The next day, Yukemi was discussing things with Yukio, Shiro and King. "It might be better in terms of getting through all of these "episodes" yes," Yukio began, making air quotes when he said the word 'episodes', "but what about Rin's tail? He needs it laying flat so that it can heal properly, like any bone" the Doctor explained. "That's why I brought King into the discussion," the Fox Spirit replied, indicating the Fairy King with her hand. "Huh? What does this have to do with me?" the short fairy replied. "You can levitate your Chastifol. I was hoping that you would let Rin borrow it in it's pillow form so that he could lay on it to keep watching and still keep his tail flat" Yukemi explained. King looked conflicted. Elizabeth walked up to him, "please Sir King. Please let Rin borrow your Sacred Treasure. He only got hurt because of me, and I don't want him to be in even more pain while watching. So please?" the Princess begged.
King sighed, "alright Elizabeth, you win. I'll let the kid use Chastifol to lay on" he replied, handing over the green pillow. "Thank you. We'll go help Rin onto here" Yukio said gratefully. "No need for that little brother!" Mephisto called, intruding on their group huddle. The pink and white-wearing Demon King smirked, "Eins, zwei, drei!" he called and snapped his fingers. Rin suddenly appeared laying on the Sacred Treasure with a surprised cry. He gripped the pillow to keep from falling off, tail automatically trying to curl in surprise, although he stopped as soon as a bolt of agony shot up his spine. "Just lie still Rin, and try to keep your tail still as well, okay brother?" Yukio asked. "Y-yeah, don't worry, I was just surprised before. I got this now," he turned to the Fairy King, "thanks for letting me borrow this Your Highness" Rin replied gratefully. "Don't worry about it. Just rest your tail, okay?" King replied. The young Demon relaxed onto the pillow and sighed in bliss when he did, "oooh, this is so soft and fluffy, so comfy!" he almost squealed, enjoying the opportunity.
Diane and the others walked into the room soon after that and saw what was happening. The Giantess giggled at the sight of Rin rubbing himself into the Sacred Treasure like a cat would, "awe, he's so cute!" she whispered to herself. "Alright, is everyone ready to keep watching now?" the Fox Spirit asked. Everyone made affirmative sounds, making Yukemi smile slightly, "right, then onto the next clip" she replied. Everyone returned to their seats, with Rin floating above his. As soon as everyone was settled, the screen once again lit up.
The scene opened showing the Church in the early morning, much of it repaired from the damage it had sustained a few days prior. The images showed different parts of the building- the hall, then the kitchen, where Rin stood, dressed in warm clothes, with a duffle-bag over one shoulder, and a Kendo bag over the other, 'for 15 years, this place was home to Yukio and me,' he thought, staring down at the sink, remembering their Father calling them in for dinner: "Dinnertime boys! Hope you're hungry?!" Shiro cried. A flashback showed little Rin and Yukio smiling excitedly, "yeah!" Rin replied. Yukio smiled widely, "yes! What'd you make?!" he asked excitedly. "Nothin' much. Just my awesome Curry!" the Preist exclaimed, the other men in the background smiling at the two children's excitement. The twins cheered excitedly at this, before the memory ended.
"Hey, um, maybe for lunch, you could, ya know- make everyone your curry? I mean, it's been a while and I'm startin' to get hungry again. I can't exactly cook like this, so uh-" Rin began, but stumbled over his words in embarrassment. But Shiro only smiled, "sure, I don't mind at all. Gettin' to cook for you again would be great. I mean, after you learnt to cook, you sort of monopolised the kitchen. At least when you were at home" the man replied with a chuckle. "No I didn't! I let you guys cook all the time, right?" Rin asked, trying to remember weather he had or not. "It's fine, don't worry about it, you were a really good cook after you practiced a bit. How about I teach you mu Curry recipe, then you can cook it yourself Rin?" the older man asked. "Really!?" both Rin and Yukio coursed at the same time, Rin with a look of excitement on his face and Yukio with a dreamy gaze, 'we get to eat Dad's curry again, I can't wait!' he thought happily. Soon enough, everyone turned their attention back to the screen again, though most had fond smiles on their faces at the happy family.
