Staring up at the mountain that was partially covered in glops of decaying goop, and warring exorcists the Exwires gulped. Wrapping her newly grown wings around her shoulders Aurora inhaled shallowly trying to pin point exactly where Tatsuma was. "I think we need to split up. We can give assistance where it's needed that way." Spinning her to face him Ryuuji narrowed his eyes.
"Who said yew could be in charge?" Blinking her now black eyes she growled lifting him off the ground by his shirt.
"I out rank you, I could crush you, and I'm a girl." Stepping back when his feet touched the ground again the two tone haired boy nodded.
"R-right." Looking away he rubbed the back of his head. "Man I didn't know she could be that scary…" Ignoring him she marched into the surrounding shrubs having finally sorted through all the smells wafting down the mountain until the high priest's blood was traceable. "Hey don't ignore me!" Finally seeing what had the snowy haired female so focused Bon gasped running towards the crumpled form of his father. "Pops!" The priest coughed causing more blood to dribble down his front.
"I-I'm fine. Ryuuji why are you children here?" Spotting Rin, Tatsuma pushed himself up with the help of his son. "Okumura-kun did you come here after reading my letter?" A little flaming phoenix demon appeared beside his head.
"You shouldn't move yet Tatsuma." Deciding to scout the area with her senses Aurora turned half an ear to the conversation staring up at the slowly growing Impure King. To kill it they'd have to take out the Sporangium but that would take a lot of work, and they had to be fast. If it ruptured beforehand Rin wouldn't be able to reach its heart, and thousands would die from the toxic spores released into the air. Sighing she turned back to the others.
"Okumura-kun I want you to use that Koumaken to burn its heart." Fidgeting with the scabbard in his hands the half demon rubbed the back of his head.
"I can't really unsheathe the sword right now, I don't really get it myself but apparently it's a psychological problem." Smacking her forehead Aurora groaned.
"If you don't figure it out, I'll make it a physical problem soon." Yelping the bluenette scurried away knowing that particular look in her eyes never ended well for him, even if the color had changed to an ebony pool of shifting darkness. Wincing Tatsuma tried to get up only to tumble to the ground.
"I must perform the Kekkai, it may not do anything but slow the Impure King down but it's still something." The little orange phoenix hovering over his shoulder sighed shaking its head.
"You've lost too much blood; you're only a hair's breath away from death." Floating over towards Bon the little demon continued. "The Gouhaen can be transferred between blood relatives."
"No! I won't allow my son to be dragged into this; I swore this would end with my generation." Narrowing his eyes Bon slowly came to an understanding, his father had wanted to protect everyone, that's why he was so distant.
"I won't let you bare this alone anymore." Resigning to the fact Ryuuji wouldn't give up the priest nodded as the new contract was sealed before teaching his son the barrier technique. Shutting her eyes when Bon was engulfed in red flames the demoness staggered feeling the draining effects of using the last of her energy, she wouldn't last much longer as it was. Leaning against a tree while the two tone haired teen issued orders to everyone she gathered the last of her youki planning on holding out as long as possible. The last bit stored inside her charm would slowly drain until nothing was left. Then she'd collapse into a hibernation like sleep that could last a couple days or a few weeks. "Moriyama-san you and Kamiki stay here with Pops, Shima and Koneko go inform Kirigakure-sensei of what's happened, I have to find a way to get closer to that thing." Miwa jolted.
"Bon that's crazy!" Sighing the pinkette had to agree.
"Normally I keep my mouth shut but he's right that's insane." Smiling Rin patted both boys on the back.
"Don't worry I got this. I may not be able to use my sword but my flames still work a little. So trust me?" Gritting his teeth the little aria-in-training took off towards where the exorcists had gathered, a nearly crying Shima following behind him.
"Pops don't die on me, okay?" Standing the dragoon-in-training dashed out of the clearing. "Come on ya blue monkey!" Blinking Rin uttered a small cry of offense before sprinting after him. Calling Nii-chan form her pocket the blond got right to work healing Tatsuma, as Izumo summoned her familiars to her side.
