyone she frowned not seeing the blue-eyed boy she was hoping to.

"Where's Rin?" Giving a small smile the brunette shook his head.

"Even when you're in pain your first thought has always been Nii-san." Retaking his seat at the bottom of her bed the twin sighed. "Rin feels betrayed right now. He hasn't been to see you with us since the trial." Clearing his throat Yukio looked at his students. "Now that Mizuka-sempai is awake I can tell you what you want to know." Staring down at her hands the teal haired girl bit her lip. So Rin really was angry with her, she couldn't say she blamed him. There was no reason to keep this from him for so long even after his own demonic lineage had been revealed. It had just become a habit to keep it a secret, one that may have just cost her, her friendship with the bluenette. "Okumura-kun, no, Rin is a child bore by a human woman that Satan's possessed body impregnated 15 years ago. Until 3 months ago he had no idea he was anything but human. Mizuka-sempai and I made sure to keep any demon we could away from him." Bon narrowed his eyes.

"Wait a minute, Aurora's a demon, shouldn't she count?" Rubbing her aching chest the girl smiled letting her tail snake its way out from under the covers.

"My demon blood was nearly nonexistent before I met Rin. The reason it took Rin's powers so long to manifest was because when we were little he bit me and forced what little youki he had gathered into my body to strengthen mine and bringing it to the surface. The only reason I was allowed to live was because Shiro saw how Rin acted around me, I've been the only one who's ever been able to calm him down since we met." Konekomaru looked up as a sudden thought popped into his head.

"Okumura-sensei if you're Okumura-kun's twin brother wouldn't that-"

"I didn't inherit the flames. I was too weak." Ringing his hands he continued. "I undergo weekly checkups to make sure I'm still human, and so far nothing has shown up yet." Pushing to his feet Bon paced thinking everything over.

"If his powers have always been kept under control why did they flare up 3 months ago?" Fidgeting with the IV in her arm the Hanyou slowly pulled it out letting the clear tube fall to the floor.

"Astaroth, the king of decay possessed a boy that went to our middle school. Rin's always had a short temper and got into fights. So of course the demon had to pick a fight with Hot-Head. Needless to say I got captured and the asshole started gloating about it. Rin's very protective of his pack, next thing I know bam blue flames." Realizing how she'd just explained that the silvery eyed girl blinked. "Excuse the rather dull explanation; they seem to have given me the good pain medication. Hey that rhymed somewhat… a little…. Never mind."

Pausing as he stepped into the demonic training room his ex-best friend at the moment had shown him earlier that week Rin growled taking in the golden-eyed deer youkai that was flirting with his mentor as said ex-best friend rested on a nearby weight lifting bench. "Oi bastard what're you doing here?" Thankfully the Earl had warn a shirt this time, and didn't look like he was about to have a wild night. Turning to the fuming teen Furfur sighed casting a sympathy filled look towards his mistress.

"My Lady has asked me to stand in for herself as your demon mentor as she cannot move without feeling some amount of pain." Blue eyes flicked towards the snowy haired girl locking on the swaying white and teal appendage hanging off the bench beside her, a black ring encircled the base much like the silver one on his tail. So they didn't trust her either, even after all the years she'd helped the boy's attention wasn't on him anymore the deer demon whacked him on the back of his head. Yelping the Prince rubbed the sore spot growling. Damn that had hurt. It was weird normally only Aurora could swat him like that and it actually hurt him. Demon strength, that was what it had been. She'd always been nearly as strong as he was, he should've connected the dots sooner.

"What was that for?" Furfur's deer-like tail gave a twitch.

"You must always keep your opponent in sight. My Lady has instructed that I am to aid you in learning to control your flames. Your main problem is that you're afraid of them; you must realize that you control them, they do not control you." Taking the bag of offered candles from Shura the Earl winked making the knight roll her bright purple eyes. Sitting three in a line the demon sighed. "Try to pay attention please. Light the two on the end at the same time. I want you to do this until you can achieve it in your sleep. Anytime you have free should be spent practicing." Snorting the bluenette crossed his legs taking a seat in front of the candles.