Rin left the part of the Church that they used to live in, still thinking to himself, 'why hasn't Yukio asked me anything? About how the old man died? About me?' he thought as he slowly walked through the snow-covered ground, 'I wonder what he's thinking?' Rin wondered to himself.
Yukio winced at that, remembering exactly what he had thought at the time, and feeling his stomach twist sickeningly at the memories. He also remembered pointing a gun at Rin's head and telling him that he had murdered their Father and to go kill himself. He was sure that their Dad would hate him for everything he had said and done to his brother. Shuddering, Yukio pulled himself away from the former Paladin, wrapping his arms around himself, his tail unconsciously coiling around his middle as well. Shiro looked over at his younger Son in confusion, wondering why he had withdrawn into himself so suddenly. Rin noticed his brother's actions as well, and rolled his eyes. Leaning down slightly, he whispered something to Shiemi, who nodded, looking worriedly at her friend as Rin gestured at King until he had his attention. "Oh, yes, what is it Rin?" the Fairy asked in confusion. Looking over at Yukio, King followed his gaze before realizing what the young Demon wanted, "Oh, sure, hold on a minute" the Grizzly Sin replied, silently commanding his Chastifol to float over to Yukio's other side.
The younger Demon had been trying to block everything else out, until he felt an arm wrap around his shoulder at a weird angle. He jumped, looking up to find Rin floating by his side on the magical pillow, one arm wrapped around him while the teenager stared up at the screen. "Don't, not like that. You'll hurt your arm and neck Rin" the Doctor in Yukio chastised. Sighing near silently, Rin propped his head up in one hand, and reached down and took his little brother's hand with the other instead. Rin said nothing, merely stared silently up at the screen. With his twin's familiar warmth so close, Yukio tried to compose himself and calm down. Rin didn't blame him, why was he so scared? He knew the answer of course, it was because he blamed himself.
Suddenly the sound of the gate opening drew Rin's attention, "it's hard to believe you boys are leaving us" Rin turned to see Izumi and Maruta, both having come to see him off. The large Exorcist had bandages wrapped around his head and arm, which was also in a sling. Izumi had a band-aid on his cheek and some bandages around his head, but didn't seem to have too many injuries himself. "We're gonna miss having you around," Maruta added sadly. "He's right" Izumi added, from where he was washing the windows, "you're always welcome back here though". "After all, this is your home Rin" Kyodo agreed. Rin smiled slightly, "yeah," he replied softly, gratefully. Suddenly he realised something, and turned back to Maruta and Izumi, "have you seen Yukio around?" he asked them, "has he gone back to the Dorm, 'cause I can't find him" Rin added. "He's here" Maruta replied, as the scene cut to Shiro's grave, with a bouquet of white flowers in front of it, "we haven't seen him around this morning, but he hasn't left" he explained. Yukio was staring at the grave with the light reflection off his glasses, so his eyes couldn't be seen. But his face was pulled into a frown. Memories from years ago began to flow back into his mind.
(Flashback)
A young Yukio was kneeling on the ground, sobbing, "I'm so scared!" he whimpered, trembling and crying.
The current Yukio shuddered hard at the reminder of how weak and fearful he used to be. Ban looked over at the young Demon, quirking an eyebrow, "what were ya so scared of kid?" he asked curiously. But the teenager couldn't respond. "You'll find out later, just watch for now, okay?" Yukeimi asked.
"Hey," Shiro's voice said, as a hand was placed on top of the young boy's head, making Yukio look up, tears still streaming down his face. Shiro looked down at his Son, "Yukio, if you want, you could join me?" he asked, the memory fading at those words. The scene returned to the 15-year-old Yukio staring silently down at their Father's grave, before it cut to a new scene. Rin was waiting out the front of the Monestary, shading his eyes as he looked around with a frown, "seriously? That guy in the clown suit's late! And where the Hell did Yukio go?" he complained in annoyance.
