Ch. 26

I suppose I should have expected our arrival to New York to be less than ideal. Much like what happened with our parents, James and I- along with our new kin- were in the eye of the storm. At least we got to enjoy that for a while.
~

"I think I can see the sun."

"Hai. The fog's starting to fade."

"It lasted a long time."

"I know."

"I don't mind though."

"You don't?" Rin looked over at James, who was sitting with his head resting in his hands as he looked up at the still-foggy sky.

"Not really. I always liked it when we had thick fog at home. It was like we were hidden from the whole world and nothing bad could happen to us."

"Hmmm." Rin leaned back against the peach, unable to stop herself from smiling. "I guess that's true. It was nice to pretend that sometimes, wasn't it? More peaceful, anyway."

James nodded, his eyes still fixed on the sky. "But... it was pretend."

"I know, James- chan."

James looked back at his sister. "It's... still okay to pretend that, right?"

Rin smiled at him. "Of course it is. Especially now that being hidden from the world really will be pretend from now on."

James returned his sister's smile, but fell silent again. Rin watched as he leaned against the peach, his eyes peering through the still-heavy fog that still enveloped the peach. The seagulls still slept in their web net, emitting the occasional soft squawk. Because the flock took up the majority of the peach surface, Rin and James had seated themselves on the uppermost portion of the fence, allowing the heavy mist and sea air to envelope them as morning turned to noon.

The half-demon twitched her ears against the fog, but due to the fact that she and James were currently the only ones outside of the pit, there wasn't much to hear. While Rin could hear the occasional splash of a wave against the bobbing peach, neither she nor James could still see anything except the heavy white mist that continued to hang in the air. This didn't bother Rin as much as the absence of sound; the muffled waves below notwithstanding, the half-demon didn't like the idea of anyone or anything sneaking up on her. Even the blare of a ship's foghorn would be welcome if it meant she would have some warning.

"I wonder what New York City looks like in when there's fog."

Rin shrugged. "I'm sure we'll find out."

James nodded. "I think with all the lights from the buildings, it would be pretty."

"Hmmm... I suppose." Rin fell silent as she pictured herself standing under a streetlight, its warm glow the only thing standing between her and the angry eyes peering out from the heavy night fog as they waited to-

No! The half-demon gave her head a brief shake, gritting her teeth as she forced the image from her mind. No, she was not going to dwell on some stupid dream right now! She couldn't allow that, given they were so close to their destination. Based on James's travel book, they would likely fly into the city sometime tonight and Rin needed to have her head about her for that!

The half-demon sighed, looking back up at the foggy sky. Despite her best attempts at convincing herself otherwise, she was scared. Hai, that was the truth of it and Rin knew she couldn't lie to herself. After today, she and her- oh well, she might as well be honest about this too- she and her family would have to begin their lives in a strange new place where everyone could (and likely would) be an enemy. Oh sure, Rin was sure there was some decentpeople living in New York, but she was a lot more certain that there were those who would be oh so happy to point out why a group of bugs had no place in human society or why a half-demon was nothing but a wild animal or how James would be much better off with more experienced adults to care for him.

No, no no! That was not going to happen! Rin didn't give one damn about what the humans thought; hell, they thought they knew better before and look at how that had turned out! But... what could she do? Rin had little doubt her uncle would be able to set things right (and oh, how she was looking forward to that), but until then, could she protect her kin? Could she keep James safe and with her? Could she help her new family enough so that the same system that had so badly failed Rin and James couldn't do the same to them? Could she?

"Huh, so much for the fog bein' gone."

Rin and James turned at the sound of Centipede's voice. The many-armed bug was slowly exiting the tunnel, scrubbing his face with an upper hand as he leaned against the peach stem.

"Heavy fogs like this don't fade away at once."

"And the sun's starting to come through," James added. "You can see it getting brighter."

"I'll take your word on that, kid. Right now, I'd kill for a cuppa coffee just to keep my eyes open."

"Yes, this weather is making everyone lethargic." Mr. Grasshopper had also stepped out of the tunnel, peering as best he could through the mist. "Between the fog and the chill, I'm not surprised the seagulls haven't awakened yet."

"Lucky them."

"Are you okay, Centipede?" James asked. "Maybe you should sleep more if you're still tired."

"Nah, Jimmy-boy, I'll be okay. Just need to stand out in the fresh air for a bit."

"Though speaking of sleep, Mrs. Ladybug asked me to fetch you both." Mr. Grasshopper approached Rin and James with a knowing smile. "Since you plan to be out late, I believe an afternoon rest is in order for you."

