Chapter Two
Noriko stared at the man like he was the next God, which made Nagatomo laugh.
"I knew that would peak your interest", he said with a smile, "I will call the boys and say that they need to come down here. Besides, we haven't seen them in a while, so it would be nice to see them."
Noriko couldn't believe her ears. She was finally going to be able to go to this place where she was told she was going to be safe. Quickly hugging the man and bowing, she smiled up and him and said, "You are... awesome!".
Nagatomo patted her head and walked back to the table where they had tea, with Noriko following him. He grabbed the phone and started to talk to one of the boys. Noriko sat down in relief and sipped her tea. After he was done and hung up the phone, he turned to Noriko and said that they will be here tomorrow morning. She nodded her head and looked at her tea.
"So, now that that's over with, tell me, if you please, on how is it that Fujimoto's name came to familiar with you?", he asked while taking his previous seat.
Noriko took another sip and told him about her parents and what they taught her, as well as telling him what she is. He nodded and continued to drink his tea. Noriko looked at him and was surprised that he didn't do anything crazy like call the police or kick her out. Nagatomo looked at her shocked expression and sighed.
"You must be wondering why I took the news so lightly.", he stated while looking at her.
She nodded and said, "Usually when I try to explain this to others a long time ago, they would treat me like a demon and never go near me."
"Well then I think that you and Rin will get along perfectly. You see, Rin is very similar to you. When he was younger he had so much rage and would hurt other kids, so he never really had any friends besides us, his brother and his father."
Noriko nodded and swirled her cup around to watch the tea spin like a tornado. She put her head on the table and sighed. Nagatomo got up and showed her to the living room where she could watch some television to get her minds off of things. She gladly accepted the couch and watched the news and anything funny she could find. Nagatomo left to work and clean up the monastery with the other priests, leaving her alone in the house. Noriko got comfortable on the couch and before she knew what was happening, she fell to a deep sleep.
At around 10 pm, Nagatomo came back into the house to see that Noriko was asleep. He respectfully put a blanket on her and went off to bed himself.
Noriko was in her bed sleeping when she heard a deep evil laugh. She got up and saw the same creature she saw at the foot of her parents bed, but this time, she saw the front. He had a crazy look in his eye, teeth out of proportion and amazingly sharp with drool coming off of his lips. The blue flames escalated around him and filled her whole room, she felt like she was in her own type of Hell. She froze when she saw him coming towards her, still smiling like the joker.
"How delicious... soon, you will feel exactly what your parents felt when I slaughtered them into pieces!", he said while grabbing her face. She saw that his eyes were completely black and crazy. She tried to scream but the flames just engulfed her before she could do anything.
Noriko jerked out of the dream with a gasp, only to see that Nagatomo was shaking her to wake up, his face was filled with concern when he saw that she finally got out of the nightmare. Noriko collected her breathing and saw she was sweating like a football player practicing on the field. Collecting herself, she slowed down her breathing and pulled her now soaking wet hair out of her face.
"Noriko, are you alright?", he said with worry.
"Um, ya. Just a nightmare, that's all.", she said with a weak smile, not wanting to worry the guy anymore than she already has.
"Some nightmare. You screamed like bloody murder." , he said while going to get a glass of water.
Noriko looked up and asked, "I...was screaming?".
"Ya. I'm surprised that noone called the cops. Sounded like someone was killing you.", he said while handing her the glass of water which she gladly accepted. The screaming made her throat feel like she swallowed sand, and washing down stung.
He sat on the coffee table and looked at her with concern. Soon she heard others coming to check on her, feeling guilty, Noriko got up and bowed in apology.
"Well, looks like we should start having some breakfast, ya?", Noriko looked at the clock and it was already 6:30 am. Nodding, he went to the kitchen with the other priest and started to grab their supplies. Noriko put her head in her hands and sighed, 'What is going on?!' , she thought in frustration.
After eating breakfast and cleaning up for the priests, there was a knock on the door. One of the priests answered it and saw a blur of blue tackle the man. Noriko gasped and then saw that it was one of the brothers, he was smiling and hugging the priest. The other brother walked in, he wore a black coat and glasses, smiling at his brothers actions, he looked around spotted Noriko. She looked back and then quickly looked down at the floor and bowed. He bowed in respect and walked towards her.
"Hello, my name is Yukio Okumura. Who might you be?", he asked while holding out his hand.
"Um. Noriko Hitomi. Nice to meet you.", she said while shaking his hand.
There was a sound of bodies hitting the floor and saw that the priests had dog piled Rin, and he was enjoying every minute of it, saying hi to them while they still piled on him. Both Noriko and Yuiko smiled. Nagatomo walked into the room and seeing the two boys put a smile on his face. After everyone had said their greetings, Yukio brought Nagatomo and Noriko to the kitchen and sat them down. Yukio asked Noriko so many questions about her life, that it felt like he was prosecuting her for murder. Once the questioning was over, Yukio took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes, making Noriko nervous. All of a sudden she felt arms on her head and heavy weight that made her look up. It was Rin, he looked down and smiled at her with his pointed canine teeth and big eyes.
