Chapter 36
Rin awoke with a start and gasped for air as she sat up and shuddered as the fresh substance entered her lungs and delivered a reprieve. A reprieve she hadn't even known she'd needed until the air rushed her. Her head throbbed as she swivelled it around and took in her surroundings; there were none and she quickly realized she was no longer at the agency. A thought that both filled her with as much dread as it did joy. It was dark and rather she wasn't anywhere at all or more so anywhere in the physical world. She didn't take on a wraith like presence or look simply because she was locked up deep in her mind as far as she could tell. How she got there she couldn't remember, maybe she was sleeping: a very deep trance like sleep.
It was dark, exceptionally so, but the cracks of light that spider webbed the darkness allowed some light to shine through. The cracks were all slivers into bits of her memories and as much as she'd love to indulge herself in exploring each one she assumed that would take too much time. Rin also doubted she'd be able to wake up if she did...anytime soon at least. There was no sure way to know if she was spending more time in here than was passing in the outside world. Likewise, the situation would be in reverse. The ground was solid this time around and it wasn't until she realized this that she was very thankful for it.
"You're here aren't you?" Rin called out as she sensed a nearby presence. She didn't receive a response. Which was typical of who she was expecting it to be. "I know you're here so we might as well talk," she called out again only to have more silence follow. Rin waited patiently in the grotesque silence of her mind, she knew what confrontation was to come. Just as she'd predicted after a few seconds her calls were met by the light sound of a landing off in the distance and approaching footsteps that sounded non too kind and just as unpleased. She knew exactly who was coming to speak with her; there was only one possibility after all.
"What are you doing here?" Rin's other self asked accusingly as if Rin had overstepped some boundaries by being here.
"Trust me, I'd like to know too," Rin replied with just as much attitude. "It's so barren in here." And it really was. Rin hated to admit it but she almost longed for an active memory to traumatize her. Her other self scoffed sarcastically and shot her a glare.
"Because you and I are the only two left here," her other self said. The reply caused Rin to pause for a second and contemplate just what that could mean. She didn't want to ask and yet, out of habit, did anyway.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean," her other self groaned. "We got rid of everyone else in here the same instant we escaped Rin. It was necessary so that we could get out." Rin looked around, exasperated.
"You mean…you and me-"
"We had many alliances before Rin," her other self laughed. Her eyes glared a deathly and sinister sanguine, the same color as bloodshed. Oddly enough, her eyes weren't a blinding neon. Rin watched as her other self tossed hair away from her face. It was odd; her hair was a lot longer than Rin's was. She also wore thick black and rocked the color better than Rin herself ever could. No longer was the mirror image of herself, not up here.
"Honestly, you're the only version of me that I ever took a liking to."
"You and I . . ." Rin's voice trailed as she began to grasp the truth her other self was telling her. She had no reason to lie anyway, not here. As gears began working Rin felt faint, like her legs would give away any second. Suddenly a chair materialized and her other self offered her a seat. Rin gladly obliged.
"Yes Rin," her other self started. "You and I killed off every other version of us there ever was to be. A battle that should've took ages transformed into a short, almost nonexistent battle when we worked together. Quite the achievement actually. We would keep to ourselves and train daily to get stronger and stronger until no others could take us on. I showed you what you needed and you in turn did the same for me. We had our own mental practice ground, just you and I." Rin felt sick. Perturbed to her very core. Her hands were stained in so much blood...and she couldn't even remember. Her other self for once flashed a smile in Rin's direction and it was then that Rin saw through her.
Her other self was so young, but those eyes...were old. As if they'd seen a million things, and experienced even worse. Eyes that both regretted everything and nothing. They were balanced, and it was only then that Rin really witnessed them. There was as much joy in them as there was pain: as much contentment as there was misery. She saw the bitter hate and the sweet love. The good and the bad. Then she blinked and again was the shroud over her eyes.
"Don't make that face Rin," her other self said kindly and laughed softly which surprised Rin on more levels than one. "We did it for a better life, for our greater good. You and I teamed up with our combined power in a phase shift and dealt with every last one of us in here. Now it's just you and I Rin, no phase shift can undo what we've done."
"Phase shift?" Rin repeated. Her other self sighed as she surveyed with the ends of her hair.
"Think of it as you and I switching places completely. We swap and I take all my memories and likewise experiences with me leaving you to be born in my place."
