Hi, everyone. As you all know, with school, comes time-consuming crap you don't want to do but have to because you want to get a good education, and job, and life, and blah-blah-blah. You've all seen this song and dance before. Anyway, I'm here to bring you guys the next chapter of the Princess of Hell (Hm, maybe I should have titled the story that? Ah well) Anyway, you can all hunker down and get ready for another chapter! So let's get it rolling!

Disclaimer: Never owned Blue Exorcist. Never have, never will.

Chapter Ten: With Great Flames, Comes Great Sacrifices

Secrets Revealed by the Flickering Fire

Rin cried out as the massive moth hoisted her in the air, dangling her by her wrists and ankles as her classmates surrounded worriedly.

"Okumura!" Shouted Bon, dismissing the sermon's tongue and feeling his heart clench.

Rin struggled, biting her tongue as the slippery limbs only tightened, cutting off the circulation in her blood. 'Shit, the more I move, the more it's gonna tighten!' Shaking her head, she threw her head about and shouted, "Don't worry about me! I'll be fine! Just get going while I distract this bastard!" She kicked as the moth screeched angrily, throwing her body around and nearly crushing her into a tree. "H-Hurry! Get the Hell out of here!"

"Hell no!" Shouted Bon, gripping the rosary in his hand. "You always do this, Okumura! I'm not gonna let you just die like some idiot!"

Rin laughed nervously, despite the limbs nearly crushing the bones in her wrists and ankles. "Y-You know me too well, B-Bon."

"Not enough! I haven't known you enough yet!" Bon whipped out a fuda, glaring with a growl in his voice. "Which is why I'm not gonna leave you!" He ran forward and swiped Shima's staff, throwing the fuda into the air and chucking the staff along with it, the fuda pierced by the staff and sent whizzing through the air like a spear. The magical seal slapped onto the moth's head and knocked away the hideous creature, the limbs retracting and freeing Rin. Bon leaped forward and caught her before she fell in the leech and beetle river. "Run for it!" He shouted while turning on his foot, everyone following him into the woods, before the moth could track them.

After a few minutes of running, everyone stopped by a clearing of trees, catching their breath.

"I-I think. . . W-we lost it." Shima huffed, leaning against the lantern cart.

Rin wasn't panting from the exhausting. Bon was already doing that for her since he carried her all the way through in his arms. The terrifying and exhilaration of facing another demon after her sent a shiver down her spine. Relaxing, she hopped out of Bon's arms and smiled up at him.

"Bon, thanks. I owe you for this one."

No, you don't."

Her world spun as Bon pulled her into a bone-crushing hug, his head tucked around her chin.

"B-Bon?" Her cheeks dusted pink as warm breath danced around her ear, another shiver tumbling in her.

"You don't owe me a thing, Okumura. You saved my life once, and I saved yours. Beside. . ." His hold tighten, his voice becoming raw. "You think I could just stand to leave you behind while you die for us? For me? No, I can't sit with that. I won't let the . . . The only person who understands me die alone…"

"Bon . . ." Rin whispered, placing her hands on his shoulders. Trying and failing to push the temple child away. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck, sighing onto into his shoulder. "Bon. . . It's OK. I'm alright. You saved me so there's no need to worry now, right?"

The arms locked further, and Rin actually squeaked when she felt a sigh fly down her neck, leaving a chill there. "Yeah. Besides, it was like I was paying you back, too. Back when you took that Leaper jaw to the torso for me. Even admitting that you wanted to defeat Satan like me, right in front of everybody."

Ring giggled nervously. "Well, c'mon. A moron like me doesn't know what's she saying in a life-or-death situation, you know?"

"I don't think you're a moron," Large hands sliding to her waist, Bon pulled away just enough to have them close enough, their faces centimeters apart. "I'll still say you're an idiot for thinking that you could do that on your own. You've got friends now. You're not alone any more, Rin!"

The Royal of Hell gasped, heart pounding at that one word she'd never thought would feel pleasant; friend.

"Couldn't have said it better myself, Bon." Chuckled Shima.

"If you're going to take on Satan, then we'll be here to help you." Said Konekomaru. Shima nodded with his two childhood friends.

"I may not be all-too strong, but you know I'm not going to let a pretty girl like you get hurt, Rin-chan."

"We're here for you, Rin," Shieme smiled. "So you won't be lonely anymore."

