I've been super busy lately and a tad bit lazy. I had a baby and have been caring for her as well. Havent written much but heres a new chapter! Let me know what you think!
The soft chirping of birds preceded Ryuuji being fully awake. He was comfortably warm and was slow to awaken. He could feel that he had fallen asleep in his daytime clothes as his pants were crumpled and pinching him. His nose was being tickled by something soft and his arms were locked around a slim frame. He could hear the crackle of labored breathing with the hiss of an oxygen tank, and feel it against his throat. He forced his eyes to open and was met with a sunlit room. It was too bright… had he slept late?
He looked down at the boy in his arms, his heart warming. Rin was curled against him, his floppy hair was the culprit that tickled Ryuuji's nose, his pale skin seemed radiant in the sunlight. His mouth was hanging open, drooling all over Ryuuji's shirt. He had a nasal cannula but it was lopsided from his restless sleeping habits. He was still wearing the hospital gown, and the ruffled fabric was exposing far too much of the half-demon. It would embarrass Rin if someone came in to check on them. Rin's tail was looped around Ryuuji's waist and it made it difficult to reach for the blanket that had been kicked away. Finally he managed to grasp it and pulled the soft fabric over Rin. Then he attempted to adjust the cannula, and the half-demon made a snuffled wheezing sound as he cuddled up impossibly closer. Ryuuji sighed, relaxing back. He was anxious to know what the hospital had said. He also wanted to get up and see how long he had slept but he wouldn't be able to move out of Rin's grasp without waking him.
He turned to peer over at Yukio's bed, and blushed brightly when he found the Exorcist awake. He was sitting up, a book in his lap. He was watching Ryuuji's movements with the disdainful eyes of an irritated cat.
"Things are getting worse for him." Yukio's voice was void of emotion.
"I can tell… what did the hospital say?" Ryuuji almost didn't want to know.
Yukio lifted the book from his lap, "Multiple myeloma. A mutation in the plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells in the bones. Being white blood cells… it is messing up his immune system which is why," Yukio gestured at Rin, "he can't seem to clear up the pneumonia. He isn't in kidney failure yet. But he does have some damage."
"Can they just remove the kidneys and let them regrow again?"
"They could but the regrowing cells would be at risk of either shedding the cancerous cell into other organs or the process to regrow the kidneys would mutate into a new cancer…" Yukio dropped his gaze to the book, reading aloud. "Symptoms are fever, pain in the back and bones, kidney damage, infections, blood clots, anemia, shortness of breath, the list goes on…" Yukio's knuckles clenched. "Lucifer's power shrank all of Rin's other tumors but it only bought us a little time. In two days, Rin will be trying radiation. A powerful radiation… we want to hit it with everything we've got. If it succeeds, we will continue that route. If it doesn't…" Yukio met his eyes, the teal color glimmered suspiciously. "Rin will be deemed terminal… and the chance of it working is slim. He is weakening quickly."
Ryuuji couldn't breathe, and he could feel that his face had gone pale. His heart thundered in his chest and an unpleasant tingle spread through his fingers and toes. He thought he had prepared himself for the possibility. He had prayed over it for months now… why couldn't he get a handle on the panic churning his stomach? And the cruel taste of it from Rin's stasis had been bad enough...
Yukio sighed and left his bed to approach the couple. His face was downcast as he carefully pulled Rin away from Ryuuji. He wanted to fight him, to yank Rin back to his chest and scream. He wanted to tell them all that they were wrong and Rin would be fine. He would bounce back from all this. Rin grumbled but quieted when Yukio tucked him against his chest.
"I warned you…" Yukio murmured softly in the silence that stretched between them. "Now go get cleaned up. You need to stay strong for him."
Ryuuji hadn't even realized that he was beginning to cry. Ryuuji staggered to his feet, trying to ignore the violent tremble in his hands. He almost didn't make it to the door, his legs felt weightless. He hurried out, rushing to the garden to escape the claustrophobic feeling the halls were giving him.
The wind was bitter, winter sweeping across the land with a vengeance. The garden had mostly died, the plants withering in the frigid weather. He managed to walk a few more steps before his knees buckled. Frost dusted the withered grasses, and stung his knees where they bit into the ground. The cold air stung his lungs as his breath left him in panicked heaves.
He was going to lose Rin. He hadn't expected to fall in love as hard as he did, but honestly, it was unavoidable. Rin was bright and joyful. Loud and playful. His whole being exuded life in such a beautiful and radiant way.
"Suguro?" The voice was soft, almost inaudible over his own pounding heart.
He raised his head, though a part of him wanted to just run and find a new place to be alone. Shiemi was standing in front of him, bundled up in a warm green sweater dress. The pale cream colored scarf around her neck swayed in the breeze. Her expression was concerned as she knelt down before him. He hastily wiped his eyes, trying to hide his tears but the grief was too great. No matter how hard he tried to stuff it back down, it wouldn't be sealed away.
Shiemi hummed softly, reaching out to rest her hand on his. Her skin was so cool compared to Rin's, Ryuuji had forgotten what a normal skin temperature was.
"Is it Rin?" She asked quietly.
Ryuuji knew there was no point in lying when he couldn't even pull himself together. He nodded, his breathing too ragged to form a word.
"You need to breathe. Slow down. You are going to make yourself pass out." Shiemi squeezed his hand, and began to count softly. Her voice guided him back from his uncontrollable panic but didn't ease the anguish making his stomach churn. "Better?"
He sighed, breath fogging out around him. "Not really."
Shiemi tilted her head, and Ryuuji was hit with the realization that he hadn't spent much time with her. But she was Rin's best friend as well.
"I take it that Rin isn't doing well." Shiemi said gently.
