A/N:
Hails: Good evening ladies, gentlemen, and those of you in between, both, or neither. I have an announcement to make. Due to the increasing popularity of this story, it seems this may be one of the few that will actually pass over our heads completed. A storm is brewing, my lovelies.
And now, back to our regularly scheduled program.
I disregard any claims to the characters, setting, or plot of Blue Exorcist/青の祓魔師, which are a property of the mangaka Kazue Kato. I'm just borrowing them for a little non-profit fun.
"You are never alone. You are eternally connected with everyone."
― Amit Ray, Meditation: Insights and Inspirations
Rin, in a moderately difficult to say phrase was: remarkably annoyed.
"Oh, you wanna go, you gargantuan ape?"
"Fight me, Kamiki!"
So, very remarkably annoyed. He groused as he trudged up the tolerably steep hill, pinching the bridge of his nose to soothe his oncoming migraine. The Kurikara was beginning to feel particularly heavy on his back, as well as the duffel bag strapped to his shoulders.
"Come on, Okumura~ There's nothing wrong with a little-perverted self-indulgence."
"Shima, I am currently in the middle of trying to find a polite way to say, I would like to smash your face in with a rock hundreds of times."
Rin's legs were beginning ache and he wiped the sweat off the back his neck. There were simple things in Rin's life, such as cooking or doing the laundry. This was like herding chatty squirrels. What is he, a mom? Remarkably annoyed indeed.
"Look, there's a cockspur flower! And those are orchids! Miwa, come look at the maga flora!"
"Kamiki, please don't hit Bon!"
Alright, that's it.
"Do you want me to turn this family around?! I will turn this family around!" Rin exclaimed, whipping around to tell them all off.
"SHUT UP!" His teammates shouted in unison.
"Oh, I'm the one who needs to shut up? Have you all heard yourselves fighting for the past hour and a half?!" Rin screamed, trying with much difficulty to not stomp his feet like a toddler. He balled up his fists, beginning the start of a ballistic tangent. "Izumo, stop bickering with Suguro, you're giving me a headache! Shima, if you don't get your paws off Yukio at this very moment I will slaughter you! Shiemi, stop running off to look at every damn flower you see, they aren't that important. Can't you all be like Konekomaru?!
Konekomaru raised his hand but a sharp glare from Rin made sure it shot down to the young monk's side swiftly.
"You know what? Don't answer that," Rin snapped, pointing an accusatory finger at every single one of them. "Because, you know, I guess that the fact that we're 'in hiding' doesn't matter to any of you and that getting along is one of the most important things to make this work. If I didn't have such a desperate need to protect you all from whatever the hell might be TRACKING US-" With every word, Rin seemed to draw an illusion of himself bigger and more terrifying than the last. His voice grew darker, deeper, and more demonic as so. "Then I might KILL EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU MYSELF."
"I'm getting sick of listening to this shit and as of right now, I am not afraid to commit murder for some peace and quiet."
"SO, LET ME MAKE ONE DAMN THING CLEAR WITH YOU ALL. IF NONE OF YOU CAN LEARN TO GET ALONG FOR MORE THAN TWO SECONDS, I WILL TURN YOU INTO CHOPPED LIVER AND THROW YOU TO THE DOGS."
Everyone cowered in terror at the beast before them that Rin had become. They quivered, huddling close as Rin's blue flames roared fiercely around him, like a tiger bellowing out a challenge to a foe that foolishly dared cross him. Teeth chattered, hands were held, and pathetic whimpering noises were made in the shadow Rin's looming form cast above them.
"UNDERSTAND?"
"Uh, huh," Everyone nodded in tandem, not testing their luck any further.
"Good!" And just like that, Rin returned back to his usual cheery self. As happy-go-lucky and optimistic as ever. "Now, hopefully with some quiet, we can continue."
Rin was practically skipping as everyone tailed closely behind, like a mother duck leading a parade of her newly hatched ducklings. At the back of the trail, Shima leaned over and whispered to Yukio.
"Dude, Okumura. Your brother went from 0 to 100 real fast-" Conk! Yukio snickered, holding back his laughter as Shima fell over from the rock Rin had chucked at him with surprising accuracy.
"I heard THAT!"
