CHARACTER DEATH!!!!! Chapter warnings for practically everything. Extreme angst, blood, medical procedures, violence.
*Detailed description of death
This is it.
This chapter right here almost had me abandon this story. It was rough to write. I've had majority of this chapter written since before I even began posting the story, but when it came time, it was difficult. This is the most emotionally taxing chapter that will be in this story.
This chapter will confuse you in some parts but it will make sense soon.
Not every story has a happy ending, but that doesn't mean it's not worth telling.
-Lucian of Samosata
It had lined up perfectly… Those inside the Inn were drawn away into the dining area watching the news conference. Yukio could hear the helicopter before Renzo's phone had even begun to ring. Mephisto was stepping on to the stage, as Rin was gathered into Yukio's arms. Renzo grabbed the bag and Rin's sword then they were rushing out of the room. Yukio ran past the TV set in the front entrance and almost froze when he saw Mephisto take a bullet to the head.
Finally it all clicked into place. What better distraction could there be? But it came at a terrible price…
"We can temporarily hold Death at bay. While I still stand, I will try to hold them back."
The pair were just crossing the threshold when Rin went stiff and screamed. It was so terrible, so agonized that Yukio almost dropped him.
Yukio hissed as Rin's body heated up painfully. Fire began to flicker to life around Rin and Yukio. Rin's next scream was cut off with a frightening gurgle. Rin was too hot. The snow was evaporating around him, creating steam clouds. His clothes were threatening to combust and Yukio needed to get him helpnow.
Yukio was carefully maneuvering Rin into the helicopter when he heard Ryuuji. He didn't want to acknowledge the boy who was in love with Rin.
He sucked in a breath and turned his head to silently tell him to stay back, Yukio didn't want him to get hurt. But he didn't hesitate to rush at the helicopter without even shoes on.
Yukio turned away from the pitiful scene, focusing his attention on Rin.
Rin was making choked sounds as he struggled to breathe. Yukio tilted his head back in an attempt to help him. He was in desperate need of fluids as he burned off the liquids in his body. His lips were cracked and oozing blood, the thin skin around his eyes was darkening. Portions of his cheeks were peeling away, revealing the red muscle below. Yukio was vividly reminded of the zombies in Inari.
"Holy hell!" Renzo whispered.
Yukio shot him a glare and went to place an IV in Rin from the bag he had brought. The skin was almost unbearable to touch and the needle conducted the heat too well. Yukio watched desperately as the hydrating solution tried to make its way into Rin's body. The liquid began to churn, the bag clouding up with condensation.
Rin was practically on fire and Yukio was running out of options.
"Hurry!" He shouted to the pilots.
"There will be a team on board the Dominus Liminis to stabilize the patient." One of the men said mechanically.
Rin grabbed at Yukio's hands, and dear God, he was awake for everything. Renzo stepped closer and suddenly Rin was snarling. His lips curled, causing them to split further, and his sightless eyes seemed toseethe pink haired boy as he panted like a dog.
"It's ok, Rin. You'll be ok." Yukio kept up a stream of empty promises. Rin snapped his teeth at Renzo and Yukio looked up at the pink haired boy. Something was upsetting Rin. Something about Renzo.
"Back up." Yukio commanded. As the other stepped back, Yukio saw what had Rin angry. A streak of blood was on one of Renzo's boots. "What did you do?"
Renzo looked down, his eyes widening as he stammered. "I… didn't think I kicked him that hard."
"You kicked Ryuuji… great." Yukio grumbled as he stroked Rin's hair back. The hair was curling, dry as a bone and encrusted with salt from evaporated sweat.
"Aaaaaand…" Renzo was growing red. His voice dropped to a mumble barely audible over Rin's ragged breaths and the rotors. "Bon grabbed the Koma Sword."
Yukio whipped his head around and sure enough, the sword was gone. Rin convulsed violently, his hands tore at his stomach. Flickers of blue fire lapped weakly. It was horrible to watch.
"Can't we go any faster?!" Yukio shouted.
One of the pilots grappled for a communication device on a hook next to the controls. "Patient is actively dying. Medical aid required immediately."
"We are ready." A female voice answered softly.
Yukio was holding Rin's hand, trying to not flinch away from the heat. The flames weren't burning his skin. But his clothes were getting dotted with holes. The heat inside the helicopter was almost unbearable. Renzo sat down hard, sweating. The clouds opened up just enough for Yukio to see the massive airship floating with a grace not fit for something that big.
Rin turned, curling around Yukio with desperation. His tail, wiry fur dry and gritty, wrapped around Yukio's ribs. His hands were squeezing Yukio's but he was so weak it didn't hurt.
"Yukio! I'm scared." Rin cried out in a choked wet sound.
"I'm here. I'm right here. It's ok." Yukio clung to him, feeling his shirt turning to ash against his skin.
Rin gave a rough sob, his flames were growing. The IV bag melted and Renzo had retreated as far as he could.
"Yukio," Rin was almost chanting his name now, no longer able to string together his thoughts. All he knew wasYukio.
The helicopter was dropping on to the landing pad and when the door was thrown open a familiar sly face greeted Yukio. The Phoenix features on full faintly flaming display. A woman with predatory golden eyes was leaning against a gurney, her long braided hair burning with a red fire was draped over one shoulder as her lips curled into a sneer.