"No…" Ryuuji swallowed down a fresh wave of tears. "Yukio doesn't think he will make it… I can tell."
Shiemi sighed, squeezing their joined hands. "Yuki tends to not have a positive outlook on things."
Ryuuji knew this already, but it didn't ease the crippling fear that Yukio was right.
"Do you think he will be ok?" She asked. A cold gust of wind ripped at their clothes and Nee squeaked unhappily in her scarf.
Ryuuji didn't know how to answer her. He didn't want to give her or himself any false hope but he couldn't see how someone like Rin could be snuffed out.
She stood suddenly, tugging his hand until he managed to get his legs to cooperate. "Come with me. I want to show you something."
He blinked in confusion at her sudden change, but decided to follow her. Their feet made soft crunching noises in the frost and he frowned as she led him down the rows of dead plants. Then she stopped before a single flower bed.
It seemed to hold the only color in the garden. Bright flowers of red, yellow, orange, and a blinding white seemed to defy the grey clouds overhead. Their leaves and petals were dusted with frost and yet the stubborn flowers refused to wilt.
"These are Chrysanthemums. They flourish in winter. The colors symbolize many things. Love for red, of course. The yellow can mean the sun and immortality. But what I find the most interesting is how these flowers can beat the odds and bring something so beautiful to an otherwise barren place." She looked back at him as he found himself staring at the gorgeous blooms. She reached out with her free hand, stroking the petals with a feather light touch. "They're so fragile but strong enough to handle things that the plants around us cannot. You have to believe that Rin is strong. You know he is. Keep being there for him and just maybe, he will come out of this stronger than ever."
"But what about if he doesn't?" Ryuuji's voice was gruff.
"That won't change your feelings for him. You will always love him. And maybe you can find him again. You believe in rebirth, right?" Shiemi was not immune to the tears as her eyes welled up.
He nodded slowly.
Shiemi beamed and looked back at the flowers as her tears overflowed. "These flowers don't stay year round. They die and return with the changing of the seasons. Rin will come back to you. All you have to do is love him now."
Ryuuji wanted to believe it all, but Rin was such a wild card. He was part demon, would he be given that gift of a new life? Surely he would.
Ryuuji knelt before the flowers, watching them sway in the cold breeze. Shiemi gave him one last look before she began to walk away. Ryuuji tipped his head down, a prayer beginning to roll off his tongue. He had always been devoted to his prayers but this one… he poured everything he had into it.
He needed strength. He needed help. He needed Rin to not leave him. But above all… he needed to lose his selfishness and he wished for Rin to find peace.
Ryuuji hadn't been gone for too long. He had taken a moment to freshen up in the showers to get rid of any evidence of tears. He opened the door to Rin's room, his heart sore but he had a new resolve.
Rin was awake now, sitting up with a big bowl of soup in his hands. The half-demon was making a small mess out of it as he tilted his head back and chugged the broth.
"Rin, you are going to choke." Yukio scolded from where he perched on a nearby chair. He had several napkins in his hand and he leaned forward to wipe at Rin's mouth. The younger twin looked over at Ryuuji with searching eyes. He seemed to find whatever he was looking for and turned back to Rin.
Rin lowered the bowl with a wide grin, his fangs peeking out. "I won't. And I'm hungry." He peered over at Ryuuji, who sat next to the half-demon. "Ryuuji." He practically purred, flopping over to drape himself around him.
Ryuuji blushed brightly, trying to untangle the limbs. Rin giggled, and Ryuuji, fresh from a shower, realized that Rin's hands were wet and in his hair. "Rin. How are you feeling?"
Yukio chuckled. "He probably isn't feeling much of anything. He is on some pain killers the hospital prescribed."
Rin's pupils were wider than normal and he looked like Kuro on Silvervine. It was cute… Rin nuzzled against him, trailing kisses along his throat. Yukio huffed and tapped Rin's side with his foot.
"Behave yourself." Yukio attempted to steer Rin's attention from Ryuuji.
He pulled back, his eyes squinted as he seemed to struggle to focus. "I have a list."
"A list?" Ryuuji glanced over at Yukio who shrugged and tossed the napkins to Ryuuji. He took the dampened cloth and began wiping down Rin's hands.
"The list!" Rin insisted, his tail lashing. "Yukio told me about what might happen. I want to do some things first."
A bucket list… the thought had Ryuuji's head spinning.
Rin's smile was radiant as he began to babble.
"Thank you for coming to see me, Mister Okumura." Mephisto sat back against his desk, his fingers steepled.
"Why did you call me? I have to get back to Rin." Yukio glanced down at his phone, reluctant to put it away.
"Miss Kirigakure has gone missing. She had gone to Aomori to speak with an old acquaintance but no one has heard from her since. It is important that you go investigate." Mephisto's expression was challenging.
"I can't leave Rin right now. His radiation is in two days." Yukio's tone portrayed how torn he was. If Shura was in danger, he needed to save her… but Rin would be facing radiation alone. Yukio couldn't choose Shura over Rin.
"Rin will be well looked after while you are away." Mephisto seemed to actually mean it. He was becoming exceptionally caring towards Rin. It put Yukio at ease.
"I… I still don't want to leave him." Yukio wouldn't admit it aloud but holding Rin that morning had made him even more eager to cling to Rin as he became skeletal. He was too thin… too fragile.
"He will be fine with the Suguros for a few days." Mephisto encouraged, sliding two keys over to Yukio. "One of these will take you to Aomori. The other is specifically for seeking out Rin. It will take you to wherever he is. But will only work in an emergency."
"Thank you, sir." Yukio tipped his head, feeling real gratitude as he picked up the keys.
"Now, go pack your bags and pick a partner." Mephisto grinned.