"You just won't give up, will you?"

"You usually are sleeping by now," James reminded her. "At least you were when we were back home."

"Fair enough, James-chan." Rin stood up and gave her brother a resigned smile. "You're looking a bit tired too."

"I am a little tired." James stood up, rubbing the side of his face as though trying to stave off sleepiness.

"I can see that," Mr. Grasshopper said with a chuckle. Leaning down, he held out his arms to the little boy, who returned the gesture and rested his head against Mr. Grasshopper's shoulder as the tall insect stood back up with James in his arms. "I'll take you inside then. You'd best come too, Rin."

"I'll be right there. I just need to do one last check."

"Very well. Come along then, my boy."

Mr. Grasshopper carried a very contented James back into the peach as Rin carefully prowled the edge of the peach, her ears twitching as she tried to discern any sounds through the fog.

"All good?"

"I think so. But if you think anything- and I do mean anything- starts coming out of the fog, you come get me. Even if it turns out to be nothing, I'd rather be safe than sorry, given how close we are to the city."

"Yeah, I gotcha, Rin-girl. You go and get some rest. I'll probably nab a few more hours of shuteye later on myself."

Rin paused, then turned to Centipede and gave a slight bow before sliding down the tunnel. The peach pit was dim, but warm thanks to the slow-burning fire in the metal tub. Earthworm was curled up nearby on his glove and Mrs. Ladybug, who was tending to the fire, gave Rin a small smile as the half-demon approached.

"There you are, dear. I hope you'll good a good few hours of rest before your scheduled flight."

"Like I said, I prefer to sleep in the afternoon. Though, it seems I'm not the only one."

"It's this gloomy weather." Mrs. Ladybug stifled a yawn with an upper hand. "Goodness, my head feels so heavy. And poor Ms. Glowworm can't seem to keep her eyes open."

"Hence the fire?"

"Yes. Thank you for collecting so much wood, Rin, dear. We still have plenty."

Rin shrugged. "It was no trouble. And it's not like it'll go to waste."

"Very true. I should like to have a fireplace once we're settled in the city. I'm sure we'll have many a pleasant evening together."

"Hai, that would be nice." Rin stretched her arms above her head, her wings unfurling slightly as she did so. "But a short nap would be better."

"I'm glad to hear it. I think James is already asleep, but Miss Spider is looking after him now. I must admit, I'm a bit worried about him."

"Hmmm? How so?"

"He just looks so worn out. I'd like to think the weather has made him exhausted, like the rest of us, but, given everything you both went through... I just hope he's not falling ill."

Rin unfurled her wings and wrapped them around her body. "He's never been on a journey like this before. None of you have. Believe me, this kind of travel can wear you down, even when you don't feel like you've done much." The half-demon managed a rueful chuckle. "I've been on tracking missions that felt more like they lasted for a week rather than just a single day. And we haven't exactly had a care-free cruise across the sea."

"No, that we haven't."

"If it makes you feel better, James is looking a lot better than he has in a long time."

"Is he now? Oh, well that is good to hear." Mrs. Ladybug leaned back against a wall, where a freshly-spun cushion of silken web had been placed. "All the same, I think we'll all be grateful once we have a permanent home of our own."

"Probably."

"Well, I won't keep you. Go and rest as long as you need, dear. I know you and James are looking forward to flying together tonight."

Rin padded further into the pit. She knew that Miss Spider had made James a more comfortable bed rather than just relying on her web and, thanks to the absence of fog, her ears quickly picked up the telltale sounds of James's soft breathing. Rounding the corner, the half-demon spotted what looked like a small shimmering mattress cleverly set into a small alcove in the pit. James was curled up in the center and Miss Spider was standing next to him, gently tucking the edges of a thick blanket under his chin. James stirred slightly as Rin came closer and the half-demon sensed rather than saw her brother's smile.

"You're here."

"I am." Rin sat down and leaned against the craggy wall. "As promised."

"And, as promised, I have a second bed for you, Rin." Miss Spider gestured to the left of James's bed, where another cushion of web awaited.

"Arigato desu. I appreciate the thought, but I actually prefer to sleep sitting up."

"You do?"

"She does." James stifled a yawn, snuggling into the soft web. "She always does at home."

"Are you comfortable enough?" Miss Spider asked, watching Rin settle down.

In response, Rin wrapped her wings even tighter against her body, covering herself from neck to foot in thick leathery membrane. "I am now."