"Shiemi once Tatsuma is ready for travel tell me, I'll take him back to the inn, hopefully you two can stay safe without me." After getting the okay from the blond Aurora situated the head priest on her back before dashing down the mountain, skidding around corners she nearly missed a step when her vision blacked out for a moment. Coughing the man shifted gaining her attention.
"You shouldn't waste what little energy you have on taking me home, Mizuka-san." Biting her lip she pressed on.
"I'm not doing it for you; Bon shouldn't have to know the pain of losing a parent. Peach Fuzz may act tough but he would be crushed if you died." Switching to the roof tops she had to concentrate to make sure she hit every one of her landings, one miss and they both fell.
"The twins would be crushed if you died as well." Giving a humorless chuckle the demoness slowed down as her legs began to tremble. Dammit, why had she let herself get this weak? She was supposed to be independent and here she was, stumbling and tripping. She was pathetic.
"I've always been a thorn in Yu's side and Sparky would grieve me but…" Ducking into the front of the inn she sighed setting Tatsuma on the bench. "Oi he needs help!" Hearing running footsteps she exited the building, unwrapping her wings and lurching into the air she planned to give Mephisto a piece of her mind for not helping. Or more for letting the situation get this far out of hand, zeroing in on his floating couch a safe distance away from the battle that was raging she beat her wings harder to gain altitude in the winds that howled around her. Perching on one of the chair's arms she scowled feeling her tail puff up in irritation. Dabbing his nose with a tissue the purple haired demon king tossed it into the hovering panda trashcan nearby.
"Well if it isn't my favorite student. To what do I owe this pleasure?" Hissing the teal haired girl slid off the arm stomping along the couch to stand above him.
"You're the king of time, yet a middle class possessed human broke into your vault and stole the Impure King's eye. That comes off as a little funny to me, Samael." A Cheshire grin spread across his face before he winked.
"Oh yes that is odd isn't it? What do you intend to do about this?" Giving a good thrash with her tail the demoness sighed.
"Nothing. Even if I wanted to my power is almost gone. Rin is your little brother, and I understand what you're doing. I just wish you could've found an easier way that didn't involve so many people." Taping his chin the demon smirked.
"This is but a single city; there are billions of humans left. Surely they will not miss this small of a number." Crossing her arms a low rumble had the demon king sitting up straighter. "You are becoming such a stunning demoness, tis a shame Okumura-kun has wasted you."
"Cut the shit, as long as Rin and Yukio remain unharmed I won't get in your way. But if even one hair on either of their heads is hurt, your mate will be notified of what you've been keeping from her." The green eyed demon paled.
"You'd truly do that?" The snowy haired girl shrugged. He clapped his hands together. "How wonderful, I really have taught you well. Using blackmail, how deceitful."
"You wanted a demon so you got a demon." Mephisto had always told her, her humanity would be her downfall, but was he really ready to face the demon he had helped create?
"You certainly have matured since stumbling into my office as a chubby little girl. How easily innocence is lost~!" Sensing a familiar youki surge form below the Hanyou growled driving off of the couch. Watching her go Mephisto laughed. "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become one. Because when you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you." Snapping his fingers he floated lower watching his student plunge head first into the trees. "Oh Aurora you have already chosen your path, but what will my youngest brothers decide? To live as mortals or accept their place as the princes of Gehenna?"
Snapping her wings out at the last second the icy eyed Hanyou slowed her descent just enough to land safely several feet behind Yukio who was partially engulfed in blue flames. Staring in horror at his hands the 1st class exorcist shook. "Wh-what's happening to me? My visions gone blue…" Eyes widening Aurora blindsided the 15 year old knocking him out of the way as a blast of red fire exploded where he had been standing. Laughing a much younger version of Saburoto Todou stood before them half malformed into a demon.
"I knew you were interesting but to think you also inherited the flames of Satan. Extraordinary!" Growling low the white haired girl unsheathed her knife, quickly transforming it into a sword. Stepping between the two males the second class exorcist crouched.
"Yukio get your head together." Snapping out of whatever stupor he'd fallen into the younger twin forced himself to his feet gripping his gun tighter then needed.
"Don't you think it's unfair that your brother gets special treatment when you're the same?" Reloading his guns the dragoon nodded aiming just over his partner's shoulder.