"This'll be a piece of cake." Concentrating on the wicks the half demon growled before a plum of blue flames burst from him scorching the floor. Throwing up a barrier at the last second saved the Earl but Aurora felt her eye twitch as the book she was browsing through disintegrated in her hands. Waving a hand at the water sprinklers above her a stream of water floated down forming a liquid shield between the demons and humans. Shura and Yukio wouldn't fare too well if Rin really did lose his temper down here. Pulling another book from her bag the demoness chanced a glance up at her secret love sighing when she realized he'd turned away as soon as she'd started using her powers. It was going to take a lot to get back on Rin's good side if she even could. The boy valued honesty and loyalty above all else. Turning her head the silvery eyed girl watched Yukio and Shura compete in the batting cages. If it was one thing Shura was good for it was helping Yukio relieve some of his pint up stress, seriously the boy was going to give himself an ulcer. Pausing a second she dug around in her bag pulling her old bat plushie free, hugging the gray thing to her chest. If Rin hadn't visited her how had the thing gotten inside her hospital room? Maybe Mephisto or Yukio had brought it… The older demon knew she had a strange attachment to it, it was the only thing she had that her parents had bought her.

Hearing Furfur nag Rin about his self-control Aurora hide her face in her book trying her best not to laugh. That was the seventh time the boy had burnt all three candles or missed completely. Growling the bluenette set back. "So you're telling me that all I have to do is this?" A long ear twitched as the Earl turned away from watching the two exorcists duel in the batting cages.

"Until my Lady has recovered enough to take over, yes. Lady Shura will train you in swordsmanship, and you must study." Marking her page the girl shut her book dropping it back into her bag. Waving the Earl over she rubbed her forehead pushing her reading glasses to the top of her head.

"Can you make a barrier that will hold in his flames completely? He's losing his temper and I don't want him to burn any more of Mephisto's stuff. I'd do it myself but my youki's still low from Yu breaking my concealment charm." Nodding he cast a spell under his breath just in time to catch the explosion of flames that would have charred the two humans. As it was Aurora's barrier turned to steam at the intense heat she only saved her bag because it was behind her. "That's really starting to get annoying…" Pushing to her feet the demoness slowly wobbled to the door pausing when Yukio called out to her.

"Where are you going?" Leaning on the doorframe she winced, dammit broken ribs hurt, turning to the student-teacher she gave a small smile.

"I'm useless here until my ribs and lung heals. Furfur can handle things for now; I'm going to see if I can help the others or go mope in my corner of woe." Slowly making her way up the stairs Aurora sighed. She was probably going to go mope on the roof; Bon had made it perfectly clear that she and Rin were not on their friend list right now. Shame to, there was a science test coming up.

"Does it hurt?" Blinking out of her light doze Aurora leaned around the corner of the roof peeking at the strange sight before her. What was Konekomaru doing up here talking to a Gale spirit. They possessed the weak minded, and the aria-in-training was anything but. "Why do you reject me? If we join we can kill the son of Satan and keep your friends safe." Shaking his head the little Exwire backed away, glancing around nervously.

"That's not… That's not…" Swooping down the black crow landed in front of the boy.

"But that is what you wanted. And I can make it happen."

"You're wrong!" Chackling the dark spirit began to disappear.

"Except the darkness in your soul, so I may join you." Jerking back when the demon's red eyes turned towards her, the demoness jolted back biting her lip as her injuries pulled. Scrambling as fast as she could towards the door of the roof she cursed pulling her phone from her pocket. Yukio needed to know about this now.

Meeting the 1st class exorcist in the hallway she huffed, trying to move quickly while not jarring ribs took a lot of effort. Pushing his glasses back up the brunette frowned letting her catch her breath. "What do you mean a demon's trying to posse Miwa?" Running a hand through her teal fur on her tail she growled.