Shima, as soon as he recovered, hopped to his feet and scurried to the front of the group. He observed Rin's form closely, noting just how tired he seemed. 'He hasn't slept since yesterday, has he?' Shima cleared his throat. The way Rin shot him an irritated look briefly didn't go unnoticed by him. Or anyone else for that matter.
As if sensing Renzō's unspoken question, he grunted.
"What is it, Shima?"
"Hm? Oh! Uh..." The pink-haired monk trailed off, trying to bring the words to the edge of his mouth. "Nothing. Nothing important. It's just... you called us 'family' back there. You know, when you were scolding us-" The expression on Rin's face was enough to make him conclude his statement. "I mean, not that it matters at all, I was just pointing it out because-"
"'M sorry," Rin slurred quietly, pace slowing just visibly enough for everyone to realize. "I guess I didn't notice. Sometimes I forget that's how I view all of you. As my family."
Shiemi and Izumo looked at each other in confusion. They made a silent agreement with each other. The gardener asked the vocal question.
"What do you mean by that, Rin?"
"Well, how else would I mean it?" The Demon Prince inquired. He was a bit embarrassed but it was just enough to make him avert his eyes. His gaze landed on the stream he walked beside, which now looked more like a river than anything, with its span reaching at least forty feet across. "My bad, that was a little vague. You guys are some of the first real companions I've had. And we've gotten so close over the months that some of you are like brothers and sisters to me. And this isn't to invalidate Yukio's position as my twin brother because really, he's the only blood family I've got left. I don't know what I'd do without him.
"Besides, you are all such an important part of my life. Without you guys in it, I think mine would be rather boring. Think of all the adventures we've been on, the missions we've done despite only being exwires. And we're not even that anymore. I've learned so much just from getting close and letting you get close in return. Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is that... I love you guys, even when you're really annoying. Because that's what family is for, right?"
Among those who pretended to be stoic about Rin's sappiness were the crybabies (See: Shiemi and Konekomaru.) Nonetheless, everyone crowded around Rin in a large hug, mumbling words of comfort and encouragement along the way.
"We love you too, Rin," Shiemi whispered, eyes closed, clinging to his midriff. Her eyes peered open for a moment and she noticed someone she cared for very dearly was isolated and seeming quite alone as if wanting to be involved but not thinking it intellectual to do so. "Yuki, aren't you going to join us?"
Yukio shuffled, biting his lip and shaking his head. "No, that's okay. I'm fine."
"Yuki..."
The group disbanded as Rin wriggled his way out of the group hug. He made his way down to confront Yukio face-to-face.
"Yukio, I know everything seems bleak now but, you're connected to all of us," Rin started off, almost a little heartbroken at how separated, ostracized Yukio was from everyone else. Almost like an angel who had fallen from grace. "It's okay to try and get close to the rest of us. There's no shame in it. Relying on us doesn't make you weak."
"Rin, I appreciate the sentiment, but-"
"I don't want to have this argument with you. I mean, I know you've done some things you regret, nothing can change that. However, I believe that trying to grow closer to us is the first step."
"Rin."
"And, and! Trying and failing is better than not trying at all. Because when you fail, you learn something."
"Rin."
"It's not just me, we all want to see you get better. Even if it starts with an apology or... or some kind of physical affection, that's okay. We're here for you."
"Rin, it's not that you dolt!" Yukio suddenly burst out. "Look behind you!"
The boy did as he was told, somehow just now noticing the humongous tree that everyone else was now entranced by.
"Yes, that's a very lovely tree and oh my GOD," Rin whipped back around to face Yukio when his mind suddenly comprehended the magnitude of the sight and he whirled again.
The tree before them easily towered hundreds of feet in the air, twisted branched reaching for the sky and drinking in the sunshine with the majestic stretches of brown and green. It surpassed even the clouds in the sky but not the grey slate of mountainous cliffs that were almost completely verticle and evidently impossible to scale. Near the tree, the thundering of a waterfall resonated over the whole valley, thousands upon thousands of gallons surging from the cliffsides and flowing into the river that sped down the hill. Masses of light water were tossed into the air, shrouding the area in a veil of mist.
"Guys, I think we found it," Rin marveled. "We can set up camp here."
With that, the fugitives continued their trek up the massive tree they would be calling home for a while.
