Me: Another amazingly fast update! The next one might take longer since i have yet to write it yet...

Hotsuma: Why don't you finish writing it before even posting?

Me: Honestly...I have yet to finish a good story all the way through...

Hotsuma: WHAT!?

Me: *hides behind Luka* Don't kill me.

Luka: Newt owns nothing...

Me: W-well, I do own Rin-

Luka: *death glare*

Me: Hehe-bye! *runs with Rin under my arm*

Chapter 8: Brand Zess

"That smells wonderful, Toma-san", Yuki said.

I hummed in agreement as I smelled the fresh bread. It all smelled wonderful. Sodom agreed because he was sniffing the air while 'mew'-ing.

"I've prepared bouillabaisse for dinner tonight, so I thought I'd bake a variety of breads to go with it."

"It looks so good Toma-chan", I said.

"I invented this tomato bread for Hotsuma-kun, since he hates tomatoes. I hope he likes it."

"That's amazing", Yuki stated. "I'm sure he'll be delighted."

"Preparing delicious food for all of you is my job. As a member of the family, it's an honor to work at the Twilight Mansion."

"Oh", a familiar voice said. "Looks like you've outdone yourself this evening, as well."

I turned, only to squeak and run behind Toko-chan and Yuki. It was none other than that doctor. He was leaning on the door way with a caffeine bottle in hand.

"Doctor! Stop drinking that and eat a proper dinner", Toma-chan scolded.

He hummed as he lowered the bottle," I came, drawn by the smell, but…I was up all night again. I'm not hungry."

"I'll come by with your dinner later, so be sure to eat it", he yelled after the doctor who was walking away.

"Smells good."

Toma-chan jumped in surprise when Tsukumo-kun seemed to come out of nowhere. He glared at him when he saw a bag of junk food in his hands.

"Ah! Tsukumo-kun, what are you eating?"

He held up the bag," Fish roe-flavored takoyaki-kun."

Toma-chan snatched the bag from his hands when Tsukumo popped another one into his mouth," Dinner will be ready soon! Really, fish roe-flavored takoyaki-kun…"

"I could get used to this. What about you, Rin-kun?"

I nodded at Yuki with a smile," Definitely. Everyone is so cool, except for the doctor. That guy seriously has issues…"

Toko-chan giggled as she patted my head," Don't worry Rin-kun. He's actually not that bad."

"If your 100% human", I pointed out. "If you're even a little bit Duras, he goes nuts with wanting to examine you for his so called research."

She simply giggled again. I gave her a smile, as well as Yuki.

~XxThexLostxGiouxX~

"This is so cool", I squealed as I splash around in the water.

Toko-chan and Aya-chan laughed at me.

"You've never been in a communal bath before", Toko-chan asked.

"Nope. But it's really cool. I like it!"

Aya-chan made her way over to me," Can I fix your hair, Rin-chan?"

"Sure!"

She brushed her fingers along my scalp. It felt so good. Sighing, I slumped down in contentment. I had the strangest urge to purr, but stopped myself. Toko-chan laughed at me as she grabbed a bottle of shampoo.

"Rin-kun…what was the orphanage like?"

I frowned," It was…lonely, even with all the other kids there. They weren't actual family. Except for Yuki. We've been together ever since he found me under his window one morning."

"You were abandoned", Aya-chan asked.

"That's so sad", Toko-chan stated. She dunked her head under the water to wash away the shampoo.

A purple bar of soap came floating by. When I grabbed it, I noticed that it was lilac. I smiled and started rubbing it on my skin.

"There, all done", Aya announced.

I brought a hand up to my hair to see what she had done. I felt series of tiny braids that lead down to the back of my head. The rest of my hair was tied up. She had left a section hanging on the right side of my face.

Turning, I gave her a smile," Thank you, Aya-chan!"

She returned the smile. Toko-chan came over as she looked as well.