"'You know exactly who you are. You already have all the answers you need. It's just a matter of seeing them being presented to you.'" Rin recalled. Her other self nodded and suddenly Rin rose from her seat and snapped her fingers.
"That's why I have amnesia!" However her other self just rolled her eyes and yawned, instantaneously uninterested. Rin began to pace back and forth.
"I thought I'd already explained that to you a while back?" her other self clarified.
"But I don't remember a thing. Shouldn't I at least remember a few things?" Rin asked. Her other self shook her head.
"It was part of our deal," her other self clarified. "You convinced me that starting over could be better: would be better for both of us...and I believed you. So we made a pact and we did or rather were until you began this almost straightaway yearning to know who you once were."
Rin stopped mid pace to piece bits of the overwhelming puzzle together.
"I...did this to myself?" Rin spoke, her words echoing off nonexistent walls.
"Those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it Rin," her other self whispered solemnly. "And here we are again," her other self sighed as she gestured to their very surroundings.
"Give me back my memories then," Rin suggested. Her other self took a seat in the chair Rin no longer occupied. She made no sound as she sat.
"I can't and won't," she vowed. "I promised I wouldn't unless needed. So we can keep that glint in your eyes, your faith in the world and humanity. So that you can feel emotions like love and joy and happiness."
"If I don't know how to be different than I was how can that stop everything from happening again?"
"We've always been special Rin and if I stop fighting you, you could easily have all my memories. You begged me not to so no matter what I won't unless it's an emergency."
"Can't you just tell me? For both our sakes?" But her other self only hung her head, beautiful golden locks fell around her face, shadowing it until she looked up.
"I'm dead inside with these memories of mine Rin. Trust me, these aren't memories you want back." Rin however, only sighed in slight annoyance.
"Yeah well, it seems being dead inside runs in the family," she spoke bitterly. Her annoyance developing into anger.
"Rin, if you see things that can't ever be unseen they will forever change the way you look at things if significant enough. Some of the things I've seen I would prefer to forget. All these conflicting emotions and bitter responsibilities, it takes a toll on a person. I suppose everything does in its way. Time fades and breaks everything eventually, Rin. It's a cruel mistress and none escape."
"I understand that!" Rin interrupted with a shout. "I'm prepared for it! Please, all I want are the answers I'm long overdue." Even then, her other self sat there.
"Rin..."
"Can't you at least tell me something," Rin pleaded. She walked over and placed a soft hand on her other self's shoulder. "We're stuck here aren't we...?" Rin whispered. "It'll be an eternity in here unless we chat or something. I'm in here with you for a reason and you really don't hate me as much as you portray you do."
It was silent for a long while before Rin's other self rose from her seat.
"Fine," she agreed. "But telling a story doesn't form the thoughts as well as seeing it yourself for you Rin. You're me, so I know. We're not as creative and imaginative as we'd like to be." She ended with a sly smile. It was then that Rin took the offered hand of her other self without hesitation. "I'm going to share with you the tale of a particular young man that once, a time ago was one of the most stunning young men you'd ever meet."
A second earlier Rin had been standing in the purgatory of her mind, the next she was being blinded and tugged through into a memory that belonged to her and yet also didn't. She was momentarily blinded and as her feet touched wet, grassy ground. Then her eyes adjusted. The scene they stepped through into was rather bleak. The sky was dark and relentless in that regard. The rain too whipped down at them to soak their clothes through and through. Rin shivered and in the thin dress she wore, she found herself longing for Vocalo High's uniform jackets. She couldn't tell how far back in time she'd gone but she knew nothing here was of the present world. Ladies were clothed in fine silks and fancy embroidered dresses while men were clad in fashionable top hats, bowler hats and suits despite the rain. If anything they couldn't look happier huddled under their umbrellas and sitting in coaches latched up to stunning horses. Hundreds of people were gathered and a chorus of applause filled the air, almost drowning out the violent rain.
It seemed like a lovely ceremony of some kind as a stocky man with dark hair addressed the people from a rather makeshift podium. It was only then that Rin's eyes settled on what was behind the man and she gagged instantly. Her eyes darted back to the crowd in sheer horror. Something so gruesome stood in the plaza and yet they clapped and cheered happily? Some people even walked past the plaza with smirks on their faces as they passed, tipping their hats and showing slight actions of acknowledgement as if the man speaking had done them a service.