"Partner?" Yukio groaned.
"Partner. Choose wisely."
When he returned to Kyoto, Yukio felt his heart warm at the scene he found himself walking into. The Exwires were sitting in a loose circle, blankets strewn around almost like a nest. Kuro was lying in the center, Izumo had even summoned her familiars who lounged against her legs. Rin was sprawled out across Suguro's lap, his head resting against the bigger boy's neck. Shima even tentatively sat among them.
Rin was babbling away, and he seemed to be in good spirits. His cheeks were flushed and the blue glow of fever was visible but that didn't stop him from telling stories surrounding the antics of living in the same house as Shiro Fujimoto. Yukio's appearance quickly caught Rin's attention, who beamed.
"Hey Yukio!"
Suguro grumbled and readjusted Rin's oxygen as it shifted once again.
"Rin." Yukio didn't want to ruin his mood, but he had no choice. "I have a mission.
Just as he suspected, Rin's tail dropped for a moment. "What's the mission?"
"Shura is missing."
Rin's brow furrowed and his tail crooked like a question mark as he tilted his head. "Who is Shura?"
The floor seemed to drop out from under Yukio at that moment. How was he supposed to reply to that question? The Exwires were frozen, various expressions of shock on their faces. Suguro's arms had reflexively tightened around Rin.
Rin's face took on a vacant expression before he shook his head vigorously. Then he was grinning. "I'm just kidding! Find her and bring her back! "
Yukio wasn't convinced and going by the others' looks of doubt, they weren't either. Yukio swallowed, turning his gaze to Suguro.
"I am hoping to only be gone a couple days… but in the event that I am gone longer…" Yukio could tell Suguro understood his unspoken requests to care for Rin. He nodded solemnly and turned to pack, choosing to ignore Rin's temporary amnesia. He didn't want to stress Rin by asking about it. He lifted his duffel bag, turning back to the Exwires. "I have to go now."
Rin squirmed off of Suguro's lap and shed his cannula to pull Yukio into a hug. Yukio stiffened, unused to the display of affection from Rin. It scared him… and as his arms came around to return the hug, he found himself taking stock of Rin. His ribs jutted out under the thin shirt, the heat from his skin and the shallower than normal breaths. He closed his eyes for just a moment, letting himself soak in the offered comfort and the smell of something that was so familiar. Rin's scent had never changed through all the years. Rin pulled back to cough roughly into his sleeve.
"Go sit down, Rin. You'll be fine here." Yukio maneuvered Rin back towards Suguro's waiting arms, once again relieved that he had someone else to assist.
Shiemi sat up on her knees to help settle Rin back with his oxygen and warm blankets. She sent a gentle smile at Yukio as she did so.
"Be careful, Yuki." She said as he went to the door.
He looked back one more time, letting the domesticity of his students ease his worries. They had each other. They would be ok. Now he just had to find a companion to go to Aomori with.
This was an unexpected turn of events. Many exorcists had been wounded in the attack by Lucifer and his choice of partners was slim. The blonde man sprawled out on the floor next to him would never have been his first choice. But here he was, with Kinzo Shima after a long day of questioning people in the town before being given a lead. Shura had been given a ride up to Lake Towada but all of the shops were closed when they arrived. They had decided to stop for the night in the nearby Inn.
Yukio groaned, staring down at his phone. No service… of course not. He had wanted to call Kyoto upon their settling in for the night but now he wouldn't be able to. It set his nerves on fire with anxiety, worried for Rin.
"He will be alright."
Yukio startled and looked over at Kinzo, who was watching him. The blond haired Shima was looking excessively bored as he jangled his kakkara. Rolling it pensively in his hands as he studied Yukio thoughtfully.
"Your brother did Kyoto a big favor. Everybody loves him. They'll take care of him." Kinzo flopped onto his back and stretched with a groan. "So… what do we know about Miss Kirigakure?"
Yukio glanced back down at his phone before sighing and setting it aside. It was no use waiting to have service. "Mephisto said she had come to speak with an old friend of hers. She came this way, avoiding the town. The Innkeeper said she stayed for a night. I read up on Shura's background in the Exorcist Database. She was nine when she was picked up by the Exorcists here. Not much else is known…" Yukio felt like a failure. He had known her for years and yet, he had nothing else on her.
"We can go look around the Lake tomorrow. I'm exhausted." Kinzo laughed, a sound that reminded Yukio of Renzo. "Kyoto branch doesn't usually do this much walking!"
Yukio smirked. "I could tell by how breathless you sounded." Kinzo was easy to talk to. He reminded Yukio of Rin a little bit. Yukio wished he could have had Rin as his partner in this one and all his future missions.
"Ah! I'm just not used to how high up we are!" Kinzo bluffed.
Yukio rolled his eyes and began to prepare to lay down for some needed rest. As well as his wounds had healed, he could still feel the healing muscle in his leg aching in warning. He was doing too much physical activity. He gingerly laid down, his scratches tender.
"What was it like, growing up with your brother?" Kinzo asked suddenly. The blond rolled toward him with a curious look on his face.
"Growing up with Rin?" Yukio didn't really want to talk about Rin. He was such a sensitive subject these days. "He was always getting into trouble. He was too compassionate and tended to defend those that were weaker than he was with too much aggression."
Kinzo nodded and looked up at the ceiling. "You taught Renzo so you know how he is."
Yukio hummed, not convinced he actually knew anything about Renzo. "He is complicated."
Kinzo laughed then yawned widely. "He is and always has been!"
As the night grew later, Yukio found himself tossing and turning. He had grown accustomed to hearing Rin breathe or the hum of Rin's equipment.