Mephisto frowned over at his younger half-brother, "it's not a clown suit! I'll have you know, I had this suit custom made out of the very finest materials, and it has lasted me several decades now. You have no taste in fashion!" he replied, insulted. "Okay! Okay! Sorry for insulting your clothes, geez *sigh*." Rin replied, sighing at the end. "Why don't you look at it this way, little brother. If someone insulted your cooking, called it disgusting trash, how would you feel, hm?" the King of Time asked. The younger Demon narrowed his eyes into a glare, "watch it" he growled. "See! That, right there is how I feel. I was extremely happy when I was able to gain possession of this suit, and I am quite proud of it, so please, do not insult my clothes again Mr Okumera, or should I take over as your personal chief again?" Mephisto asked in a threatening tone. Both Rin and Yukio froze, faces turning first green, then blue, then pale white. Rin clamped his hands over his mouth, sweating, "no thank you!" he practically whimpered. "Y-y-y-yeah, I don't think, that'll be necessary Sir Pheles" Yukio squeaked. Rin in particular looked like he was going to be sick.
Ban raised an eyebrow, 'this guy must be a horrible cook to get that kind of reaction from those two' he thought.
Suddenly the sound of a car could be heard and Rin turned towards the source of the noise. Only to see a pink limousine about to run him over. He yelled in shock and flailed out of the way, narrowly avoiding getting hit.
"Honestly, you're the one who wanted to live and get revenge on Satan, and yet you stand in the middle of the road and nearly get run over by my car. Please make up your mind little brother" Mephisto sighed. Rin glared at him, "well maybe if your driver was watching where he was going!" the boy exclaimed angrily. He'd forgotten that particular detail, but now he was incensed. "Rin, you really shouldn't have been standing in the middle of the road either way. I thought I taught you better than that Son" Shiro replied with a sigh. The Indigo-haired boy sagged, "yeah, sorry Dad" he replied. Now that that was over, the memory continued.
Rin stood leaning over, panting in shock and relief before spinning around and yelling at the unseen driver, "are you blind?! Why don't you watch where you're going you-!?" he began, only to be cut off as the back door opened and a familiar voice called out: "well, well, well! I see the sun's out! It's a glorious day for new beginnings, wouldn't you say?" Mephisto asked, grinning/smirking at the boy with a wink. Rin stared at him deadpan, "you've got a freaky car" he muttered. "And if you want me to get in, tell me where you're taking me first!" he demanded. "True Cross Academy, duh!" the older Demon replied like it was obvious. Rin blinked in surprise, "to, True Cross Academy?" he asked, confused. "Indeed, you see I am the Director of True Cross Academy, that's the official title anyway" Mephisto explained.
"So, you're the one who runs that, School place that Yukio is going to go to?" Diane asked curiously. Mephisto turned to the young Giantess, "that's right young lady. In addition to being a First Class Excorsist, I am also the Chairman of the School, meaning that I'm in charge of it" the Demon King explained. The Sin's nodded in understanding. Everyone then continued watching.
"Huuuh!?" Rin exclaimed in shocked confusion. "Eloquently said. Starting today, you are a full-time student at our prestigious institution" Mephisto replied. "Sorry to keep you waiting" Yukio called out as he was shown to be walking towards them with a smile on his face, "I'm so glad this worked out. This way you and I can stay together" he said cheerfully. "Yukio!" Rin exclaimed in surprise, not expecting to see his brother their after he'd been avoiding him. "Thank you for helping us out, Mr Faust" the younger boy said. Rin blinked in confusion, "Mr Faust? What happened to Mephisto?" he asked quietly. The King of Time lent down close to whisper to the boy, "yes, well, officially, my name is Johan Faust the fifth, officially, get it?" he asked.
"Nope, not at all" Meliodas said casually. "I have been around for thousands of years, and have many names. One being Mephisto, another being Samael. But I needed one in order to work as an Excorsist, and since many of my other names are known, I needed a new name that wasn't. And I have always like the Assiah Country of Germany, and so I took on a human name from there, you see?" Mephisto asked. "Interesting. So which is your real name?" Merlin asked. "That would be a secret young lady" the Demon King replied. "Young Lady? You should know that I am much older than I look. One of my main magical abilities is called Infinity, making me able to stop my own time as it were. I have lived for far longer than almost anyone of my fellow Sins, excepting the Captain." Merlin replied. Mephisto grinned, "interesting, interesting. You simply must tell me more about yourself, Lady Merlin" he replied with a glint of intrigue in his eyes.