Rin couldn't fathom why and she glanced at her other self hoping to discover the same expression of horror but her face was straight, her mouth flat, and if she was disturbed by what stood as a sick monument in this plaza it did not show on her face as beads of rain dripped down it.
Before Rin hung a couple on slick black crosses: both their bodies badly mangled and disfigured. Their bodies showed visible signs of burns and sealed stumps where limbs had been cut off. The man Rin knew used to be handsome, that much was evident: very much so. Now he hung lifeless, the same horrific word 'abomination' carved into his very skin repeatedly. He had visible whipping marks deep in his flesh and the left side of his face was horribly dismembered. So cut and beaten that it seemed to be missing. The woman who seemed so young that hung next to the man was especially mutilated. Blood and dirt and scorched skin caked her, not a single bit of her body was without bruises and she was stripped to the point of nakedness. Her jaw was missing, leaving only the bloody and hanging flesh of the rest of her face. Her hair was tattered and cut to expose her face: Rin however could tell that it used to be long. A gorgeously long tress of fragrant, flamboyant pink. When Rin's eyes fell upon her stomach tears spilled down her cheeks and yet at the same time she fought back the urge to throw-up.
The woman's stomach had been mercilessly torn open and cleaned out, her entrails and insides nonexistent. Carved in her flesh was a simple sentence. "We have rooted out the evil, there is no child." The fact that they even thought to do such horrible things to a child made Rin sick. Repulsed and nauseated to her very core. The couple hung on crosses that were entombed in a slab of stone with a single inscription. "Here hangs Marise and Ubel VY2, living proof that humankind can destroy evil with the power of a Seer."
Rin's throat tightened then. She couldn't breathe, couldn't fathom any of her surroundings: all of a sudden they didn't exist to her. No, she only saw a boy, a single child no older than the ages of five or seven in a hooded outfit. A harsh wind blew off his hood and it was then that Rin saw his face. He possessed the same flaming pink hair as his mother and his father's features lived on in such a young face. The expression on his face as he gazed up was one Rin couldn't explain. There was too much agony, so many negative and painful emotions that she couldn't begin to describe them all. As if someone had struck him blind and left him to stagger.
He continued to stare as tears slowly trailed down his soft cheeks and Rin's heart broke when he stumbled forward and reached out. It was then that an older man possessing the same hooded figure and pink hair jerked him back towards him and lifted him into his arms, burying the child's head tight against his chest.
"For Lucifer's sake don't look..." the man whispered. "Don't look, Yuma..." But the applause only continued.
It was then that the memory broke and shifted suddenly. It shuddered and cleared as simply as a simple pan-slide with just as much bluring. Rin couldn't shake off what she'd just seen. She felt as if she'd been kicked and kicked hard. Like someone had gutted the very essence that made her. Her body still refused to take in air as she adjusted to the next memory. Rin couldn't stop thinking about what she'd just seen. Anger was the next emotion that hit her mercilessly and stung like hot iron. The fact that they didn't even receive a proper funeral enraged her.
When she managed to tear her focus away from the previous scene to witness the one she was in currently Rin's anger simmered a bit. The scene was full of vigorous action where a young boy Rin immediately recognized as Yuma delivered strikes skillfully with a wooden sword to an older man with greying pink hair that blocked his strikes effortlessly and with just as much grace: even in his age.
"Was that supposed to be a hit?" The older man asked politely. "That was worthless!" he suddenly shouted. "Again!" And Yuma instantly swung harder with seemingly all the strength he could muster. The older man parried his blow, easily knocking Yuma's sword aside. He leaped backwards to avoid the man's next swipe. "You're as weak as your attack! Again!" So Yuma swung again, once, twice, thrice, but still he didn't strike the older man while the older man himself got several strikes in that Yuma had difficulty blocking. "Again! Who are you planning to beat with such a futile hit and an even worse effort?"
Rin could see the evident tiredness and fatigue in Yuma's young face. He was a bit older but no older than ten. She heard his heavy breathing and could see the sweat roll off him in droplets. Still, for all his effort the older man smoothly blocked his moves and no such hardships like Yuma's showed on his face, nor did he breathe heavily. Rin noticed how Yuma's stance had shifted and though he attacked he was cautious and left no openings. He was still so young and that fact shocked Rin. Something that should take years of practice he knew skillfully already. The only reason he was getting hit was because the older man was more skilled than he and patiently detected subtle flaws in his movements. However that did not mean Yuma couldn't win. Unlike most with a sword, Yuma did not smash and swing it about like a blunt object. No, he twirled and fought with his wooden blade as simply as the extension of his own arm and no less.