One by one, each of her friends smiled at her, trust and honesty in their eyes. Rin never thought it would be like this; surrounded by different people, who only knew so little about her, caring for her well-being and willing to fight along side her. All of them, smiling, no signs of hate or regret on their features.

"So you won't be lonely anymore."

Loneliness had been her companion. Up to this point in her life, Rin always thought that loneliness and herself went hand-in-hand, away from those she could hurt. But now, maybe lonliness wasn't at her side now. People who cared for her. . . Friends were with her right now. She felt so happy right then and there. She could cry.

"Huh? How come you're crying, Rin-chan?"

Too late.

"I-It's nothing," Blue eyes scrubbed from the back of her arms, Rin smiled and nodded. "Something just got in my eyes. Thanks."

As the group checked around the cart for any signs of damage, Rin thought to herself as she crawled under the cart for any broken wheels.

'What if. . . Everyone found out I was the daughter of Satan? Would they still like me then? I. . . I can't risk telling them that. Not right now . . . Not ever . . .'

"Finally!" Shima nearly kissed the dirt of the campground a half-hour later, the whole group arriving together in one piece. With no other obstacles in their way, arriving there was a piece of cake.

"Great work, kiddies." Praised Shuichiro, stirring a lukewarm drink with a small dosage of sake. Two other carts were pulled by the fire, Takura's puppet cursing away at them while Isamu sat lounging by.

"What?!" Bon exclaimed, throwing the accusing finger their way. "How the Hell did you guys get here on your own?!"

"My familiars helped me out," Isamu shrugged, the twin foxes swinging their tails lazily at either side of their young master. "Takura somehow got here first though," Magenta eyes flew to the quiet blonde. "This guy is just something else."

"Him and every other student here," Rin giggle with a nervous air. Shieme suddenly stumbled forward and Rin grabbed her quickly. "Shieme, what's wrong? Are ya sick or something?"

"I. . . I . . ." The blonde whimpered, teetering forward and holding her hand to the nape of her neck. Rin's lip dipped in concern. What was going on with Shieme?

A howl made her hair stand on the back of her neck. Hell's princess looked up, gasping as someone plummeted from the air and landed like a beast on all fours, a slimy mouth Hobgoblin landing next to her, chained and snarling.

"N-No . . ." Rin took a step back with Shieme as Anima stood in their presence, indifference crossed on her lips as she stared at the stunned students and teachers.

"Shit!" Acting quick, Shuichiro slew his sword from the summoning mark on his chest, striking it in the earth and ring of firing forming. In rage, Anima released her beast of a pet, the monster hissing as the fire erupted into a transfiguration circle. Everything was blown away in the explosion of fire, students screaming and Anima sent flying back, a few yards away. Hitting the ground, she gritted her teeth as Mephisto chuckled above her.

"This is turning to be an interesting night," He sipped some tea from a China cup, smirking lazily at his little step-sister. "He's already "blown" you away, imouto?"

"I'll kill him." Anima swore, sitting up and brushing bits of grass from her hair.

"Now, now, what has big brother told you about being patient?" Mephisto watched with glee as the Earth Queen's claws threaten to grow with a vengeance to mangle. "Calm yourself, Anima. You will have the pleasure of blood on your hands soon enough."

With a growl and curt nod, his sister's hackles dropped. "Yes, Aniue. I'll wait, if that's what you want."

"Alright, kiddie, gather up!" Shuichiro knotted his long hair into a braid, already piling up the supplies their camp had to offer. "I'm only going to say this once, so ya better shut your damn mouths and listen! Training camp's over! All of you have to get ready for Anima's next attack." He didn't flinch as the students gasped.

"Anima? The Anima?!"

"As in the Earth Queen of the Eight Royals of Hell?!"

"Sensei, what's going on here?!"

"I just said you little shits better get ready for battle!" Barked the red-and-gold-head, uncapping a container. "Now pipe-down and line up! I'm giving you a heavy dosage of triple-C holy water." He threw the blessed liquid over each student, coming to a halt when he turned to Rin. "Whoops. That would have gotten ugly." He poured the last of the water on himself and shook his wet hair like a dog, smirking at the bewilder teens. "Don't worry for now. So long as you kids stick in the incantation circle and as long as some holy water is on ya, you'll be safe for now."

"How come Okumura didn't get holy water?" Asked Bon.

"Well. . ." The Aria scratched at his nose. "She's. . . Allergic to holy water. Yeah, that's it." He turned away from the students, plugging his ear drums away from their complaints on how Rin seemed totally defenseless. And while Konekomaru and Isamu were trying to contact for help via cellphone, Rin sat next to Shuichiro as he made himself another mixed drink with sake.