Escanor frowned at the Demon, Jealous but, knowing that he was no match for him in his Nighttime form, could do nothing.
Rin only frowned in confusion at that. Then Mephisto did a dramatic twirl and pointed forwards, "onward Gentleman! True Cross Academy awaits!" he cried. The Limo was then shown driving along the road, inside, the Director sat with his arms and legs crossed, whistling a random tune. Rin glared slightly at the man, 'what the Hell. I thought I said I wanted to be an Excorsist?' he thought in annoyance, not knowing what going to a big fancy School had to do with it. "Damn" the boy muttered. Yukio looked up from the book he was reading, "what's wrong?" he asked. "Eh, nothing. By the way, where were you this morning anyway?" Rin asked. "Visiting Dad's grave. Did you go?" the brown-haired boy replied. "No I didn't" Rin replied. "Typical you" Yukio replied with a small exasperated sigh, before turning back to his book.
Rin frowned as he watched his twin read. "Well, just a few minutes more and we'll be in the centre of True Cross Academy Town" Mephisto suddenly spoke up. As the limo drove on, the boys, (or boy) were finally shown a view of the School. It was bigger than a castle, with docks for boats and train lines going past and into it. And surrounding the "town" was a city.
Everyone from Brittania gaped in shock and awe at the absolutely massive School. "Incredible! That's even bigger than my family's Palace back home!" Elizabeth exclaimed in amazement. Everyone else was talking amongst themselves, discussing the conglomeration of buildings. But Yukio let out a shaky breath, knowing that the part that he dreaded was coming up.
"Welcome! To True Cross Academy!" Mephisto exclaimed exuberantly. Rin and Yukio looked at it out the window, "Holly Crap!" the older of the two breathed, while Yukio just looked mildly board. "Every learning facility under the sun can be found right here in Academy Town. Enjoy. Dig in and study to your heart's content" the older Demon explained.
While everyone else was still in awe of the huge School, a few of the Sins, namely Meliodas, Merlin and King noticed that the Yukio in the memory didn't seem shocked or impressed in any way, as though he was used to the sight. King looked over at the frowning young half-Demon, wondering what was wrong with him.
As the limo pulled up at the front entrance to the School where students were already gathering, Mephisto's voice could be heard, "now then Rin, please get changed into your uniform" he asked. "Oh come on, now you're telling me?" the younger Demon complained. As Rin finished putting on his shirt, he then began working on his tie.
"You've gotten much better at that" Shiro said in pride. Rin blushed and looked away, "yeah, well, I had a pretty good teacher" he muttered, embarrassed, but a smile grew on his face as well.
Mephisto had part of his face covered with his hand, but still watched the boy with one eye, "your tie knotting skills are quite extraordinary" he remarked. Rin ignored him, eyes closed as he adjusted the piece of cloth, 'man. I got Mr Suspicious over there, and Yukio over here, who still won't ask me anything' he thought, watching his brother out of the corner of his eye, before looking down at his lap, "It's kinda mind-blowing, huh Yukio? I mean, ya know- a doofus like me getting into True Cross just like you" he said, giving a small smile at his twin. "Uh, sorry, I'm so nervous, I wasn't paying attention" Yukio replied, before turning back to his book.
Rin scoffed, "nervous my ass" he muttered. Yukio sunk lower in his seat. Shiro looked between his Sons in confusion, 'what is going on with them?' he thought to himself.
ƁĔ~ŚĐŞ
Soon the scene switched to everyone sitting in a huge hall, "meet your Freashman-class representative, Yukio Okumera!" the Teacher called, "yes Sir!" the Teenager replied, standing up from among the crowd of other students. Rin gaped in shock, eyes and mouth wide open, 'Huh! Yukio!' he thought, utterly surprised and confused.
"Wait, what does it mean that you're the representative?" Hawk asked in confusion, many of the Sins making questioning sounds as well. Yukio took a breath, "mainly, it means that I got the top score on the Entrance Exam for the School" he explained. Meliodas crossed his arms with a thoughtful look on his face, 'I don't think that's all there is to it. Yukio may have taken the 'exam' thing, but he seems far too calm about all of this. I have a feeling that he has spent more time at True Cross than he's said. After all, what else could that flashback of his Father asking him if he wanted to 'join him' mean? But Rin wouldn't have known, would he?' the blond Demon thought to himself.