"I will admit that I both love and hate my brother, but what I hate most is that I've had to rely on someone else to protect him like I should have." Firing off a round he frowned wondering how even without his glasses he was able to see perfectly. "Aurora, distract him." Giving a quick jerk of her head the Hanyou jumped away following after the possessed exorcist. Swinging her sword she smiled as blood sprayed signaling she had at least wounded him. Looking up she hissed watching the hand grow back perfectly. Snarling she angled herself better, planning on pushing Todou back to the center of Yukio's summoning circle. Giving an extra burst of strength in her leap she shoved her sword through the traitor's chest sliding to a stop inside the magic circle. Feeling the power activate she hopped beside Yukio holding both her hands out to add more water youki to the barrier.
Flailing Todou screamed knowing his regenerative powers were slowed. A K'rik spread the man through his head, soon after he disintegrated. Legs giving out the demoness collapsed to the ground, that was her limit one more attack and she was as good as gone. Or rather she would be unconscious until her youki replenished itself which could take 3 or 4 days. A sudden quake had all the exorcists in the clearing stumbling about.
"The Sporangium ruptured! We're too late." Glaring up at the massive true form of the Impure King Aurora hissed trying to locate Rin's youki. Sensing it in the very middle of the mass of decaying flesh she surged to her feet. Glancing around for Yukio she wobbled over scooping his cracked glasses up on the way. Shoving them into his hands she sighed when he jumped light blue eyes darting everywhere in a panic. Patting his cheek to get him to focus on her she gave a tired smile.
"It's fine Yu. You're back to normal. You can freak out later but now you need to help everyone get away from that thing." Pointing over her shoulder she continued even as her world swam. "Rin is in the middle of that thing, I'm gonna go get him okay?" Quickly composing his self the student-teacher nodded wiping his glasses off before sliding them on his face. "Shura and Furfur are a little further up the mountain. Regroup with everyone there after you beat Todou. The spores won't spread far because of the rain, but they may still reach the exorcists." Flicking water out of her eyes the white haired girl spun away.
"H-hey where are you going?" Catching her sleeve Yukio pulled her to a stop noticing for the first time that her concealment necklace was gone not stashed in her pocket like it had been last time. "What did you do Aurora?" Knocking him away with her tail she grinned over her shoulder.
"Even now you don't trust me?" Spreading her wings she waved before disappearing into the night sky.
"No I didn't mean it like that!" Snarling under his breath he ground his teeth together cutting his lip on his canines. Unloading a clip the into half regenerated possessed man the dragoon leapt out of the way as a fire ball whizzed past his head. "Dammit stay dead!" Blue eyes glowing with internal fire the 15 year old pressed on.
Holding Izumo and Shiemi closer to his chest Furfur cleared the last trees separating them from the rest of the exorcists. He didn't really see how both females could get stuck in the only portion of the Impure King that was near them. Landing beside Shura the deer demon eased both girls to the ground. "Are you alright ladies? The first time can be rough." Blushing the girls nodded. Huffing Shima and Konekomaru tumbled through the underbrush.
"You gotta be kiddin me! We fought our way here and the girls get a free ride. That sucks!" Spotting pink hair out of the corner of his eye Yaozou, turned toward his youngest son.
"Renzo what are you doing here?" Rubbing the back of his head the pinkette laughed.
"Following Bon's lead like usual." Finally catching his breath Miwa straightened staring with pleading eyes to the adults.
"Please you have to save them; Bon and Okumura are still inside the barrier." Eyes widening the red headed exorcist looked up at the monster the Impure King had turned into. Ducking her head she stepped forward only for an arm to wrap around her middle and pull her back.
"What the hell do ya think yer doing? Let go!" Smiling Furfur nuzzled her neck calming her instantly.
"I'm sorry, lady Shura. I cannot let you go somewhere so dangerous." Covering her lips with a finger when she started to protest he hummed. "Aurora-sama is all the young Prince needs. He will protect her, and everyone. Allow me to go in your place."
Following the beam of light that was shooting up from the ground Aurora dove for the two teens that where quickly becoming over whelmed by the advancing rotting goop. Slicing through a formation behind Bon she growled warning off any others that thought of attacking from behind. "Aurora what are you doin' here?!" Body shaking she dropped to her knees barely fending off the piles of flesh that crept closer.