"Hey, where's Yuki?" She whispered, noticing her sister was nowhere to be seen.

"I sent her to take care of some business with the moths," The elite exorcist grinned. "No worries. She knows what she's doing out there."

Rin nodded, taking the response the right way. However, her eyes scanned the area warily as her fellow classmates were talking about the situation, preparing themselves. She whispered. "Anima's after me like the last time, isn't she?"

"Nothing gets by you, eh, Rin?"

"I'm serious."

"There's a first," Shuichiro chuckled. "Like I said, don't worry. She won't be able to get in, so long as you stay on campgrounds." He took a shot of his drink, pulling back and looking at the dark sky. "But ya know, something's different about this second visit Anima's trying to give. It's as if she has something planned," He curled his knees until his ankles met in a criss-cross, smiling wistfully at his trainee. "In any case, I supposed that if she does somehow get to you, you would be safer with Kurikara." The redhead treaded his fingers to his stomach and murmured with hooded eyes. "~From here it descends, and to she it shall return~" Sliding out of his gut came the legendary sword, sheathed in its red silk. The teacher handed Rin the sword that kept her fame at bay. "Keep this with you for a while. But don't fight with it. Just have it on you and run like a bitch if you see Anima."

"B-But you said-"

"I know what I said, twerp, but think for a second; Up until after I met you, did you needed your sword to summon your flames?" Asked Shuichiro, noting the guilty look in Rin's eyes. "I saw the flames an hour ago."

"I-I was loosing control. . ."

"Yeah, but at the same time, you defended Moriyama, right?" The redhead twirled the demon sword on his wrist. "Look, I won't understand what shit you go through with these powers of yours. Hell, I nor anyone else will probably ever will. But what you need to remember is that those flames don't control you; you control them. They were given to you since the second you were born and they are meant to be used under your will," The senior exorcist shrugged. "Normally, I don't say stuff like this but if push comes to shove, you need to grow some balls and use your power," His eyes narrowed. "We're not talking about your everyday demon here. It's Anima, the Earth Queen. And if you're gonna fight her, then you're gonna need all the help you can get, demon or not."

"Shurchiro . . ." Swallowing down his words, Rin's fingers tenderly stroked the sleeve of the sword, an electric shiver running down her spine as she could almost feel blue fire lapping at her fingers, like a dog who was happy to see its master after a time of separation. Rin's skin crawled as her eyes flashed once, the deepest part of her mind whispering, "Yes, I am here. Now bow to me."

"M-Moriyama?"

In the whole state of confusion and worry, no one had even notice that Shieme was stumbling away from the group, her foot teetering herself out of the protective circle.

"Moriyama!"

Far too late for any of them to rescue her, Anima swooped down and grabbed the sick girl by her waist, hauling her on her hip. "That had to be the easiest thing I've ever done in my life."

"What did you do to her?!" Growled Shuichiro, sword held at the ready.

"Oh, you're so slow, you pathetic swordsman," Anima sneered dully. "When your precious students came in contact with the guardian of the forest, a little demon moth laid its eggs into her. It took a while but the eggs have hatched and the larva have already hatched and took over her nervous system. So now, this girl is mine!" She jumped back pranced into the trees. "Go, Behemoth!"

"Okumura!" Shuichiro swung his sword and blocked the crazed Hobgoblin away from the students. "Don't just stand there! Go after that bitch and get Moriyama! I'm right behind you!"

"R-Right!" Bolting into the situation, Rin kicked herself off the ground and raced after her half-sister with Kurikara strapped to her back. Ignoring the calls of her friends, she leaped over logs and crossed over thickest, eyes on the sky as Anima swung through the trees with her captive. "Damnit, get back here! What the Hell do you want with Shieme, anyway? She's no use to you!"

"Oh, but she's important to you, isn't she, imouto?" Taunted the green-haired witch, leaning back on a tree trunk with Shieme sitting on her shoulder like a pirate's parrot. "The first friend you ever made here, right? Well, if she means so much to you, then all the more reason to take her from you!"

"Give her back!" Rin screeched, scaling up the tree and making a swipe, a foot swung and clipping her jaw, the powerful assaulting sending her through trees. The tops of trees split and broke as Rin blew through them, some trees falling under the attack as Rin shouted in pain.

"Okumura!" Bon shouted after the scream was heard, making a break for the outside of the circle.