"That mean's he got the top score on the Enterance Exam!" one of the girl's sitting in front of Rin exclaimed quietly, making him looking over at her, "wow!" her friend exclaimed. "Do you see how hot he is?!" the first girl cried, with the other one gushing wordlessly.
The current Yukio blushed bright red, as Ban wolf-whistled, "wow kid, you're a real hunk, huh?" he asked, laughing at the young Demon's embarrassment. Rin narrowed his eyes at the immortal, "hey, don't make fun of my brother, got it!" he growled. Ban frowned, "who's making fun? It was a compliment" he replied. "Except you're making Yukio uncomfortable, so stop!" the Indigo-haired boy replied. "Alright, sorry for making fun of ya kid" the thief replied, hands up in a non-threatening gesture. "Thanks Rin" Yukio whispered to him. "No problem bro, that's what Big Brother's are for" Rin replied with a grin, but flinched as his tail twitched and sent another twinge of pain through him. The brown-haired twin frowned, "you okay?" he asked. "Yeah, it's just a bit hard to keep my tail still the whole time, it twitches by itself after all" Rin replied quietly. Yukio looked back at his brother's tail, "I hope it heals soon" he muttered to both himself and his twin. "Me too" the other young Demon replied.
"To be able to join you here at True Cross, a School I've long admired, is something that is both thrilling, and sobering-" he began. Rin's thoughts cut over the top of Yukio's speech, 'Yukio, the little crybaby who always got bullied-' he thought, staring at his little brother in awe. "-and live up to the standards of this special place." Yukio looked up at his peers, "I am your Freashman Class Rep, Yukio Okumera" he introduced himself.
ƁĔ~ŚĐŞ
The screen then cut to all the new students mingling out the front of the School. "Woah, that's a lot of kids" Diane said. "Some of them are Teachers too" Shiro added.
"May I have your attention please. I'll be taking you on a tour of the Campus as part of your Orientation" on unseen Teacher called out. "Yukio, which class are you in?" a girl shyly asked, several others crowded around the blushing Teenager. "The, Advanced Class" Yukio replied awkwardly. "Oh, I should have known! Wow, you're so tall!" she replied, gushing happily. Rin watched this with a surprised look on his face, before having a flashback to when he and Yukio were kids.
(Flashback)
Little Yukio shyly tied his wish to the Tanabata tree. Suddenly Rin popped up behind him, reading his wish, "hey! You wanna be a Doctor when you grow up?" the older boy asked. Yukio looked down with a blush on his face, "uh, I guess" he replied nervously. The younger twin lowered his head so that his eyes were hidden by the shine of his glasses, beginning to tremble, before- "that's great!" Rin exclaimed in excitement. Yukio looked up, surprised, "that's awesome! If anyone can be a Doctor, I know you can!" Rin replied with no trace of worry at all. "You really think so?" he asked. His brother placed both hands on Yukio's shoulders with a wide smile on his face, "heck yeah, I think so!" the indigo-haired boy replied confidently. Yukio smiled at his older Brother gratefully, "thanks!" he exclaimed happily.
(End flashback)
Rin smiled proudly at his little brother, 'that's right. He's gonna be a Doctor someday' he thought.
Yukio frowned. Despite everything, he still hadn't gotten over his fear of blood. He had no idea if he would ever be able to work as a Doctor again. He had choked it down to help Rin when he'd broken his tail, even though the sight of his twins blood made him feel especially sick, he'd been determined to help Rin, but Yukio wasn't sure what happen if he tried again. He shuddered, feeling horrible that after all his work to become a Doctor Meister, he'd given up so easily. Maybe one day, he could go back to being a Doctor again, but until that day, he would just have to stick with being a Teacher.
Memories of the day that ruined their lives flashed through his mind, 'he doesn't have a clue about anything' Rin thought, a determined look on his face, 'and I'm not gonna drag him into it'.