Kinzo'a breaths were too even, too deep. Just like before… when Rin wasn't so sick. Yukio stopped, toying with the memory. It was so distant already, when Rin used to be healthy. When he used to run and laugh, and play. When he used to cook, and sleep in late.
The times when Rin used to come to class.
The flash of annoyance at his brother for falling asleep during lectures stung.
There was no way any person could have known or realized that Rin was unknowingly suffering from tumors. So… of course it was reasonable to feel annoyed at Rin for falling asleep so much. But just the memory of knowing that Rin used to come to class hurt more than Yukio thought it would.
He missed the person that Rin used to be, and when he was leaving that day… when Rin had forgotten Shura… some part of Rin was already gone. Yukio didn't know how big a part it was, but it was gone. Knowing that killed Yukio, and it drove him to want to save as much of his brother he had left, to hold onto the parts of him he still had left even more tightly.
Mephisto's behavior was enough of a tip off to know that Yukio would lose his brother soon. The last of his family. Gone.
Ryuuji hadn't ever considered himself to be an exceptionally cuddly person but being with Rin seemed to bring it out of him. His nose was buried in the mop of fluffy hair and his arms held the half-demon to his chest. One of his hands trailed up to scratch at Rin's head.
Rin seemed to be lost in thought, his brow scrunched and he was chewing at the pen in his hand as he scratched out something on the paper before him.
"What's wrong?" Ryuuji whispered.
"Is Yukio mad at me?" Rin wondered aloud after a moment of silence.
Ryuuji blinked, not expecting that from Rin. "Why do you think that?"
Rin shot him a look of disbelief. The halfling's hand tugged Ryuuji's shirt up, glaring at the near invisible healed cuts on his chest. "How can you not be mad about that? Yukio… I almost killed Yukio."
"Yukio doesn't blame you. He understands what happened. No one should blame you. That was a bad situation." Ryuuji tried to console him.
Rin's hand brushed at his throat, his eyes haunted. "I see little flashes of it all. It's all messed up and it's like someone else was controlling everything… Maybe they're all right. Maybe I am too dangerous to live."
Ryuuji growled at the words and hauled Rin impossibly closer. He turned the pouting boy around and kissed him softly. "Don't talk like that. They're wrong. You aren't dangerous."
Rin tried to protest but Ryuuji silenced him with another kiss. He settled his head against Rin's and looked into the wide blue eyes. It pained him to see the tears welling up.
"Rin… back to back, you had pain killers, a seizure, being handled by unfamiliar doctors and Lucifer looming over you. No one could blame you. We were all scared." He wanted Rin to understand… he had to understand that it was no one's fault but the Illuminati. They started all of it.
Rin sighed and nipped playfully at him. Ryuuji could tell he was exhausted and that he didn't entirely believe him… Rin's lingering self-worth issues had reared their head again.
"How about you keep writing? Yukio will be back soon and you can ask him yourself."
The wall of the Monastery towered over him, hardly visible in the darkness apart from an odd blue glow. He trailed his hand over the rough stone, his face tilted up to look at the snow falling. A bitter wind ruffled his hair, some of the brittle strands breaking to drift through the air. He panted, feeling too hot. His lungs felt too restricted and he coughed. The snow was melting around his numb feet.
How had he gotten outside? Dad would be angry with him… especially if he was as sick as he felt. (Since when has he ever gotten sick?) He pushed away from the wall to return to his bed and swayed heavily before falling into the snowdrift against the wall. He whined as pain shot through his sore back, his lungs ached at the sound and another cough escaped.
He warily opened his eyes, not realizing they had fallen closed when he had hit the ground. He was covered in snow, the deep drift had collapsed around him and was rapidly melting against his too hot skin. He frowned as his pajamas were quickly soaked through.
Yukio hates when my clothes get all wet. He blinked rapidly and reached up to rub at his eyes. This was not the Monastery. He couldn't see properly. Everything was bathed in a foriegn blue glow and his vision seemed much more blurry than usual, like trying on Yukio's glasses. Snow was everywhere, piling up faster with each rush of the wind.
Rin blinked owlishly, his head felt too heavy. "Dad?" He frowned at the raspy whisper that left him.
"Yukio?" He felt like a lost puppy. His limbs were numb as he struggled to pull himself from the snow. He could smell Yukio. Yukio had been in this… whatever this place is…
Why can I smell him? Why do I recognize his smell?
His thoughts were clouded as he inhaled as deep as he could.
"Yukio!" His cry didn't seem to carry, but the blue around him seemed to expand. He struggled to stand, feeling frustrated at his inability. The wall behind him offered slippery support.
His breathing was coming quicker now. He could feel himself beginning to panic as he became aware that he was very lost and too weak to endlessly wander.
"Yukio!" It sounded more like a squeak.
The crunch of snow under feet startled Rin. He turned hoping to find Yukio or his dad. But the one who was approaching was a stranger. They had a thick coat on and a bag slung over their arm. The coat's hood concealed much of their face in the darkness.
"Rin?" The voice spoke with familiarity and Rin shuffled nervously. "What are you doing out here by yourself?"
"I'm lost." Rin replied quietly, his chest aching.
"That's ok. Come on. I'll take you back inside." The stranger sounded kind as he reached a hand out towards Rin somewhat hesitantly. His other hand brushed back his hood revealing a youthful face and… pink hair?
Rin pulled his hands closer to himself, staying pressed against the wall. "Who are you?"
He seemed to suddenly be at a loss for words as his hands dropped to his sides. "I'm… I'm Renzo Shima. Your… friend."
Rin narrowed his eyes and coughed. "I don't know you."
"You do, Rin. You're just really sick right now. You shouldn't be out of bed." Shima walked closer, trying not to crowd Rin. "We really need to get you back inside. Yukio will kill us all if you get worse."