"You idiot! You can't leave the circle!' Shouted Isamu.

"He's right, Bon!" Shima grabbed the back of his old pal's shirt. "C-C'mon! We both know that Rin-chan is gonna be alright. You need to calm down."

"Calm down?" Bon snapped back at the staff-wielder, eyes in a molten and scalding fire. "Calm down?! Feed that bull-shit to the dogs! I told that idiot I wasn't going to let her die alone out there!" He rushed from the circle and ran into the trees, following the path of decapitated trees.

Shima groaned, smacking his forehead. "Why does love make people blind?! Couldn't it mess up their legs or something?!" With another groan, he went after the cursed temple child, a whimpering Konekomaru not too far behind.

"All three of you are idiots!" Isamu shouted after them, clenching his teeth in stress. "If you all die, I'll never forgive any of you!"

"Huh?" It was too quiet for Anima. In battle, she liked her opponents to make some noise. A growl or snarl in warning, a cry for battle, begging or whimpers for mercy. But right now, her little sister was quiet in the pile of rubble she laid in. With a frown, the queen floated to the ground and stepped over to Rin, the latter's form sprawled with newly formed bruises along her arms, legs, and face, a scratch or two here and there from the prickling pine trees.

"Yoo-hoo!" Anima kneeled over a bit, noticing that Rin's breathing was quiet and struggled. "Excuse me, but I believe we were in a battle to see who would gain ownership over your little friend here. C'mon, isn't she important to you? She was the first friend who didn't run away from you after you met, right?" She frowned. No response. "Get up, bratty imouto. You're making big sister very angry. And when big sister gets angry, it means big trouble for you, imouto."

Rin coughed once, propping her upper-body on her elbows. She lifted her head and glowered at Anima, blood dripping from the corner of her mouth and blue eyes dancing with simmering flames.

"Go to Hell."

Anima tsk'ed. "How rude. And after all the trouble I went through to bring the three of us together for a little "girl time"," She brandished her claws. "Ah well, since this girl truly isn't of any use to me, I suppose I can take one of her eyeballs. A cousin of ours has a great like for the occult, you know. And I'm sure a human body part will make him very happy."

"Don't!" The claws circled a listless, emerald-green eyes. "Leave her alone-!"

A flare rocketed through the air, nearly burning off Anima's fingers before she could finish her dirty work. Both daughters of Satan looked below the slope of debris, Rin gasping as Bon and his closest friends stood there, armed with their weapons and anything they could have on them for battle.

"Y-You guys. . ." Rin thought quickly, sitting up as best as she could with her limbs crying out in protest, wiping the blood that stained her chin. "Y-You shouldn't be here! Get the Hell outta here, right now!"

"No, you're the one who needs to get out of here, Okumura!" Bon bellowed.

"Please, Rin-san! Take Moriyama and get back to the camp!" Shouted Konekomaru.

"Yeah, we'll h-handle things from h-here!" Though he was probably shitting his pants, Shima held his staff for the battle.

Rin shook her head, fear overtaking her at every second. If it were just her, then taking down Anima would be a whole lot easier. But with her friends in danger and Shieme only a finger's touch away from her crazed sibling, it would take a lot more time and stealth to be careful.

The next second was a blunder, to be honest. A flare rocket had suddenly slipped from Konekomaru's grasp and it flew right over Anima's head, squarely hitting her precious horn and turning it into a stand-still mushroom explosion.

It only took Shima's snicker to set off the alarms. In the next split second, the pinkette was launched off his feet by a rapid kick, his back smashing into a hard oak.

"Shima!" Konekomura made a sprint to help him but Anima swung herself over and tapped his arm, the young boy screaming in agony as his arm twisted all around, the bone split with a sickening crack. The demented offspring of Satan growled and grabbed Bon around the neck, hissing as she lifted him effortlessly in the air with her dark blue eyes a lit in Hell's fire.

"You're next."

"Anima!" Rin screamed, staggering to her feet and pain shooting into her legs, her steps wobbled. "S-Stop! Don't you dare hurt him!"

"What?" Anima tilted her head at her sister, seeing the panic in her eyes. ""Don't you dare hurt him?". What in the world is this?" Her eyes didn't fail to hold their mischievous realization. "Oh! This is just too precious! Father's beloved princess has fallen in love with a weak human!" She spat, looking at Bon as she chocked him in the air, not caring as he gasped and tried to pry her hand away from his neck. "Well, well, I hate to break this romantic story of Romeo and Juliet, but I believe we arrived at the scene where Romeo gets dies!" She reared her claws back, aiming for a clean kill straight to through Bon's heart.