"Just what it sounds like, a Gale spirit is trying to weaken Konekomaru's resolve so it can take control. You have to hurry and find him before he tries to attack Rin." A sudden scream had both middle class exorcists running or in the girl's case hobbling towards the classroom. Miwa tumbled out the door followed closely by a flaming Prince. Bon and Shima rounded the corner having heard their friend's yell too.

"Koneko what's wrong?" Scrambling back the aria-in-training paled watching the half demon stomping closer.

"I don't know Okumura just attacked me!" Pausing Rin watched the black crow materialize beside the little Exwire.

"Can't you see that demon?" Following his brother's sword Yukio could make out a hazy image that soon faded from view. Jumping to his feet the two tone haired male narrowed his eyes.

"The only demon I see here is you!" Checking Miwa to make sure he was okay Yukio pushed his glasses back into place before standing.

"Nii-san calm down and put your sword away." The Gale spirit sniggered moving from Konekomaru to Yukio then back. Growling the Hanyou lashed out the only way he knew how, sending a wave of flames towards the group. Yelping Aurora shuffled to the front letting the hell fire hit her, looking down at her ruined shirt afterwards; thankfully she had worn her uniform today so she had replacements. The others were quite shaken up having never been that close to the blue flames before. Stomping around the girl Yukio grabbed both his brother's wrists slamming the Kurikara back into its sheath. "Dammit Rin, think before you use your flames! You could hurt someone, they kill people!" Pinching the bridge of his nose Yukio turned his head to the others. "Please excuse us, we need a family moment." Pulling a paler than normal Rin down the hallway Yukio growled snapping the half demon out of whatever daydream he'd fallen into. Pushing him into the nearest classroom where no one could hear them the younger twin counted back from 10 giving Rin time to talk.

"I hit Rory… Why didn't you check to make sure she was okay?!" Glaring at the bluenette Yukio pulled his glasses off wiping them on his shirt.

"Aurora is a demon." Rin flinched at the reminder, feeling his chest ache. "She can withstand more than a normal human. She isn't affected by your flames for whatever reason; if she were you would have already killed her." Sliding his glasses back into place the brunette felt a headache coming on. "When you lost control 4 days ago Aurora went back into the forest to find you and calm you down before you got to close to any of the others. When you came out of the forest both of you were covered in flames. She is the only person in Assiah that can survive direct contact with you while you're in demon form. Father let her live because of that, if you ever lost control she was to keep you busy long enough for actions to be taken to stop you. Not even she knew that." Looking down Rin bit his lip something he had picked up from the snowy haired girl he'd grew up with.

"So she's okay?" Feeling his eye twitch because of his brother's narrow mindedness the first class exorcist sighed.

"Yes, besides the broken ribs and punctured lung. She told me Miwa-san is being possessed by a demon, is that why you attacked him?" Looking up he crossed his arms nodding.

"Yea, you know I always rush into stuff without thinking. I thought I could make the thing go away but it didn't help at all." Turning back towards the door Yukio frowned.

"Shiemi's on her way with herbs I need to make a medicine to force the demon out of Miwa-san, until then please stay out of trouble." Rubbing the back of his head the bluenette nodded.

"Okay…"

Lingering after the others Bon and Aurora looked at each other.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Rubbing her head the demoness laughed lightly, wincing when her ribs pulled.

"I'm a water based demon; fire doesn't affect me as it would humans. Plus I thought you'd be happy that one of the youkai was willing to die." Knocking her on the forehead with his knuckles Bon sighed.

"Look just cuz I'm mad at ya doesn't mean I want you to die. I understand why you didn't tell me about the demon shit but Okumura deserved to know." Glancing in the direction the twins went she sighed wiping at her eyes when they started to water.

"I know I completely blew it, but I just got so used to keeping it from everyone it became a habit. You really should go easy on Rin, he was only doing what Yu and I told him. Also there really is a demon trying to possess Konekomaru so keep an eye on him will ya?" Crossing his arms the boy frowned.

"I didn't see anything. Are you sure?" Her tail gave a flick nearly whacking the wall.