"Aw, that's so cool-Oh! Rin-kun, where did you get that?"

"Huh?"

She poked the ear cuff on my left ear," This. It looks like a dragon."

"Oh yea. Luka gave it to me. He said it'll help keep my powers under control, and so he could find me wherever I was. He said for me to never take it off either."

"Huh. That's…nice."

"Yup", I said as I pulled myself out of the water.

Toko-chan and Aya-chan followed me. I ran over to the sink and grabbed my grey towel from the counter.

My ears picked up a faint click. Someone was opening the door. My eyes widened before I ducked under the counter and out of view.

"Rin-kun? What are you doing?"

The door swung open, revealing four of the guys. Yuki-kun blushed before yelling out.

"You peeping toms", Toko-chan yelled. The guys had quickly turned around and the girls held their towels against them.

I reached my hand up onto the counter, feeling around for my clothes.

"If you don't want to be seen, lock the door", Hotsuma said.

"Just don't look, you idiot!"

"I apologize", Aya-chan said. "The lock was broken, so we put up a sign."

I felt the soft material of my clothes and pulled it down. It was a pair of black slacks with a black shirt. There was a grey cross stitched on the front of it.

"Sorry. We didn't notice", Tachibana said, unaffected.

"Are you sure", demanded Toko-chan hotly.

"Really, it's true! And I honestly didn't see anything", Yuki said in guilt.

"I'm not worried about you, Yuki-chan. We've bathed together plenty of…Oops."

"I used to be a girl?"

I crawled out from under the counter all dressed. Setting my towel in the laundry basket, I headed for the door.

"Yes", she said softly as I sneaked between her and Aya-chan.

I started walking down the hall. I spotted Luka was turning to walk away as well. So, I hurried to catch up to him.

"You are pretty cute, Yuki-kun", Tachibana said.

"I'm a man!"

"I'm just kidding."

I reached the corner where Luka was last. He was walking down the hall at a slow pace, as if sad. Frowning, I hurried to catch up to him. He didn't give any sign that he noticed me if he did.

I reached out and grabbed his sleeve; stopping him. Luka looked down at me. Cocking my head to the side, I gave him a look that said I was there for him.

He took his hand out of his pocket to rub my head. I smiled at him. His hand reached down to my left ear where the cuff was. I felt him run his fingers along it before he dropped his hand to his side.

I grabbed it with my own hand. Luka smiled again before starting to walk. I walked along side of him, hands still together. We spoke no words, just took comfort from each others' company.

~XxThexLostxGiouxX~

Yuki walked outside to look at the night sky. Sodom was sitting on his shoulder. As he leaned on his arms to relax, Sodom 'mew'-ed at something behind him.

"What is it, Sodom?"

Yuki turned to look at Luka and I. He was leaning against the wall; I sat against it to his left.

"Luka? Rin?"

"Did something happen", he asked Yuki as he made his way closer.

I whistled to Sodom, who looked at me. Smiling, I motioned him over with my finger. With a 'mew', he flew over to me.

Sodom landed gracefully on my knees. I rubbed my finger on his head playfully.

"I was just thinking about Hotsuma-kun", I heard Yuki reply.

"I see."

"Everyone's got their own problems, don't they?"

Luka looked at the night sky," Starting tomorrow, I'll be walking you and Rin to and from school."

I looked up from Sodom in surprise. It was the first I had heard of it.

Yuki smiled at him," Thank you."

Luka returned the smile, before walking away. Yuki stood straight as he watched him. Sodom made a noise as he nudged my hand.

I got up to my own feet, and walked over to Yuki. He was still watching Luka with a thoughtful expression. Sodom 'mew'-ed as he landed on my shoulder.

Yuki looked at me with a smile. I returned it, and gave him a hug.