"Alright. Rest well, Rin. And you too, my James." Miss Spider kissed James's forehead, running her hand over his face one last time. James smiled slightly, but it was clear he was already nearly asleep. Rin leaned against the peach pit wall, allowing her own eyes to close. Her ears twitched as she heard Miss Spider step away and head for the entrance tunnel.

"I told Centipede to come get me if you see or hear anything out of the ordinary." Rin didn't bother opening her eyes, but she heard Miss Spider pause and turn toward her. "Even if it's another ship, you'd be better off having me deal with it."

"We shall do so. For now, I will join Centipede at the helm. Sleep well, Rin."

Rin listened as Miss Spider left, eventually hearing her and Centipede's voices as they greeted each other. Tuning them out, the half-demon tried to make herself relax and drift off to sleep. Next to her, James slept as peacefully as he had back at their home by the sea. Rin focused on the sound of her brother's breathing, relived at how contented he sounded.

It's still okay to pretend, isn't it?

Nestling down into her wings, Rin imagined she was back at home and leaning against the wall of her bedroom. She could hear James sleeping because, of course, his bedroom was right next to hers and the slight crackle off in the distance? Her mother and stepfather had lit a fire, as they had so often done when the sun didn't seem to want to shine or when the clouds covered the moon. The warmth filled the house, driving away the damp chill and Rin could hear the soft voices of her family in the distance. Their voices blended together and she couldn't hear the exact words, but she heard them. Her mother. Her stepfather. Her father...

Yes, she could hear Father's voice, she was certain of it. And... he was talking to Mr. Grasshopper, wasn't he? And Centipede and Miss Spider were having their own conversation. And Mrs. Ladybug, Earthworm, Glowworm, they were all there. They were...
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Dim light behind her eyes, soft voices from downstairs. Voices blending together, but she could tell who they were. Everyone, her whole family was there. Rin smiled, leaning against her bedroom wall. Yes, everyone was here. It was just after dinner, and it was dark outside, but warm and bright inside. Was there a candle lit in her room? Oh, well, it didn't matter. She was happy to just relax in her own room and listen to everything going on downstairs.

Everyone was happy and safe and together. She and Father would go out flying later, but for now, she was content to just be here. Yes, sit here and doze and listen to the voices of those she loved. What more could she ever want?

"Rin."

That was James's voice, calling her.

"Rin."

He sounded close.

"Rin, wake up."
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"Hmmm?" Rin blinked herself awake. Through sleep-hazed eyes, she spotted James- now looking a good deal more refreshed- kneeling in front of her with an eager expression. "James-chan? What time is it?"

"Mr. Grasshopper said it's about seven o'clock. It's already dark out, but the fog's all gone. You must have been really tired, Rin; you missed dinner. Mrs. Ladybug didn't want to wake you because she said you needed to catch up on your rest. But I knew you'd want me to come get you since the moon's rising."

"Hai, thank you, James-chan. Best stand back, though."

James stood up and backed away from his sister. With a quick jerk, Rin unfurled her wings, spreading them to their full span as she stretched her arms. Crouching briefly on all fours, the half-demon shook her head har enough to make her ears flop against her skull The last remnants of sleep fell away, replaced with clear-headed alertness. Pushing herself into a kneeling position, Rin tilted her ears upwards.

"So, we're still floating?"

"Yes. Centipede's going to release the seagulls when we go flying."

"Anything else happening?"

"No, we haven't seen any ships or anything. I did see a rip current, though; it must have carried us farther out to sea."

"A rip current? Hmmm, that could mean something."

"Do you think we'll get more rain?"

"If the current was strong enough to push the peach out to sea, maybe. But you said the sky was clear?"

"Mostly. I saw a few clouds, but that was it."

"Then we should be good. Without the fog, I'll be able to feel any changes in the weather more easily." Rin stood up, allowing James to taker her hand. "You said something about me missing dinner?"

James grinned at her. "Yes. We had fish and vegetable stew again; Mrs. Ladybug and Miss Spider said there's plenty left over for you though. They're keeping it warm in case you want to eat first."

"Hai, I could use some food before a flight. Unless you want me to eat one of the seagulls!"

"No, we need them all. And you can never eat just one!"

"Oh, very funny!" James laughed as his sister wrapped her arm around him. "But true, James-chan. I admit it."

"C'mon, everyone's mostly awake now too."

