Chapter 5

Rin knew that what will the angel say now will be very important and that his decision might change the future. What he was sure of is that he didn't want his brother involved in this.

"Why only us?" He asked the first question while trying to come to some order with his thoughts.

"Because Satan is your father. If your brother decided to do it, he would have to be awoken as a half demon first." Gabriel explained, sitting down at the end of Rin's bed and resting his wings against his back. "Only someone who is at least half demon can enter into hell. And the blue flames are the most powerful of demonic abilities. What I'm proposing is for you to exchange your human side for an angel's."

Rin gasped. Half demon, half angel? Was that even possible? His face showed his confusion and Gabriel continued.

"If you die as a human now, you will awoke completely as a demon and will go straight to hell. But before that happens, I can give you angel's power. You will have God's power at your disposal, just like you have Satan's. I am told to train you, so you will gain complete control over your abilities and learn how to combine them together. It is possible only for the two of you because Satan is the only demon powerful enough, who was an angel before. Generally, demons and angels cannot mix, because the individual like that would die from his own body fighting itself. But Satan's different and so are you."

Gabriel paused for Rin to process all the information. It was a scary concept, dying and being reborn as a creature like non other. He'd be a freak of nature, a weapon created only in one purpose – to destroy the devil.

"If I agree… Would I be able to come back to Earth if I succeed?" That was most important to Rin. He had people here, people he loved and admired, even some friends now and of course Bon. He couldn't just leave him alone, could he? And Yukio needed him too.

"Well, technically yes. You will be able to travel between worlds, even to Heaven if you wanted to. There is one more thing, though." He paused again, looking straight into his eyes. Those irises were electrifying and seemed to know his very soul. "If you manage to destroy Satan you will have to take his place and rule Gehenna." What? Now, that shocked Rin even more than anything today. He as the devil? "If it wasn't necessary, God would kill Satan himself or simply sent an army to do so, but if that happened the balance of the worlds would be destroyed. The demons would rebel and Gehenna would probably collapse. This world would be swarmed in demons in no time and that's exactly what we are trying to avoid. Only if the person who killed Satan took his place, he would be able to control everything. God himself doesn't want to rule the underworld, as he knows the demons won't ever accept him. Besides, his presence hurts them. God gave them free will and it's very important that every creature has it. He cannot make them obey against their wishes. It can't be an angel either, as we cannot enter Gehenna. That leaves you or your brother. We do not trust Mephisto in a role like that and he's the only demon worth considering. He's very powerful, he would be able to defeat Satan with a little help of our army. But the way he treats everything like his toys is not acceptable. We need a good soul and you fit perfectly."

Rin was sitting there against his pillows and felt the weight of the world setting on his shoulders. He had to die, sacrificing his human nature, become a strange mix of demon and angel and then kill Satan, only to get Gehenna to rule as a prize? Seriously?

Rin looked into Gabriel's eyes, despair plainly written on his face. The angel smiled a little sadly seeing this and laid his hand on his shoulder. The touch was very warm, it felt like the sun was touching him, not burning but flooding him with a nice, calm feeling. His tensed muscles relaxed and he fell back against the pillows.

"I… I can't let Yukio go through something like this." He admitted finally. Yukio was a normal human, very talented in fighting, yes, but not powerful enough to deal with hell. He was strong and the added power surely would let him win. His emotions wouldn't stand it, though. Rin knew that his brother always only wanted to be normal, seeing demons since forever must have been horrible. To suddenly find himself as a ruler of hell, it would destroy his mind. He was a gentle and good person. He wouldn't be able to hold a tight grip on the demons and get along with them as well. The question was, could Rin do it? He doubted himself.

Gabriel studied his face with interest, watching the play of emotions. Humans were always interesting for him, as they were so different from angels. He, himself was always calm and seemed indifferent. Angel's emotions were more calculated and toned-down. Of course, they could feel love – as it was their nature – but the passion humans possessed was missing. Negative emotions were rare for them but it happened. Of course, as Satan was an angel before, they could wander from their path and fall down into hatred just as he did.