"STOP!" Rin screamed hoarsely, flying her sword into her grip, gulping. With her hands fully gripped around the cloaked-blade, her breath suddenly ran into a hysteric speed, the flames she imagined before feeling much stronger, striking the very core of her heart. Her friends' voices echoed in her mind, pulling her flames straight out of her veins.

"If you're going to take on Satan, then we'll be here to help you."

"I may not be all-too strong, but you know I'm not going to let a pretty girl like you get hurt, Rin-chan."

"We're here for you, Rin. So you won't be lonely anymore."

Bon shouted for air, blood spilling down the nape of his throat.

"I'll still say you're an idiot for thinking that you could do that on your own. You've got friends now. You're not alone any more, Rin!"

'They're right. . .' A hand flew to the head of the sword, caressing the silvery handguard before slipping it into her palm, molding into her hold. 'I. . . I have people who care about me now. People who don't care how I act, what I look like, or where I come from. Physically, we all look different. But on a level only we know. . . We're all the same. . . Which is why- which is why-!'

"Rin!" Running out of the trees, Yukiko panted as she stood near the battlefield, her coat and tights torn. "Don't pull out Kurikara! It's a trap!" She shouted, fearing her older sister's next move.

And so did that older sister pull her next move. With a heart-wrenching smile, she turned her sword, the scabbard snapping with a click of release.

"Yuki. . . I'm sorry. I-I know I'm looking like a real idiot right now but I . . . I-I just can't take it anymore," Droplets of salt-water fell to the earth, Rin barely able to comprehend that those droplets were tears raining from her eyes. "I-I tried so hard, holding back my secret from everyone, protecting them the best way that I can. B-But now . . . I've had enough. I'm tired of all these shitty secrets and people I care about getting hurt. I'm tired of lying right to my friend's faces. . . Now. . . Now it's time I do something good for once-!"

With a wild cry, she threw the sword out of its sheath and roared as her heart stopped to welcome the fire that raged through her blood. Demotic heritage took over her, a tremor nearly flooring her as the flames sprang from her skin, her tail lashing from her skirt and her fangs and claws sprouting out of her nails and gums, pointed ears enlarging. Blue flames raced across her skin and cloaked her in the attire of Hell's Eight Royals, the primal sense of instinct taking over her.

Anima gasped, dropping her two captives with a squeal. Konekomaru quickly did what he could to catch Shieme with his good arm. Bon landed on all fours, gasping and coughing as blood flew out of his mouth, the copper taste stinging. He looked up with labored breath, heart stopping at the fury of blue light standing a few feet away.

Another queen of Hell stood there. Her teeth and claws were barred like weapons, second to the cobalt-blue fire that ran across her skin like fur. Her hair was wild and flying everywhere, unsnapped from flimsy rubber hair ties, two flumes of fire making up the ram horns of demons of this country on top of her head. The fang of a demon in her hands, legendary and possessed only by rare masters, was howling for blood shed, thirsting to be soaked in the crimson liquid of life. In all of his life, despite how his hate for demons was strong and how dangerous this young woman looked, Bon could not take his eyes off her. She was the most beautiful creature he'd seen in his life. But with that beauty came the killer intent in her eyes. And that's when Bon saw it. What he couldn't see nor figure out since day one.

The queen of Hell before him was Rin. Rin Okumura, the girl who infuriated him like no other, who had a lot of bark with bite to match, a girl he would love and die for . . . Was the thing he hated the most in his life. She was a demon.

That full realization crushed his heart, a swell of betrayal filling his heart.

"I said this once, and I'll say it again, bitch," That was not the usual voice Rin had. That voice always hinted with mischievousness and pure-fun was gone, gone away with the voice of a pissed-off Royal. Rin stood, demon's fang braced with silver-metal gleaming in the night, glowering at her older sister. "Leave Shieme alone. Don't you dare hurt Bon. But most of all-" She sprinted forward, her blade narrowly slicing off Anima's braced arm as she glared at Anima's wild grin. "GO TO HELL!"

Launching the both of them back, Rin screamed and roared as she swung and parried her sword at her sister, dodging the swings of claws and round-house kicks, flames rising and falling as they battle in the sky, falling back to the earth and only to kick off the ground for another sky battle.

