Brief Family Reunions

Flash back

It was Reiji's first official day and he was so relieved to finally be enrolled. It had certainly taken long enough for him to get here but he still couldn't quite believe it. Even if his rich parents were the ones who got him in there in the first place, he would like to think that his decent IQ played a part too. He might have been a bully but that didn't mean he wasn't smart. The white-haired teen took a deep breath, as if taken in the scent of his new setting.

Unlike Reiji, Astaroth could care less about being in this damn academy. To him this place was just another place in Assiah. The only difference was that this place was run by Samael and that there did happen to be exorcists here. As far as he was concerned, the only thing important here was his mission. The sooner he could get the Young Prince out of Assiah and into Gehenna the better.

"I wonder if it is just as amazing as I've heard it was," Reiji said to his self as he looked around campus curiously, outwardly this place really did seem nice. However, as much as he would like to spend his time sight-seeing, he had important things to do… like his classes. Which he found ridiculous, that he had to attend classes on his first day instead of at least being given time to take it all in. Still, he would do his best to make sure he would be there on time. After all, it was important that he made a good impression.

Reiji really had meant it when he said that he wanted to start with a clean slate when he got into True Cross Academy. Despite the way he had acted around Rin Okumura before, he was actually decently kind. Honestly, he wasn't even quite sure why he'd become such a mean person, all he knew was that one day he had some change of attitude. He had certainly not done anything to cause said change, not that he was aware of. Luckily something else had happened that got rid of that part of him, or so he thought.

It wasn't as complicated as Reiji thought it was though. Of course, he was never aware of the other consciousness inside his mind. It was true that the boy had been kind but that all changed when Astaroth got his hands on him. It had been pretty annoying, however. Astaroth had the perfect host but the only flaw was the kindness. So, naturally when the Demon King took over, he needed to mold his host so that he would be comfortable and that required changing his very personality. It had taken him far too long to do that but at least he had managed to accomplish it.

During his absence, Astaroth discovered that all of his hard work went to shit because we he came back his host was the same human that he was prior to the possession. No matter, he would change him again but for now, he decided that his host could have some time to relax while he could. After all, he still hadn't managed to fully influence him yet, anyway.

This place wasn't too shabby, though, which was surprising considering the fact that Samael was the one who ran the academy. It was surprising to Astaroth, seeing that there wasn't even anything wrong with the academy. For that he had to give Samael that small bit of credit. However, it was far too big and that meant that it was going to be hard finding his assigned target.

When Reiji was making through one of many buildings in academy, he was looking curiously around the hallway. Damn this place was much bigger than the white-haired teen expected it to be and that made him wonder just how people managed to get around it. Maybe it would be better the longer he was here? He sighed and started to pick up speed as he looked down at his schedule to see what room he had to look for.

Astaroth was actually very annoyed by the fact that the only thing his host was doing was looking at a small piece of paper. He never attended any kind of schooling, since he was a demon and all that. So, he didn't understand the relevance of it. Since the only way he could see what was around was through his hosts eyes, he could only see that paper rather than anything. This made properly looking for Rin difficult. Humans were so oblivious.

Since they were so distracted, neither Astaroth or Reiji noted the fact that they walked right past Rin. However, Astaroth could feel the demonic presence but he couldn't confirm anything since he couldn't have a look. God dammit, you idiot host! Why can't you just focus on finding the Young Prince already?

The Demon King's irritation was never ending, especially as Reiji was in his classes (which were very boring.) Both were bored but Reiji was doing his best to actually pay attention and take notes but Astaroth was making it impossible. All he was hearing was the constant insults that Astaroth was throwing around about every single teacher and calling their lessons bullshit or something like that. It was getting to a point that Reiji wish he could just shut the voice up.

Thankfully, Astaroth did have silent moments and so he could finish the classes off. Now that that was taken care of he only had one piece of business left, the most important business. Reiji was without a dorm and the only way he could take care of that was to speak directly to the Principle. He was about to knock on the door when he was already called inside. When the door opened he gladly entered.

"Why, hello there, Shiratori-kun, this is a pleasant surprise. What brings you to my office this evening?" Mephisto inquired and grinned the moment that he could sense the presence of the other Demon King, which he sensed when Reiji stood outside the door, "Oh, where are my manners? Would you like a cup of tea?"

Reiji was thrown off guard by Mephisto's kindness but shook that off before nodding and replying, "Sure, I suppose I could do with a cup of tea, I am rather thirsty. As to why I'm here, I seem to be without a dorm. Do you happen to have one available for me?"

Astaroth didn't say anything out loud, instead all he did was stare at Mephisto. Even if he were to try and hide his presence, it would do no good. Demons had the natural ability to sense other demons and Demon Kings were especially good at that.

"Of course, I've been made aware of this issue and I'm sorry about that, usually I don't have this problem but don't worry about it," Mephisto replied as he gestured to his office as he began to walk towards it, "Unfortunately, there isn't many openings but I do have one option. Mind you, I don't usually let anyone stay there but I can make exception for you. See, there is an abandoned dorm available. There are only two students staying there so you shouldn't have too much trouble. Oh, would you please find a seat while I get us some tea?"

Well, well, well, if it isn't my dearest older brother. I figured I would run into you at some point. Unfortunatel,y I didn't expect it to be so soon. Anyway, I'm sure you know exactly why I am here or do I have to say it out loud?

The teen sighed and sat down in the seat in front of Mephisto's desk, waiting patiently for the man to return. While he waited, he allowed his eyes to look around the room, which looked rather nice. Of course, he didn't necessarily like the idea of staying in an abandoned dorm... In his mind he deserved better dorms and not something so low class. However, being away from large crowds might be better anyway.

