Author's Note- Disclaimer in previous chapters. No warnings for this particular chapter.

Ryuuji was stiff, muscles tense, as he surveyed those seated around the council table. Mephisto was, as usual, wearing his flamboyant clothes with a predatory gleam in his eyes… To his right was an odd looking man that Ryuuji recognized, not because he had met him in person but because this was Arc Knight Lewin Light. The highest ranked Aria in the Order. He wore a safari-style hat and his hair was a dark messy curtain that covered his eyes from view. Ryuuji thought that Light's scruffy appearance gave the impression of an Old English Sheepdog. The thought was almost enough to make Ryuuji snort but… on Mephisto's left side was Renzo Shima.

Ryuuji couldn't hold back his snarl, but Renzo didn't even raise his head. The rest of the table had the other Exwires. Kamiki was trembling with a rage he could almost physically feel boiling off of her. Another oddity, Yukio was missing… and Ryuuji could almost guarantee Mephisto did it on purpose. The tension was suffocating and no one seemed to want to break the atmosphere.

"Good to see you, Mister Suguro. Please, have a seat." Mephisto beckoned to the empty chairs. Ryuuji stiffly chose to sit next to Kamiki, the girl was practically steaming.

"I'm Lewin Light! Nice to meet you all!" He beamed and turned his head to peer at each of the students. "I am the Arch Knight and second to Arthur Angel. I'm here to investigate and judge the not so secret spy, Renzo Shima." Ryuuji clenched his fists and sent a death glare at the pink haired boy. He was pale and wouldn't meet any of their eyes. A part of Ryuuji wanted to jump up and hug his childhood friend. No matter what, Shima was his family. Shima was like a brother and Ryuuji wasn't prepared for how relieved he felt that Shima was here once again and alive. But… he could hardly hold back the urge to hit him.

"Is Renzo Shima trustworthy?" Light smirked, leaning back in his chair. Ryuuji's first instinct was to say no.

"What happens if we say no?" Konekomaru asked softly.

"Well…" Light grinned and tilted his chair back. "I'd get to interrogate him."

No. A rush of protectiveness flared in Ryuuji's chest. As much as Ryuuji wanted to punch Renzo, he would never turn him over to that.

Before anyone could speak up, Light began again. "So, I'd like to look at our evidence. Frankly, the Vatican doesn't trust Mephisto!" No surprise there. "Mister Shima… how is it that you have returned to the Order?"

Shima cleared his throat and finally looked up. "They told me to come back to save Okumura-sensei. And they believe that the Order would keep me around for information."

"So you could be a spy for both organizations." Light nodded to himself.

Shima chuckled nervously. "I don't think they trust me either."

Light flapped one hand. "They haven't killed you... yet. So they must see some use in you."

Shima was family. And if anyone threatened his life…

"Exactly, we'd have to use him strategically. Played the right way, we might outwit the Illuminati." Mephisto was relaxed in his seat and his voice held no urgency… did it ever?

"So, back to my original question. Do you trust Renzo Shima?"

Ryuuji knew he needed to say yes and save Shima from the other option but… how could he trust him again? Not with Rin's life.

"I trust him." The words felt sour in his throat, and churned in his chest. Lies, his mind jeered as he sucked in a breath. Kamiki shot him a look of blatant disbelief. She had seen his explosion when she had told him what Shima did to Rin. Konekomaru and Shiemi quickly followed up with their own declarations of their faith in Shima. Maybe he would be getting out of the interrogation after all. Shima's shoulders stiffened, but he betrayed no other movement as he kept his eyes down.

"I think I have all the information I need." Light tipped his hat and stood from his seat with a languid stretch.

"What about Shima?" Konekomaru spoke up, his eyes darting toward his friend anxiously.

"Ah… I actually never intended to interrogate him! I have another reason for coming all the way out here." Light beamed with a sudden excitement. Light sauntered over to Shima and set his hands on the boy's shoulders. He leaned down to Shima's ear but spoke loud enough for the others to hear. "I'll be watching you though. I'll be around often. Right, Mephisto?"