"R-Rin-san. . ." Konekomaru stuttered, the pain in his elbow almost gone from what he saw flying in the sky. "B-Bon, is she. . ."

"Her sword," Raspy and with blood pouring onto his shirt, Bon stood as he gazed at the battle commencing between the Earth Queen and Satan's second-to-last child. "It. . . It's Kurikara. . . That sword. . . I should've known. . . Okumura . . . " He clenched his fists, shouting into the sky of flames. "DAMN YOU, OKUMURA!"

With a wild cry of her own, Rin summersaulted into the air and threw her legs forward, striking Anima in the back and flying the both of them into the air, Anima screaming like a banshee as the curses flames washed over her, piecing her body like a million daggers. Twisting her torso around, Anima reached out and grabbed Rin by the tail. It was an instants state of pain, the numbing pain short-circuiting to Rin's nervous system. Rin yelled in pain and tumbled back, Anima at her throat as they flew into the trees.

"Honestly," Mephisto sighed, lounging in his flying easy chair as his sisters fought at tooth and nail. "A true gentleman or lady would know that their tail is their most venerable asset," He laid back with a sip of tea from a china cup. "You still have so much to learn, darling little demon princess. So much to learn, yet so little time. . ."

"And that . . . Should do it." With a huff, Yukiko squished the parasite in her bare hand, wiping the remains on the ground and easing the comatose Shieme to her back. "She should get better soon. But we're not out of the woods yet, no pun intended," She cursed under her breath as a tree a few feet away fell to the ground from the battling demons. "Damnit, where are you, Shuichiro?!"

"Missed me so much, Yuki-chan? Daw, I'm flattered," With a saunter in his walk, Shuichiro grinned lazily at the group, sword braced at his shoulder. "Yo. What I miss."

"You imbecile! Where have you been?!" Yukiko shouted, earning a scowl.

"Calm down! It's not like I was fuckin' around or anything!" He huffed. "In case you didn't remember, I had to take care of Anima's little pet! Look, we all gotta get out of here! This isn't something we can take down overnight. We need back-up!" He implored. Blue lights capture the corner of his eye, the swordsman whipping his head to see an explosion of blue fire ridding up at the trees, a deadly screech follow after it.

'And you wanted me to babysit that little monster? Damnit, Shiro, I told you to keep your shit to yourself!' Despite his thoughts, he grinned as a blast of hot air blew in his face, ruffling his hair. "Well, I guess that means that training is just gonna get even more exciting."

As Rin and Anima screamed and punched at each other, Mephisto mused to himself, his inner-demon lazily swishing it's tail in content.

"On one side of the path are demons, pleasure-seekers incapable of anything other than destruction. On the other side are humans with a vague morality and sense of weakness. . ." His eyes softly dropped half-mast, arms folded on his lap. "Both will bring you to great fortune and misery, my dear sister. You could be princess among demons, thousands of those of your kind willing to die for you, father's support and power at your fingertips. Or you could live a life as a normal girl, without a care in the world. Starting a life, falling in love, simply living." He chuckled around, crossing one leg over the other. "You're choices are so infinite, yet so scarce, little sister."

'Wh-What?' Anima flew back as Rin somehow chased after her with her sword at her neck, a millisecond of fear rushing through her. 'Th-This power! I-I haven't seen anything stronger besides. . . Besides. . . . FATHER'S!' She howled in pain when a flurry of fire was shot into her, blood wretched from inside her.

As soon as the blood landed on the demon fang, something in Rin's mind snapped. Whether it had been her sanity or humanity, it was able to place a crack at the base of Kurikara. Rin suddenly roared again, swinging the sword blindly as with tails of fire chasing after her, losing her own control.

"And I believe this is where I must intervene," Twirling his top hat off his head, Mephisto sat up and tapped the base like a magician. "Eins~! Zwei~! Drei~!" From out of the hat came a giant and oriented cuckoo clock, a giant bird flying from the double doors and snapping up the exhausted Anima in a flash. "Now then-!" A screech rippled through the air, a clean strike delivered and blowing the contraption to smithereens. The headmaster grunted and recoiled, gazing at what had become of his little sister.

Everything about her was damaged beyond repair. What was left of Rin Okumura was slowly slipping into madness, chaos, and blood-lust. Flames as might as his father's graced her china-doll-white skin, gums and fingers bleeding from the skin ripped by her fangs and claws. She looked so animalistic. So broken by insanity.