"Should you really be moving around in that condition of yours?" Angel inquired, staring down at his junior, who was reluctantly filling out a report. She had bandages spanning the circumference of her skull which doctor's had deemed a miracle to have healed with her human body. Shura stared up at him with ire.
"I kind of have to be, Angel," She snapped ruthlessly. "I'm going out to find that idiot group of kids who thought they could get away with this. They're digging themselves into a hole they won't be able to climb out of."
Angel didn't bother to argue with her about them; the exwires. He had tried in the hospital and almost worsened the state of her sprained wrist because of it. She'd be stuck wielding her katana, a usual two-handed sword, with one hand. Which put her at a mighty disadvantage despite her experience. She would be forced to use her non-dominant hand to fight. Angel sighed, making a face of vexation.
"I heard you threatened Osceola."
"Oh, didja? Then I suppose he told ya about my plan to find the exwires," Shura jeered, curling her lips up in disgust. She stood up, chair legs screeching against the floor as she did so. "Out of my way, Angel. I'm gonna go search that abandoned dorm for clues."
She pushed past the Paladin, who seemed to be having none of her snappish behavior. His hand shot out, gripping her by Shura's left forearm. The woman squawked indignantly, trying to break away. "Angel. Let. Go." She threatened lowly.
"Shura, Do not do something so reckless." Angel returned with the same verve. "Your best shot at protecting them will have you remaining here and defending them in front of Grigori."
"They're so stupid," Shura growled, teeth gritted like a cornered animal. Whether she was referring to the True Cross Order or the escaped exwires, Arthur couldn't be sure. "You can't stop me. I'm going to find them, one way or another. I... I already have... something to help... And I-" She tugged vehemently. She struggled, crying and spitting out words between each pull.
"I-I have to go! Get off me, baldy!"
"Shura!" Angel admonished loudly. "Knock it off! And stop lying! I know you are." Shura's eyes widened and she faltered. Turning to gaze at him, she displayed just how scared and frightened she was. "Stop pretending you have a good idea of where they are because you know you don't! You don't even have a lead or a hint. What good will it do? What good does it do to find something that, I hate admitting you were right about, isn't even our first priority?
"Stop trying to distract yourself."
There was barely a beat of perfect stillness and hesitation intermingling in the air. Then hot tears welled up and trickled down Shura's cheeks. She let out a pathetic whimper, shoulders moving up and down as she let out a pained wail.
"It's all my fault! They're all dead!" Shura sobbed, digging her nails into the chest of Angel's custom uniform. "Every single of them! Because I couldn't stop that Phoenix bastard! I wasn't strong enough and now... now they're all dead! I let myself be defeated when I know I'm so much stronger than that. And God knows where the hell Yukio and Rin and- and Shiemi and Kamiki and Suguro and Shima and Miwa are or what hell they might be suffering! They're just kids, just children that don't deserve any of this!"
Angel tentatively, cautiously brought his arms up around Shura to embrace her, waiting to see if she'd push him away. When she didn't, he comforted her, rubbing her back soothingly like he'd done to the many victims of demons who required some amount of physical therapy. He rocked from side to side, slow and steady to help his colleague. He truly overestimated Shura at the worst of times, especially with the distinct loss of Hachirotaro's power.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," Angel murmured soothingly. "You must be so guilty even when there was nothing you could have done. It wasn't your fault, you did your best."
"My best wasn't enough," Shura whimpered.
"Then get stronger." Angel pushed Shura back, holding her back by the shoulders. "Improve your best so it surpasses everything you've become. I mean, I, of course, don't expect you to become better than me considering my power levels but that doesn't mean there's no room for you one day live up to my legacy."
"Aaaaaaand, there goes the moment," Shura chuckled, wiping her eyes and somehow feeling immensely better.
"Besides," Angel continued on nobly, placing a hand over his heart and smirking. "I finally got approval from the Grigori to ask for a hand in locating Mephisto's shooter. Just the three of us again, going on an adventure like sleuths, like Sherlock Holmes and John Watson and Mary Morstan."
"The three of us?" Shura queried, a confused air settling around her before it became one of sudden realization. "Angel. No, you can't possibly mean- No, absolutely not. I forbid it! You can't- you can't just- regardless of whether or not you got the Grigori's permission, and- and-"
"Oh, yes," Angel said smugly.