~XxThexLostxGiouxX~

Takashiro pressed his finger down on a random key of the piano in thought,' So far, everything has gone according to plan. For the time being, Yuki is ours. Your move, Reiga…'

~XxThexLostxGiouxX~

"See you later, Yuki-chan. Takashiro-sama asked to see us, so we'll catch up later", Toko-chan stated.

"Okay."

"Bye", I waved with a smile.

The others, excluding Hotsuma-kun and Shusei-kun, waved back.

"See you later", Aya-chan said.

"Be careful," Tachibana added cheerful as usual.

I climbed into the back on the car that Luka was using to drive us to school. He closed the door behind me as soon as I was clear of the door way. Crawling over the center seat, I buckled myself in as Luka and Yuki got in as well.

Soon enough, we were driving down Tokyo's streets in the red car. I watched the buildings that passed by from the window.

I had a new school uniform on, courtesy of Toko-chan and Tsukumo-kun. It was similar to my old one, just a different school symbol.

"I didn't realize that you had a license", Yuki said.

"A license?"

I snapped my head towards the front so fast that I pulled as muscle. Moaning softly, I rubbed it in irritation.

"You don't mean…"

"You mean this thing", Luka asked as he held up a license.

"Oh, yes."

I let out a small sigh in relief. I trusted Luka enough to know that we wouldn't crash, but if we were ever to be pulled over…

"Takashiro sent it to me."

"He has authority for that, too…"

"I suppose he does", Luka simple stated and Yuki let out a nervous laugh.

Luka came to a stop in front of the high school. People instantly turned to stare in amazement. Luka opened his door before stepping out. I spotted girls blush as they stared at them. I huffed, annoyed.

Yuki turned to press a kiss to my forehead," You be good and careful."

"Hai! You too, Yuki-kun."

He smiled," I'll see you later."

Yuki opened the door before leaving the car as well. When he closed the door, I was left alone. Sighing, I looked back out the window.

"You'll be fine on your own here, won't you", Luka asked in a concerned voice. It was slightly muffled thanks to the window, but I could hear it fine.

"Yes, thank you. I'll see you later."

"I'll be here to pick you up."

"Okay. Take care of Rin for me."

"Hia."

The conversation ended as Luka climbed back into the car. I watched Yuki disappear from view as we drove away. Turning back into my seat, I looked at Luka through the rear view mirror.

"Is something wrong?"

"Huh? Oh, n-no. I'm just a little worried."

Luka glanced back at me," About what?"

"School. I'm not very good with talking to new people."

"You did fine at the mansion."

"Well, yea, but…I had you and Yuki with me."

"You'll do fine. You're a lot like Yuki, Rin."

I smiled a little," I guess…"

"And if anyone hurts you, I'll kill them."

Even though he sounded dead serious, it was funny. I giggled madly at the thought," N-no, it's okay, Luka."

Said man sighed as he glanced back at me. He did, however, have a small smirk. Inside, he was happy to see me smile.

~XxThexLostxGiouxX~

"We're Yuki-chan's relatives", Toko told Kanata.

"Do you need to speak with him," questioned Tsukumo protectively.

Kanata looked at Yuki," I'll call you. I await a favorable response. Goodbye."

Yuki stood frozen as Kanata walked away. Unknown to the three, he knew what he needed to do to get Yuki on his side. Yuki would do anything if Rin was involved. All he needed was her, to get Yuki.

"Was that…"

"He's from Yuki's orphanage, isn't he", Tsukumo asked.

Yuki replied," We grew up together. He actually helped me raise Rin too. He's like a brother to us."

~XxThexLostxGiouxX~

I swung my feet from my seat in the back seat of the car. School was over and we had just picked up Yuki. He seemed distant and quiet. I was worried about him.

"Did something happen", Luka asked, also sensing something was wrong.

"No, it's nothing…"

"You look sad."

"Actually, I saw Kanata-san this morning."

I gasped and leaned forward as much as I could against the seat belt," Kanata-san!? You saw him? Is he ok? Why didn't he call?"