"Only people who have a certain trait in their souls can see Gale spirits, hate is mostly the emotion they want. Rin can see it because he's a Prince of Gehenna, and I can because I have the trait, Yukio can see an outline of the spirit, even if he doesn't have the flames he's still Satan's son."

"What you said makes sense, but who could you hate?" Shaking her head she turned away.

"Just make sure to keep an eye on Koneko, okay?" Bon sighed.

"Aurora, wait. Do you, maybe, wanna hang out later or something?" She blinked, nearly hitting the dragoon in training when her tail gave a jerk. They really did have a mind of their own.

"I actually have an appointment to get a few charms later. But if you wanna hang out afterwards…" The black eyed boy wrinkled his brows.

"But aren't those for upper class exorcist? Okumura-sensei isn't even cleared for charms yet." She shrugged. True charms were dangerous if you didn't know what you were doing and they required a lot of magic and spells to set up. And there was the off chance that your body would reject the dark magic once it was infused. Luckily they lived in the True Cross academy, the largest anti-demon HQ on Japan. Almost every tattoo shop sold enchanted jewelry and had summoning ink for tattoos.

"Normally that would be the case, but the headmaster feels that I need the extra protection." She smiled, starting to hobble down the hall. Bon shook his head following her. "If I'm gonna keep going up against Princes on a regular basis I'm gonna need the help. I was thinking a blunt force shield and a youki storage charm. Any ideas, Peach fuzz?" Bon rubbed the back of his head.

"I can't think of anything right now but I'll be sure to let you know. Can I tag along? I've been meaning to check um out anyway." She nodded.

"Sure. I actually don't have any idea on where to get them. I don't need to really draw attention to my ears."

"You could get lip rings, or eye brow rings. A lot of newer recruits have them anyway." She stopped, glancing over her shoulder to look up at him.

"You really think I could pull it off?" Bon smiled.

"Sure, you're cute any-" The teenager cut himself off, a dark blush coloring his cheeks. Reaching out Aurora touched his arm gently, enough to make him look at her.

"You really think so? Even though I'm a demon?" He scratched his cheek avoiding her gaze.

"Of course. Just because you're a demon doesn't change who you are. You're still Aurora. And Rin's still Rin. I'm just mad is all." Tearing up, the demoness pulled the two-toned haired boy into a hug. He jumped before wrapping his arms around her for a second. Something popped and the light went out over them. Bon had the feeling that ten years had just been taken off his life. The icy eyed female pulled back.

"Thanks Peach fuzz! See you around 7." She wobbled away. Unaware that a pair of sapphire eyes were following her down the hall way.

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Looking up from her book Aurora pushed her glasses up to her forehead before standing and opening the door to her room. Blinking in surprise the second class exorcist moved aside so Shiemi could come in. "Um, I thought you were going to Yu's room? He's the expert pharmacologist." Setting everything that was in her arms down on the empty desk on the other side of the room the blond fidgeted looking anywhere but the demoness in front of her. Giving an annoyed flick of her tail the silvery eyed girl sighed, tossing her book onto her bed. "Look petals, I know you're taught to fear demons because of your background, but I'm still me. I'm still the same girl you meet when we were 12; the only thing that's changed is you can see my tail now." Taking a step forward she stopped when the green eyed girl took a step back. "Fine, you wanna be that way." Not even bothering to knock Yukio walked right in, glancing between the females.

"The sooner we get this finished the sooner Miwa-san is back to normal. Suguro and Shima are watching him now." Nodding the whited haired girl pulled her rolling chair over, cutting some of the needed plants with her claws.

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Following Yukio and Shiemi the teal haired girl glanced around looking for any sign of the Gale spirit, Bon had called not ten minutes ago yelling about Konekomaru transforming and jumping out of their dorm room's window. Hearing a screech all three looked up watching a flaming Rin and possessed Miwa fall from the roof of an abandoned building. Rolling away the half demon growled baring his fangs.

"What the hell Konekomaru? Why'd you decide to side with this demon!? Don't you know that's what you have friends for? So they can help you not somebody else!" Shaking his head the little aria-in-training back away.