"You know, you could have at least told me that Yukio was an Exorcist too and knew about everything. Even if you thought he hadn't inherited that bastard's power, I thought that he didn't know about all this stuff Dad" Rin frowned, glaring lightly at their Father. Shiro sighed, "I didn't really have time to tell you everything though. But yes, maybe I could have mentioned that Yukio know as well" he replied, looking down guiltily.
'No, it's my problem'. Soon the images began following Rin as he and all the new students were shown around the School. The Entrance hall was massive, with stairs and escalators. Rin took an escalator up to the next floor, looking around in shock, "you gotta be kidding!" he exclaimed, voice echoing in the large area, "this is a School!" he cried in disbelief. The girls behind him stared in confusion.
ƁĔ~ŚĐŞ
Next was the huge Dining Hall. "Woah-ho-ho! Would you get a load of those chandeliers! It's like a fancy-shmancy restaurant!" Rin cried in shock.
ƁĔ~ŚĐŞ
One of the classrooms was then shown. "Dayum! You think they coulda made this room any bigger?!" the boy commented looking around.
Rin blushed at his reactions to everything. Honestly, he was pretty much used to the School by now, so he'd actually forgotten his initial reactions. Well, he'd remembered that he was shocked and amazed by how big everything was at first, but the specific reactions he gave? Not so much. It was a little embarrassing. "So glad you like my School little brother" Mephisto said. Rin narrowed his eyes at the older Demon, "was that you gloating or were you just insulting me again?" he asked, deadpan. "Why would I ever insult you? You're my dear little brother after all!" the King of Time replied. Rin just stared at him with a flat look, before eventually turning back to the screen. Most people watched this exchange in confusion, before deciding to return their attention to Rin's memories again.
"Hell, even the desks here are way bigger than the ones at the Monastery!" Rin exclaimed, sitting down at one of them and smacking the surface excitedly. "What's the deal with that guy, he's freaking out?!" one girl in a group of three muttered to her two friends, "I know, what's a weirdo like that doing here?" one of the other two replied. Rin frowned, before leaning his head on one of his hands and glaring out the window.
Shiemi frowned angrily, "he's not a weirdo! Rin is the nicest, kindest person I've ever met! Those girls don't know what they're talking about!" Shiemi exclaimed. Rin smiled gratefully, "thanks Shiemi, but it's okay. I was probably annoying everyone by being so loud, so I guess I deserved it" he replied. But the blond girl turned to him with an upset look on her face, "it's not fair! They don't even know you! So what gives them the right to call you weird?" she exclaimed sadly. "Shiemi," Rin was shocked for a minute, before he smiled again, "thanks" he replied again, more sincerely this time.
"That's all for today. Classes start next week, so you should go back to your Dorms and get settled in" another unseen Teacher said. Rin walked by himself down a few flights of stairs, 'after Junior High, I was just gonna get a job or something. I don't care about any of this High School BS. All that matters now, is becoming an Excorsist' he thought, before stopping and spinning around, "wait, where the Hell's the Dorm anyway!? No one tells me Jack around here!" the boy exclaimed in frustration.
"And, that's where we're going to stop for now. We'll be having lunch soon, so go have your break now" Yukemi said, pausing the video. Everyone began to get up from their seats, except for Rin, who's tail was still broken and was stuck on Chastifol, "hey, what about me! What am I supposed to do now?" he asked. "Why don't you go get some rest Rin, it will help with your healing tail. Then we'll come get you for lunch, okay?" Yukio asked, glad to have a break before they reached the point when he would appear again. The older of the two Demon twins thought about it for a minute, before shrugging, "okay, I don't mind, after all, it's not like I can do much of anything else at the moment" Rin replied, Yukio and King taking him up to his room.
Shiro sighed, "Mephisto, how long will it take his tail to heal?" he asked the Hell King who'd come up to him while everyone else was moving around. "Hm," the King of Time pondered, "not too long probably, the more he rests and eats, the faster the healing process will go. So his having a sleep now would actually help a lot" Mephisto replied. Shiro sighed again, this time in relief, "that's good, he can have some food when he wakes up again. I hope he won't have to be in too much pain while he's healing" the former Paladin replied. Soon they too split up to get their lunch.
To Be Continued