Light laughed and turned away as Shima went rigid, his face pale as Light walked to the door. He stopped and leaned against the door lazily. One blue slit pupiled eye gazed directly at Ryuuji, stealing his breath away with the intensity. "Care to lead the way?"

Mephisto swept past the Exwires, a clawed hand grazing the table as he went. He shot a fanged grin at Ryuuji, and a claw dragged along the back of Shima's chair.

Ryuuji shuddered under the demon's gaze. He must have missed something, as the pair watched him. "What?"

"Take us to your mate."

Light chuckled, seeing Ryuuji's face redden. That word… mate sounded so different… so much more powerful and permanent than just "boyfriend." Further, the fact that it was becoming public knowledge was difficult for him to handle. There were people out there who could take advantage of it. Swallowing down his temporary shock and worry, Ryuuji cleared his throat gruffly. His guard rose with a protective air, he wanted to straight up tell them no… that Rin didn't need visitors anyway. Most especially, he didn't want another Demon King so close to Rin.

Mephisto seemed to sense his reluctance and beckoned him. "Lewin may have expertise that could be of some help to alleviate Rin's condition."

Ryuuji reluctantly stood, wincing when he realized he would be leaving the others alone with Shima. He wasn't sure who was in the most danger between the Exwires. Glancing back at Kamiki, he quickly decided she would be just fine dealing with the spy. He led them down to Rin's room, his thoughts swirling and conflicted. He wanted Rin to be better. He wanted all of Rin's suffering to be gone. But he hated the misery that rolled off of Rin when he was poked and prodded. He glanced at Mephisto who perambulated next to him.

Light was grinning, and he giggled. "I have been looking forward to this moment for a while! Satan's son…" Light exaggerated a shiver, turning his face to Ryuuji. "Fascinating that you, a human, can handle such a creature as your lover."

Ryuuji gritted his teeth, the dread gnawing at him. He didn't want to bring them any closer. Light saw Rin as a "creature." Everything in him was screaming at him to keep them away. The sliding door was suddenly before him. The time had come and he couldn't put it off any longer.

Ryuuji eased the door open, and his eyes softened the moment he saw Rin. Bringing others in to see Rin now suddenly felt different. Now, he could suddenly see Rin as they must see him. Far too thin, and skin so pale. His eyes sunken in his head despite how they tried to keep Rin hydrated. Right now, Rin was sleeping on his bed, the blanket bunched at his waist and bare feet poking out the bottom. Light was giddy, trotting inside with a soft exclamation of excitement. Ryuuji went to follow him in, but found himself frozen for a moment when he heard the faintest of rumbles. The noise was muffled and it took him a moment to realize… it was a growl.

His head whipped around to look at Mephisto, mouth hanging open with astonishment. Mephisto looked enraged. His face was less human than Ryuuji had ever seen before. His fangs were clenched and his pupils had expanded slightly, almost making the green of his eyes disappear. Then like a flipped switch, the sound was gone and Mephisto's face had reverted back to normal. His eyes still held a sharpness, a boiling rage, and Mephisto shook his head as he stepped inside the room. Watching how Mephisto stalked toward Rin's bedside, Ryuuji eyed him warily.

Ryuuji blinked, and forced himself to move. Rushing, practically running, to Rin's side before Light was able to start messing with him.

Light hovered over Rin, a look of awe on his face as he knelt beside the young boy, eyes darting over his still features, and Ryuuji was suddenly overwhelmed at how small and helpless Rin appeared.

"Look at him! Absolutely stunning."

Ryuuji would have been more ok with the statement if Light hadn't sounded like he was talking about a prized horse. Dropping to his knees, Ryuuji set his hand over Rin's forehead. Rin's skin was hot and dry to the touch, his fever was climbing. His chest was moving shallowly, his lips parted as he struggled to bring in enough air. Mephisto knelt next to Light, the skin around his eyes tight.

