A/N: Sorry for the late update. I can only write this story on my laptop and I just barely got my laptop up and working. So more updates coming soon! I hope you liked this chapter and thank you for all the kind words and reviews! It's kind of crazy how much this book blew up! Thanks a million guys!
Rin groaned loudly, sinking into the train chair. He was paralyzed and even his ass was sore sitting in the same spot for so long. Just as the groan escaped, the door of the train slid opened, revealing Shura and Yukio who were both holding papers in their hands. Rin gripped the arm rests and used all his upper body strength to pull himself up into a sitting position. He looked next to him on the other side of the seats to see Suguro side glancing him a few times. Rin felt a little on edge with that look, but tried to ignore it as he drew his attention to Shura and Yukio.
"Ex-wires, if I can have your attention." Yukio announced, pausing for a moment before continuing. "This is a mission, not a vacation. So be on your toes for the full trip." He held up a paper. "Now, this mission you are required to do is for a demon named Alistair. A high level demon that is meddling in the affairs of human trafficking on both demons and humans. Your job is to just exorcise the demon, not bust the trafficking sight. You were the only team that could handle it because the others are busy with other demonic activity." He walked down the aisle, handing everyone a packet. When Rin got it, he flipped through it but didn't bother to read it.
Shura was next to speak. "Four eyes is just being serious. You will have time to look around and relax, but for the most part you are there for business. We have noticed a lot of activity happening at the underpass near Cho-dori Avenue. So that is where we will start." She explained. "We will be there in another 15 minutes so just relax." She turned and plopped down in one of the seats in the front.
Rin grumbled, before looking out of the window, admiring the city below. He felt something on his shoulder tap him. He looked over to see it was Shiemi, a smile on her face. Rin sent her one back, though he could feel how awkward he must have looked.
"Hey Shiemi, did you need something?" Rin asked.
Shiemi sucked in her lips, looking as if she wanted to say something, but instead, she just plopped down next to him before turning away from him. Rin chuckled, knowing the gesture she meant was in good intent. They both sat there until the train came to a stop. Rin waited for everyone to clear off, until he scooted into his wheelchair, before exiting himself.
The sun was starting to go down as Rin used the ramp, stopping slightly away from the ex wires, which he could tell irked Suguro, but he didn't pay any mind. They gathered around as the train started up again before departing. Rin bit his lip, turning the wheelchair slightly so he was facing the backs of his companions.
"Alright, We got everyone rooms. Two to a room. Get your stuff there, change, shower whatever you need to do. We meet in the commons room a quarter to 9." Yukio demanded, handing out the hotel passkeys.
"Ugh, why are we going out so late? Can't we rest first?" Shima complained, hunching over to exaggerate his exhaustion.
Yukio sent a glare at him, before handing Rin his hotel key. "They are more active at night. Like I said, this isn't a vacation its work. Now get going." He snapped, before turning away and walking towards the exit of the train station.
Rin blew out a breath as he turned the key over to see he was in room 219 on the second floor. Shura came over to Rin, grabbing his bag before putting a hand on her hip. "Need some help?" She asked.
Rin nodded. "Thanks, Shura." And with that, they all made their way to the hotel down the street.
After a long awaited bath with the help from Yukio, Rin was changed into some civilian clothes. Yukio had went downstairs before him. When Rin exited the elevator, he noticed the rest of the cram students were also in some civilian clothes, but their faces looked less than pleased to be there. Rin quietly wheeled over to them, stopping shy of the bellhop who looked ready to pass out.
They sat there in silence, waiting for what felt like a good 30 minutes, until Shura and Yukio came waltzing in around 9:06, clearly stirring up some anger from Shima and Suguro about them being late, but nothing was exchanged. Instead, Yukio walked over to Rin, stood behind him before gripping the handles and pushing Rin.
"Follow us, it's not that long of a walk to the rendezvous point." Yukio commanded as they exited through the front doors. Rin took this time to watch the nightly locals exchange conversations or buy from markets. Some of them were staring at them, but Rin couldn't shake the feeling that they were staring at him and it made him feel a little uncomfortable.
He shivered, feeling a cold presence near them. Was this what Shura was talking about? A demon sensing another high level demon?
Rin looked around, trying to pinpoint the presence, but as fast as he felt it, it disappeared. Rin felt defeated. The first presence he felt and diagnosed, dissipated before he could act on it. Rin sunk back into his chair, folding his arms like a child who didn't get his way as they came to a stop near an entrance of the underpass. There they saw two other high ranked exorcists, standing with their arms crossed, waiting.
Yukio stopped pushing Rin when they came to the entrance, before walking around the wheelchair to shake hands with the exorcists. "Upper second class, Etsuya, middle first class Masami, I thank you for joining us on the mission." Yukio said, shaking both of their hands.
Rin didn't bother to listen to their conversation as he looked into the entrance of the underpass, getting the feeling again, this time it was stronger.
"Uh… Shura?" He said, catching their attentions.
"What is it?" Shura asked.