"Mister Okumura! I hope us fire users can lend a hand!" Todou grinned.
Yukio swallowed down any urges he felt to get his brother away and helped load Rin onto the stretcher.
A radioactive green liquid was injected into Rin's arm, almost instantly Rin's next breaths came easier. Rin stopped trembling, his fire died down and he sighed as his eyes slipped closed.
"That should start us off nicely." The Demon King Iblis purred. Her hands stroked down Rin's face, "Baby brother is adorable! I'll take good care of him."
Yukio didn't feel exactly comforted.
Mephisto drummed his fingers over the pillow he had tucked against his chest, his eyes were vacant and a coy smile was on his lips. "Ah it is time. Things have really kicked off."
He could see the beautiful dramatics of Rin's lover falling to the ground, clutching at the last line he had to Rin… Yukio trying in vain to save his brother, Rin's body giving its final fight. "There is a quote that I do think suits this moment," Mephisto told the empty room. " "Man alone chimes the hour. And, because of this, man alone suffers a paralyzing fear that no other creature endures. A fear of time running out" by Mitch Albom. The fear and anguish is thick tonight. What will they all do now?"
His eyes landed on the hourglass on his bedside table. The sand was almost gone… he would need toflipit soon.
He turned back to an invisible audience and chuckled. "I hope you don't mind my coming plot twist."
The air felt electrically charged with something. Ahead of him, Rin sniffed, his nose in the air.
"Do you smell that?" The boy asked, his dark suit made him almost blend in with the shadows.
Ryuuji tried to smell whatever Rin was picking up but he couldn't find anything out of the ordinary. "What do you smell?'
"Sulfur and something like a thunderstorm. Like lightning." Rin answered. The half-demon began to growl like a large cat, then with an excessively hard yank, Rin was dragging Ryuuji along. Their flower crowns fell, landing on the ground side by side. Ryuuji clung to Rin's hand, his eyes wide with panic. Rin was running fast , the half-demon was spitting flames.
"Rin!" Ryuuji shouted. "Slow down!"
"Something is coming." Rin snarled. His teeth lengthened, flashing in the now eerie light above them. The music had changed back to the faster, louder stuff now that Rin was away… but Ryuuji wished they weren't running at a breakneck pace towards something that had Rin on edge. This was a terrible idea. He flashed back to the time they were running towards the deadly Impure King. Why did this feel so similar?
A loud boom sent a shock wave through their bodies, rattling their bones and Rin ran faster up the stairs to the causeway. Rin was panting heavily, his exhale escaped with a wheeze. Ryuuji wanted to stop him but the half-demon looked exceptionally agitated, being driven onward by something as yet unknown except for his sense of imminent danger.
He hadn't looked this way against the Impure King. What would set him off like this? Above them, high up on the observation deck a plume of… black fire lapped at the sky before disappearing. Black fire?
"Izumo!" Rin screamed. Ryuuji's heart thundered in his chest. They tore past the small clutter of their fellow students and a panic stricken Yukio, making their way up to the observation deck.
"Rin!" Yukio cried out, before pursuing his brother.
As they began to ascend, a loud whir of helicopter propellers sounded from above. A searchlight illuminated the night, and Ryuuji could see it come to a stop on the deck. They reached the top, and Ryuuji felt his stomach plummet. Every nerve in his body screamed to turn and run. He ignored it, squeezing Rin's hand tighter.
"Shima!" Rin's voice was hoarse and raw but still carried. And there was Renzo Shima. He was shrouded in black flames, standing with people in odd uniforms. They stood together behind tall, large shields. "Izumo?!"
The girl was limp in Shima's arms… and Ryuuji felt his heart lurch in his chest. Please don't be dead. What was happening? What was Shima doing there with those people?
Ryuuji could hear Rin shouting to Shima as he continued forward. Renzo's eyes narrowed, a smirk lifted his lips. Ryuuji found his feet sliding to a stop, and he yanked Rin back. Rin cried out, eyes wide.
"Rin!" Yukio screamed. He must sense it too… Everyone's hair was lifting, static seemed to be charging the air. Ryuuji dragged Rin back to his chest, twisting and shielded him as the world around them lit up. A tremendous blistering heat swept over them. Ryuuji didn't feel a thing…
Rin didn't understand what happened. One moment, Ryuuji was curling himself over Rin, pulling the halfling close then… What happened? The light was dimming, the stench in the air even worse and where was Ryuuji? He opened his eyes to find Ryuuji gone. He looked around him, confirming his brother, Shiemi, and Konekomaru were gone as well. He blinked, confused and stood straighter.
His puzzlement grew when he distantly noted his body didn't ache as it had just moments before. He looked over to where Shima was and frowned.
The pink haired boy looked absolutely horrified. His wide brown eyes, usually lit with amusement and a gentle playfulness, were stricken.
Mephisto appeared behind Rin in a shower of pink. The Demon King's hands clamped down on Rin's shoulders, and pulled him back carefully so Rin's sword was pinned between the two of them. The cloying scent of a mausoleum hung around him. Rin looked up at him, confused, as Mephisto closed his eyes briefly and seemed to be bracing himself.
A masked man stood before them with golden hair and a golden tail. His eyes were shadowed behind his mask though they shone with something like amusement.
"Brother. Are you upset that I destroyed your toys?" A musical voice behind the mask quibed.
