Shiro had never cooked for so many people at once before, but thankfully, Mr Ban decided to help him. He was a very good cook, as he already knew, so having his help was a blessing. "How do ya think Rin is doing?" the former Bandit asked casually. "Well, I hope he's at least getting some rest. When he wakes up, he'll probably be really happy to have my Curry again" the Excorsist added with a smile. Ban looked down at the ingredients he was working with, "ya know, the Captain ain't the only one who can empathise with your kids" he said softly after a moment of silence. Shiro turned to look at the tall man, "oh?" he asked gently, realising from the immortal's tone that he was about to reveal something personal. The whitish-blue-haired Sin looked upwards, "my birth parents were assholes. We were poor, and they treated me like shit. Forced me to steal to get food for them, while hardly ever giving me anything. I was really bad at it at the time, so I would always get caught and beaten.
One time I ended up in prison. That's where I met the man who became like a Father to me," Ban closed his eyes, sighing. Shiro stayed quiet and listened while working. "His name was Zhivago. He was a Werefox, who'd had to take up a life of stealing to care for his Son. We escaped from prison and he took me in after the bastards that called themselves my parents tried to sell me to a woman who was going to torture and kill me. He taught me to steal so that I could help get food for both of us, and he became like a Father to me. One day we had planned to rob a big mansion, but he was late, so I stupidly tried to do it myself. I got caught of course, and beaten up, before being thrown in jail again. I didn't see Zhivago again until years later, when he told me that he'd arrived while I was being beaten, but had heard that his birth Son, who couldn't disguise himself as a human yet was under attack. He had to choose between us, and he chose his birth Son. I don't blame him for what he did. If he'd saved me and abandoned his real Son, I probably would have never forgiven him. Turns out, he arrived home just in time to watch Selion die in his arms.
For years he thought he'd lost both of us, but we reunited for a short time just before he died. He gave me some good advice too. but then- when we were fighting against the Demon Clan, he-" he Ban stopped and clenched his fists, "he sacrificed his Soul, and his chance to be with his other Son for me- a worthless bandit, who couldn't even save the woman he loved! My Dad did that, and now, even if I somehow die, I'll never see my Dad again!" Ban was clenching his fists so hard, that blood started to drip to the floor, "and don't even get me started on Elaine!" he choked, "I'm useless, everyone I've ever cared about has died right in front of me, and I was never able to do anything about it!" he growled, clenching his eyes tightly. Shiro stayed silent and let the Immortal sob out his pain as much as he wanted. When he'd finally calmed down, the Priest gently placed a hand on Ban's shoulder, "I see that you've been through a lot of suffering in your life. Tell me, would your Father, or this Elaine want you to blame yourself for their death and or sacrifice?" Father Fujimoto asked.
"No," Ban growled, "but I deserve it. If I hadn't been so stupid, maybe Zhivago could have gotten to his other Son in time to save him. He wouldn't have had to suffer through thinking he'd lost me too. And If I had just destroyed that damn Red Demon completely, it wouldn't have been able to kill Elaine!" he cried, slamming his hand down onto the counter furiously. "No matter what I do, I can't seem to keep anyone safe" he muttered, emotionally exhausted. "May I make a suggestion?" Shiro asked after a moment. "Sure" Ban replied, deadpan. "Instead of thinking about how you lost them, try living for the people that you love. Live the best life that you can, in honour of both your Father and the woman that you loved. It might not make the guilt go away, but it may make you feel better about living" the Exorcist replied.
The former thief looked down at that, before brushing off his thoughts for later and returning to their cooking, "thanks for the advice. I'll think about it" he replied, making Shiro smile.
ƁĔ~ŚĐŞ
Eventually the food was done, and both Rin and Yukio looked at the Curry in excitement, "it's been way too long! Thanks Dad!" Rin exclaimed happily. "Yeah, thanks a lot, it looks and smells just as delicious as always!" Yukio added. The people from Brittania looked down at the Curry curiously, not used to seeing food that looked like that. "Hey c'mon, I helped the guy make this, so you know that it'll be fine" Ban said, taking a bite of the Curry, before grinning, "wow, this is good!" he exclaimed. "Thank you very much Mr Ban" Shiro replied gratefully. Elizabeth nodded to herself and picked up her spoon as well, "I would like to try it as well" she said with a smile. It's not that she didn't believe Sir Ban, or trust Father Fujimoto, but the food did look and smell a little strange to her. However, once she took her first bite, the Princess's apprehension went away.
"This is delicious! Thank you for making it for us Father" Elizabeth exclaimed in surprise and gratitude. As they all ate their lunch, Yukio tried to fight the apprehension that was weighing him down. He didn't know how long he'd have to wait to relive his and Rin's 'fight', but he still wasn't looking forward to it. At the same time, he just wanted to get it over with as soon as possible. While their Dad's Curry was as delicious as ever, his nerves caused eating it to be almost unbearable. But he forced himself to choke it down. Then took a deep breath. He wasn't the same as he had been when he was a child. He was stronger now. And something like this wouldn't beat him. Yukio finally managed to finish his plate. His stomach growled with hunger still, but the nervous butterfly's in it caused any ideas he may have had of asking for more to wither away.