"N-no, they couldn't help me defeat you. I have to protect them!" Snarling Aurora grit her teeth, drawing the boy's attention.

"Bon and Shima never asked you to do that! You're only hurting them by letting that spirit control you!" Screaming in pain Miwa threw a hand up causing a blast of wind to knock everyone back.

"Shiemi!" Sliding to a stop on the concrete the demoness pushed herself up, wondering where the hell her summons was along with Shura when they really needed them. "Are you okay?" Turning to the sound of Rin's voice she paled realizing he had caught the blond without even casting a glance in her direction. Feeling her heart crack a little more the female half demon forced herself up easing towards the now unconscious boy. Pulling the potion she had just helped make from the front pocket on her white shirt the icy eyed girl made sure Konekomaru swallowed all of it before setting back and watching as a black wasp floated from his mouth. Pausing eye level with her the spirit cackled.

"What a divine aroma your soul gives off. Yours is the blackest of hatred, self-loathing has such a pleasant flavor." Letting her youki pulse she hissed as the weakened demon withered away. Breathing out a sigh of relief the demoness smiled seeing Shiemi was going to be okay too. As long as Rin was happy, so was she. She could get through the emotional pain if only for as long as the Prince still needed her. A warm hand touched her shoulder. Jolting she looked up at Ryuuji.

"You alright?" She shrugged letting the taller teen pull her to her feet.

"Demons gone, Konekomaru's safe. Rin's still ignoring me. About as good as I'll get today." Pulling her phone out she dialed Yukio so he could come check on Miwa. The boy was fine, just asleep. Being possessed took a lot out of you apparently. After making sure the smallest teen was safely back in bed in the medical ward the two made their way to the middle ring in the city. It was the only place Aurora would ever get a tattoo or piercing done. They were the best, and it didn't hurt that her second cousin owned it either.

Shrugging out of her school shirt in favor of a black t-shirt she smiled at Bon as she hit the bottom step in her dorm room. She'd needed to change clothes before going out. White stained to easily for her to wear it out. And the school uniforms were damn expensive. Even with her salary as an exorcist. She nearly jumped out of her skin when the boy beside her slipped an arm around her shoulders. Blushing the half demon panicked. "B-Bon what are you doing?" He deflated a little pulling his arm away.

"I just thought that you might've liked me a little bit." She spun to face him waving her arms in front of her.

"No, no. I do, really. I'm just not used to boys touching me. Rin's always been protective. So I've never dated or anything before." He shoved his hands in his pockets.

"Well, would you wanna try with me? I'll be patient. I know you like Rin, I'm not stupid." She sighed glancing down at her feet. Wiggling her toes into the soles her claws on her toes shredded the material. Seeing the damage he hissed.

"Hey, if you wanna say no, say no. I'm not gonna force you." She shook her head, silvery tresses flying.

"That's not it. I wanna say yes, but you have to understand, I love Rin. I always have." Clinching her fists her claws extended and retracted. "But I'm willing to try, if you'll let me." She rolled his eyes knocking his knuckles gently on her forehead.

"I knew that already. But I'm okay with it." She blushed to the tips of her ears.

"If you're sure." Snagging his hand pulling him along behind her. She needed to make it on time for her appointment or Rika would have her tail. Bon laughed, tightening his hold. The lights flickered on over head and she giggled when a cloud of col-tar sprung up. The dragoon in training cursed but she let her tail unwind. The little demons always enjoyed playing with other youkai. They meeped dancing around the two until they ducked into a brightly lite shop. A redhead peeked from the back, pale violet eyes flashing.

"There you are! You're late." Aurora grinned baring her fangs as Rika gasped seeing the white tail wagging lazily behind her. "Rory, your tails out! And who is this?"

"Sorry I had so important things come up last minute." As Rika gave Ryuuji an in depth look the demoness sniggered as he shifted uncomfortably. That was too funny. She'd have to remember this for later.

Revised 1/1/17