Yukio. Rin raised his head at the sound of his brother's name. "Where is Yukio?"
"He had to go do some stuff. He will be back soon. He left you with us to care for." Shima's gloved hand met Rin's bare one and gently tugged him. "It's freezing. Come on."
Rin still wasn't sure if he was being honest but if he was right, then there should be some sign of Yukio "inside." Rin's legs trembled and he almost fell as he tried to walk. Shima caught him around the middle, letting his bag fall into the wet snow.
Rin cried out at the touch, sharp pain stabbing at him.
"Shit. I'm sorry… God. This sucks so bad for you." Shima was lifting Rin up onto his back and looked back at the half-demon with a grin. Rin stared back, trying to figure out how he was in this position. "Last time I carried you like this, you were drunk."
Rin blushed and wobbled as the other boy started walking. He coughed, his breathing raspy in the cold. His eyes were heavy and he leaned his head against Shima's neck.
The ground changed to wood planks and Rin opened his eyes curiously as they entered a soft amber lit hallway. As they walked further in, Rin could hear frantic calls of his name and the cry of a distressed cat.
"Uhoh." Shima froze for a moment and his hands twitched like he was considering setting Rin down. But he continued ahead, biting his lip.
Rin's eyes widened as they turned the corner to find a big guy with a black cat perched on his shoulders. The guy was huge, broad shouldered and tall with piercings and two toned hair.
This was the guy frantically calling for him?
"Uh… Bon." Shima called. The guy whipped around, his mouth falling open when he spotted Rin.
A smaller voice echoed in Rin's head. "Rin! We were so worried!"
What was that?
The big guy… Bon (what kind of name was that?) rushed forward and before Rin could squeak out his disapproval, he was being hoisted off Shima's back… and snuggled?
One of Bon's arms held him so they were chest to chest while his other was stroking back his wet hair. The little black cat chirped and purred, bumping against Rin. "What were you doing with Shima?! Where have you been?! You're soaked."
"Rin! Don't sneak off like that! I was so scared!" The little voice scolded.
The way Bon growled Shima's name had Rin's eyes widening with worry. But he could smell that this big, scary looking guy was… something like family. His scent had a distant part of Rin's mind relaxing, wanting to melt against his chest.
Mate, growled a voice almost too soft to hear. Surely this guy wasn't… mean.
"He was out in the garden, lost and terrified. I was heading out and heard him." Shima told him, though he sounded nervous.
Bon snarled, the scent of something rolling off of him. "We still told you not to touch him! You come get me. You come get ANYONE, even Light. But you don't touch him!"
Rin leaned back, eyes wide. What was he? A possession to this guy? And he spoke so cruelly to Shima.
"Hey! Be nice!" Rin snapped. Bon looked like he had been slapped, a look of mystified horror taking over his face.
"Rin, don't trust Shima!"
"What are you talking about?" Bon asked.
"What do you mean? You're being an asshole to him!" Rin squirmed, wanting to get away from the boy.
Shima's mouth was hanging open with astonishment.
"Where is my dad?" Rin asked, whipping his head around. Bon shot Shima a confused glance and Shima shrugged. Rin glared up at Bon, attempting once more to free himself.
"Hey, calm down. We will talk about this in the morning. You need to lay down." Bon told him before turning back to Shima. "And what are you doing?"
Shima scratched at his head and blushed. "Oh… ahhh I have a job."
"A job!" Ryuuji growled, narrowing his eyes at him. "What, you're gonna go backstab someone else?"
Shima stiffened, his eyes tightened before his body relaxed and he offered a lopsided smile.
"Aww, c'mon Bon. You know I didn't know that would happen, okay? It really freaked me out. I already apologized for that, too." His eyes darted toward Rin before focusing back on Bon, and Rin couldn't help the swell of sympathy for the strange boy.
"I think…" Rin began hesitantly, "I think it really was an accident. I bet it was just… a simple mistake, right?"
Shima looked at him, stunned for just a moment before he was laughing with him, "Right, right. See? He gets it."
"Rin, I think you just don't remember. Let's get you back in bed, okay?" Bon responded gruffly, his throat felt tight with repressed sorrow that he couldn't afford to freak Rin out with.
Frowning, Rin turned away reluctantly as he allowed himself to be led back. He kept glancing back at Shima over his shoulder as the boy stood there watching them as they walked away down the hall.
That Shima seemed nice. So why was this Bon person so mean to him?
As they rounded a corner, he licked his lips nervously. "Do you know when my dad is gonna get here?"
Bon looked over at him, a pained glint in his eyes as he led him down the hallway by the hand. His touch was unexpectedly gentle for such a big guy… his hands were soft and warm. "No, he didn't really say. Sorry, Rin."
"Oh…" Rin frowned at the information. He was tired and felt horrible. Shiro could fix it, right? So his dad should be here… "What about Yukio?"
Bon nodded. "He said he would be back in a day or two. I bet you can even call him tomorrow."
"Can I call him now?" Rin wanted to hear a familiar voice. He didn't like all these strangers, even if they carried a familiar smell.
"Uhhh… I'm not sure. It's late. He will be sleeping."
Bon led him into a seemingly random room and Rin was enveloped in the strong scent of Yukio. It was mixed with Bon's scent, and the sharpness of various cleaning and medical products. Bon stepped aside to let Rin explore the room, the large boy going over to a medical style cart.
Rin found the bed that belonged to Yukio and sat down with a sigh. It felt good to be off his feet. He dissolved into a coughing fit, his body jerking with the harsh coughs. He was aware of a hand rubbing his back.