Rin sucked in a breath and looked around once more, whipping his head this way and that to locateanyone.Why was Rin standing alone? Ryuuji's arms had been around Rin! He couldn't have moved that fast.
Rin's breathing was speeding up and he unintentionally met Shima's devastated expression. Why did he look like that? Destroyed toys?
"It is truly a shame to lose such a promising group of children, Lucifer. But I'm sure we can cope." Mephisto replied.
Rin's tail stiffened and every muscle was suddenly locking up. "Lose?"
"Oh dear." The golden tailed demon, Lucifer, tutted softly.
Mephisto was squeezing his shoulders tighter, pointed tips driving into the skin. Rin knew it was a warning but…
Flames began to escape Rin, ruffling his hair. He couldn't process what they were saying.
"Where's Yukio?" Rin cried out. Shima flinched, turning away, and began to hurry towards the helicopter. Izumo was still in his arms.
"He is gone." Lucifer told Rin as if speaking to a small child. "No human could survive the full force of my power."
Gone? Dead?Yukio, Ryuuji, Shiemi, and Konekomaru all dead in an instant? Vaporized as if they had never been there? As if they had all been a hallucination… Rin's chest was heaving, his head was pounding. Tears were streaming down his face as he collapsed against Mephisto.Hewas supposed to die.Theywere supposed to live on till they were old and grey. His heart was racing and something was cracking inside of his soul. He roared.
Ryuuji had ended up inside the Inn and he didn't know how he got there. His hands were unsteady but he was numb as he changed into different clothes and prepared to go to the Vatican. After what just happened… he was surprised Shima hadn't destroyed the flash drive.
His nose was broken and had bled an obnoxious amount. Ryuuji hated waiting for his injuries to at least clot. It took precious time to get Rin back. He swallowed, unable to comprehend Yukio's betrayal.
"Ryuuji?" The voice was so high pitched, meek and small. Shiemi had been lingering silently. "We have to tell the others."
Ryuuji just wanted to lay down and wake up from this nightmare. Kuro was sitting on his shoulder, licking his hair. The cat sidhe had been in the kitchen eating his lunch when Yukio bolted. "I'll take you back. You tell them… I gotta go help Light."
Shiemi laid a gentle hand on his upper arm. "Yuki is doing whatever he can for Rin. I'm sure he believes they can help."
"Then why didn't he tell me? I thought we were friends! I thought I could trust him! And what happens when they can't?" Ryuuji snapped. He hated how angry he felt. "What if Yukio just handed over the best vessel for Satan?"
Shiemi gasped, looking horrified. "But that can't happen."
"Light thinks so. He says if Rin… then the empty vessel will be perfect for Satan." Ryuuji began walking towards the door, Rin's sword secured against his hip.
Shiemi was in tears once more and Ryuuji hated doing that to her but she needed to know all the facts. The door pushed open to the hospital just like the night before…the night before.All this began last night.
Shiemi went through the door with a concerned look back. "Good luck, Ryuuji."
He nodded, his thoughts everywhere but in the present. Kuro's slight weight and Rin's sword felt so foriegn. They didn't belong with him.
The sounds of the heart monitor and Todo's voice were distracting as Yukio went about caring for his brother.I'm only sixteen… what am I doing here? The Illuminati doesn't even care.
Yukio rubbed his gloved hand over Rin's chest port and slid another needle into Rin, frowning as he injected the new experimental drug into his brother. He tried desperately to not look where Todo was digging around inside his brother's abdomen.
It turned out that Rin's body had had a barrier of sorts placed by Mephisto. The Demon King's power had been acting as a dam for Rin. When the power fell, everything it had been holding back very suddenly crashed into Rin. In doing so, several tumors had instantaneously burst inside of Rin. So… Todo was stopping the bleeding and removing some of the malignant tissue.
The new drug Yukio was trying was a two part liquid that refused to mix. A holy water boiled with black flames and the green elixir. The theory was that the holy water and the essence of the black flame would tamper down Rin's demonic nature until the elixir could get to work and destroy the bad cells.
They were considering allowing Lucifer to do another round of radiation but they believed it was too risky for now. Rin was in a delicate state.
He set the needle in the proper bucket and went back to where Todo was. And he was horrified when the smug Demon Eater handedhimthe curved needle and the sutures.
"I know you fancy yourself a doctor!" Todo's eyes shined and Yukio could tell he was grinning behind the mask. "Let's see what you've learned!"
Yukio looked down at the open abdominal incision and swallowed back bile. He shook his head, afraid of opening his mouth.
"Oh come now! Your brother is a perfect specimen! It will hardly leave much of a scar even if you mess up!" Todo held the needle in the forceps and dangled it teasingly. "Come on."
Yukio reached for them, knowing Todo wouldn't give up on this. Todo would get his sick pleasure out of everything that was wrong with this. Yukio swallowed hard and tried to detach himself from the situation. His hands trembled as he started.
Todo stood over him, giving suggestions and correcting him and it felt sowrong.
For hours after, Rin was surrounded by the fire demons. He was on dialysis but they didn't dare to intubate him after the last time. Todo continued to take samples of practically every kind and sent them to the lab to be tested immediately.
Rin's abdominal incision was not healing at a demonic pace so maybe the drugs were working. Yukio checked the sutures, distressed. He had never wanted to see his brother opened up like a dissected frog. He never should have had to!