"Hi! And who might you be?", Rin asked as he stared at her, making Noriko uncomfortable.
"I'm Noriko Hitomi. It's nice to meet you Rin Okumura.", she replied with a smile.
Rin looked down at her and then to his brother, winking, he walked to the other available seat at the table and made himself comfortable. She looked from Yukio to Rin, and then back again, they had the same raven black hair and blue eyes, but totally different personalities; like yin and yang.
"So, what's the plan?", Rin asked while looking at his brother.
"We will bring her to True Cross, and from then on, we will see what the president has to say about it.", Yukio said while cleaning his glasses and putting them back on.
"Ok, but how long is that going to be? I want to be able to hang out with the guys and have a good old family dinner. Oh, I can cook everyone's favorite, Sukiyaki!", Rin said with excitement. A few of the priests yelled in agreement, making everyone smile. Yukio nodded and took off his coat, Noriko was surprised that he was wearing the school uniform that she assumed to be True Cross, while Rin was wearing a light blue jacket, and a pair of jeans; not to mention his sword that he never put down.
"Ya, we can stay here for a few days. I just have to call the president and tell him our arrangement has changed. Excuse me.", Yukio said while getting up and using his cell phone and politely going outside to not bother anyone.
Noriko looked down at her nails and started to pick at them out of a nervous habit. For some reason, it was odd being with Rin and Nagatomo, and she didn't know why. Rin and Nagatomo talked while Noriko listened to their conversation, not knowing what to do now. When Yukio got back from his call, he said that everything would be fine and that the president will pick them all up in two days. Noriko smiled and looked at Rin, who was staring at her hair and scar.
"If you take a picture it will last longer, Rin.", Noriko said as a joke.
He just smiled and said, "It's just an amazing color, I've never seen that color on anyone besides old people. Wow! You're eyes are-", he was cut off when Yukio hit him in the back of the head.
"That was rude Rin. Anyway, shouldn't you get cooking?"
"Oh yea! I'M MAKING SUKIYAKI EVERYONE!", Rin yelled as he got up from his spot to head to the kitchen.
Noriko flinched at how loud this kid is and Yukio just sighed. Nagatomo looked at the boys and smiled, bringing back the boys was a great idea.
After having an amazing meal, cooked surprisingly by Rin, some of the priest helped with the washing the dishes while Noriko helped dry. Yukio and Rin were talking and laughing at the memories they had here. By the time everything was cleaned up, it was already 5. She decided that it would be a good idea to hang out with the boys and see what they are like. She walked in the room to see them wrestling, with Nagatomo as the referee, and all that stopped when she walked in the room. Rin had Yukio in a headlock, Rin was smiling and Yukio looked like he was struggling a bit. Rin stared at her and then made a connection.
"Hey! Why is she wearing my clothes?!", Rin said in shock, giving Yukio the opportunity to pin Rin down and win the match.
"Oh, um, well you see-", Noriko blushed and looked at the clothes she was wearing and then looked at Nagatomo for help.
Nagatomo nodded and explained to Rin Noriko's condition when she arrived at the church. When Rin finally understood, he smiled and nodded at Noriko, making her feel relieved that she didn't have to explain another story.
As the days flew by, Noriko got to learn more about the boys and about their history. Yukio and Rin had to explain to Noriko about them being Satan's children once Noriko saw Rin's tail. Noriko didn't mind since she was a daughter of an angel, and making that connection made her look back on the day they met and why she got an odd sense from them; angel and demon. The morning when they had to leave, their ride, which was one of Mephisto's pink limos, was already there and waiting for everyone to say their goodbyes. All three of the kids hugged all the priests and thanked them, promising them that they will come back and visit.
The ride to the school was pretty long, Rin was asleep and snoring on one side of the limo, Yukio was reading, and Noriko was sightseeing the town from the window. The place was like a scene from Howl's Moving Castle , so many buildings were scrunched together in such a small space. Noriko wasn't a really big fan of big cities, too many people made her nervous and claustrophobic, but for this place, she might have to just get used to it. Yukio glanced up from his book and saw Noriko's expression.
"Ya it's a really big place, but it is truly amazing.", he said while looking out the window to the same scenery.
Noriko nodded and said, "I can't wait to explore it, it looks like it would be fun."
Her and Yukio continued the ride in silence, well, all except for Rin's snoring. When the limo stopped and they were in the front of the school, Yukio was the first one out, Noriko was going to go next but she looked down at Rin and saw that he was still completely asleep. She put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a good shake. Nothing. Noriko sighed and then caught a glimpse of his tail flopping around on the seat, 'He must be having a good dream. Sorry dude.' Noriko thought while she reached and grabbed his tail, and with a powerful yank, Rin woke up with a scream.
"What was that for bright eyes!?", Rin said in annoyance as he rubbed his tail and got out of the limo.
"You sleep like a rock Rin. How else am I supposed to wake you?", Noriko said in the same tone Rin did.