"Like father's one and only princess," Huffing, Mephisto glowered at the snarling fiend, her eyes rolled back with fire glazed over the sockets. "Honestly, you are quite the handful, little sister."

As best as they could, the two teachers lead their students out of the forest in a quick muff, all of them panting and nearly leaping a mile as a plume of fire shot off in the air, bright blue and wild.

"W-What's going on here?' Asked Shima.

"Th. . . Those blue flames. . . No. . . No!" Whimpered Konekomaru, eyes filled with fear as his worst nightmare came to life.

"No. . . How could I had let this happened?!" Chocked Yukiko, her hand to her mouth to ctahc her gasp.

"Damnit, you better not be crying on me, Yukiko," Shuichiro growled warningly. "Don't you dare."

"Rin. . ." Shieme whimpered, worried.

"Okumura. . . Rin. . ." Frustration boiled in Bon's blood. Every last bit of anger and humility within him wanted to be unleashed on Rin, with so many questions dancing in his head. And yet, he couldn't bring himself to not worry over Rin, wondering if she was alright.

Mephisto was getting bored. Though this was business and a brutal fight that was lasting way too long, it was going to get out of hand and very dreary if he didn't stop Rin from cracking Kurikara in half with her madness taking over her. And after all; All work and no play made Mephisto a dull demon.

"This is getting out of hand, little sister," He sighed, ducking as Rin made a wild jump to slice his head off. "If you keep this up, then Kurikara will be no more and I won't be able to defend your case if the Vatican arrive." He rolled his eyes as Rin made another attempt to kill him, only to blown back by a blown fuse of her sword. 'What a brat.'

Rin tumbled down a slope, her body rolling and rocking violently before she landed like a rag doll near her classmates and teachers. Her mind, overridden by the demon blood that coursed through her, was blind to the gasps and looks of horror on her faces, her eyes locking on them and only one word coming past her barred fangs.

"Kill. . . Kill!"

"Rin, stop!" Yukiko pleaded, her finger on the trigger of her gun as she and Shuichiro stood to protect the teens. In the deepest pits of her heart, she remembered her promise to Rin; to never pint her gun at her. But at that moment, the youngest Okumura sister was on the verge of panicking, the lives of her students and her sister on the line.

"Okumura. . . OKUMURA!" Bon suddenly raced past the lot of them, tackling Hell's princess to the ground and pinning her down by her wrists, cursing as Rin's large claws tried to break free to rip his eyeballs out of their sockets. Growling as the flames tried to eat him alive, her pinned her down harder and stared out at the twisted and demented face, huffing and only one thing coming to mind.

He dove down and pressed his lips fiercely to Rin's.

It wasn't how he wanted to have his first kiss, nor did he plan he would have it with his school rival-slash-sudden friend-slash- crush. But Bon would have been damned to Hell if he had no other idea how to bring the old Rin back.

And like one of the most powerful fuda sheet, the demon below him stilled, scream forced down his throat stopped and flames becoming no more. Little by little, Rin began to slow down in all movements, her flames vanishing into thin air and her deadly body parts shortened and turned back to normal. Bon pulled away, watching as Rin panted with exertion, opening her eyes weakly.

"B. . . Bo. . ." A sigh escaped her lips, her hand gently reaching and caressing his cheek. "Ruyji. . ."

Never in his life did Bon thought he would be happy to hear his first name.

"Blue flames . . . As blue as it was that night, yes?"

Everyone looked about, soon spotting a mane of light blonde hair gliding in the wind. It was a young man, a good few years older Shuichiro, garbed in the whitest linens with an important air around him, facial features refined and sophisticated.

"Screw me," Shuichiro groaned, slapping his forehead. "Awesome, another Boy Wonder."

"Good morning, young Exwires!" The man greeted with a charming smile. "Arthur Augustine Angel, senior first-rank exorcist of Vatican headquarters at your service!" He smiled.

"Does anyone know this guy?" Asked Isamu.

"He's the new Palladian, kid," With a grumble, Shuichiro added sickly-sweet. "Show some respect to the new dog."

"A pleasure to see you as well Shuichiro. I do hope we get along, seeing that I shall be your new supervisor," Anyone could see that he reveled in scorn Shuichiro shot at him but he tried what he could to not show a smirk. "Now, may I ask what is going on here? I believe you were supposed to be under guise, Shuichiro. About that little conspiracy?" His eyes dropped to Rin, noting with a roll of his eyes that Bon tightened his arms around the girl, her form slumped against him. "That. It seems to have got a lot to do with the problem, hm?"