The readings of the machines were still way too high or low but (and Yukio thought this grudgingly) thanks to Todo and Iblis's quick response and the Elixir, Rin was holding on. Yukio was certain Rin wouldn't have made it through without the Elixir.
Fire elemental demons came in and out as the only ones able to handle the slow cooker oven that had become the room Rin rested in. Though now Rin was able to sweat without it immediately evaporating off. Rin was being kept heavily sedated with pain medications supplied readily. For the moment, Yukio's brother was peaceful.
"Hey, teach." Renzo poked his head speaking too loudly for Yukio's liking. Renzo had changed into the now familiar Illuminati uniform.
Yukio glared but couldn't muster up much else, his hands still trembled violently but he clenched them into fists to hide it.
"The Commander wants to see you." Renzo adjusted his volume.
"But Rin…"
"Is being monitored. He will be ok for an hour." Renzo tried to coax.
Yukio took a breath and stroked his hand over Rin's brittle hair before stepping out.
"You need different clothes." Renzo commented. Yukio looked down and confirmed that his shirt was heavily charred. "There's a set in that bathroom. Get cleaned up and we will go."
Yukio did so hurriedly, barely reacting to the odd white clothes he was given. He didn't want to be away from Rin for longer than necessary. When he exited the bathroom, freshly dressed, he was greeted by a woman with squared glasses with her hair pinned up out of her face. Her uniform showed off her higher ranking than Renzo, who seemed to have wilted in her presence.
She had a low drawling voice when she said, "Yukio Okumura. I am Homare Todou. My rank is Adeptus Major. I am the captain of Phosphorus, the bodyguards of the Commander of Light, Lucifer. I will be taking you to him."
"What do I do?" Renzo asked.
"You stand guard outside Rin Okumura's room." Homare commanded. She turned and began to walk. "Come along."
Renzo squeezed Yukio's arm as he passed. Yukio continued on his way, following the woman who strode with an easy confidence.Is this Todou's daughter?
They stopped before a large door with a speaker and microphone next to it. She clicked the button and spoke into the microphone. "I have brought Yukio Okumura."
"Thank you. Send him in." The voice was one Yukio recognized all too well. The melodic voice that had whispered tempting words to Yukio. Promises and power.
"The Commander is in poor health. Do not upset him." Homare told him sternly.
He glanced at her before nodding hesitantly. The door slid open and he stepped inside. A grand room with a shallow pond with lily pads and sparkling water glistening in the light greeted him where the Demon King of Light was lying on a large hospital bed on a slightly raised platform. Thick hoses trailed over the floor like serpents, the ends of them were connected to Lucifer, himself. The same vivid green Elixir was being used heavily on the demon.
The beautiful face turned to look at Yukio. The Demon King looked as thin and ragged as Rin did. "Ah, Yukio. I must apologize for my appearance."
His eyes were lit with a tired fierceness you see in elderly lions. "I hope your beloved brother has settled in. How is he?"
"He could be better… he's comfortable." Yukio answered honestly. "You said you wanted my brother and I? What for?"
Lucifer hummed. "Yes, you see… your brother will be important to us. The Elixir could always use improving and… there are no other beings decaying as fast myself. Your brother seems to be wearing through his body almost as quickly as I do with my own. It would be wonderful if we could advance the Elixir to the point of sustaining a body for not only myself but your brother as well! A symbiotic relationship between us, if you will."
Yukio was tempted with just the thought of healing his brother. "And my eyes?"
"Father is peering out at us now. You are a vital window for Father." Lucifer was being so honest, it caught Yukio off guard.
"Do you know anything about…otherswho have suffered like Rin?" Yukio remembered the conversation he had overheard. Meanwhile he was planning… if Satan was in his eye… if he was a liability and Satan could use him… That's why suicide failed? Did that mean death was the answer for him?
"Hm yes, in fact, I too have ailments like your brother. All of the high level demons, their offspring, and clones built of the same types of genetic make up are all extremely susceptible to DNA instability along with other mutations. Which in turn causes the problems we all experience." Lucifer dipped his head. "It was truly a rarity for one to survive as long as your adopted father, Shiro Fujimoto."
Yukio stayed silent while his mind whirled with the information. "Father had been a clone for a demon? And wouldn'tthat make sense because demons are unstable beings."
Lucifer smiled, looking pleased. "Yes, Shiro and his twin brother were born of the Azazel group vessels. The twin, Goro, became Satan's vessel." Lucifer leaned forward. "Enough about the past, let's discuss the present. A fact that interests me aboutyouis…lookat you. You have been in the presence of high level fire demons for hours now. Renzo informed me that you even needed fresh clothes but not a hair on you was singed. You are special, Yukio. You will be a powerful ally."
Yukio swallowed. "I accept your words as truth and will be happy to join you… with my brother. When the time comes."
Lucifer's eyes narrowed. "I see. Return to your brother's room. We will run some tests on you. Try to rest while my team of doctors fix Rin and go over your results."
"Yes, Commander." Yukio gave a short bow and left the room, internally considering the conversation. How much of it had been a lie? Hadanyof it been a lie?
Homare walked him back to Rin's room in silence. Yukio didn't mind the quiet, as he digested each sentence Lucifer had said. Lucifer's voice had promised and sounded so trustworthy. It was odd to hear next to Mephisto's tricky words, double meanings and chuckling amusement.