Oh would you quit complaining already? I swear, sometimes all you do is bitch and complain… such a pain. Astaroth muttered and of course Reiji heard him. In response the human host jumped but quickly shook it off, which annoyed the Demon King.

Within moments the elder Demon King was back in the office with two cups of tea and handed one to Reiji before taking his seat. Hello there, Astaroth, it's been a while, hasn't it? However, I am afraid I have no idea what you are talking about.

Astaroth glared at the older Demon King before replying, Don't play dumb with me, Samael. You know exactly what I am talking about. So, you might as well tell me where the Young Prince is and save yourself the pain.

"Thank you, sir, I hate to bother you like that but I didn't want to attend and not have a place to stay," Reiji sighed and leaned back in his seat before taking a sip of his tea, "I'll take whatever housing you can provide me with."

Mephisto couldn't help but grin at the younger Demon King's annoyance. It had been oh, so long since he had last seen or heard from Astaroth and it was so worth it to see the other react to his teasing. Of course, he knew exactly what Astaroth was hinting at but he wasn't going to provide any help. The Demon King of Time also knew that Satan sent Astaroth here. It was smart after all, considering that since Reiji was already inside the academy they could use that convenience to their advantage.

I'm afraid you will have to be a little more descriptive, dear brother, that is if you want the answers you desire so bad. Mephisto laughed in response to the feeling of irritation that practically radiated off of the younger demon. I see you are still the same temperamental brother that you were before. Why don't you just relax and enjoy your stay, hm? No need to be so hostile.

"I want you to understand that I do actually care about the students that attend my academy, so don't worry too much. I'll do my best to ensure that you enjoy your tenure here," Mephisto beamed, putting on his best false smile, "Of course, I am sure you are used to all the fanciest accommodations, am I right? I would assume so since your parents are the reason you are here. However, I would suggest not staying here and expecting to get by with that mindset."

Mephisto paused for moment to pull out a key and offered it to Reiji, "Well, here is the key to the dorms but don't lose them. You see, I don't have very many copies since it isn't really used much anymore. Now, I trust that you are finding things okay here so far?"

Right now Astaroth wanted to do nothing else other than possess his host and show Samael just how irritated he was. However, he couldn't really do that now, could he? It was definitely frustrating. Shut, would you? You know as well as I do that I am not here to waste time with relaxing. You know what I have come here for and exactly what I want. Don't you dare think that you can hide the Young Prince from me forever. Astaroth growled, In the end I will get what I want. There is nothing that you will be able to do that will stop me.

"Of course, I am used to be the best accommodations but I will be fine with this. Also, I want to let you know that I'm smarter than I look, I'll prove that to you," Reiji sighed and took another few sips of his tea before speaking up again, "I'm not as bad of a person as you might think and it's only my first day so I'm not quite sure what to say about my experience yet. I just hope that this is the only time we have to meet on bad conditions."

"Well, in that case, I promise that you'll find yourself enjoying your time here. I've done my best to make sure that it is the best experience for all of the students. I've heard nothing but good things about you, so I think you will do well," the elder Demon King replied before licking his lips, Tsk. You are so cocky and impatient… Do you really think that you can intimidate me? Remember exactly what position you are in here. I can very easily have you exorcised.

Astaroth growled deeply at his elder brothers words. If only he could take over… He would so teach Samael a lesson or two. It didn't matter what kind of reputation the other demon had, that wouldn't stop him from doing anything he wanted to do.

Father is already Irate with you. So, unless you want to piss him off even more I wouldn't try anything. Besides, if I come back empty handed he'll kill me. Just be glad that I can't possess my host right now.

Did Astaroth really think that he could scare Mephisto like that? It was impossible to scare and/or intimidate him. The Demon King of Rot was nothing compared to the Demon King of Time. He didn't have to prove it because Astaroth already knew.

Nice try but you know that you can't possibly scare me into telling you anything, not that I have anything to tell. I'm not easy to mess with and I am far more superior than you ever will be. There is no way you could ever touch me, even if you tried. Speaking of your host, how come you can't take over him? Is it because he's stubborn or just not in the right mood, Mephisto smirked, I'm rather curious now.

Reiji couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he looked over at Mephisto. Why exactly was Mephisto grinning. Surely it wasn't something that he said? He didn't remember saying anything that warranted that. There was something he was missing…

At this point Astaroth was purposely ignoring Samael. It was very obvious that his brother was going to be of no help, though that didn't surprise him at all. He wasn't going to give him the benefit of the doubt. Instead, he just wanted to take his leave and not have to deal with that pain in the ass that as his brother. Can't you just leave already? I've grown tired of being here…

Apparently, Astaroth did have at least a small influence on Reiji because he could feel a strong desire to leave. Besides, he was actually quite bored himself anyways. At this point he was just wasting a bunch of time when he could simply be resting in bed.

"Well, as much fun as this has been, I think I am going to get going now," Reiji spoke up as he sat down his now empty cup of tea and held onto his dorm keys, "Thank you for everything."

As Reiji (and Astaroth) left, Mephisto couldn't help but grin. Admittedly so, he didn't expect this coming but that didn't matter. He had two knew pieces to play with on his chessboard. What role they would play was still unknown but he knew that it was going to be even more entertaining. Of course, Mephisto knew about Rin and Reiji's past relationship, which was going to stir some things up. However, the main thing he was curious about was just how long would it take for the host to crack? It would be fun to see how long it would take for his brother to come and play. Let the game begin.

|So I realized when I was looking at the original story that I missed some stuff. So I took the time to just make this a flashback. Next chapter I will keep on with future events.|