Yukiko's finger locked dangerously on her trigger. How dare he called her sister "it'?!

"Is this little beast you have tied in with the case?" Asked the blonde, growing impatient. "I'm waiting, Shuichiro. Do not disobey your senior."

"Ohohoho! Abusing your power already, Angel?" Mephisto chuckled as he walked past the group and smile viciously at Angel, who in turn glared down at one of Satan's sons. "They do say that absolute power is absolute, but I'm afraid you're taking it too far, old friend."

"Mephisto." Angel sneered, his anger riding high when the leech of a man gave a gracious and welcoming bow.

"Welcome, Angel. I congratulate you for obtaining the rank of Palladian. A true honor worthy of yourself."

"Indeed. But I've already seen what I needed to, Mephisto," The Palladian glared. "You've revealed your tail. That type of penalty will surely be your downfall."

The headmaster chuckled back with a lax look. "A true gentleman never reveals his tail. Such accusations are quite rude, you know."

Angel chuckled back. "Indeed," He drew a giant scabbard from his back, placing it in front of him and whispering. "Caliburn, lend me your strength." In a whip of wind, he revealed the sword with a wide built and long neck, the sword looking ancient. "By the order of the Grigori, and as the supervisor of the Vatican-" He disappeared from the air and knocked Bon away, grabbing Rin by the front of her torn blouse and holding her unconscious body in the air, the tip of his sword at her throat." I shall execute the spawn of Satan!"

"Leave her alone!" Bon and Shuichiro shouted in unison, running to retrieve Rin. Angel released the girl to deflect the blunt attack of Shuichiro's sword. Bon made a run for Rin but was blocked by the cross of two swords, the young man cursing.

Shuichiro growled and turned around one way, freezing all together as Angel stood behind him, holding his sword to the Aria's neck. "Why do you want to protect it so much, Shuichiro? Are you in league with Mephisto?" He asked.

The wild boy growled. "Like Hell I am!"

"Fujimoto wanted you to teach that Hell-spawn swordsmanship," The blonde smirked knowingly. "Surely you don't wish to fulfill the dying wish of the most unfit Palladian in history." He sneered.

The younger exorcist's eyes shrunk with anger, a threat in his snarl. "Fujimoto was more of a Palladian than you'll ever be!"

Angel would have decapitated Shuichiro then, had not the blue tooth attached to his ear rang. Though ordered briefly, he grunted and pulled off Shuichiro. "That was the Grigori. Mephisto Pheles, you are to return with us there for questioning."

Mephisto did not give Angel the satisfaction of seeing a twitch on his cat-like smile. "Really? Oh goody, I can't wait!"

"Shuichiro, you are an eye-witness. You have to come too," He turned to Rin, ignoring Shuichiro's growl and glaring at the unconscious young girl. "We'll almost need the spawn of Satan. It's evidence." He walked over to her, grabbing her lifeless arm and hauling her up.

Yukiko stepped forward. "Please, allow me to come-"

"No, sensei," Mephisto refused, wagging his finger at Yukiko. "As a good teacher, you must take care of your class. All of them look so shaken after what's happened." He picked up the cracked demon sword and sheathed it, handing it to a protesting Yukiko. "Since Kurikara is damaged, Rin-chan's power can take control of her again. It seems that we cannot risk that," He flicked his wrist at her, a simple and curt farewell. "Now then, Angel. Shall we depart?"

Angel nodded and without warning, lifted Rin into the air and hung her on his shoulder like a sack of garbage. He looked over his shoulder, sighing at long silky blue hair and mysterious blue eyes sealed.

"Shame that its demon spawn. What I wouldn't give to see rare beauties such as this around here."

No one could hear the heart break Bon went through as they carried Rin away. To what could be her certain doom.

In the distance, dawn approached, a cold and lifeless day.

To Be Continued. . .

And I just went and gave you guys another cliff-hanger :P I know, I know! It's been forever! I'm not going to deny it. But like I said earlier, school's a bitch, and I can barely find myself doing anything now a days since I've been busy. *Huffs* However, seeing that I really DO want to finish this fic and how I hate to disappoint people, the show- err, story! Must go on! *Nods and smiles* So, please make sure to leave a review and keep an eye out for the next chapter! I promise this one will come in less than a week, I promise you all! So please, keep your eyes peeled for the next chapter and I hope to hear from you guys again real soon! Ta-ta!

This is me saying, Peace!