Yuki looked at me," He said something had come up; he didn't explain it very well. Kanata-san asked if I'd go back home with him… But I've made up my mind to live with the Giou Clan."

I sat back with a frown. Sodom, who was with us and on Yuki's shoulder, flew over to me. He 'mew'-ed before sitting in my lap.

"Will you be alright", Luka asked.

"Kanata-san and the other children are like my other family. I'm pathetic. It takes hardly anything to make me question my decisions. I want to help everyone at the Twilight Mansion, but I care about Kanata-san, too."

"You should do as you please. Wherever you go, wherever you stray, I'll be with you and Rin."

Yuki redirected his gaze to the raven," Luka, why would you…Sorry to ask so suddenly. But I've been wondering about it for a while."

"Because you are my master."

I frowned," Master?"

Sodom suddenly went tense with a loud hiss. Yuki looked back with surprise. A chill ran down my spine and my eyes widened. I brought my head down; using my hands to cover my neck in a protective position as something hit the car.

Yuki was slammed back forward as he yelled in surprise. Luka turned the wheel as he tried to regain control of the vehicle.

I heard the tires squeal as he pressed on the gas pedal to speed up. We slammed through something before screeching to a stop.

I looked up in fear as I sensed clearly what it was. There were three Duras, all of Mid-Villian level.

Luka climbed out of the car, followed by Yuki. Both closed the doors, leaving me with Sodom.

Sodom was tense and aggravated by the presence of the Duras. I couldn't blame him, I was the same way. Only difference, I was terrified.

I fidgeted with the buckle until it came undone. Scooting to the passenger's side, I opened the door. Yuki looked back at me as I climbed out. He opened his mouth to say something, but one of the Duras spoke, cutting him off.

"So this is Giou Yuki."

"Watch your step. They say the guy in black is dangerous", another Duras warned.

The third stepped forward," Whatever. Let's take them out."

"Luka", Yuki said.

"Don't worry. Take Rin and stand back."

Yuki grabbed me as he backed up. We stood behind the car as we watched.

"Let's go", they yelled as they sent their familiars towards us.

They were in the forms of a snake, spider, dragon, and a bat. I pressed into Yuki as he tightened his arms around me.

"Giou Yuki is mine!"

"Futile", Luka stated coldy.

He raised his arm as I sensed energy surge through him. A large burst of purple energy came from his hand. It hit the familiars dead on, killing them in their tracks.

"Wha- our familiars!"

"An Opast, huh", another questioned.

"Begone", Luka spat with venom lacing his voice.

He blasted more energy, hitting two of the Duras. They exploded into shimmering particles.

"Gallica! Isis!"

However, before Luka could blast the third, he was gone in a blurr of movement. I suddenly felt myself being grabbed away from Yuki. Letting out a small scream, I tried to hit the Duras who grabbed me.

The Duras stopped in the place he had been standing before. I was being used as a shield for the remaining Duras. I was on my feet, but the guy had an arm around my neck. I used my hands to try and pull at it.

"What the hell are you", the Duras questioned.

"Rin!"

"Yuki, stay back", Luka ordered.

"That mark", the Duras said. "Swords for eyes, night for hair, beloved servant of the demon king…Are you Luka Crosszeria?"

"Took you a while to notice", Luka stated coldly.

I stared at the mark in surprise. Why hadn't I recognized it before? I had the same one on the back of my neck, but smaller.

"Now, who is this little thing", the Duras asked as he used his free hand to trace my ear cuff.

I turned my head to the side, trying to get away from him. A whimper escaped me before I could stop it, the Duras smiled widely at the sound.

"What did Giou Yuki call her? Oh yes, Rin. No one told me that there was a girl-"

"Let me go", I hissed, but my voice trembled in fear.

The Duras chuckled," Ah, feisty. I like that."

I turned my head so I was glaring at him. The Duras froze when he finally got a good look at me. I watched as his eyes went from me to Luka, and back again.