Light reached out, tracing his hand over Rin's body with practiced movements. He had no tools with him, Ryuuji realized as Light pressed into Rin's pulse points and over his heart. Light's hand shifted and pressed into Rin's belly and Rin cried out, eyes fluttering open.

Light smirked. "Hi there! Sorry if that hurts, kid."

Rin squirmed and shifted feebly as he whimpered, disoriented, and as his eyes flickered over to Ryuuji he could see the anxiety building. Ryuuji could understand why, especially with Mephisto looming over Rin with a dark expression as he glared at… the wall? Light continued his examination, his fingers moving with purpose as he dragged the blanket back to palpate his organs, and pinch Rin's fingernails. Rin whined, his other hand reaching and grasping at the edge of the blanket Light had dragged off him, but it slipped out of his reach. His tail flicked, but there wasn't much energy to the movement. Rin tried to keep his eyes open, but it seemed that his eyelids weighed a ton, sliding shut every couple seconds.

Ryuuji's stomach sank, Rin was so lethargic and he couldn't do anything for him. There was nothing he could do to fix this. Light's mouth was set in a firm line as he rolled Rin over. Rin was starting to squirm, fighting the Arc Knight.

Ryuuji stroked Rin's hair before beginning to speak to him. "He is trying to help. Let him help."

Rin stilled, his breath leaving him in a rasping cough at the change in position. "Who's he?"

Light hummed. "That's right, I haven't even introduced myself! I'm Lewin Light."

Light's hand trailed down Rin's back, and as he came to the end of his ribs, Rin hissed. Jerking away with a sudden strength. Ryuuji winced as Rin squeezed his hand, the half-demon trembling as he whimpered.

"Tha' hurt. Tha' really 'urt." Rin cried, tears welled up at the corner of his eye as he looked up at them pleadingly. "Please, no more." His single eye peering up at them closed, causing the tear to roll down his cheek into the pillow. "I'm so tired… I want to go home."

Ryuuji's heart broke at his plea, Rin was going through so much. Far more than any kid really should ever bear. Light sat back, withdrawing his hands from Rin. Rin buried his face into the shadowed valley between his pillow and Ryuuji's leg. Ryuuji could feel the dampness of tears wetting the fabric. Light sighed, turning his head towards Mephisto, and spoke in a low tone. "That is not good."

Mephisto didn't address Light, his eyes locked onto the shadowed corner by the wall and his body tense like a coiled spring. Light turned to the same spot, humming softly as he considered what appeared to be empty space. Ryuuji's hand slipped around Rin's, laying his other on his boyfriend's back and rubbing soothingly, glancing back at Light and Mephisto, he paused. They were both staring across the room, and Ryuuji turned his head quickly to try and see what was going on yet his eyes only met empty air.

A chill crept up his spine, and slithered along the back of his neck leaving goosebumps in its wake. A cloying sense of dread seemed to suffocate the occupants of the room.

"Why are you here?" Ryuuji jumped, the sudden voice broke whatever spell had been cast over them. Yukio stood in the doorway, a dark yet wary expression on his face. His eyes dropped to where Rin was making an effort to hide his face. Yukio stormed towards them, gritting his teeth. Rin roused slightly, hearing Yukio approach. The half-demon sniffled, before the sound dissolved into wet sounding coughs.

"Mister Okumura. Nice of you to join us." Mephisto seemed to enjoy the agitation his words caused Yukio.

Yukio scoffed, kneeling next to Ryuuji. "You kept me out for a reason."

"How was I supposed to know that you would be gone for a short time?" Mephisto was playing with Yukio.

"You know everything." Yukio reached over Ryuuji, forcing Rin to meet his eyes. Yukio wiped the tears off Rin's cheeks, throwing a dirty look at Light. "And why are you here, Light?"