"Well, you do look more rested," Mrs. Ladybug commented as the siblings entered the main room. She, Mr. Grasshopper, Centipede, and Miss Spider were sitting around the crackling fire, holding mugs of what looked like warmed peach juice. Earthworm was still curled against his glove, but his upper body was raised off the floor and he had a half-full teacup of rich dark earth set in front of him. Glowworm was also awake; she had lowered her lantern closer to the group and a strong golden light was radiating from her tail.

"Clearly I'm not the only one," Rin answered as she and James joined them in kneeling by the fire.

"Indeed. Now that the fog was gone, I think we're all feeling a bit more rejuvenated," Mr. Grasshopper agreed with a nod. "And it's good to see you both looking better," he added, reaching over to ruffle James's hair.

"James said you managed to determine the time?"

"Yes." Mr. Grasshopper removed a small pocket watch from his vest. "It was brief, but I noted the complete absence of a shadow when the sun was overhead today. Thankfully, there was enough light coming through the fog for me to tell. As such, I was able to set my watch accordingly. It may be off by a few minutes, but I think it's fair estimate."

"More than fair. Seven o'clock feels right to me."

"You can feel time? Is that another of your abilities?" Earthworm asked.

"Sort of, but it's not unique to a half-demon."

"Parts of the day and night feel different," James added.

"Do they?" Earthworm tapped his tail against the floor. "How?"

Rin shrugged. "Honestly, James said it best. You get used to feeling a certain way at certain times is all."

"Something else to get used to." Earthworm flopped to the floor with a groan.

"Nothing else to be boosted?" Glowworm peered down at the group. "What needs to be lifted?"

"Never mind him, Glowworm!" Centipede called back. "Earthworm's just moanin' about nothin' again!"

"Nothing? I'll have you know that-"

"We know we will have a lot to learn once we get to New York," Miss Spider said, smoothly cutting Earthworm off. "But learn we will. You need not worry."

I wouldn't be so sure.

"Did you want something to eat before you and James go out, Rin, dear?"

"Hai, please. James said something about leftover fish stew."

"Yes, of course." Mrs. Ladybug was already dishing out a hefty bowl of the steaming concoction from an oversized tea kettle. "I wanted to use up as much of the fresh fish as possible."

"If it goes bad, we can always use it for bait." Rin accepted the bowl and gulped down a mouthful of the hot savory broth.

"Well, I've no doubt we'll be able to have more varied meals in the coming days."

"Sounds good to me. I wouldn't mind goin' to some of the better restaurants the city's got to offer."

"Oh, of course you wouldn't. Do tell, how are you planning on affording that?"

"Hey!"

"Earthworm does have a point, Centipede. We may need to hold off on any major luxuries until we can find a way to support ourselves."

"And until then-"

"Until then, we have money. Or at least, I do."

Everyone turned to Rin, who was already refilling her bowl of stew. The half-demon swallowed down a bite of flaky fish flesh before continuing,

"Every blood member of the Kurosaki family gets a share of annual tribute from those who live on my uncle's lands. When Otou-san died, his share was split between me and my mother and it was added to every year. My own share was never touched and because it's always being replenished, we have plenty to get by."

"Rin, my dear, that's generous of you, but-"

"But nothing. Like I said, that money is constantly being added to, so it's not in danger of running out. And on top of that, Takashi oji-san will likely insist on helping us what we need at first."

"Think he'll treat us to a steak dinner?"

"Centipede!"

"Actually, yes. Takashi oji-san very much likes raw beef."

"Yes, well, I think it should be us treating your uncle to dinner if he's going to be going out of his way to help us get established in New York."

"I'm sure you'll get your chance to do so. But believe me, my uncle will want to make sure we're taken care of first."

"Your uncle was always very nice to Mum," James said softly. "He always called her his dear sister."

"Hai, I remember."

"That's rather sweet," Mrs. Ladybug said with a sigh. "Were you all very close then?"

"I usually spent either the spring or summer in Japan with my uncle's family. When I was little, Takashi oji-san always came to get me since I couldn't make the trip on my own and he took the time to visit with Mother. When I got older, though, I usually flew to Japan on my own, but he would usually accompany me on the return trip." Rin gulped down the last of her stew. "And speaking of flying, are you ready, James-chan?"

"Yes!"

"Did you eat enough, James dear? Do you need anything else?"

"No thank you. I'm fine."

"You're sure?"

"No need to fuss. The kid's fine."

"I just want to make sure both of our children are eating well."

"I'm hardly a child, you know!"

"I'm really okay. I feel fine." James looked up at his sister as he added,

"And, it's good that we don't have to be hungry anymore."