"So if I don't agree to this, you will ask Yukio instead?" Rin asked, finally coming back from his thoughts.

"Yes. He would be our last hope." Gabriel nodded and watched with satisfaction as fear disappeared from Rin's face. Now his expression was determined and strong.

"I agree then. I will become half demon half angel and kill Satan. Then I will take his place and stop demons from attacking humans. I will become strong and protect everyone!"

Gabriel smiled hearing that. God was right, this soul was ideal for the job.

"I'm glad you decided that." He stood up. Suddenly, Rin felt nervous. Was he supposed to do it right now?

"Um… Can I have some time to say goodbye to everyone? And explain? I understand that after I changed we will be leaving to train somewhere?"

"Yes, I will take you to Heaven and train you. As you are now you are not able to enter there, as no living human can. I will give you some time of course. I will come back tomorrow morning along with an army. They will protect your friends while you train." Gabriel smiled at him one last time. "Till then, young soul." Nodding, he disappeared in a flash of golden light.

Rin sat there, completely stunned. He wondered briefly if what he saw was real. But the warm feeling he could still feel after the angel's touch proved it.

Bon took this moment to enter the room. In his hands was a tray with food on it.

"Rin!" He grinned, seeing him awake. "I'm so glad you are alright!" He set the food down on the nightstand and sat down beside his boyfriend. He gently brushed his hair out of his eyes, while checking if Rin was really okay.

"I'm fine idiot, no need to worry." He snorted at him. "Is everyone alright? Is Yukio okay?" Suddenly he remembered that his brother was close to dying back there.

"Yes, he's alive and fine, don't worry. He is still resting as his burns are healing." Rin's expression fell, hearing this. His own flames did the damage. "Rin, don't even start. You couldn't do anything to stop it, could you? Would you tell me what exactly happened?" His tone was gentle, trying to soothe him.

So Rin told him everything he remembered, as he tried to fight Satan off, to take back control. As he watched helplessly while his brother was suffering. When he panicked, thinking he was dead.

Bon kissed his cheek. "You did all you could and more. You should be proud of yourself, being so exhausted and yet you did manage to push him out of your head. Yukio doesn't blame you and you shouldn't either. Here." He said, laying the tray on his lap. "Eat something."

After eating everything Bon got him, Rin fidgeted, nervous. He knew he had to tell Bon everything and he was a little afraid of his reaction. Bon could easily loose his temper, as he usually did around his boyfriend. They were sweet with each other now because of being apart too long but Rin knew that if Ryuji decided he made a stupid choice he won't hear the end of it.

"What's wrong? You seem… unsettled." Bon finally commented, after Rin tried to avoid his eyes a few times. The boy leaned in to wrap his arms around him but he only looked away again, biting his lips.

"Rin. Please, tell me what's wrong. Is it about Yukio again? I told you he's just fine, maybe I should go get him…?" He wondered aloud, trying to coax Rin to admit the truth. He didn't like it when the young demon tried to shut him off. Observing him from afar when they were apart, he could feel the numbness of his emotions radiating off him. He hated the feeling of not knowing what made him sad, concerned or angry. Now that they were back together he will be damned if he let Rin go back to his emotionless state. "Rin!"

Finally, Rin looked into his eyes and sighed. He knew he will have to tell him, it was too important to stay a secret. But who else should know?

"Fine, I will tell you. But first, please get Yukio here. And…" He paused, but figured the stupid clown would have to know as well. "Bring Mephisto too, even if he's busy, tell him it's very important." His voice was serious, Bon wasn't about to question him when the gaze Rin send him was so earnest. He nodded his head, untangled from their embrace and with a kiss to his cheek left to gather the others. Now he was a little concerned but decided to be patient, holding his questions for later.

While Bon was away, Rin checked his body for injuries. He remembered getting shot by Yukio but his shoulder was already healed, not even a scar remaining. He was glad as lately he collected enough of those. He stood up, stretching and changed his clothes for clean ones. He could shower later. Sitting down on his bed once again he waited impatiently.

Eventually Bon, Yukio and Mephisto came into his room, closing the door. Before Rin could open his mouth he found himself in Yukio's arms.