By the time they were all out of the limo, Rin and Noriko were glaring at each other, while Yukio was walking to the building. For payback, Rin pinched her nose as hard as he could and ran up the staircase and all the way to the huge doors that opened up to the school. Noriko stood there in amazement that he actually did that, and before she could go and chase him, Yukio grabbed her arm and shook his head, making Noriko a little pissed that Rin was at the door and making faces at them.
"How do you deal with this?", she asked Yukio once he let go of her arm.
"By giving him homework, and making his life a living hell when he really ticks me off.", he said while they walked up the stairs and met Rin at the top.
They walked in the building and headed towards Mephisto's office. The hallway was extravagant, the walls seemed to touch the heavens, the paintings were absolutely magnificent, and the smell of sweets entered your nose that made all of your senses spazz out. They walked through what seemed like the whole building, and once they actually stood at the door of the president, Noriko had to take a long breath. Yukio nocked and they were allowed in by a very interesting voice.
When they walked in the office, there was a huge desk that looked like it belonged to royalty and books in every nook and cranny of the walls, yet, it seemed to be missing something. They looked around the room and the president was nowhere in sight. But then laughter was heard from above their heads, and looking up to see a flamboyant man with purple hair in a very funny outfit seemed to fit the deal. Noriko jerked back when the president was in her face.
"Wow, what a magnificent specimen we have here. What might your name be beautiful?", Mephisto asked in a perverted way that sent chills up her spine in a bad way.
He floated down, bowed in front of her and kissed her hand, she tried her hardest not to be rude, so she bit the inside of her cheek and said, "Um, Noriko Hitomi, sir."
Mephisto smiled his evil smile and said, "My, my, the daughter of the once heroic angel is now in my office. What a pleasure. And why are you here madam?", while stepping back and walking around her like a vulture.
Noriko gulped, she didn't like this what so ever, "My parents sent me to you. We were attacked by high level demons and my father sent me to you for safety. He said that you would understand."
Noriko refused to look into Mephisto's eyes, so she looked at the ground, hoping that he would understand. And while all of this was happening, the Okumura brothers stood back and watched.
Mephisto laughed and said, "And why should I help you. We are enemies, you do know that, correct?"
Noriko nodded and said in a very firm and strong tone, "Sir, I have great power that can be of use to you. Both of my parents taught me in secrecy what they learned from this school, I'm as good as any exwire here and some teachers... and I have no where else to go, the demons burnt down everything I had, and I refuse to have my mother's side in danger because of me, and you know of my father.
She looked up to see that he was sitting on his desk and looking at her with his hand stroking his goatee.
"It is true that your father and I were good friends before he left the school to take care of his family... and we did make a promise."
Mephisto got up and walked towards Noriko and stood in front of her. She wore the clothes of Rin, and were wearing bigger shoes that her feet couldn't fill.
"With the sad look on your face I can't really resist. Well, that, and the fact that an angel descendant is asking a demon for help, priceless. Ok, you can live with the Okumura brothers and attend my wonderful school! But, you are going to have to work your way through you know that right?"
Noriko smiled and nodded, but then curiosity smacked her in the face.
"I greatly appreciate this sir... but what are you planning for me to do as work?", she knew that she was going to regret this, but she has no other choice.
Mephisto smiled and snapped his fingers. They were now inside an otaku closet and anime girls were everywhere. He was smiling with delight when he said, "You are going to be my little maid when I need you. You will be modeling clothes, cleaning up and sorting through my collection. Oh! This is absolutely marvelous!"
They were sent back to the office and Noriko was already feeling what was left of her pride just shrivel away.
"One more thing, you need new clothes. I don't want to see you in those ratty clothes ever again! Understood?. And you will be attending classes with the twins and take courses like the rest of the exwires."
She nodded and was surprised when she was handed a check for ¥ 44505.00 ($450 in US dollars).
"Don't talk to me until you are in something more decent. Now shoo, scram!", he said in excitement.
When they were all outside the president's door, Rin started busting up laughing. Noriko was going to hit him but forgot how once she was handed this much money to go spend on essentials. Thank goodness Yukio hit Rin for her and they dragged Noriko's frozen body outside.
Once the sun hit her face, Noriko was now conscious.
"Did... Did that just happen?", she asked in amazement.
"Yep! I'm so jealous! I wish I was given that sort of money when I got here." , Rin said in a pout.
She was about to respond when Yukio's device went off on his pocket.
"Sorry guys, I have to go back to work. I will see you both in class tomorrow."
"Wait... Does that mean I don't have to go to class today?", Rin asked in excitement.
"Correct. Go take Noriko around so she can buy new clothes and essentials. Have fun." And with that, Yukio left them in the dust to go back to work.
Noriko looked at the check in her hands and then at Rin, who looked like he was given a gift from God himself.
"So, I don't know about you, but I could go for a nice ice cream. It's really hot out here. My treat." Noriko said while waving the check in the air. Rin smiled and grabbed her wrist and they were off.
'This is going to be a long day of shopping', Noriko thought in dread. She never really liked to shop, but when she is ordered to, she will.