Rin was the same when Yukio entered the room. He had a fresh bag of Elixir diluted with saline. His skin had stopped peeling away and he seemed to have an easier time breathing.
Yukio collapsed back into the chair next to the bed and took his brother's hand. He laid his head down and was asleep before he knew it.
To put it mildly, Rin was bitter. In an instant, he had lost everything that mattered to him. Yukio, Rin's little nerdy brother. Ryuuji, who Rin had discovered first love with. Shiemi, his first real friend. Konekomaru, steadfastly loyal and caring. Izumo, taken by the Illuminati and eventually Rin learned she had died in an attempt to have the Nine Tailed Fox possess her, who burned with a fierce stubbornness that hid a softness. Renzo, a traitor who watched True Cross and Myoda be brought to their knees before being assassinated.
The worst pill to swallow was when Rin learned he had been healed by the blast of unrestrained demonic power, purging his body of every mutated or cancerous cell. Rin would have given up his life for any of them. Why was he the one to survive?
Rin was enraged, filled with a dark vengeance stronger than before. Lucifer and Satan would pay. When Lewin Light came along and pulled Rin into a violent apprenticeship, full of conspiracy, Rin learned he needed to raze it all to the ground.
So that's what he did. The sky rained blue fire over the broken remains of the Dominus Liminis. Rin stood in the ashes and realized… Revenge had not solved anything. He was still alone.
Mephisto stood from his bed, almost toppling over but after a breath he was strong enough to take a step forward. That was fine. He just needed some strength for this.
It would be the greatest act of mercy he had ever committed. He, as a demon, wasn't known for his merciful side but… it was there sometimes. It was there the day the Okumura brothers had entered the world. As he had picked up the squabbling, naked baby, tiny in his large hands, he had decided to return the baby to his mother. He showed mercy once more when Shiro refused to kill them. He was endlessly lenient with Yukio and Amaimon and he would certainly callthatlevel of patience an act of mercy.
Of course these acts did not come without his own ulterior motives. Did that cancel out the act of mercy? It mattered not to the Demon King.
He picked up the hourglass between sharpened claws and approached the door. He opened it then without a glance back, he threw the hourglass over his shoulder.
The golden sand and crystalline glass shattered across the floor, glowing with their own light. Then the door swung shut behind him with a final bang.
Ryuuji jerked awake. He had fallen asleep sitting up once again. He had handed the reports over to Angel and had sat down to wait outside the Roundtable Council Hall.
His phone was ringing shrilly and he hissed at the pain in his head. He blinked open his bruised eyes and looked down at the caller ID.
Izumo Kamiki. His brow furrowed but the movement was a mistake. He had slept just long enough for the aches and pains to come full force yet not enough to rid him of the bone deep exhaustion he felt.
"Hello?" He croaked around a dry sore throat.
"They took her! The Grigori took her. We need to get to the Vatican! Come pick us up!" Izumo didn't let him get a word in through her frantic words.
"What?" Ryuuji rubbed at his temples and blinked wearily around. "I gotta stay here for Light. And Miwa has to stay in the hospital, right?"
"Who cares about that right now!? Everything has gone to shit! Konekomaru can't sign himself out so we are just going to leave." Izumo told him.
Ryuuji sighed, and was about to reply when the doors slammed open and Light was carried out like a scuffed kitten.
"Looks like my evidence wasn't good enough, Ryuuji!"
Ryuuji groaned heavily and watched as Paladin Angel stormed out of another door.
"Dammit." Ryuuji growled. He didn't know how much more he could take. "Looks like it didn't work. Not enough evidence… or maybe the truth was too hard to swallow."
The doors swung open once more and a small elderly woman trotted out. She eyed Ryuuji imploringly. "You are Lewin Light's apprentice?"
"Yes, ma'am. I'm Ryuuji Suguro." He stood and bowed, feeling his bruised back ache from where he had landed hard on the ice.
"You look like you should still be in the hospital." Lucy Wang commented, eyeing the band around his wrist.
He winced, hating that the highest members of the Order were seeing him in such a state. He looked like a ruffled raccoon. His eyes bruised, nose swollen, his hair in desperate need of a cut and/or a redye. He wasn't sure he had gotten all the blood off his face.
"What do you think of the evidence, boy?" She asked.
Ryuuji collapsed back into his seat. He couldn't muster up the anger he could feel bubbling deep inside him. He was just so tired. "I prepared the final documents… but I think Light should have told me more. But I believe it. He shouldn't have acted so reckless. There was a better way to go about this and he failed. I wish I had been able to hold him back more. I was… preoccupied."
Ryuuji felt a pinprick of tears and he swallowed them down, horrified at how frail he felt. He was upset that Light's plan had fallen through. He needed to bring the cruelty and pain of those like Rin out for everyone to see.
Lucy studied him a moment longer, her eyes going to the sword at his hip. "I had heard the latest group of Exwires were having an exceptionally difficult time. Demon King interference, the Impure King, then the collapse of one you hold dear. Come, let's go see what we can do about Lewin Light."
Konekomaru was oftentimes underestimated. He wasn't big and loud like Bon. He wasn't sly and mischievous like Shima. He couldn't bullshit his way out of things like Rin and he didn't see himself as intelligent as Yukio. But he was a master at acting.