After everyone confirmed they'd had enough, everyone returned to the Viewing room to continue watching. "So, is everyone ready?" Yukemi asked, an awkward smile on her face. Everyone mostly just nodded, and the Fox Spirit continued the memories as both Rin and Yukio curled up with their Father.
Rin looked down upon hearing a whimper, seeing a white-furred dog in front of him. "Who let you in?" he asked in confusion, before gasping as the dog grabbed his pant leg in it's teeth and pulled him around to face the other direction. It wagged it's tail, and everyone noticed something.
"Hey, is that dog wearing the same object that you and your friend are Mr Fujimoto?" Diane asked curiously, looking between the two exorcists and the dog on the screen. Rin groaned from where he was on the floating pillow, "just watch, you'll find out what's going on soon" he replied. Everyone was confused, but decided to keep watching.
Rin stared after it as the dog began running away, before muttering, "what the-" and beginning to run after it. Eventually Rin was led out of the School and he watched as the dog jumped up to the top of a street lamp, before a cloud of pink smoke enveloped it, making the young Demon flinch back in shock. "Parden me, but it would be unseemly for the Director of the Academy to be caught prowling around the halls during the day" Mephisto said as he was revealed to have been the dog.
"So your world's Demons can transform into animals then?" Meliodas asked curiously, "that's unique" he added. "Yes, higher level Demons, like myself and my siblings do possess the ability to transform into animals, for example, one of my brothers can turn himself into a hamster, and as for the others- well, you'll just have to watch and see for yourself" Mephisto replied with a grin.
"You shape-shifted! Does that mean Exorcists can shape-shift!?" he asked in bewilderment.
Shiro gave his Son a concerned look, "really Son? That's where your head went?" he asked. Rin frowned down at the ground, "it's not like I knew what was going on, or anything about Demons or Exorcists" he replied in self-defense. "That is true, you really had no idea about anything, did you?" King muttered, making Rin frown and look down, remembering learning about how Yukio had suffered for so long because of the Temptaint he'd given his brother accidentally as a baby. "No, I didn't" he replied sadly, guiltily. Yukio flinched at hearing the tone in his twin's voice, knowing that he blamed himself because of him. He really was a horrible brother to him.
"God no! although I am an exception" the Headmaster replied.
"What do you think he meant by that Sir Meliodas?" Elisabeth asked the Demon sitting next to her in confusion. "Well, he did say that Rin, and by extension Yukio were his younger brothers. Since that's the case, that can only mean that he is also a Son of Satan, just like Rin and Yukio" the Holy Knight explained to the Princess sitting next to him. "So, he's like you then?" she asked. Meliodas nodded, "yep, and a pretty powerful one too" he replied, "right now he's restraining his power, but I can tell that he's at least on par with me when I was at my full power" the blond Demon replied. Elizabeth made a small gasping noise, before shaking herself out of her shock and turning to the Hell King with wide eyes, 'He's really that powerful?' she thought, feeling a shiver go through her.
Mephisto pulled out a golden key and threw it to the boy, who managed to catch it, before looking at the man in confusion. "Huh. That key grants access to the Cram School from any door at any time." The adult explained. "Cram School?" Rin asked, confused (he was confused a lot that day). The Headmaster leapt down and landed on the ground in front of the young Demon, "it's where you'll train to become an Exorcist" Mephisto replied, adjusting his hat. Rin's confusion turned into laser focus as he listened to the adult talk, "each day you'll attend normal High School classes. But afterwards, you'll train at the Cram School to become a Page. While you study Exorcism, you'll be considered an Exorcist-in-training," he explained, Rin frowning in determination. "Your High School classes don't begin 'till next week, but Cram School, that start's today" Mephisto began to walk towards the boy as he talked.
"I trust you're ready to begin?" he asked, leaning down and looking Rin in the eye. "Never been readier" the Indigo-haired Demon replied with a straight face. "Indeed," Mephisto replied as he stood up straight again, lifting one finger in the air, "I must warn you though," he then pointed at Rin, leaning down close again, "it would be best if you kept the whole, 'Son of Satan' thing confidential," he advised. Rin glared at him, but he simply continued speaking, "say what you want about your ears, fangs and tail, but the flames are a no-no. Control yourself" Mephisto ordered. Rin sighed quietly, "okay, I'll do my best" he replied.
"Let me guess, you lasted a few hours at maximum?" Shiro asked with a sigh. "Actually, he barely lasted 30 minutes" the Demon King replied, with Yukio nodding in agreement, "it's true" he added, 'after all, it was my fault' he thought to himself. The former Paladin pinched the bridge of his nose, "Rin-" he moaned. Said teenager just looked away, shivering slightly in remembrance. He may not blame Yukio for his reaction to him, but his rejection, no matter how brief it had been had still felt like a stab in the heart after their Dad's death. He'd needed his brother, needed the last family he had left to be there for him, but instead he had told him that he hated him and that he should go die, after threatening to shoot him himself. He couldn't deny that Yukio's words and actions had hurt him deeply. And now they would all see that for themselves. However- Rin looked at his twin, who was trying desperately to keep his shivers under control. He knew that Yukio had also suffered greatly and needed him right now more than ever. The Indigo-haired Demon frowned, 'if this is hurting me, I can't even imagine how badly Yukio must be suffering right now' he thought.