"You won't take down anyone with such halfhearted moves boy!" The old man screamed. On his next move Yuma yelled as he spun with his blade. It cut through the air with such speed and swiftness that the wind of it alone was capable of cutting Rin's cheek. All she witnessed was the sudden explosion of wooden splinters as his sword shattered to pieces. There was a second's lapse of concentration as Yuma witnessed his weapon combust. It was that split second where the older man swept his sheathed sword at Yuma's legs which caused him to slam to the ground hard. The old man in the same motion brought the blade to his throat and pressed it lightly into his throat before he could get up.
"Dead," the man proclaimed proudly and smugly. "I win again." Yuma only glared sharply and screamed out his frustration.
"That's not fair! Our fights end the same each day! Every weapon I use breaks on me! Rematch!" he shouted, unable to accept his defeat. "Rematch!"
"You've lost boy! Accept defeat!"
"It's not fair! If you just gave me a real weapon like the one you fight with," Yuma finished sourly.
"If you can't concentrate your power enough not to break a piece of wood there's no way I'll give you anything valuable to break boy!"
"Wood against metal isn't a fair fight!" he shouted again. To that the old man stopped as if to consider it. He smiled almost sadistically afterwards.
"You are correct," he admitted coming back from his thoughts. Yuma's face lit up instantly and he sat up all too quickly.
"So tomorrow I can use a real one Grandpa?"
"No, tomorrow you'll fight with a sword I forge for you of grass and if you fail and break it, you'll fix it like all of the other swords you've broken. I don't care how long it takes."
"What? That's even worse!" Yuma shouted in protest.
"Did you forget what I taught you about complaining?"
"That it serves as much as purpose as walking in place and going nowhere does while being angry about the fact you're going nowhere."
"Exactly," his grandfather beamed. "Now return to the task of reforging all the swords you've broken." Yuma sat crossed legged and peered up at the man from under his bangs. His face held such guile that it was impossible to believe that in the future he'd become such a monster.
"Do I really have to spare with grass tomorrow?" He asked innocently.
"You can materialize and strengthen any substance you want into a hardy weapon anytime Yuma, now get to work." Yuma sighed heavily.
"I already told you I can't do that. It's impossible. I'm useless you know..."
The gaze his grandfather gave him was sympathetic, and yet also loving. It was evident that the man loved Yuma as his own son and then some. If he could give his life for him, he would without doubt or hesitation. Rin saw in his eyes the same gaze that Ted gave his sister. When Yuma looked up he turned away.
"I changed my mind," his grandfather said. "Tomorrow you'll fight with sand."
"What!"
"If you break it you'll simply have to forge it again after tomorrow's lesson."
"You're evil!" Yuma spat. "You're an evil old geezer!" And the memory came to an end then when his grandfather smacked him across the face, hard.
After that memory came another and this time Rin found herself standing next to Yuma at the bottom of a staircase. He didn't seem much older and yet it was evident that he'd matured a bit as he was taller now, his handsome features distinguishing themselves further in his face. Still he had that mischievous glint in his eyes but the atmosphere was off as if he was getting in trouble. His grandfather was giving him a sharp look of disapproval that Yuma either didn't see or ignored.
"You should have seen it!" Yuma exclaimed in excitement. "The human children were having so much fun Grandpa. The games they were playing were strange but it looked amusing. Even as I was reading they invited me to play and I did for a while. We ate bonbons and-"
"I never gave you permission to go anywhere near human civilization Yuma!" his grandfather suddenly shouted. Yuma cringed and oddly enough he took a step back.
"Grandpa, I'm fifteen now. I thought it would be informative and even beneficial if I learned more about humans. Cannot you see-"
"Everything you need to know is here Yuma! All you will ever need to know that you cannot discover in books I can teach you! Humans are nothing but trouble to us. A hindrance! You are still weak and have not unlocked your true potential yet and you commit such idiocy as to throw yourself out there near humans? Do you truly wish to perish? Have you any idea what they would do to you if they knew what you were? What a Seer would do to you if they found out Marise and Ubel's child still lived and had already been born before they, before-"
"Stop." Yuma warned. The atmosphere suddenly darkening exceptionally. The entire house started to shudder and even the floor before Rin's feet seemed to shake. The room clattered and the chandelier above them swung violently. "I get it already. Just don't bring that up."