"I'm flattered but even I didn't see…" he beckoned to Rin who was looking away, ashamed at the tears on his face that continued to spill over. "this. I have also decided having a demon expert around for dear Rin would be a good course of action." Mephisto eyed the wall behind Rin, eyes narrowing once more. "Which brings me to… my next order of business. Rin won't be returning to the Cram School. He has been graciously accepted by the Myodha sect and will stay until he can leave on his own two feet or…" Mephisto tilted his head, peering at the far wall, his expression had Ryuuji's hair standing on end. Yukio's back straightened. "He has no more use of this vessel."

Ryuuji's stomach jolted at the wording.

"Why wasn't I consulted?" Yukio's voice was tight.

"You are not his parent or guardian."

Yukio took a trembling breath and nodded. "Fine. But I am staying here as well."

"Of course." Mephisto was watching Rin with an unreadable almost aggressive expression, and from what Ryuuji could see, there was a tension building in Mephisto. "I must go back and continue working on the wards."

"Wait." Rin's voice was hoarse and he struggled to sit up. His teeth were clenched, holding back a yelp as Ryuuji and Yukio helped him. "I can't quit! The test is in three months and 'm not ready. I have to take the test."

Mephisto was shaking his head slowly. "It is already too late, Rin. You won't pass."

Rin's big blue eyes were welling with fresh tears, and Ryuuji wanted to yell at the demon. Rin took a shaky breath, an impressively stubborn expression taking over. "I want to be an Exorcist. I haven't proved to everyone that I can. I have to show the old man that I can be an adult."

Ryuuji's throat was tightening against his will. Next to him, Yukio sighed heavily, shutting his eyes.

Mephisto considered Rin's words, turning to Light. "What can be done?"

Light chuckled, "Well… I can't exactly see the Grigori allowing it… but I can talk to them about waiving the physical portion of the exam. Shorten the written side of it maybe."

"Surely even the Grigori wouldn't deny a dying child's wish?" Mephisto's words had Yukio's shoulders tense. The young Exorcist looked like he wanted to leap at the Demon King.

Rin leaned back, hissing through his discomfort, his temporary strength leaving him. Light turned his attention back to Rin. Humming softly, Light smiled down at him, "Easy now, tiger. You must be feeling pretty awful, aren't ya?"

Rin's eyes locked onto him, there was a hazy quality to his gaze and Ryuuji's heart lurched at the thought that Rin might be slipping backward. Heart pounding, Ryuuji held Rin's weak hand. Rin's heavy eyes settled on Ryuuji before he was leaning further. Ryuuji could almost hear the silent cry of, "catch me" from Rin. His hands reached out, pulling Rin snug against his chest. The half-demon was limp, and where Rin's bare skin touched him felt like Ryuuji was being slowly scalded.

"That's enough. Rin needs rest." Yukio lifted up Rin's blanket and draped it over his brother as he spoke.

"I'd like to look him over more later. But from what I can tell, he is having some problems with his spine and kidneys. He will need a hospital visit." Light murmured, his eyes taking in Rin's features with a calculating expression.

Yukio peered at his older brother, falling asleep in Ryuuji's lap. "They gave an appointment for noon tomorrow."

"I will clear my schedule to tag along. I must go now." Mephisto stood, and bowed to them. His lips curled in a snarl, baring his teeth like a wolf as he stalked past the corner of the room.

Light beamed at the two boys as he followed Mephisto out. "I will be hanging around. If you need anything, just come find me."

Yukio swallowed after the door slid shut, slumping in on himself with something akin to defeat. "We need to bathe him now…" Yukio studied Rin's face and Ryuuji couldn't help but think that Yukio looked older. He looked like he had aged decades in the past couple months. Rin's waning health was like a crushing weight, forcing everything and everyone to collapse in on themselves.

Ryuuji stepped out into the hall later that day, breathing out a relieved sigh. Rin's bath had gone without a hitch and now the twins were both resting. Ryuuji had to practically force Yukio to lay down but he nodded off quickly after a small dose of painkillers. He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling strained by the events of the past… long while. His eyes were burning and his head was beginning to throb in warning. A migraine was threatening him. Great timing.