"Impossible…"

Throwing caution to the wind, I sank my fangs into his arm. The Duras cried out as he loosened his grip. I let go and stumbled away. I tripped on a chain that I didn't notice.

The Duras started towards me, but I swung my arm out. A blast of energy came from my finger tips, hitting him in the arm I had bitten. It blew it off.

The Duras screamed as he dropped to his knees in pain. I scurried backwards until my back hit a wall. My breaths came out in gasps due to my fear. I hated the feeling, I hated being so afraid of something I was a part of.

Luka stretched his arm back out towards the Duras who had gotten back to his feet. Energy blasted at him, throwing him against a metal wall. Luka walked towards the Duras was venom in his eyes.

"What? Done already", Luka asked him.

"Damn it. You backstabber!"

"Luka", I yelled when the Duras swung his remaining arm towards him. Energy came bursting from his hand. Luka released his own blast of energy.

"I told you it was futile!"

The Duras shook against the wall he was against in fear," He deflected it…"

He shook worse when Luka started to walk closer once again," Stop! Please don't kill me!"

Luka raised his hand right in front of the enemy's face," You should have chosen your battles more wisely. And, you should never have brought my daughter into it."

I closed my eyes when I sensed another surge of energy. The Duras screamed. The sound of him exploded quickly followed.

The sound of footsteps drew near me. I opened my eyes when they stopped. Luka was standing above me, with his hand in front of me to help me up. I took it, allowing him to haul me up to my feet.

"Are you hurt?"

"N-no, I don't think so…Thank you, Luka", I whispered before hugging him. He tensed in surprise. Relaxing after a moment, he hugged me back. His hand rubbed the back of my head soothingly.

Once I released him, he used his thumbs to wipe away the tears that had slipped down my face. I took his hand, before walking back over to Yuki. Yuki looked deep in thought.

"Are you afraid?" Luka continued when Yuki looked up," Of me, a Duras?"

"No." Yuki smiled," Please tell me more about yourself, Luka."

I pressed my face against Luka's side before he did.

'And, you should never have brought my daughter into this.'

That's what Luka had said. So…that's how I was related to Duras…to him. But what about my mother? What about Yuki? I don't understand...

"I was constantly fighting. For no other reason than my master's command, I sank myself in a sea of blood. And eventually, I gave up on questioning. Born into a sinful clan, I knew nothing would change so long as this mark remained, etched into my body. So long as I had this brand of sinners…"

Luka reached with his free hand to clasp onto his branded arm. I reached my own up to feel the back of my neck. My own was there, similar to Luka's…

The Yuki asked," But why…"

"A long time ago, my ancestors committed a terrible crime."

"But…"

"I didn't care what happened. A lifetime, fighting for only others…But everything has changed since then. Ever since the day I met you, I've had a reason to live. I live to protect you. Protecting you, and now Rin, is everything to me."

"Is that…Is that really me?"

I looked up to Luka as I squeezed his hand. He eventually looked down from Yuki's gaze. I cocked my head to the side with a small smile.

~XxThexLostxGiouxX~

"It's Toko. Do you have a minute", Toko said over the phone.

Takashiro answered," Sure, go ahead."

"Yuki-chan and Rin-kun were attacked by Duras again."

"How are they?"

"He's fine. According to Luka, they were attacked by three Mid-Villains."

"I see. And Rin?"

"She's okay, a little sore and drained. Apparently, one of the Duras got a hold of her. But she got away and blasted his arm off. Luka gave him the final blow."

"I see. Don't let your guard down", he ordered before hanging up.

'I don't understand', he told himself. 'Sending Mid-Villains to attack Yuki and Rin…'

~XxThexLostxGiouxX~

"How'd he respond", Tsukumo asked his partner.

"He was surprisingly calm…I know Luka's with them, but I'm still worried."

"Yeah."