"Yuma, the fact is-"
"Shut it old man," Yuma threatened, his hands becoming fists. "Shut the hell up if you know what's good for you." Objects in the entire room shook with an undying violence. A few chunks of wood and glass even began sharpening themselves as if they were being crafted expertly by a blacksmith. It was then that his grandfather began to descend the stairs in large strides. His suit was as crisp as she'd ever seen it. He approached slowly, almost cautiously. As if Yuma were an unpredictable wild animal he was trying to calm. There were hundreds of awaiting sticks ready to pierce the old man and yet he continued to approach.
Eventually he managed to stand in front of Yuma. Yuma, who held his gaze with the malice of a sinner and all the hatred that could ever be possible in the world.
"Yuma, I only want you to be safe. Have you any idea how horrific it was to see mine own son hanging in that plaza? A son that showed so much promise of a bright future of leadership for our kind? The strongest of our demon kin hanging in the plaza like some cheap decorative ornament? Do you think that was comical for me boy!" However Yuma stayed silent, as silent as Rin had ever seen him. "You would do well to remember that couple hanging in the plaza was my family, my own son."
"And you would do well to remember that couple in that plaza was my parents. I remember them well and I don't need you bringing them up every second for every last mistake I make!" It was then that all the weapons aimed at his grandfather exploded and Yuma turned away with a sharp swivel.
"Where are you going!" his grandfather shouted after him, but Yuma only continued walking away jerking his hood over his head to veil his flaming pink hair.
"Out." Yuma declared coldly, shrugging his hands into his pockets.
"Yuma VY2! Do not you have any respect for me? I raised you better than this! Until you are of age and required to work you are to remain on these premises! You cannot protect yourself! Stop being a fool!" But Yuma only scoffed, throwing the door open with his mind.
"Stop me if you can old man. I go where I want." The door slammed shut behind him.
Many nights continued this way where Yuma would leave the house just to spite his grandfather. Some nights the old man did try to stop him, claiming that he loved him as his own son and only wanted the best for him. However, Yuma never believed. Often he and his grandfather went to war. The old man had trained him too well though. Yuma's powers were continuing to grow in their intensity and strength. In their fights his grandfather never lasted more than a few hours and after more vigorous training their fights decreased from minutes to seconds with Yuma clearly overpowering his grandfather.
After such brawls he proceeded to leave and travel to endless forest till he hit civilization. He roamed the streets often bleak but still handsome. He drew the attention of many courtesans and likewise fine woman. He studied endlessly even as he ventured into the city, sitting on benches and mastering all sorts of skills. Becoming adept: a jack of all trades. Eventually he started to sweet talk his way into upscale establishments but he grew bored and disinterested soon enough in the affairs of humans. They all did the same thing. They all seemingly had the same values and caused more war among them than he'd even known of any other species. The only thing any of them did differently was their means of reaching goals, staying alive, and their many detrimental ends.
Until one night when he was headed home and a mysterious melody filled the air. It was immensely enchanting and just as soothing. One that lured in both Yuma and Rin as she walked next to him living his memories. As they neared it was easier to distinguish that the source of the sound was indeed singing. Like an angelic choir that sang alone all in one. The singing led them to a house Rin had seen before, the same house Yuma had met the love of his life. Much like the speak of the devil, there she was. The most fragile and beautiful girl Rin had ever seen singing the world's most beautiful tune with her angelic voice.
She wore a simple dress of the purest silver as she wandered a small garden; oblivious to Yuma she continued to sing her melody. A melody that was enthralling not just because it was beautiful but because it also possessed a depth of emotions. It was a tune with a hint of sadness that touched Rin's heart and broke it at the same time. Yuma continued to watch with a deep blush on his face, completely spellbound. He stayed still, rigidly so, never moving: hardly breathing. As if a simple intake of air could give away his position and cause her to stop.