A figure came rushing from the end of the hall, sporting pink hair and a black eye. He hadn't noticed Ryuuji yet as he looked behind him. Ryuuji wanted to just step back into the room. Avoid the confrontation that he could feel building. But he didn't want to lead Shima in to see Rin or Yukio when they were in such a vulnerable position. He stood stiffly, keeping himself firmly planted in front of the door.

"Hey Bon!" The casual tone made him bristle. "What are you doing just lingering in the hall?"

Ryuuji shuffled and shrugged. "Just standin' here."

Shima took in his stance and seemed to understand. "Ah… Okumura is in there?"

"Doesn't matter to you. You can't see him. If you try… I'll make your other eye match." Ryuuji growled.

Shima shrugged with a grin. "I won't lie, I'd like to see him but I was looking for you. Not him. And I like my face the way it is… thanks."

"Me? Why me?" Ryuuji watched the spy with a closer eye. He couldn't afford to miss anything about his old friend.

"Ah… I just wanted to tell you… not to worry about me. I finally found my thing. I'm happy with where I am and what I'm doing. I am enjoying it." Shima was smirking, eyes not leaving Ryuuji.

"I still don't trust you." Ryuuji leaned closer to Shima. "A part of me wants to beat you for what you did. You hurt Rin."

Shima shook his head. "I never intended to hurt him. True Cross and the Illuminati want him too much for me to actually intend to hurt him. And he is my friend too."

Ryuuji sucked in a shaky breath and decided to throw caution to the wind. He lunged forward and Shima yelped as he crushed him to his chest. This was Shima. He had grown up with the kid. Through lost teeth and broken bones.

"I won't pretend like everything is alright between us but… goddammit, you are family! Be careful. If this makes you happy, then go for it. But if Rin or any of the others get hurt again because of something you did, I won't forgive you… and don't try to mess with Rin." Ryuuji released the boy, and stepped back against the door.

Shima looked stunned at his words but then he grinned bashfully. "I'll keep that in mind, Bon."

Ryuuji watched the other boy leave, and his eyes felt so heavy. Maybe he should try for a nap like the others. Tomorrow would be a long day.

Yukio ignored the slight pain in his side as he bent to read off more of the medical chart. The various tests he had done on Rin the day before were completed with statistics. The doctor's diagnosis and an array of permission slips for additional testing were on a clipboard in Mephisto's lap. The Demon King was taking the time to go through and read them. He was frowning and Yukio understood why.

Rin's health was failing him. The short reprieve he received at the hands of Lucifer was disappearing under the multitude of cells growing too quickly. Rin's blood had high levels of Creatinine and Calcium which didn't bode well for the half-demon. High levels of Creatinine indicated that Light had been correct about Rin's kidneys. They weren't working correctly. And the Calcium was an indication that Rin had a new cancer lurking within him.

Rin was sleeping again, back in a paper thin hospital gown. Just the short trip to the hospital had made Rin cough and waver on his feet. Yukio shook his head, glancing at Mephisto. The Demon King had appeared practically out of thin air as Rin had struggled, scooping up Yukio's brother with ease. It was odd… seeing the Demon King Of Time almost doting on Rin.

Mephisto was signing off on the additional tests, his eyes lacked their normal playfulness, like he was watching a tragedy but unable to pause it. Yukio was reminded of the fact that Mephisto seemed to know everything. Of course he did. He is the Demon King Of Time. Yukio raised his head, staring openly at him. He must know.

Mephisto's eyes met his, and Yukio felt certain. "Yes?" The demon's voice was low in the quiet room.

Yukio wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer to his own question. He licked his lips and swallowed, all too aware of how dry his lips and mouth were.

"How long… does Rin have left?" Yukio's hands trembled for a moment before he forced them to be still.