"Nii-san! I'm glad you are alright!" He hugged him tightly and Rin returned the embrace. "I'm so sorry I shot you but I…" He started to apologize but his brother didn't let him. He moved his arms away and pushed gently so he could look at his face.

"Yukio don't even dare to apologize! You did what you should. I'm the one who is sorry! I almost killed you!" He shivered at the thought.

"It wasn't you Nii-san! I could never hold something like that against you. You actually saved my life, a little more and Satan would have killed me. Thank you."

Rin smiled a little but shook his head. "I didn't do so great. I was almost too late to take back control. But fighting him off was the hardest challenge I've ever faced. I panicked when I thought you died and that desperation gave me some strength." They hugged again, Rin hiding his face on his brother's shoulder.

Silence fell for a moment, giving two brothers some time in each other's arms. Rin was relieved that Yukio didn't hate him for letting Satan almost kill him. Knowing that his brother supported him and cared was enough to make his heart beat faster. He couldn't imagine going back to that time of cold indifference between them.

"Sorry to break this lovely reunion but you invited us here for a reason, yes?" Mephisto asked. Both boys blushed furiously, realizing their family moment had witnesses. Yukio moved away and sat down on a chair near the headmaster.

"Yes. I have something very important to tell you all." Rin nodded and bit his lip. He was nervous of their reaction, especially Ryuji's. He took a deep breath and started explaining. "I got visited by an angel today." Mephisto's look of shock was priceless and he almost sniggered but composed himself. "An archangel Gabriel came to my room and told me he had a message from God for me."

Rin told them almost everything, gaining their full attention. The only thing he wanted to keep to himself was the fact that Yukio could take the deal as well. He didn't want his brother to feel the pressure and guilt because Rin decided to take this burden before he could. Yukio would surely oppose and try to do everything himself, but Rin wouldn't let him. He promised he will always protect him and that didn't change since they were children.

"This is… insane." Yukio finally said after the silence was too much to bear. "I mean… Rin are you sure Satan didn't mess with your head?" He asked gently, eyeing him with doubt.

"You know, I thought the same at first but it was all too real. There is one more thing to that deal." He admitted.

"Why don't I like the sound of that?" Asked Bon, already suspicious. His expression was pissed. Rin knew that he will get shouted at soon.

"Well… After I manage to kill Satan… I will have to take his place in Gehenna." He dropped the bombshell and watched their faces. Yukio was shocked but terrified as well. Bon looked blankly at him like he didn't understand what he just heard, shaking his head. Mephisto's reaction was more interesting. He looked relived but at the same time angry and… jealous? Did he want to become the ruler of Gehenna? Suddenly Rin regretted telling the headmaster. What if the demon turned on him? He wouldn't stand a chance, not before getting his new power and training. The clown was dangerous. He swallowed and looked at him with questioning eyes. The principal sighed.

"Well, that's quite the revelation. I've seen an angel only a few times and only once an archangel. That's a honor. I won't hide that I'm not too happy to think you'd be my next king but I won't became your enemy if that's what you are concerned about. I will support you. Satan stepped over the line and I will gladly watch him go." Mephisto said, for once truly serious. Rin let go of the breath he was holding and relaxed a little. At least his life wasn't in danger right now.

He thought too soon as Bon stood up and grabbed his shoulders, shaking him. He sure as hell was in danger.

"You idiot, how could you agree to something like that? I always knew you were stupid but not so completely brainless!"

Rin felt his face heating in anger as well. "I'm not completely brainless! What do you think I should do, let Satan invade here and destroy this world? I just told you I'm the only one who can do this! Didn't you hear any of the explanations the angel gave me?"

They were shouting loudly at each other, both red in the face and completely pissed off with the other.

"Rin! Suguro-kun! Please stop this!" Yukio grabbed Rin by his shoulders and separated them. "Please, this is serious! Let's talk about it calmly ok?" Finally, Rin snorted and sat down again and Bon did the same, refusing to look at him.