"Angel, no!"
"I hate you, so much," Shura grumbled, hunched over, arms folded, and scowling dark enough to put a Demon King to shame. "This is completely unnecessary. We should just leave him there."
"As puzzled and furious I am over his actions, he's still one of the very best we have in the Order." Angel led the way, turning down multiple hallways until he approached a door. He whipped out a key, jamming it into the lock. "And now is the time when we need to use all the resources we have. If the Illuminati start an attack on the Order then our strongest exorcists will need to be out on the field."
"Fine," Shura muttered sourly. "But if you tell him I was crying, I'll drop kick yer ass to the middle of next year. Capish?"
"As crystal."
The door swung open, revealing a surprisingly intricate room. A man sat on a couch in the center or the confined space and he turned to the duo with a knowing grin, eyes gleaming with more mirth than usual, it appeared.
"I was hopin' ya'll'd come get me, eventually," Lightning grinned, rattling his handcuffs with a semblance of gleeful impatience.
"Let's make something clear, Lightning," Shura placed her hands on her hips, shifting her weight carefully. "You're going to help us find Mephisto's shooter. You're not gonna go off and find more information on whatever dirty secrets you have discovered about the Order. Once we find the culprit, we're going after the escaped exwires. We will do nothing more, nothing less. Don't think for a second I won't take my eyes off you."
"I would despair if you did, m'lady," Lightning crowed as Angel undid the handcuffs, allowing Lightning to stand.
"You've been spending too much time around Mephisto," Shura sneered with disdain.
Lightning didn't deny it. "A'right. Where do we begin?"
The consultation front desks at True Cross Headquarters were in pandemonium. Utter chaos. The Gods of Mischief sought a feast with the maelstrom that blackened everyone's hearts and took root; demons rejoiced for discord was their meal.
"Demons are real!" Someone screamed, having to be held by a loved one.
"We're gonna die!"
"What happened to Sir Faust?!"
Torako could barely believe the masses of people that had flooded into the room despite her own fury. She wove through the multitudes, careful not to bump into anyone but squeezing hurriedly between the jam-packed and terrified citizens. She mumbled quiet 'sorrys' and 'excuse me's' as she went, making sure of the way Tatsuma held onto her kimono sleeve was suitable enough to know he wouldn't get lost.
When she finally managed to gain a clear path, she stormed up to the nearest desk, most members of the Myōō Dha following close behind until Torako slammed her hands down where a patient younger woman was working to calm the crowd.
"Get me a connection to Mephisto," She demanded.
"I'm sorry, miss," The woman, whose nametag read 'Mei-Lin,' apologized as she directed her attention to the mother. "But Sir Pheles is currently on bedrest and can't be reached at this time. I can take a message and deliver it to him."
"I don't want just a message to go through, I want to speak to him, the man who is probably behind this whole mess!" Torako gestured to the situation behind her and Mei-Lin winced. "I can't just stand by when- when MY son is a fugitive- a criminal, and whatever deity knows where. Get me a connection to Mephisto!"
Tatsuma hung close by, placing a reassuring hand on his wife's shoulder. She sent him a worried look, frowning and scared, and her heart panged to know that the people she cared about were in danger.
"I see," Mei-Lin trailed off, pushing her palms flat against each other. "You must the Myōō Dha sect. I assume you're the legal guardians of Ryūji Suguro, Renzō Shima, and Konekomaru Miwa." She gestured to her colleague to take over the situation as she hopped over the counter and beckoned the group to follow. "Please, come with me. We have set aside a room to discuss the exwires' conditions with parents and concerned caregivers."
Tatsuma and Torako shared a look but tailed Mei-Lin nonetheless, looking back to make sure whatever other adults had accompanied them were following close behind. They filed through a door near the back, spreading out among the room it led to where three others were already situated—two children, presumably students, and a woman Torako recognized almost immediately.
"Mayu?"
"Torako?"
The innkeeper rushed forward, meeting her dear friend in a gentle, welcoming hug. Torako held onto Mayu's hands carefully, examining each wrinkle before her gaze moved to the frown the somber-looking lady wore. "What are you doing here?" Torako asked.