"Hey, Tsukumo. Why do you think Yuki-chan was born as a boy this time? Yuki-chan was a girl last time and all the previous times, right? Then, why? And why his Rin here too? She's never been here before."

"Why, indeed", Tsukumo mused in thought.

Tachibana took the moment to voice his opinion," Maybe it's a sign that things are ending. Some higher power could be telling us all this fighting is coming to an end."

"Do you really think we can win", Toko asked.

"It'll be okay." Toko looked at her partner as he continued," I'll protect you, Toko-chan."

"Tsukumo…"

"That's right", Tachibana stated. "You have to protect your loved ones first. Right now, we just need to do whatever we can."

"Yea."

~XxThexLostxGiouxX~

Luka was staring at Yuki from the corner of his eye. I could tell something was bothering from the way he was deep in thought.

"There", announced Yuki. He stood, showing Luka the thing in his hand," What do you think?"

I stood on the bench to take a look as well. It was a black cross, pointed sharply at the ends, with a ruby in the center. The whole thing was on a thin yet strong black chain.

"A cross…"

"Takashiro-san told me anything I made would function as a protective charm. Here."

Luka froze as Yuki leaned up against him to put the necklace on him. With his arms still around Luka's neck, he said," I wanted to thank you for protecting me and Rin."

He took a step back to look," But this is all I can do right now."

I watched as Luka smiled and lifted the cross in one hand, admiring it. I smiled as well, happy to see a better emotion on his face.

"You think of me as your master, and I don't remember anything from before I was reborn. But I don't want you to suffer. You're important to me."

Luka closed his hand around the cross," Thank you."

~XxThexLostxGiouxX~

Toko-chan gasped at the sight of the other cross necklaces Yuki made. Four of them were the same silver color, however, each had a different jewel. The fifth one, was identical to Luka's, just smaller.

"You made these for us, Yuki-chan?"

"They're not that well made, but I wanted to do something to help everyone."

Toko-chan picked one up. I leaned over the couch behind her to look as well.

"Wow! They're beautiful!"

Yuki smiled as he looked at the other two males. Hotsuma was not with them," Do you not wear necklaces?"

"Don't be silly. They're beautiful", she stated as she picked another up. "You'll wear it, won't you, Tsukumo?"

"Sure", he said as he took it from his partner.

Yuki picked up the two other silver ones before standing," Um…There's one for you, if you'd like it."

I looked up at Shusei with a smile as he took one," Thank you. I'm delighted."

"I made one for Hotsuma-kun, too…"

Shusei looked at little shocked at first before he took it," I'll give it to him."

"Thank you."

"Yuki-kun", I asked.

"Hia?"

"What about that one", I questioned as I pointed to the lone black cross on the table.

"Oh, I made that one for you", he said as he handed it over.

I cradled it in my palms," Thank you, Yuki-kun."

He pressed a kiss to my forehead before I slipped it on. It fit perfectly.

"Is Hotsuma sleeping in again", Toko-chan questioned. "It's because he's always up late, playing games."

"Hotsuma really likes his games", Tsukumo stated.

Shusei gave and an amused chuckled. I giggled as I played with my new necklace.

"Um, Shusei-kun…Are you feeling unwell?"

I frowned," Are you, Shusei-kun?"

"…No, I'm fine."

I sighed. A large hand settled down onto my head. I glanced backwards to see Luka. I gave him a smile with a small giggle. He slightly smirked.

Me: Another adorable chapter and some truth has been revealed.

Shusei: When is the next chapter coming?

Me: uh...amazing question! But...possibly tomorrow, it depends. I need to update my Ouran Fanfic and start on my Blue Exorcist Fanfic...

Rin: Hey! There's a boy with my name in Blue Exorcist!

Me: Yep, and he's have demon...er Duras...like you!

Rin: ooohhh, so cool! Review please, so Newt will update EVERYTHING.

Me: 0.0 e-everything...oh god...please review to ease my pain...