"Remember how you told me to tell you when I felt something?" He asked, tearing his eyes away from the entrance to see Shura nodding. "Well I feel something and the bastards presence is not that inviting."
Shura understood and walked forward, shooting a look at Yukio who was confused at what Rin was talking about exactly. "Seems he came to us." SHe pointed to the Ex-wires, a stern look on her face. "A high level demon is near. I need yew all on yew'r game. This isn't a mission like the others. This is real life on the job training. I need yew all to set aside any beef ya have with eachother and work together. One false move and yew can or yew can get your friends killed. Now follow me and stay alert." She demanded.
Despite looking both scared shitless and trying to hide it with an excited look, none of the cram students said anything as they followed her into the entrance, all of them preparing what they were taught. Rin had his sword with him, but it was strapped to the back of his chair where he couldn't reach it. Yet again without really meaning to, Rin felt useless and it showed on his features.
As they got deeper in, getting slightly irked as the cars above drive over the underpass, they came to a stop near the middle of it. It was quiet with the occasional honk or talking outside. They waited like that for a few minutes until they heard it. Shuffling of a very cheap sleeping bag being dragged across the ground.
Shura turned on her flashlight and pointed towards the sound, but Rin honestly wished she hadn't. In front of them was a few bulky men with horns and tails, carrying a few sleeping bags that were still but leaked some red liquid. Blood. Next to them was a man with shaggy curly amber red hair and bright red eyes. He had fangs in his smile, looking almost too pretty to be a demon if it weren't for the curled out gray horns that turned back on his head and the fluffy white spotted in blue tail. He was wearing a nice flamboyant green and turquoise blue suit. His eyes were watching them, almost as if he was expecting them.
"Ah, the exorcists have arrived, how exciting." Alistair exclaimed excitedly clapping his hands together. Rin noted his voice was soft and mellow, almost as if the voice was touched by velvety swiss chocolate.
"Didn't think yew would show yourself so easily, ya snake." Shura bit back with her usual snarky attitude.
He tsked her. "Now, now, exorcist. Harsh words aren't the proper way to talk to someone."
As they continued to talk, Rin noticed that Alistair's tail start to slither up into his suit, obviously preparing itself for a fight. That alarmed Rin, as Alistair seemed to notice his watchful eye and smirked.
"Its not nice to watch a man's tail, dear boy." He commented.
Rin smirked. "Maybe I wouldn't have to if it wasn't tucking itself away like a cowardly cats does." Rin mocked.
Alistair chuckled, obviously showing some interest in Rin. "A snarky one you are. I like that in a man."
Alistair crouched down, looking as if he was going to pounce, but instead, he disappeared into the shadows. Shura scrambled with the flashlight trying to make it shine brighter.
"Teach, what's going on? Where did he go?" Suguro asked.
Shura didn't answer still messing with the flashlight, but instead of shining brighter it flickered off. "Shit!" She slammed it to the ground. "Everyone get clear! Run to the entrance, now! He is using the shadows to travel and attack!" She explained.
Wasting no time, they rushed to the entrance, Rin trying his hardest to keep up, burning his arm muscles to make sure he doesn't get left behind. It didn't last long when he felt something jerk his wheelchair back, causing him to tumble forward out of his chair and slam onto the floor. He groaned, hearing someone call his name. He looked up, his eyes slowly adjusting to see the neon green suit in the darkness.
"Where do you think you're going, darling?" He asked, leaning against the back of Rin's wheelchair, rest his chin on the palm of his hand.
Rin glared at him, but he didn't have anything to say. Alistair found that amusing before throwing the wheelchair to the side, making his way to Rin. Rin felt something bubble in his stomach and it took him a minute to realize it was fear he was feeling. He tried to scramble away, but without his legs, he didn't get far as he felt the back of his collar on his black t-shirt being pulled. Without any choice, Rin burst into flames, causing Alistair to drop him, shooting back.
Alistair watched the brilliant flames dance around Rin, his smile widening. "I knew there was something special to you. That presence was very unique." Alistair walked over to Rin, bending down so he could see Rin better. "I think I found my next prey." He whispered.
A deafening shot blasted through the air, and Alistair hissed, his side erupting in pain. He glared over his shoulder to see Yukio in the distance, aiming his gun at them. Rin's flames died down as Alistair stood up, looking down to see his suit was now covered in blood from the bullet wound. He sighed.
"I guess a surrender is due. I don't need my suit ruined more than it is." He said. "Until next time, exorcists." He glanced down at Rin, before disappearing into the shadows. His goons disappearing as well.
With the adrenaline gone, Rin shuttered where he lied, thinking back at how easily he was nearly caught again. It made him both feel angry and disappointed in himself.
Yukio appeared next to him, placing a hand on Rin's shoulder, who tensed at the contact. Yukio sighed, walking over to grab Rin's chair before helping him into it. He pushed Rin to the entrance, and everyone could see Rin was as pale as a ghost but didn't show it in his features. Suguro wanted to comfort him for some reason, but something held him back from doing it as they started towards the hotel, no one saying anything the whole way back, which Rin found comforting.