Bon had come to sit next to him. The boy had brought along various bits of medical equipment. He had thick fluffy towels in his hands. The cat hopped down and bumped Rin with his head.
"Let's get you out of those wet clothes." His hands were hesitant and gentle as he helped Rin out of his wet clothes. They stuck to him from the heat of his skin and his hair was plastered to his head. Bon lifted one towel and wrapped it around Rin's shoulders, before taking another and working to dry Rin's hair. It was soothing, and Rin leaned into the gentle touch. Rin had to hold back a whine when the hands withdrew, then he reached behind Rin and…
Rin blinked. What the hell is that? Was that a tail?
Rin jerked away, his eyes widening as he grasped the appendage and yanked. Foreign pain shot through his pelvis and up his back, and he screeched.
"Rin don't do that!" The small voice that continued in his head chirped.
"Whoa! Hey, Rin calm down." Bon pulled the tail from Rin's hands and lifted Rin into his lap. "Breathe. Take it easy. It's ok."
Rin was breathing way too fast, his lungs were screaming. Ragged coughs escaping as he hyperventilated. Why was that tail connected to him? He bit his lip in an attempt to ground himself but the sharp sting of honest-to-God fangs didn't help. His vision was attempting to black out and tears were wetting his cheeks in a flood.
This has to be a dream.
He could distantly hear Bon's voice. "It's ok. Breathe for me. Come on."
Bon's hands were trembling as he attempted to soothe Rin. He had his phone in one hand, a sinking feeling in his gut when the call to Yukio didn't go through.
Rin was beginning to wail and Bon had no idea what to do or how to help. The half-demon was confused, scared, and possibly delirious, flames leaping from him in sporadic waves, making the situation worse. Bon jumped up, squeezing Rin to his chest as tight as he felt comfortable. Rin's tail was thrashing, cracking like a whip into Bon's legs but he could ignore the pain for now.
He rushed from the room, wincing as Rin let out an inhuman howl. Bon had heard the sound only once before… when Rin had been stabbed by Amaimon in the forest so long ago.
"Dad!" Rin cried out. His lungs were straining and the sounds he made were punctuated by wheezes.
Doors were opening all down the hall, and Bon was starting to panic as much as Rin was. Light was racing towards them and Bon was relieved to see him.
"Ryuuji! What happened?" Light asked. Bon could see his parents coming down the hall and his classmates were standing nearby looking terrified.
Bon was embarrassed by his shaking voice. "He doesn't remember anything. He's scared."
"Dad!" Rin called.
Light made to take Rin from Bon and he wanted to refuse the hands but he knew he couldn't do anything more. Light retreated back into Rin's room, lying the half-demon down on his bed. He immediately curled into a tight ball, sobbing into his hands. The demon expert hastily pulled the bottle of sedatives from the medical kit, something they haven't had to use yet…
"He's going to give himself a seizure or a heart attack at this point." Light reasoned aloud. He looked over at Bon, his gaze hard. "Hold him for me."
Bon hated the idea of holding Rin down. He wanted to run and not do something so cruel but he told Yukio he would take care of Rin. He couldn't shy away now.
Rin's fever was climbing, his eyes were glassy and his tears were evaporating quickly off the super heated skin. His breathing was far too shallow and fast, completely hyperventilating. Bon hunched over Rin, watching Light slide the needle into Rin's skin. Bon kept himself still, stroking his hands over Rin's hair and against his cheek. Rin's trembling was easing gradually, but the tears just kept coming. His father stepped into the room, hurrying over to Bon.
"Sir Pheles is coming with help. I gave him a call and let him know the situation." Tatsuma worriedly looked over Rin. The halfling was still panting, eyes wide as he looked from one face to another.
"He is fighting the sedation." Light explained as he took the time to get Rin's vitals. He was frowning, shaking his head as he muttered numbers under his breath.
"I tried to call Yukio…" Bon felt horrible that he couldn't handle Rin's difficulties.
"What exactly happened?" Light sat back. Tatsuma shifted to take Light's place closest to the children, knowing not just one needed comfort.
Bon's voice trembled as he spoke, detailing how he had woken up to Rin missing. Shima appearing with Rin, and everything that followed.
Light looked grim and nodded. "I see…"
The door opened once more and Bon wanted to shield Rin from the intruders. Mephisto stepped inside, closely followed by a stranger with shaggy brown hair and clad in a priest's cassock. The man froze at the door, a look of despair taking over his features before he schooled himself and rushed forward. Light and Tatsuma stepped back, allowing the newcomer closer.
"Rin!" His voice seemed to trigger something in Rin. The halfling jerked violently and lifted his head.
"Nagatomo… what is happening to me? Why do I have a tail? Where's dad?" Rin's voice was soft and weak.
Nagatomo sighed, reaching out to hold onto the frail hand. "You're really sick. I know you're scared but things will be ok. Fujimoto will be around, alright?"
Rin was finally relaxing, his blinks taking longer each time. "I really want him."
"I know, kiddo. Just get some rest. These people here will take good care of you." The priest looked around the room and smiled. "Yeah, I can see they all really care about you. Take your medicine and listen to what they have to say."
"Will you be here?" Rin asked hopefully.
"Sure, kid. I'll stay for a while." Nagatomo whispered. Light stood, beckoning at Bon to follow him. Bon was reluctant to move, especially as Mephisto's aura was quickly flooding the room, but he stood, squeezing Rin's hand before following the man. His father nodded to him, a silent promise to stay with Rin till his return.
Light led Bon down the hall before entering his own room. He flopped down onto his bed and studied Bon for a moment before nodding like he had confirmed something.