"I couldn't let you guys have all the fun." Running over Rin tried to pull the demoness back to her feet only for them to give way. Patting his hands away she smiled. "Its fine Rin, worry about defending Bon." Growling he whacked a blob that slithered to close.
"The hell it is! What're you doing here? It's dangerous!" Hissing at him she stabbed the glop forcing it back.
"You think I don't know that? You two knuckle heads have no idea." Flicking his tail the bluenette jumped away to bash a growing mound before landing beside her.
"That's the reason you shouldn't be here. Go back to that damn deer or Yukio." Hopping farther away he waited for her response swinging his still sheathed sword. Seeing a larger than normal surge coming she gathered a tiny bit of Youki into her sword sending a wave out to stop it. Pupils dilating she paled, she couldn't move her body! Frantically searching for Rin she mentally swore, he was too far away to save Ryuuji. Not getting the response he was waiting for the blue haired Hanyou glanced over his shoulder just in time to see Aurora and Bon nearly disappear behind a tower of decaying flesh. Watching the white haired demoness his world stopped, she wasn't supposed to be in danger, ever. Racing over he forced his senses out hoping to find ever the smallest clue as to where she was.
"Where is she?" Having been saved at the last second by Karura the 16 year old panted, looking left and right for his teal haired girlfriend. Blue flames jumping from his skin the half demon snarled, tugging on Kurikara. Even after all he'd been through he still couldn't unsheathe the sword. He didn't have time for this, he had to protect Aurora. He had to keep her safe, he loved her dammit! And he was gonna use his power to prove he did with everything he had. Roaring he pulled the blade free sending a blast of flames towards the spot where her youki was quickly vanishing form. The flesh around the demoness burnt to a crisp Aurora sagged as Rin lifted her into his arms. Gently placing her beside Bon the Prince smiled smoothing her hair out of her face.
"Tomorrow let's go to the Kyoto tower! That way we can have pictures together." Glancing at the brunette from the corner of his eye he patted her head. "That's why everyone has to be safe." Blinking at the boy in front of him Bon sighed.
"Leave it to you, Okumura, to be completely normal at a time like this." Laughing he looked up. "It's okay; I guess I have to support you no matter what. You are my friend after all." Nodding Rin turned back to the Impure King unleashing a giant wave of flames before rocketing away. Sensing movement from behind her the demoness turned her head slightly knowing she couldn't move her body. Locking eyes with golden orbs she gave a sigh of relief. Furfur could protect Bon while she was unable, just long enough to get sensation and movement back. Letting her head flop back towards Rin she gave a larger than normal exhale, all the boy needed was faith in himself. Maybe she had babied him a little too much. Her eyes traced his outline as the images greyed. She was fading fast; Aurora just hoped she stayed conscious long enough to make sure Rin would be okay. Feeling Ryuuji shift behind her the icy eyed girl hissed drawing the Earl's attention.
Catching the boy before he could fall face first to the ground Furfur eased him down, never taking his eyes off the Prince as the bluenette realized there was too much decay to destroy on his own. "Shit!" Jumping back when Ucchusma appeared before him Rin blinked. "Are you a demon?" Gazing down at the boy the giant flaming bird youkai sighed.
"We have been given many names over the centuries; all you need to know is that the Impure King has been my sworn enemy for a long time. If you wish to defeat him I will help you control your flames." Arms hanging limply at his side the blue eyed half demon gulped.
"I don't really understand … but please help me."
"Very well." A blinding flash made everyone turn their heads away as the fire god possessed Kurikara. "You must repeat the sutra as I say it. Your flames will burn and purify everything on this mountain." Shielding his eyes with an arm the teen peeked at his sword.
"What about all the people still nearby?" Ucchusma turned around staring at the boy before shaking his miniaturized head.
"That's a trivial matter." Seeing a surge of goop headed for him Rin jumped out of the way.
'Dammit I have to do this without hurting anyone. I know I've controlled my flames before but can I do it now?' Shaking his head he dashed forward jumping over an oncoming attack. 'I have to; Rory's life is on the line here and everybody else's. It's time to stop second guessing myself and become something that my old man would be proud of.' Hardening his resolve the boy stopped moving.