He grinned gleefully as he trotted out of the hospital. He never wanted to go to that hospital again. It hadn't been easy getting past the staff but after anunfortunatefall in the hall, he had been able to slip away. His shoulder was aching and burning fiercely but he pushed on. Izumo was clutching his hand, the girl had been more emotional than he had ever seen her before.
He appreciated the comfort the hand brought him as he clutched it. His other arm was in a sleeve in hopes to keep it as still as possible.
Izumo was on the phone with Bon and had a concerned look on her face as they stepped towards the nearest church.
"Ok, we are here." Izumo told Bon.
The door opened before they could open it themselves and Bon stepped out with a small woman on his back. The Aria was ragged and looked exhausted but his eyes were bright.
"Are you kids bored?" Lucy asked with a gentle smile. Konekomaru bowed to the higher level exorcist.
"We are going to fetch Light then we will go from there." Bon told them. The door was closed then opened once more to allow them passage into the Vatican holding cells. Then the group began to move forward once more.
Authors note,here starts the difficult portion.
Yukio was human but was immune to fire. The Illuminati had been amazed by his ability to wield the Armumahel guns.
Yukio could practically taste their eagerness to have him join them. He was satisfied with that as he was smart enough to know that he needed to stay interesting.
He walked into Rin's room, and sat down to check him over. Immediately, Yukio could tell something was off. Yukio frowned, looking Rin over. His features were no longer the shimmering blue that Yukio had become accustomed to. He was pale grey with a dark blueing on his lips. His hands' fingers lying on either side of him were the same horrifying color.
Yukio glanced at the heart monitor, and yes… Rin's heart was beating. Yukio reached out and grasped the still hand of his brother. Yukio's heart began to gallop in his chest when he realized at some point… in the, what, hour and a half, Yukio had been gone, Rin's fever had broken.
Yukio watched the numbers for Rin's vitals drop for a moment, stunned. Then he was slamming his hand down into the emergency call button and held his breath.
The room was full of fire affinity demons almost instantly but there was no reason to be picky about it anymore.
Rin was cold.
Yukio knew… he knew as soon as the whispering began. He knew as he watched the skin of Rin's tail turn purple and splotchy enough that he could see it through the multicolored fur. He knew when Egyn and Lucifer were brought in, Renzo trailing after them. Things weren't going well.
Rin's vitals were dropping. Lucifer shook his head at the team of doctors.
The door opened and several men came in to escort Todo out. Apparently he was needed elsewhere.
"Mister Okumura. Remember what I have said to you. Be honest with yourself. It is freeing." Todo smiled and patted Rin's hair. "I must depart for my own destiny now. Goodbye."
Lucifer headed for the door then stopped next to Renzo. "Report to me when it is over."
Yukio's legs trembled violently and he collapsed to the floor. Lucifer swept out of the room without a glance back.
Renzo muttered a quiet, "Yes, Commander."
Iblis sighed and clicked off the blood pressure monitor with a flick of her hand. Yukio was speechless at her lack of emotion as she looked at him. "The kid is done for. His body is shutting down and we can't bring it back."
Yukio felt like he couldn't breathe. "The Elixir! Can't you try a higher concentration?"
She shrugged. "Itmayhelp bring him back but we have other needs for it. We don't have an endless stock. The fact that it's not guaranteed…"
Yukio snarled. "You think it would be a waste!"
"Essentially… yes." Iblis turned away and continued clicking off the various machines.
Yukio lunged for her but was grabbed around the middle by Renzo. "Don't, Yukio."
The demon walked away, tossing an unsympathetic glance back. The door clicked closed behind her with a finality that set Yukio on edge. While they had talked, the others had cleared out. It was just Renzo and Yukio standing before a single bed, who's occupant was turning more grey as the minutes ticked by.
Yukio didn't want to believe it. Rin would be fine. It wasn't too late… Yukio rushed over to Rin and grasped his hand. Upclose, Yukio could hear Rin's breathing had become a labored rattle. His body was… wasted. He was skeletal and his white gown made the grey waxy parlor of his skin even more pronounced. His tail, once a sure way to tell his emotions, hung limp and the skin a dark purple under the fur. The hand, with fingers as purple as his tail, that Yukio held was cold now, his body unable to generate the fever he had kept up formonths.Yukio knew what all of this was. Rin was actively dying and Yukio was trapped…watching.But he wasn't alone. He could feel Renzo standing at his side completely silent. He was acting as thewitness.
Yukio gritted his teeth around the boiling anger because this couldn't be his brother. It just didn't seem possible… a year ago, Yukio had just spent his fifteenth birthday with his father and Rin. He had been planning to start at True Cross… training to become adoctor.Rin could have been a chef. Yukio choked out a sob. Lucifer had sounded so sure… he said hewouldsave Rin! Why was Yukio here, watching this? He squeezed Rin's hand tighter, trying to find something, anything, to cling to.
Yukio had thought he wanted Rin dead but that couldn't be further from the truth. What Yukio yearned for most… was freedom. He wanted Rin toliveand not be responsible for him. He wanted Rin to be by his side but not depend on him nor Yukio depending on him. Yukio wanted the future Rin had envisioned in Kyoto. Partners and complimenting each other rather than one or the other being a burden. Yukio loved Rin. He loved him so much that it physically hurt.
He was going to bealone.
Rin's breathing caught suddenly, and became loud outward pants. Yukio squeezed Rin's hand and leaned to wrap his arms around Rin. Yukio vaguely remembered that hearing was believed to be the last thing to go.