"That… what just happened… is a really bad sign for Rin. His vitals are way off and he seems to have regressed before the development of his brain tumors. Before his seal was weakening. If it's permanent… I can't say. But this will make keeping him much more difficult. We will most likely have to take shifts, staying awake or something, to make sure he doesn't wander off again." Light stared at Bon, his gaze unwavering. "I also have decided to make you my apprentice. Not full time, as I know where your true loyalties lie. And before you argue… this war is only going to heat up. It's not going to stop. The demons aren't just going to throw in the white flag because one of our strongest soldiers is sick. That will just make it worse…"
Bon's mouth hung open. What?
Light leaned forward, hands clasped with an earnest look. "Here's the situation… Don't interrupt, kid… but Mephisto has me here for several reasons. And one is the first line of defense against Satan." Bon's stomach seemed to drop, and his heart was starting to beat faster. Light sighed as he continued. "If Rin is to suddenly die. If Rin has a seizure and can't recover or passes in his sleep… anything … his body will easily become vulnerable to Satan's possession. All Satan needs is the empty vessel. And you… you are in the most danger. You snuggle up to Rin every night. You stay with him all day. You could wake up and be looking into the eyes of Satan himself. I want you prepared. And I want to train you and have you help me in the war efforts."
Bon felt frozen, like he had been dipped in a freezing lake. His chest was thundering and in his mind… he could see it. He could see himself awakening to a cold corpse. A distorted, evil version of Rin. One that devoured with the blue flames. One that used those sharp fangs to pierce Bon's throat before he had a second to yell.
Satan…
"You sure you're alright? You've been looking off all morning." Kinzo had picked up on Yukio's difficulties quickly.
Yukio had gotten next to no sleep, and the rest he did get was plagued by nightmares. He was afraid of what he may find on his return to Kyoto. Would Rin remember him? Would Kyoto be able to handle Rin alone?
They stood before the trail up to Towada Shrine, ready to go search the Shrine but Yukio's mind wouldn't stop drifting. This was dangerous. He was too distracted.
"I am fine."
Kinzo snorted, and began leading the way up. "Man, this snow is bad."
Indeed it was… towering trees only gave them a small amount of protection against the white flurries falling from the grey clouds. Yukio's boots kept the snow from getting into his socked feet but the cold still tried to penetrate even his thick wool coat. The walk wasn't too long, though it would have been quicker without the snow coming down around them. Kinzo discovered the steps leading up to the snow covered shrine were slick with ice as he tried to take them too quickly and fell on his bottom. Yukio huffed with amusement as he hoisted the man back to his feet.
As they approached, a foreign heat shot through his body, rather welcoming in the cold, and a voice whispered in his mind.Careful. Something is there.
Yukio froze in his tracks at the warning, Kinzo obediently stopping with him. Was the voice actually there or had he imagined it? That voice was Rin's. It wasn't frail, pained or breathless, but it wasRin's.
"There!" Kinzo gasped.
Yukio whipped around to find Shura lying in a pool of blood in the snow.
"No!" Yukio's voice shook as he rushed to her side. The woman was shivering, and he felt a rush of relief that she wasn't dead. Yukio's arms shot out, trying to lift her. Hot anger filled him as his wounded side screamed.
"Whoa! Hey, I came along to help. Let me get her." Kinzo's voice came out softer than what Yukio had heard before. Yukio wanted to argue, tired of his body being so weak. The blond man lifted Shura into his arms, hissing at the blood on his hands.
"She needs treatment for temptaint." Yukio told him as they rushed back towards the inn.
Safely back inside their room, Yukio hurriedly began to treat her wounds. Kinzo wisely stayed back, fetching her clean clothes, and anything Yukio asked for. Her wounds weren't as bad as he had previously believed, as he tenderly wrapped them. He turned away to wash his hands but was surprised by the exhausted voice that spoke up.
"W… what are you…" she let out a small gasp of pain, wincing.
"Take it easy. You lost a lot of blood. But your wound is small." Yukio told her, coming to kneel by her side. Kinzo perched himself in a nearby chair.
"I heal quickly near Hachiro." She mumbled, staring up at the ceiling with a look akin to defeat.
"Hachiro?" Yukio asked quietly, reluctant to disturb the tense quiet.
Shura sighed, turning her gaze to Yukio. "Mephisto's always meddling… I'm going to die… soon." The resignation of her voice and her words made Yukio feel physically ill as they sank in.
She was dying?
"What do you mean?" Kinzo spoke when words seemed to fail Yukio.
She looked over at Kinzo with surprise, possibly just now realizing there was a stranger in their midst. Her eyes peered around the room and Yukio got the sense she was looking for someone. "Yukio, where is Rin?"
Yukio squeezed his hands into fists, digging his nails into his palms. He shook his head at her, trying to hide the pain he felt at the question. "Don't change the subject."
She huffed softly and went back to watching the ceiling. "I'm sort of in a contract with Hachirotaro Okami, the Dragon God who rules this area around Towada."
"Hachirotaro, of the Sanko Legend? I thought Buddhist monks vanquished him a thousand years ago." Yukio could feel dread seeping into his bones over the prospect of meeting the beast of the legend.
"No, they sealed him at Lake Towada. Hachiro is an extremely high level demon called a Hydra. He's weaker now, but he still has strong Divine power and a regenerative ability that makes him nearly immortal."
Yukio understood exactly what she was getting at. "The Illuminati wants him."
She nodded and weakly forced herself to sit up. "I came here because Hachiro had said someone had been snooping around. I wanted to hide all this, especially from you, Yukio. But now there's no choice."
Yukio ground his teeth and shifted his stance. "I don't need you to protect me."
"I know. But with everything going on in your life. I thought it best to not drag you into mine." She gave him a small almost pitying smile.
"Why did you enter a contract that will kill you?" Kinzo asked, attempting to distract Yukio.