"Alright whenever you're ready." The words came to his mind and he automatically began chanting as blue fire swirled around his sword gathering into a sphere in front of it. Trusting his instincts he fired when he felt the time was right, slowly the Impure King burned away.
"What are you doing? You have to put more energy in it your flames or the enemy will survive!"
"But if I do…" 'The flames will consume me like last time. What if I hurt someone?' A sudden image flashed behind his blazing eyes, Aurora's pale face as she pulled her necklace off silvery eyes brimming with tears.
"That means I'm a monster too. Don't you see to me you could never be dangerous? You're Rin and you always will be." She was right being a demon didn't make him a monster, what he chose to do could, and right now he chose to save everyone. Growling he forced more Youki into the attack, they were his flames and they'd do what he wanted them to. He wouldn't be scared of anymore. The fire pulsed out covering the whole mountain, purifying everything it touched.
Floating around Rin as he panted on the ground Ucchusma nodded. "The Impure King is gone." Cocking his head to the side he frowned. "I wonder which one you are, human or demon." Vanishing into thin air the fire god chuckled. "One day you will have to decide." Breathing deeply Rin took in the morning sun nearly jumping out of his skin when a clawed hand landed on his shoulder. Looking into Aurora's dull smiling eyes he laughed sweeping her into his arms before spinning around.
"Did you see Rory? I controlled my flames!" Leaning heavily on him when he put her down the girl nodded, waiting for the world to stop spinning. She could barely feel her body, but now that Rin had pulled a Rin on her she couldn't stay up right. Sliding down to the ground she sighed. Any second now she expected the world to finally fade away so she could sleep for at least a week or two.
"Bon! Okumura! Mizuka-Senpai!" Tilting her head back the demoness watched as the others surrounded them. Gripping Rin's cloak she pulled herself up, yelping when Bon stopped beside her hair in his face. Cracking a small smile, as it was all she could manage; she lifted a trembling hand to push his hair up.
"Can you see?" Narrowing his eyes the brunette huffed. Letting his fringe fall back down she tittered as her hearing faltered. Having been talking to the teal haired girl Rin waved a hand in front of her face spooking her into awareness again.
"Are you okay?" Shaking her head she blinked seeing a flicker of red flames behind Yukio as he stomped towards them. Paling she darted forward knocking the younger twin out of the way as a clawed hand struck. Gasping a line of blood dribbled down her chin, hissing she pushed Todou back as he smirked.
"What a selfless act for a demon. Now we're even." Eyes widening almost inhumanly possible Rin dropped Kurikara, running to Aurora's side. Falling to his knees he pulled her into his lap trying to cover the hole in her chest ignoring the black blood that gushed from the wound, coating his front as much as it did hers. Pushing himself off the ground Yukio fired a whole clip aiming at the possessed man's head as he disappeared. "Did I finally hit a nerve Okumura-kun?" Staring up with unseeing eyes Aurora felt Rin's chest vibrate with a low growl.
"I-I'll kill that bastard…" Wincing she barely made out his burning red pupils as they flickered between his normal oval feline orbs to the jagged circles of a raging demon. Pulling in a shuddering breath she broke his attention away from his demonic thoughts of revenge. "Rory?" Covering his hands with her own she grinned, her near black blood standing out as it coated her teeth.
"I-I'm so s-sorry, Rin. I-I don't…" A violent cough interrupted her as blood filled her lungs. "I d-don't think I-I can keep m-my promise…" Giving a shallow exhale the last of her energy faded. Panicking Rin patted her cheek.
"Rory?" Giving her a light shake he whimpered, voice raising a few pitches. "Don't you do that, don't you leave me." Wrapping his tail around hers he pulled opposite colored appendages between them. "Come on you're gonna be fine." Bending down he nipped the point of her ear nudging her check. "Please." A tear dripped down his cheek as more clouded his vision. "Please, you have to open your eyes." Burying his nose in her neck he cried, silent whole body sobs. "I didn't get to say I'm in love with you, so you can't be gone."
I think I'll just stop right there for now~! Oh I love anguish its so fun. This is honestly the closet I've come to crying while typing.
Read, Review, rant cuz I'm evil. What every makes you feel better.
Revised 1/15/17