"I could ask the same of you," Mayu replied, keeping close to a woman who helped nurse her through her own pregnancy. "My daughter, Shiemi, she's been with the exwires for a short while now and I fear she must've gotten tangled up in their little charades. All she left was a note and a hydrangea on the front counter. 'Mom, don't worry about me, I'm going to be okay. I don't know when I'll be back. I love you?' That's all she has to say?"
"I understand," Torako said thoughtfully, resting a cheek against her hand worriedly. "My own son, Ryūji, he's with them now. We didn't even receive any reassurance, the only indication we got was the news report on television and the names and faces of their whole class. I'm so worried about him."
"Attention, please!" Everyone's regard was turned to Mei-Lin, who was standing tall and soldier-like, two people flanking her sides. She ruffled her red hair, then placed her hands behind her back. "It is in high regard that I address you all. I was alerted by Sir Pheles that you may show up in person to the consultation offices, where everyone is being directed. We are the B-Team who in charge of handling family relations, keeping you updated on our progress in locating and bringing the exwires back, and aiding the A-Team in minor endeavors.
"To my right is Dr. Alessa Dreary," Mei-Lin motioned to a brunette whose hair was tied in a tight, high pony-tail. She wore square specs, a doctor's lab coat, and mint green scrubs. Her face was clear of any emotion aside from determined assurance. "She's in charge of the psychodemonolgy and intense healing sectors. And this is Jomei Sato," Mei-Lin gestured to her other colleague, who one would suspect a typical reporter to appear like, with tidy black hair and bright, eager eyes.
"And this is Jomei Sato: a licensed detective and journalist. He has worked many demon-related cases over the years. He has not once failed to track down a victim or culprit, determine the circumstances, and safely ensure their rescue and return.
"As for me, you can call me Mei," She smiled reassuringly. "I am a sociologist. I have worked with children, teenagers, and every population size alike."
"Pardon me, Ms. Mei," Yaozo stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "I do not mean to intrude but what exactly do you plan on doing to get our children back? You are, as you said, the B-Team."
"That's correct," Mei confirmed. "Most of our cases are second priority-"
"Second priority?!" Mayu made a face as she shouted.
"Yes, please, let me finish," Mei interrupted. "The Order's primary issue is hunting down the culprit behind the Chairman's shooting. For now, we focus on who and why. Which is why we are glad to find you here. The more information we have on our targets, the better. We will return your loved ones to you. It has been undecided whether or not they will face charges, especially since this isn't their first offense. But the quicker we find them, the better. So, please. Tell us what you know."
"Um, Izumo is like a sister to me!" One of the students piped up, a girl with light brown hair and narrow eyes. "I don't know if that helps any but I've known her for years. She went to the same elementary school as me. As far as anything she's ever revealed to me, her mother was possessed and she unknowingly called upon the Illuminati to help her to protect her sister. They were having her study at True Cross Academy with me so she could become a second-class Tamer. I'm sorry, I wish knew more."
"Fear not, Noriko Paku, is it?" Mei asked with a ginger smile. She made her way over to the student, placing a hand on Paku's head. "That is a start. It's better than no knowledge at all." She turned to face the other student. "And what about you, boy? You know the twins?"
Sei Godaīn faltered, pointing at himself and earning a confirming nod in his direction.
"Uh, yeah. I was more familiar with Rin, though," Godaīn stumbled over his words unceremoniously. "But, as a student of True Cross, I know some things about the both of them."
"Good," Mei praised. "Then let us begin!"
Night had long since fallen, hours passing until the sun had finally vanished beyond the horizon. The stars were like glittering diamonds nailed to a black velvet sky, a void of infinite nothingness, a vacuum that both destroys and creates. The moon was a pale stone hanging from an invisible string and it's fullness spread a haunting light that illuminated the garden below.
Some time ago, Renzō had discovered that many wooden platforms acting as stairs led up to a juncture in the crown, where most of the branches met the trunk before veering off in different directions but acting as the perfect shelter for them all. The nest-like juncture had a twenty-foot diameter, plenty of room to roam around. A fire had been lit and carefully contained in the center of the almost perfect circle (which Yukio had panicked about it being fae related before Rin nearly smacked him across the head.) It had taken a bit of work, especially with the humid air but they managed.