"I wasn't the one who did it. It was my ancestor…" Shura's voice was soft as she told the story of her ancestor and Hachiro. Shura smiled bitterly. "And as her descendant, I will die at the age of thirty."
"That's only three or four years, Shura!" Yukio growled, angry over the frail balance of life around him.
"I don't know what you're talking about! I'm only 18!" Shura had the nerve to smile.
"Don't… don't you dare joke about this!" He stood, slamming his hands against the table as he went. Yukio probably wouldn't have normally snapped but he couldn't help it. He felt like he was being eaten alive.
Shura studied him for a moment, her eyes flashing with understanding. "Rin is doing badly and you are lashing out?"
He trembled, refusing to turn back to look at them.
She sighed. "Yukio… I'm sorry."
Yukio shook his head, embarrassed to find his eyelashes wet.
"How can we break the contract?" Kinzo once again attempted to help steer the conversation. He was out of his league and only understood about half of what they talked about, but he knew the best way to fix tension was to distract.
"It's ok. I've prepared for this. I knew I wouldn't live long. So I never created any ties I'd regret leaving behind."
Kinzo could see the tension building in the stiff teenager's back. This wasnotgoing in a good direction.
"Would you turn in my resignation? Mephisto probably knows anyway…" she trailed off.
Yukio whipped around, rushing her with a wild gleam in his eyes. "Did you say you don't have any ties you'd regret leaving? And I shouldn'tworryabout it? Don't you want to see Rin again? Because I know he would want to see you! You made a promise to Rin… that you would help him become the Paladin!"
Shura actually appeared pained, shaking her head gently. "Report everything to Mephisto. There's nothing you can do Yukio…"
Kinzo stood and tugged on Yukio's sleeve. "Come on. Let's go cool off."
Yukio didn't want to move. He wanted to keep talking till she gave in. But… he could tell she was tired and he was as well.
Kinzo led him down the hall, into the front room, and leaned against the stairs. "You gotta calm down, kid. I know you are probably freaking out… and honestly, they shouldn't even have sent you. You are too invested and too stressed but they did so… let's work this out. Do you have cell service today?"
Yukio's hands were still trembling as he checked his phone. "I have two bars. Enough to get a call through."
"She said to tell Mephisto. Then maybe call your brother?" Kinzo stepped back, giving him room.
The call to Mephisto was quick and annoying. The Demon King showed no concern for the situation with an almost patronizing, "oh you'll figure it out." And the promise of reinforcements didn't ease Yukio's anxiety. "Reinforcements" never showed up on time. He took a deep breath to calm himself before dialing Suguro's number. Yukio expected Rin to be sleeping and didn't want to disturb him.
"Hey Yukio!"Rin's soft voice was the one to greet him and the tension seemed to melt away for a moment.
"Rin. Where is Suguro?"
"He is here. But I wanted to say hi!"Yukio could hear the smile in Rin's voice."I had a really nice dream."
Yukio found his own lips lifting. "Oh yeah?"
Rin hummed, coughing raggedly for a moment before he spoke again."Dad was talking to me! It was nice to hear his voice again. He was telling me everything that he has been doing. He said he would come get me soon."Rin laughed softly on the other end of the line,"isn't that funny? Anyway, do you know if he's gonna stop by sometime?"
Yukio stared at the floor between his feet. How was he supposed to answer that? Was he supposed to just go with it? Or correct him? Their dad had been dead for months, didn't Rin rememberthat?But no, Rin wouldn't make a joke like that. This wasn't… something Yukio had anticipated.
"That's really nice…" Yukio internally winced as his voice wavered. "I miss his voice too. It's been a long time since I heard him talk to me."
"What's wrong, Yukio?" Rin questioned almost immediately. Perhaps Yukio hadn't been able to pull that off.
"Nothing. It's alright, Rin." Yukio tried to soothe him.
A thundering of running feet caught his attention and he turned to find Kinzo running down the stairs, his eyes wide. "She's gone!"
Yukio gasped, "Rin! I got to go. Get some rest. I'll be back soon."
Ryuuji's head was in his hands as he listened to Rin talk to Yukio. To say he was devastated by the new development was an understatement. He had called Rin's doctor to let him know the things Rin had been doing and saying. Apparently it waspart of the process.
Yukio had only been gone for a day but it seemed like an eternity to Ryuuji. His parents and friends were trying to help him care for Rin but as the hours ticked by… Rin was drawing away from them.
Juzo had helped Ryuuji with Rin's bath and the entire time, Rin had asked who Juzo was. He had woken Ryuuji up several times after the night wandering fiasco to ask when his dad would come pick him up. And come morning… he seemed to have mostly regained a scrambled version of his memories. He didn't panic over his tail and he remembered that Yukio was an exorcist but he insisted his dad was going to show up.
Ryuuji looked up when he heard Rin coughing. The phone was lowered and Rin was crying even as he struggled to regain his breath.
"What's the matter?" Ryuuji asked as he reached to rub at Rin's back.
Rin wheezed, hunched over. "Yukio hung up on me. Little brother never has time for me anymore."
"He just has a mission, Rin. He will be here soon. He said he would be back." Ryuujihatedthis. He didn't want Yukio to leave again. Rin was so distressed that Yukio wasn't there.
Rin nodded hesitantly, a pout still on his lips. He climbed into Ryuuji's lap, and nuzzled into his throat. It was like a mini furnace or a way too hot heating blanket but Ryuuji didn't mind. He wrapped his arms around Rin's thin body and pressed as close as he could get.
Tomorrow would be his radiation treatment and Ryuuji wouldn't be allowed near him or be this close to him for several days. He would soak this up as much as he could now.