"I was always so jealous of you." Yukio was distantly shocked at his own voice. It didn't feel like he was speaking. It felt like he had slid free of his own body. His soul speaking directly to Rin's. He could almost imagine the two of them,together, on their beds at the Monastery, whispering so dad wouldn't know they were still awake. Hushed giggles still reaching Shiro in the other room who would roll his eyes and smirk. "You were always so strong. Always saving me from bullies… even scaring off demons on occasion. You could handle anything. It didn't matter if it was bullies or the Impure King. I always felt Father loved you more than I."
Yukio tucked Rin's head against his shoulder and looked up to the harsh lights above as his eyes stung. "You arereallystrong. I'm proud to have you as a brother. But I've always hated myself. Most of all… I hated myself. I always felt so useless. I felt like I could never be strong enough. I always had to rely on you. That's part of the reason I became an Exorcist so young. It was so I could become as strong… or stronger than you so that one day, I could save you." Yukio crumpled over Rin, holding him close. "I failed."
The hand in his squeezed weakly and Yukio smiled through the shooting pains in his chest. It had been a long fight for Rin. Yukio's tears were stinging his eyes…I should have used the tranquilizer on him… seems less painful than this. I should have shot him in the classroom. It would have been a mercy.
Rin's body shuddered, his tail roped weakly around Yukio. It was the most active he had been in hours. "I would have done anything to save you. I'll save you of more pain. It's ok, brother. Rest."
Rin's ribs spasmed in Yukio's arms before he abruptly became very still. Yukio's breath left him in a rush, his throat tightened. The blood rushed through his ears and he choked on a sob. He distantly heard the heart monitor screeching and suddenly he was slamming back into his own body. But he didn't feel right. He felt too heavy.
Behind him, Renzo quietly spoke, his voice wavered. "Time of death… 20:46."
Yukio squeezed the small half-demon to his chest, physical pain like a burning fire settled into his veins. His blood thundered and his heart began to race in his chest. He hadn't taken a breath since Rin took his last and he wasn't sure if he could. He distantly realized this wasnota normal reaction to losing someone. This was something more. His heart seemed to jerk in his chest, a painful jolt rocking him. Was he having a heart attack? Was this the cost of losing a twin?
"Yukio?" Renzo was still there… his hands were on Yukio's back. The touch was agony.
Yukio couldn't hold back his pained sounds any longer. He sucked in air that felt too dry and let out a wail. Hot tears poured down his face, soaking into Rin's gown as his eyes burned.
"I have to go report this…" Renzo's voice was becoming more clogged. The screaming machine was shut off and Renzo practically ran out.
Yukio didn't acknowledge him as he left, he couldn't form the words. His cries were turning into airy screams. He jerked away from Rin, letting go of the limp hand to scratch at his eyes. As soon as he released Rin, the pain skyrocketed. It was quickly removing any other thought from his mind. He could hear laughter in his head that definitely did not belong to him. His head felt cramped and too full.
His gums ached and a spider webbing of agony branched down his spine.
The roar of fire filled his ears, then all he could see was blue.
Renzo was in the bathroom, hiding away from everyone. He couldn't let them see him like this. He bowed over the sink, crying into the running water. Through the wall, he could still hear Yukio's cries.
Renzo wanted to comfort him, hold him and try to help… but there was no easing the pain ofthis.He wiped at the tears on his cheeks, trying to stem them. He was told to watch and report back to Lucifer but he would be stupid to show how much pain this caused him. He was supposed to be unaffected by the going-ons of his classmates. But… who, what kind of monster, would be unaffected by watchingRin die?Yukio had poured his heart out right in front of Renzo and that alone had almost been his undoing.
He looked down at his phone, sitting so innocently on the edge of the sink. He knew what he needed to do. It was the right thing to do here. He hated being the bearer of bad news… but this couldn't wait. He couldn't bare the thought of Bon fighting to get to see Rin again only for him to discover he was gone. This would shatter Bon's heart.
Before he could change his mind, he picked up the device and pressed the speed dial #4. He winced as Yukio's wail echoed to him and he hoped it wouldn't be audible through the phone.
"Shima! I've been trying to call you! What the hell is going on? What were you…" Bon's voice was stern.
Renzo took a shaky breath, his throat suddenly dry.
Bon cut himself off from whatever rant he was about to go on at the sound. "Renzo?"
His shoulders were shaking and he squeezed his burning eyes shut. He couldn't form the words. He tried again, his voice quavered. "H-he… he'sgone."
Now wasnotthe time to take a call from Shima. Not when they were headed to the Romania Lab. He gritted his teeth, but took the call anyway, sending an apologetic look to Light who walked beside him. Ryuuji had been trying to get Shima to answer for hours. He needed to give him a swift kick in the face.
Ryuuji didn't let him get a word in before he began hounding the spy. "Shima! I've been trying to call you! What the hell is going on? What were you…" Shima let out a trembling breath, one that Ryuuji recognized. They had grown up together… of course he would recognize when Shima was swallowing back tears. A sinking feeling started in his chest. "Renzo?"
At the change in his tone, his companions openly stared. Kamiki's expression was guarded and Konekomaru's eyes locked on the phone. Light came to a complete stop, raising his hand to signal to Osceola and Lucy.