Awake, currently, were Rin and Yukio. Everyone else had decided to rest while the twins took the first lookout in case something were to go wrong. They were both eerily silent, watching the blazing, molten center of the branches and logs used to create the red flower.
"So," Rin said suddenly, breaking the silence. "We're alone again. Well, as alone as we can get."
Yukio hummed, deciding against speaking.
"It's been a long day," Rin continued, eyeing his brother's form, the way he had brought his knees to his chest and had removed his glasses. "Did... did you take the medications I told you about."
"I did," Yukio answered shortly.
"Oh... okay."
Deafening silence again. It grated on Rin's ears so he cleared his throat to make new conversation.
"So, do you think you really inherited the flames?"
Yukio turned slowly to look at his brother with a tired expression. Rin grimaced, swallowing nervously and almost regretting his words. 'That probably wasn't the greatest question to ask, huh?'
"I don't know," He mumbled. "But wouldn't it be ironic if I did? What's it like... being half demon?"
Rin thought about the question, making an expression of contemplation. "It... isn't too different from being human. Well, actually, it's really different from being human but it's so much more... freeing. It feels better, yanno? I mean, yeah, I admit, I accidentally slammed the door on my tail a couple times. That wasn't pleasant if you catch my drift."
"Is it hard having a tail?"
"Sometimes," Rin answered. "I mean, yeah it hurts like hell when someone yanks on it but if dealt with gently it can actually feel pretty good. Of course, smelling like wet dog when you get out of the shower isn't fun because fur is in no way like regular human hair AT ALL. And brushing the tuft sucks if you don't have a proper comb. Mephisto got me one a couple months into being a demon and it helped A LOT. No more yanking out tuft hairs! But also, the skin underneath the fur is super sensitive, which can make it difficult to blow dry, which is just about required after every shower if I don't wanna layer on too much cologne and annoy the teachers."
"I see," Yukio murmured. "And what about the ears? The fangs?"
"It took me a little bit longer to grow into my fangs," Said Rin, absently licking the points on his sharpened canines. "And sometimes I choked on them when speaking. You bore witness to that. My ears didn't really change, I've always had sensitive hearing. Everything has always been so loud."
Yukio paused, wondering if he should continue asking. "I better sleep, I'm probably inconveniencing you with all the questions."
"Eh? You're not inconveniencing me. Not at all!" Rin heartened with a smile. "Hell, I actually enjoy the questions. It's been awhile since we've talked so casually like this. I miss it, these little chats. We used to have them all the time when we were little. Makes you think of home, huh?"
"Right, home," Yukio said spacily, laying his chin on his knees, which were enveloped by his limber, muscly arms. "Do you ever think dad would be disappointed in us?"
Rin didn't miss a beat. "All the time.
"I think of him looking at us now, seeing what we've become and shaking his head, maybe laughing a little bit because we're both so spectacularly stupid. I wonder how often he spins in his grave, wondering how we managed to get ourselves into this mess. Sometimes I wonder if he'd be proud of us for figuring it out."
"Figuring what out?"
"The corruption of the True Cross Order."
"Oh," Yukio said. He noticed his brother's weary smile and the way he would stretch and yawn constantly. It clicked. "You haven't slept since last night, have you?"
"Ara, ara," Rin tried to wave him off but he wasn't fooling anyone. "Am I that obvious?"
"Extremely."
"I should sleep then, it's been a long 24 hours. Will you keep watch? And try not to kill anyone? And please don't run away?"
"Of course,"
Rin hesitated, making a warning look before yawning again, then decisively curling up on his sleeping pad. He inhaled, held, and exhaled repeatedly, rhythmically until his breathing steadied out and Yukio could finally more at rest. His brother was finally sleeping. He took that as a cue and unzipped his duffel bag, fishing through it until his fingers curled around the handle of a gun.
Click-click! Clack! Schlict... clatter.
Ryūji Suguro could hear what seemed to be the loading of a handgun, even in his murky slumber. He didn't want to admit he was getting concerned. Was Rin away?
Click-click! Clack! Schlict... clatter.
Suguro roused himself, eyes flying open at the familiar sound of a pistol being replenished, a safety being clicked on an off, magazines being shoved into the port. A jab of adrenalized fear rushed through them as he heard the sounds once more.
Click-click! Clack! Schlict... clatter.
He shot up from his mat, eyes wide and looking around for the source of the noise.