When her song came to a close and she snapped her head around to gaze in their direction. Yuma hid, sinking away from her line of sight as if she possessed all the deadly means to bring about his end. Rin was even more shocked when she too hid, as if she could possibly be seen in events that had already transpired. For all the nights that can thereafter, Yuma snuck back to the house and listened to the girl sing. She was an absolute mystery to him and that was intriguing. Her singing set itself a very special place in his world. During the day while he read he often subconsciously found himself humming the melody. A random happenstance that filled him with joy and happiness. Two feelings he hadn't even felt or found he possessed before until now. Sure, he'd felt intrigue and amusement but never joy and certainly not happiness.
The entire revelation shocked him and surprised him so much that when he sat up he immediately lost his balance on the brick wall he was reading upon that afternoon. A favorite spot of his that possessed the perfect blend of seclusion and took adventure to reach. The spot was a feat he had stumbled upon on one of his many nights of wandering. As he wobbled he just barely caught himself before he crashed into the ravenous, raging waves that were the waters below. The sight brought a small giggle to Rin's lips. To witness that the ever so graceful, skilled, and threatening Yuma had almost tumbled into the ocean below. It was quite the comical feat.
As more time passed Yuma's infatuation with Ia grew in its intensity. Soon enough, it became a routine that he went to her special solo concerts. He always chose a different spot, a different distance, but always remained in the shadows and her singing was ever crisp on his ears. This continued for a year until one day she disappeared from his sight. He continued to come every day at the designated time but he never saw her and for all his patience never did she appear. He gave up soon enough with the thoughts of her still evidently lingering in his mind. This continued for a year until he turned eighteen. His desire to see her again never waned even in the presence of beautiful women on his town outings.
His eighteenth birthday went well enough. It was a small celebration between his grandfather and him. They didn't speak much as they ate their usual scrumptious dinner. Really, they didn't speak much to each other anymore. Possibly an aftermath of all the fights they'd endured in his adolescence. The inferior and constant babbles between them had deteriorated their relationship along with the possible good times that could've been in his youth. Yet as Yuma rose to leave the table after dinner he felt the present and its set destination in his lap before it truly resided there. And once it did appear he was as perplexed as he'd ever been.
"Old man? What would this be?"
"Shut up and open it already boy," his grandfather ordered. With a sharp sneer of disgust Yuma gingerly opened the package. However after opening it his initial reaction wasn't that of hate, scorn, or even disappointment. Rather, he was surprised and even a bit confused.
Out of the box came the most luxurious blade Rin had ever laid eyes on. With a thin silver pommel that was sleek and just as clean that it was almost white, not to mention the blade was a fine feat of itself. The blade of this dagger was a transparent crystal that was easily seen through. The outline of the blade was bordered ebony black. It was a simple dagger and yet with its extensive beauty Rin highly doubted that it was indeed a weapon for killing. The second object to come out of the box was a sizable medallion with what an insignia Rin recognized as a crest holding considerable meaning. It was made of thick platinum while the crest itself was of what Rin deemed a section of small blazing fire. She was firm on this until her other self murmured that the emblem was indeed a flickering soul. Yuma gazed at the blade with an awe Rin had only seen in his face when he heard the girl sing. His hands too shook a great deal.
"Isn't this-?"
"Yes, it is...was, your father's blade."
"But grandpa, isn't this blade angelic?" Yuma asked with sincere intrigue. "Nonetheless, why are you giving this to me?" He held up the medallion. "And this emblem?"
"That is our family's insignia and you'll treat it with respect and care. As for the blade...it's...fitting for you to have. You are the soul successor of your father and our clan after all."
"Grandpa...I can't possibly take care of this," Yuma said only to have his grandfather smile.
"That's not the point Yuma; you'll take care of each other." It was then that the blade that was once in Yuma's hand dissipated into a mere cloud of dust, and shockingly enough from the dust emerged a woman. The action caused the same reaction in Rin as it did Yuma: surprise and a shriek of alarm. However while Yuma took a fighting stance, Rin tumbled backwards.
The realization that the woman wasn't indeed human was a fact Rin instantly noticed. Her silken hair was blonde: almost stark white and the light caught each strand making her hair give off a glow that was more valuable than diamonds. Her face was unblemished, her lips a light pink while her lashes were thick, long and sensationally black. Her body was as filled out as they come with her waist thin but not sickly so. Her skin was fair, her eyes a pale red. Around her neck was a thick choker embedded with a flawless crimson ruby. The choker had jagged edges of silver that lashed the fabric like a sharp whip; however they were actually small spikes. She wore silver battle gear that was thin as silken material and yet looked as if it could outlast any war and likewise explosions.