After a long pause, Shima stuttered and choked as he tried to speak. "H-he… he'sgone."
Ryuuji's hand squeezed the phone tighter, pressing it closer to his ear. Surely he heard wrong. His legs trembled violently. On his shoulder, he could feel Kuro stiffen. The cat sidhe's fur was slowly beginning to stand on end. "What?"
"Yukio tried… he triedeverything.It wasn't enough." Shima was openly crying now, his words broken by sobs and Ryuuji could hardly breathe. "Rin passed." As if in proof, Ryuuji could hear the howl of someone in tremendous pain.
A loud crack was the next thing Ryuuji was aware of. The plastic of his phone was cracked in his hand. Sharp shards making his hand bleed. His knees slammed against the floor and he took heaving breaths. The sword at his hip clattered on the floor.
"Bon!" Konekomaru lunged for his hand, forcing it open.
Ryuuji stared down at his hand, unable to feel anything as Konekomaru tugged the shards out of his skin. Blood dribbled down his arm, landing with wet splatters along the ground. Kuro seemed to have frozen, his muscles trembling.
"What's wrong?" Kamiki actually sounded worried.
The color drained from Ryuuji's face and he hunched over, squeezing his eyes shut. He was vaguely aware of the hands on his back,and now all the exorcists were staring at him.
He could feel the tears on his face, and he must look like a complete mess. But why should he care? He punched the floor hard and felt Kuro's claws pierce his shoulder.
Rin was gone.I didn't even get to tell him goodbye… or how much I love him.
"Hey, you with me?" The voice managed to rouse him, along with the hand smacking his wet cheek. Light was kneeling next to him with something like concern in his visible eyes.Why did they look so much like Rin's?"What's going on, kid?" His voice was so gentle, something he only ever used in the quietest moments withRin.Ryuuji swallowed back a wave of nausea, his body shaking. Light looked from Kuro to Ryuuji then hummed in realization, and his eyes flicked over to the other two teenagers and then his colleagues. "I take it that… Rin isn't coming home?"
Ryuuji didn't want to answer but his silence seemed to be enough. He dipped his head, reluctant to keep going. Kamiki and Konekomaru froze at the words. Then Kamiki turned, and quickly walked further away before she fell to her knees against the wall. Konekomaru clamped his hands over his mouth, sobbing. Ryuuji could feel himself falling apart, uncaring of who could see him.
What could he do now? His Rin was gone.
"Now now… what would he think if he saw you right now?" Light spoke loudly, directed towards all of the grieving teenagers. "Would he be okay with you crying over him? And letting Dragulescu escape? He wanted to defeat Satan. And Yukio is now unprotected and grieving in Lucifer's hands."
Ryuuji could see Rin in his head, the stubborn pout present and yelling for everyone to hear."I'll be the one to defeat Satan!"The half-demon standing in the Impure King's castle, the flirtatious smirk lifting his lips as he glanced back at Ryuuji with eyes of the most beautiful blue. He had been terrified but Rin had never backed down. Never gave up. The little spitfire reminded them all again and again what it was like to fight. He was the ultimate example of resilience. Ryuuji's hands warmed as if he was running his hands through flame filled hair. His hand dipped down to run over the sword at his hip.
Rin would never let Yukio be stuck with the enemy. He adored his brother. Even when they were fighting and at each other's throats. Rin would want Ryuuji to look after Yukio.
"Rin would want you to carry out his wishes. This is the only way to do it. So… I need you kids to rally around that.What would Rin want?Fight for him." Light was usually terrible with words… Where was this even coming from? Light tugged on his stitched up arm and Ryuuji slowly stood.
"For Rin." He agreed. Kamiki had stood, her eyes wet but determined. Konekomaru shuffled to stand next to Ryuuji, grabbing his hand tightly.
Light looked from each person and nodded like he approved of what he saw. "Let's go."
Then they were off again, running to catch Dragulescu. Ryuuji wasn't sure how he was still going, or how he even had the strength to put one foot in front of the other but all he wanted was to see Rin again. His vision was blurred and he probably wasn't in any condition for a fight but he continued on.
And his heart plummeted when he saw the zombies.
"They're from the Lucifer and Azazel group!" Light groaned. "I always wondered what happened to the zombies they tried the elixir on. Now remember kids, those familiar faces don't know you and will try to kill us all."
Ryuuji's hands trembled, and Konekomaru made a pathetic whimper as the corpses approached. Several of them looked likeRinin various stages of decay.
Ryuuji's hand went to the gun against his back but then… he withdrew it to grasp the hilt of the sword andpulled.An explosion of blue fire arched outward incinerating the closest zombies.
Ryuuji's mouth hung open in awe as the fire danced and twirled in a way that it had not since before Rin's coma.
"Brilliant, Ryuuji! Blast them, Rin!" Light cried out, an eager grin on his face. He looked like he would be applauding if his hands weren't occupied.
The sword shot great blue flares outward, brushing past the humans but never leaving a mark. One particular flame slid up and around Ryuuji's shoulders, tossing his hair around.
Ryuuji didn't chastise the sword this time.
The sand dusting the floor danced and the glass fused together. The golden sand began to trickle down once more.
The figure lied as still as a corpse, the wind tousled his hair and red/blue eyes were staring blankly. The empty shell required two simple things. Mephisto knew where both were. But first… they had a job to do.
Mephisto grinned. "What an incredible turn of events."