Squeezing the brown-haired half-Demon's hand tightly in reassurance, Rin turned back to the screen, before his brother looked up at him. "It'll be okay. I'm here, Dad's here, Shiemi's here, and neither of them will think any less of you after today. You know I won't. So please, try to calm down, okay Yukio?" Rin asked, via Demon-telepathy. Yukio sighed softly and tried to relax as much as he could. It would be over soon, right?
"Fabulous!" Mephisto cried, walking toward a low wall and standing on top of it, before turning back towards Rin and holding his hat on his head with one hand, "let's get to it!" he exclaimed, before jumping off the wall, much to Rin's shock, "hey!" he cried, rushing to the wall and looking over, only to find that it wasn't that high off the ground and the Headmaster was standing and waiting for him, "now then, if you'd be so kind, try opening one of these doors with that key I gave you" Mephisto said. Rin did so and opened the door to reveal a huge corridor, yawning off into dark depths yet unknown to the boy. However, hundreds of doors lined the walls of said corridor, Rin entering through one of them and staring in amazement and shock, "wow!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing. "The Freashman class in in room 1106. This way" Mephisto explained, beginning to walk down the hall. Rin followed the man, still in awe of the huge hallway.
"Okay!" he replied. The two stopped at one of the doors, "here we are. Oh, and, I'll be sitting in with you today" Mephisto explained. "Ah shit, now I'm gettin' nervous" the teenager muttered. "Eins, swei, drei" the older Demon said, before snapping his fingers and returning to his dog form. Rin stared in shock for a moment, before the transformed Demon turned to the door, "alrighty, let's go" he said. "WAIT, YOU CAN TALK?!" the Indigo-haired boy exclaimed in shock. "You're sure you want to be an Excorsist?" Mephisto asked.
"Well it's either that or die, so I don't see how he has much of a choice" King deadpanned.
"You'd better make up your mind before you open that door" he continued. Rin stared at the door for a moment, before reaching out and grabbing the handle. He opened the door to see six other kids in the room at various tables, 'what a dump' he thought to himself. "I'm Rin Okumera, nice to meet ya" he said, walking into the room as most of the other kids watched him. Sitting down, Rin scoffed, "what's up with these guys?" he muttered. Mephisto, still in dog form jumped up into the seat next to him, "they're Exorcist's-in-training, here to learn the ropes, just like you. Some of them haven't received their Temptaints yet, while other's have already been afflicted" he explained as the screen showed some of the different students.
"What's a Temptaint?" Rin asked with a frown. "It's a wound or a disease inflicted by Demons. Since being infected with a Temptaint enables one to see Demons, it's sot of like a right of passage that every Excorsist must undergo." The Headmaster explained, before closing his eyes, "well, in your case, there's no need for it is there?" he asked.
"Oh yeah, great, rub in the fact that he's not human anymore, I'm sure he'll thank you for it!" Ban muttered sarcastically, shaking his head. He and all the other Sins felt their sympathies go out to the poor boy, who couldn't seem to go five seconds without being reminded that he was no longer human.
"I mean you are a Demon after all" Mephisto explained, making Rin frown at him. Suddenly the sound of the door opening and closing could be heard, "ah! Your Instructor has arrived" the shape-shifted Demon commented casually. Rin looked up, but gaped in shock at the sight before him. Someone dressed in a coat walked across the floor towards the podium and placed his briefcase down on it. The screen panned up to reveal a very familiar figure, "I'm your Instructor, my name is, Yukio Okumera" he introduced himself. Rin choked on his own spit, before leaping up from his chair in complete shock, "YUKIO?!" he exclaimed, as his younger twin brother smiled.
The screen went dark.
The room exploded into a cacophony of noise all at once, "WHAT!? You mean your little brother is your Instructor!" Ban exclaimed. Yukio smiled slightly, "uh, surprise?" he asked, chuckling sheepishly. "Wait, you're the same age as your Brother, aren't you? Or younger, so why are you a Teacher?" King asked in confusion. "Yes, a very good question Ban" Escanor added with a nod, adjusting his glasses. Everyone was staring at the boy, so he opened his mouth to explain, only to be cut off by Yukemi, "not now. We're taking another break. Everyone, go do whatever, let off some steam, whatever you have to do. We'll come back to watch the rest later- and don't hound the twins about what happens next either, it's very uncomfortable for them" the fox spirit said, before getting up and leaving the room. Yukio clenched his teeth, shuddering, before standing up, "I need some, air" he muttered, before running from the room. Rin sighed, but let him go this time. "Well, I don't exactly have much to do here, so I might go have a rest. Man, this is so boring. I really hope my tail heals soon" he muttered, before King took him to his bedroom.
Everyone else eventually dispersed, before Shiro decided to try and talk to his younger Son. As everyone left the Viewing room, the lights turned off.
To Be Continued