Most astounding of them all was her wings that graciously branched off her like wild feathers. Some curled up and others languidly drooped downwards. Her wings gave off a near transparent shimmer and were nothing like the wings society depicted angels having. She did possess a halo, though it was more a permanent bright ring of light above her head more than a tangible ring. There was also the fact that she did not walk on the ground. Truly she was captivating, and her voice was as absolutely enrapturing as the mysterious girls.
"He is right indeed that we shall take care of each other Master Yuma," the woman stated. Her voice enchanting and seamlessly as in tune as a melodic harp, the tune flawless and unbound. Yuma gaped for a few more seconds before he turned on his grandfather.
"Grandfather, what is the meaning of this? My father never mentioned this!"
"She is not a this Yuma. Her name is Ein and she will not only be your greatest weapon, she'll also be your guidance and guardian to keep you from doing anything foolish should I not be by your side in this lifetime." It was then Yuma looked over Ein with disgust and just as much disdain. She didn't cringe however. She stood fearless and unafraid.
"Great," he drowned, "a watch dog."
"No," his grandfather interjected. "A weapon and guidance in one."
"It's just more to carry," Yuma argued as he thrust a finger at Ein. She blinked twice, not the least bit offended.
His grandfather grinned, "I thought you might say that. So actually, you won't have to carry her. Ein is perfectly capable of following you on her own which she is bound to do as you are the successor of your father."
"She is nothing more than my father's mistress!" Still Ein did not seem offended, her expressions were rather few. As if seemingly she didn't care what Yuma called her. He noticed this as Rin did and directed his gaze to her.
"Are you not offended? Galled at my speech?" Ein simply shook her head.
"I am here for the sole purpose of serving you in any way you may require Master Yuma. My opinions are few and my judgment is none. I shall not dispute with you as I am just a weapon. Your weapon." Even as Ein ended her speech she merely stared and said not a word after. Yuma smiled at Ein then.
"I am born to be evil though Ein," Yuma clarified. "How then shall this arrangement work?"
"I do not concern myself with gods and spirits, good or evil. For there truly are none. The victors rewrite history so how can you say that a tale is true? Simple? Lines aren't as clear cut as they seem Yuma. Therefore we shall not bother to contemplate this arrangement for it will work. If we remain as diligent and careful to matters as we do in the beginning we shall reach no failure beyond our own mistakes."
"You...may actually not be all that bad," he complimented.
"Much obliged Master Yuma," Ein replied before she bowed.
"She'll help maintain the balance between both your souls Yuma," his grandfather interrupted. Yuma's eyebrows rose.
"I thought you wanted me to carry on the clan?"
"I did, and I do. However, rebuilding what has been lost comes first. You have many years ahead of you before you will be powerful enough to take on a Seer." Yuma rolled his eyes as he snatched up the family emblem. He was about to place it around his neck until he turned to Ein and beckoned for her to come near. She came forward wordlessly, gliding across the floor as if she weighed no more than a feather. Her white sandals did not scuff and her motion did not distort the atmosphere. It was a rather intriguing sight to see. Yuma with his craftsmanship forged a durable chain to hang the emblem from her red choker. He forged the chain right into the gemstone then, stepped back to admire his work as it hung stunningly from Ein's choker. His grandfather tossed him the accompanied matching sheath and belt which Yuma caught before he and Ein left the mansion.
An obvious few months after receiving Ein, Yuma was well acquainted with her. They read together and were quite the inseparable pair as he rarely, if ever, left Ein in her sheath. All his daily outings as well as other chores consisted of her required company. Even if he was only doing the most mundane tasks such as washing dishes or other house chores. He did these things with considerable care and Ein, even if she didn't have too, aided him. When Yuma wasn't doing chores he was studying. He avoided bringing Ein into the city as he was aware of how insanely beautiful she was. Though she was a weapon he treated her very much like a person. If not for Yuma's desire and passion for the mysterious girl Rin would've assumed that he'd fallen in love with Ein. Never had she seen Yuma spend so much time or treat somebody else so carefully. There was enough chemistry between them to easily confuse the two to be lovers. Yet she knew it not to be true. They were master and weapon: weapon and master. His grandfather never spoke much about the odd bond between Ein and Yuma. In fact for the most part he did keep his distance and lived in reverence.