"Good. Now, Nii-san… I don't think it's a good idea. It's too dangerous How do you imagine yourself killing Satan? You had so many problems just to get him out of your head! And taking his place? What nonsense is that? You can't just become the devil!" Yukio was distressed and angry as well but he kept his cool.

"What would you do if the angel asked you?" Rin finally snapped at him, not sure how to get Yukio on his side.

"I… I would have… uh…" He had no idea what to say and blushed seeing Rin's knowing smirk.

"Exactly, Yukio. You don't know do you? But think about it. Imagine you are the only one who could stop this war permanently. No more fighting, no more pain, no more death. Don't tell me you wouldn't agree."

Rin knew what to say to his brother to make him think everything over. Yukio paused, realizing what could happen if they did actually win. He wouldn't have to fight till exhaustion, watch his friends getting hurt or die. And Shiemi… she wouldn't have to cry again, Yukio could watch her smile and laugh like before.

"Nii-san…" He whispered, surrendering. Rin smiled at him in thanks. Then he looked at Bon.

The boy was sitting there, his muscles tense. His hands were crossed against his chest and he was still furious. Their eyes met and Bon snarled at him.

"You are not going to guilt talk me into agreeing with you. It's too dangerous for you to go there. It's practically suicide!" Rin cringed at that, looking away. He didn't tell them that changing into half angel would technically mean his death. "And you can't just stay in Gehenna! You are going to leave us all alone like that? Leave me alone? Don't I mean anything to you?" At the end of his little speech Bon's voice got weak and sad, anger leaving him. Rin gasped at that and rushed to his side but hesitated to touch him.

Did Bon feel betrayed by his decision? Sure, he would have to leave, probably for a long time but he will be back, won't he? Rin put his hand gently on his shivering shoulder and another on his chin, lifting his face up.

"Bon… Please… You mean everything to me!" His voice was desperate. "You know I don't want to ever leave you. You know that, don't you?"

"I know." He sighed. "But that doesn't mean you are not going to do this. I can see you already decided that you will leave. You are only informing us of the fact, not asking for permission." He looked away but didn't make Rin take his hand from his cheek.

"You are right, I already agreed and will be leaving tomorrow. But I will be back, I promise! Even after I kick Satan's ass I will be able to come back here. I won't be needing someone else's body to do it, Gabriel told me I would travel freely between worlds." They looked into each other's eyes, some kind of silent conversation held between them.

Yukio glanced at Mephisto and they both nodded, getting to their feet. It was obvious Rin and Bon needed the time alone together. The pair didn't even notice their retreat.

"Bon, I only want to ask you to wait for me. Can you do that?" Rin's voice was full of hope. He almost missed that feeling of numbness, not having to deal with such a rollercoaster of emotions. Almost. He wouldn't ever give up this love, no matter how problematic it sometimes was. How pissing off Bon could be. This was important. Precious. He wanted it to last but was afraid. Terrified that Bon will get bored of waiting, that he will move on. Find someone else, fell in love with them… That would leave him completely broken beyond repair.

"Of course I can, Rin." He gave in, knowing that his boyfriend was too stubborn to change his mind. "What else there is for me to do? I cannot go fight with you so I will wait for your return. Don't you dare die!"

Rin felt pure relief loosening a grip on his heart and he smiled. "I promise I won't let Satan destroy me. I just hope it will not take too long… If you get bored of being alone…" He bit his lip and looked away, letting go of his face.

"Don't even say something stupid like that! I don't want anyone else but you!" Bon grabbed his shirt and pulled him down to kiss him roughly. When they separated, panting a little Bon's eyes were sad. "I know I let you down before… That I betrayed you. But please, Rin… believe me. I will stay true to you, no matter how long it takes."

It was Rin's time to kiss him, more softly though. "I'm glad." He whispered against his lips. "I will come back, no matter what. I love you."

"As I love you, you idiot."

Author's note:

I wonder if I should pair Yukio with Shiemi… They are so cute together. What do you think?

Wait for more angels in the next chapter! I figured, if there are demons, why not angels? And if there is Satan, there should be a God. Balance is important.

Thank you all for reviews, I write this just for you people :) (All right, I write for myself too, but hush)