Disclaimer: I do not own Blue Exorcist or its characters; that right belongs to Kazue Kato. Nor do I own Inuyasha or its characters; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.

Rin stood still, unable to formulate any coherent sentences. It had been a month since he had overheard the conversation then read into Kagome afterward. There'd been an awkward silence before Kagome admitted she knew he'd been listening. As did Mephisto and Sesshomaru. It had left him both embarrassed and angry.

He'd left after that, needing space to think. The time to think peacefully didn't happen. Beelzebub had appeared and attacked the school. Rin had panicked since he knew the truth behind Kagome's pact with his father. And about her powers. When he reached the battlefield, his brother, Yukio, had stopped him from interfering. Explaining it'd be Kagome's loss.

Rin knew at that moment Yukio was aware of everything. Only he had been left out of the loop. It hurt deeply, yet Rin knew he had no choice. So he had watched as the rules were set and the fight commenced. Beelzebub didn't hold back at all. He forced Kagome to her limit. Yet somehow, by a stroke of luck, Kagome had won? Leaving Beelzebub stomping and crying, his queen insect was almost dead.

Afterward, Kagome had not shown up in class for a week when Egyn showed up. An octopus once more hid his face. He forced Kagome out and set his demands. Rin had taken the time to study Kagome. She was pale and sickly looking. It was amazing she was even able to stand.

Then the area was flooded—Kagome was hidden from view by the water. Rin could tell Egyn wasn't trying. The time ticked by until the clock chimed the hour. That was the signal to end the battle. Slowly the water vanished, revealing a wet gasping Kagome. Her body had started to fall, making Rin stiffen. His eyes watched as Egyn appeared before Kagome, catching her. The way his elder-half-brother cradled her tiny body spoke volumes.

There was a story there, like with Iblis and Mephisto. But he knew he'd never be privy to it. And frankly, Rin didn't want to know.

Blinking slowly, Rin stared at the scene before him. His mind was still unable to formulate any words. Astroth was challenging Kagome to purify his rot as he pushed his powers. The ground blackened and warped as his half-brother's power flowed towards Kagome. After a few weeks of rest, who looked better(ish). That silvery-lilac glow surrounded her, draining her reserves quickly. Rin had gotten good at judging her condition.

Time seemed to stop as if the two were in a stalemate. If Kagome said she was the equivalent of a hedgewitch, what was she at full capability? Rin did understand why his father wanted her, though.

"Enough!" Astaroth bellowed. "you win, Shikon no Miko. Even as weak as you are, you are more than capable of repelling and purifying my powers."

Rin felt his breath hiss between his clenched teeth. Astaroght vanished as Rin felt his body being shuffled by those around him. Loud muttering echoed all around. Not once had his eyes left Kagome, who had gone pale again. She had overdone it once again.

He was about to step back and leave when Rin felt a hand between his shoulder blades. Twisting his torso to look at who it was, Rin felt himself being pushed. At the odd angle, Rin felt one ankle connect with the other. Before he could grab the nearest person, gravity had pulled him down. The foul dust from the battle puffed up in a large cloud filling his nose and mouth, causing Rin to cough and gag as silence descended around him.

Lifting his head as a slight breeze blew by, taking the dust with him, Rin got an eyeful of slender, pale ankles in brown loafers. He didn't have to look up further to know who was standing before him.

TBC!