Yuma often plotted with Ein too. He asked her for advice on even the simplest of matters. To her he even divulged his interest in the mysterious girl he'd seen so many years ago. With Ein's help Yuma managed to secure himself a job as a servant at the villa he'd heard the girl singing in front of so many times. His daily tasks were many but they weren't anything particularly tiresome or laborious. Still, even with all the days he wasted away working and earning pay despite the extensive and endless dowry he had: he did not see her. As he washed laundry hers was one that did not exist. He could not determine which plates she'd eaten off of and never glimpsed her eating at the table with her family. Many a days he wondered if he were in the correct place and yet when he retired home for the night Ein always assured him that where he was, was indeed the correct place. He'd wandered the length of the villa many a times but never once did he see her. Not a single glimpse: not even her garden.
During these times he doubted himself. Could it be that she had spotted him and even...realized who he was? What he was? Often that thought caught his breath and he worried all the more despite Ein's assurances. He dwelled further and further into depression, worry, and self-doubt. She had been human after all. There was no way possible he could intertwine with her for longer than a period or two. Thus began the self-hate and the anxiety. He hated himself and all he'd been cursed to be. The fact that his own parents had been desecrated, he believed it to be his fault, always his fault. His fault for not being normal. For not being human. He cursed his own birth and mirth at even entertaining the idea of ever meeting his mysterious stranger. He loathed the fact that upon reaching the beginning of his adulthood he was now fully immortal unless he met his end one of two accursed ways.
Not too long after that he became obsessed with the idea of keeping himself busy; doing whatever, whenever he could to keep his accursed thoughts from wandering. He became cold and distant: sparing with his identity. The only one he dared speak to was Ein and Ein only. They became closer than they were before and often slept in the same bed. He craved her company and in return she enjoyed being of any use to him. He did not touch her though. The thought sometimes came to him but he always resisted it. Such would be a foolish move as they were weapon and master after all. He denied to himself that such a romance could be possible either. For the possibility of Ein becoming unruly was still an open option for him. Yuma continued to live out such a bland life often wondering just how it was that he had immersed himself in the endless loop humans saved for themselves. It was during one of these endless looping days that a maid had dared hug him. It was then that the catastrophe happened: she'd realized that his heart did not beat.
There had been evident and sheer terror in her eyes as he gazed back at her. Her fingers had searched his throat for a pulse that did not exist. Even though he lived and his skin was warm. Yuma had seen her body become tremulous before she had: her shaking finger thrusting at him. Accusingly though all that came out of her mouth were stammers. Her fear blew icy holes into him and Yuma felt heavy. As heavy As he'd ever been.
"Avery..." he spoke softly. "I can explain..." She didn't let him. No, instead she screamed.
"What kind of living being doesn't have a pulse!" They were words that cut Yuma deep with the rawness of her tone. He stepped forward but Avery jumped. She threw her arm out behind her and tossed whatever she could grasp at him. Yuma's heart sank as deeply as the sheer rejection he felt. A familiar chorus of voices filled his head with joyous claps so many years ago. The sickening sound he'd heard as he stood before his parents as they hung in the plaza. The longer he stood the louder the sound became. The air warped and distorted at the shrill of Avery's screams and the insistence of Yuma's memories.
He could've killed her. Could've massacred her for resurfacing the memories he'd hidden so deep in his being. Memories he'd tousled with despite the risk. He didn't though. Not because he couldn't bring himself to kill her. A million voices including his own ordered him to do just the opposite: to bring her unsightly existence to an end. No, it was simply for the fact that it wasn't the solution he desired. No, instead he blotted out her memory before she'd ever hugged him. Then he darted away, his mind flooding with the images of his parents. He screamed out his apologies to them. Even as he veiled himself so that none of the sound reached outsiders.
He damned himself for being different, for being the sole cause his parents death. If only he were different maybe they wouldn't have perished. If he was different they could have lived to be a complete family. If only he wasn't who he was. He didn't want to be human, just normal. A lower level, lower class demon. Then he crashed into something hard and solid in the tree above. The same encounter played out: Yuma finally meeting his stranger. Rin realized then that Yuma's mysterious stranger was less of a stranger than she'd originally thought.
Rin couldn't breathe. She could only stand after she learned her mother's name was Ia.