"Suguro, you're awake." Suguro's attention was brought to Yukio, who was cocking and releasing an intricately crafted pistol.
"Uh," The Myōō Dha man started at Yukio in confusion before coming to a conclusion. "Yeah, I heard you reloading a gun I thought maybe..." Suguro didn't want to admit that the worst case scenario had popped into his head.
"Sorry, I needed to find something to keep me awake while I took the second watch," Yukio explained. He turned back to the silver gun, eyes tracing the eloquently engraved symbols along the barrel of it. It was different, beautiful and it was a gift from Shirō on his fourteenth birthday. He hadn't used them, partly because he had a closer connection to the Glocks he used more frequently, those which were far more comfortable in his grip.
Click-click! Clack! Schlict... clatter.
"I prefer routine, repetitiveness," Yukio went on, earning him a bemused stare. "It always helped me get through the day, keeping an organized schedule. It was... always Rin who managed to drag me out of my regime. I never liked when he diverted me from that at first but after a bit of school-skipping and seeing what things were like on his side, I grew to find solace in it. It gave me a glimpse into his world and I found it was so much more different than mine and... frivolous.
Click-click! Clack! Schlict... clatter.
"Frivolous, huh?"
Yukio wavered. "Well, more relative to recreation, social interactions, forgetting that academics is an important part of life."
"I think you need a good mix between the both," Suguro responded. His watched ashes rise from the burning hearth, flickering with heat. They avoided each other's gazes, knowing there was still some tension strung between them like flaxen cords. "You know, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."
"And all play and no work makes Jack lazy," Yukio quipped.
"Precisely," Suguro confirmed.
The crackling of the fire was interesting than a conversation they were having now. Neither of them wanted to admit it but they were pretty similar, especially concerning their mindsets. The prominent difference was their behavior towards their thoughts.
Click-click! Clack! Schlict... clatter.
"I'm sorry," Yukio suddenly whispered. Suguro looked at him again. "For... for pointing a gun at you, I mean. I see my guns as a tool of persuasion, they give me power over my opponent. And it makes me tend to forget that everyone else, views it as a weapon. I feel weak and useless otherwise. I know that doesn't excuse my actions and you aren't under any pressure to ever forgive me but I'm hoping that at least provides an explanation."
Stillness.
"It's okay," Suguro muttered. He may not have sounded like it but he was sincere, forgiving. "You were stressed. You've been a target of the Illuminati for so long and there's been so much pressure on your back to be the best example of the True Cross Order. It must be hard, especially when you've got Shima hanging off of you twenty-four-seven. You're trapped between two organizations run by a couple of drama queens trying to decide the fate of a world that isn't theirs."
Suguro balked almost immediately after saying that because much to his astonishment, Yukio giggled. Actually giggled like he was five-years-old. Well, that was new. His eyes bugged like saucers and his mouth parted slightly. He certainly wasn't ready for that.
"I didn't think of it like that," Yukio chuckled. "Lucifer and Samael are drama queens, huh?"
"Definitely." Suguro stretched, distractedly checking his boots for the knives he kept strapped to them and his own Order sanctioned 9mm pistol with a silencer holstered on his belt. "Well, I'm more awake now. How long have you been up."
"I don't know, a couple hours."
"Then I'll take the next watch."
"You can but I'm just going to stay awake. I won't be able to sleep. I don't want to deal with the nightmares again."
"You get nightmares?"
"Years of exorcist training, trauma, I saw it all a little too early for it to be considered nondetrimental. I don't want to talk about it."
Click-click! Clack! Schlict... clatter.
A/N:
Hails: And that concludes chapter 3. Guys, I noticed chapter 2 didn't get a ton of reviews.
Support your local writers, guys! It's the quickest way to manipulate me into finishing something. You can trick me: it's called the review button.
I meant to give Rin and Yukio more of a heart to heart this chapter but uuuuuuuuuuuugh, it didn't work out. *faceplants* But I do have something planned for them in the future, so I'm hoping this sets the base for a build up.
Next chapter: Startling revelations are made concerning the Garden of Amahara and a lesson is learned on the topic of Talmudic and Jewish lore. The Illuminati takes a step to distract the True Cross Order from their full plan and this ancient creature will not be solicitous.