Mephisto studied him then turned his gaze to Rin. "I am reluctant to tell you. It will change your behavior. Your rationality."

Yukio let out a small outraged sound, but was silenced by Mephisto raising his hand. "I'm doing you a favor. I will not tell you if he has days, months or even years left. It will do you no good knowing. I do recommend that you cherish the time left with him. Death lingers and cannot be run from."

Yukio shivered at his tone. Mephisto looked back at him, eyes bright with almost mischief. "But we can temporarily hold Death at bay."

Yukio watched as Mephisto turned to the furthest darkest corner of the room and grinned. Yukio tilted his head at the behavior, understanding what Mephisto was playing at. He is shielding Rin from literal Death.

"While I still stand, I will try to hold them back." Mephisto sounded sad as he spoke. Yukio once again wondered what all this demon knew.

Shouldn't that be a good thing? Mephisto is strong. He will give us time to find a way to… What? Save Rin? But by that point, what will be left to save? Yukio stood, taking hesitant steps to Rin's side and stroking his hair. Rin had a nasal cannula, carrying supplemental oxygen into his lungs. Will this just unnecessarily prolong his suffering? Dad… what do I do? What is best for Rin? I can't sit and watch him die. Lucifer behaved like he could save Rin…

The door opened and a petite nurse hurried in to collect the paperwork from them, and just as quickly left. It seemed to take no time at all before Rin was whisked away once more with Yukio trotting along.

Yukio hadn't considered this when he said he wanted to be a doctor. His family at the Monastery had loudly encouraged the idea of him becoming a doctor. Rin had been his patient many times in the past with scrapes and bruises. But at this moment, he was watching a real surgical procedure on his own brother.

The thin blue sheet kept Rin hidden except for the small spot open just above and to the right of Rin's tail. The doctor finished the small incision, letting him watch as he did the bone marrow biopsy. Yukio took a moment to control his breathing, a part of him fascinated with the procedure, while another cringed away. His hands were hot in his gloves, and he was embarrassed by how loud his breathing seemed to be.

The procedure was quick but it was only the first they would do. His day was spent looking at various samples from Rin's body, and administering painkillers. Mephisto had stayed through everything, gaining Yukio's respect some when the demon assisted in keeping Rin comfortable.

After the sun had gone down, and the sky was grey with overcast clouds, the doctor returned to discuss the diagnosis. It was everything Yukio didn't want to hear.

For now… Rin could go home. Yukio was relieved as he signed the discharge papers with Mephisto. Then the Demon King was carrying Rin like a baby, his oxygen tank hooked around two of the demon's fingers. The demon was so much taller than Rin, but… Yukio considered the demon critically, he was just as thin as Rin. In fact, Lucifer had been very thin as well. He would have to look into the anatomy of demons again.

Mephisto glanced down at him. "You don't need to be carried as well, do you?"

Yukio hissed at the question, shuffling away from him. They were back at the Inn, thanks to the keys but it was much too late for traffic in the silent halls. Mephisto chuckled, eyes glistening softly in the amber lighting. Yukio would never admit to him that he had missed his last dose of painkillers and was a little uncomfortable. And the sight of his bed almost had him crumpling.

Suguro was curled up in Rin's bed, still in his daytime clothes. His prayer beads were draped over Rin's pillow. Yukio inwardly groaned, this kid would not leave. Yukio really hadn't considered the ramifications of a relationship when he had decided to let them try. Though it was nice to have an extra set of hands.

Mephisto seemed to be glowing faintly in the dim light as he laid Rin down against Suguro. The oxygen tank made a soft clunk as it was settled to the floor. Neither of them stirred and Yukio felt a wave of exhaustion go through him. He set down Rin's new equipment and had the intentions of setting it up, when he felt hands nudging him away.

"I will do this. You need to rest." Yukio's eyes closed and he went limp. A part of him panicked for a moment, then his head landed on a soft pillow and he was submerged in warm blackness.