"Hai, it is."

"That will never happen to you again, James," Miss Spider assured him. "Or to you, Rin."

"I should say not." Mr. Grasshopper shook his head. "You needn't worry about anything Spiker or Sponge put you through again. We'll make sure of it."

"Believe me, so will I."

"Rin!"

The half-demon chose to ignore Mrs. Ladybug's mild rebuke and got to her feet. "Shall we, James-chan?"

"Yes!"

Rin and James headed for the tunnel, followed by Miss Spider and Centipede. Mrs. Ladybug and Mr. Grasshopper were busy gathering up the leftover utensils watching the fire.

"Don't pour water on the flames," Rin called. "You should use some of Earthworm's dirt. It'll keep the wood dry in case we need a new fire and there won't be any steam."

"Thank you, Rin. We'll join you shortly." Mr. Grasshopper was already accepting a cup of dirt Earthworm was nudging his way.

"Have fun, you two. And be careful!"

"We will," James called back with a wave. The little boy eagerly scampered up the ladder with Rin close behind him. Emerging onto the peach, the half-demon breathed deep of the clear night air. The sky, now completely free of fog, was mostly jet black with a thick stripe of dark blue on the horizon. Stars twinkled like tiny jewels set against the great glowing pearl of a full moon that shone down on the peach, bathing it in silver light. Below, the ocean rippled with tiny waves that splashed white foam against the peach's curved sides. Inside the web net, the seagulls were stirring and squawking, clearly eager to be back in the air.

"Alright, fellas, calm down. I'm comin'." Centipede was already ambling over to the web net. "Lend a hand, Angel Fangs?"

"In a moment." Miss Spider aimed a cool glare at Centipede in response to the nickname before turning back to Rin and James. "You will be careful though, yes?"

"Always."

Miss Spider smiled at Rin. "I am not surprised." Turning to James, she wrapped her arms around the little boy and kissed his cheek. "Enjoy your time with your sister, my sweet boy. And have fun."

James leaned into Miss Spider's hug, wrapping his own arms around her neck. "Thanks, Miss Spider. Rin and I always have fun when we go flying together."

"It's a good night for it too." Rin dropped down in a crouch as Miss Spider and James separated. "And I could use a good flight. Though if you don't mind, James-chan, I think we should avoid heading in the direction of New York."

"That's a good idea." James climbed onto his sister's back with practiced ease. "That way, we can all see the city together."

Well, that was one way of looking at it. Rin paused to feel the air blowing against her ears before spreading her wings.

"Let's go."

With a leap and a bound, Rin was airborne. She felt James's arms clutching her neck as she soared upward. Circling the peach, she briefly caught sight of Miss Spider and Centipede waving at them before the two pulled the web net away from the seagulls. In an instant, the sound of eager cawing and flapping wings filled the air. Rin flew a short distance away before turning to hover in midair. She and James watched as the giant peach rose from the water and began to climb into the starry sky.

"Looks like they've got that covered."

"And you'll hear them if something bad happens, right?"

"Of course. But I don't think there'll be any trouble since I doubt any boats will be out at this hour." Rin turned away and began gliding away in the opposite direction.

"And you don't feel anything bad, right?"

"Right. Let's enjoy ourselves."

"Yeah!"

Soaring higher into the sky, Rin put on a burst of speed and shot forward as fast as she could without risking James's safety. She felt her little brother clutching her shoulders as he lifted his head to feel the wind rushing through his hair. With a grin, Rin began to dart around in midair, spinning and dodging before folding her wings and shooting out of the sky like an arrow shot from a bow. She heard James's delighted laugh as the dark ocean waters came into view and with skillful roll, Rin spread her wings to catch the air currents in time to stope them from plunging into the sea. Slowing just enough to let James catch his breath, the half-demon glided expertly above the waves, feeling the cool salty spray on her bare feet and legs.

"Having fun?" she called.

"Yes!" James leaned down enough to let his fingers trail in the water. "I've missed this."

"Me too, James-chan. But hey, we can do this anytime you want now. Day or night."

"I know. I can't wait to fly all over New York City with you."

"Hai. I have to admit I'm at least looking forward to seeing what flying around skyscrapers will be like." Privately, Rin was also wondering how many people she could terrify by pretending to fly right at their windows.

James laughed, pulling his hand back from the water and settling more firmly onto his sister's back. "Rin, may I ask you something?"

"Of course, James-chan." Rin slowed her speed and flew higher so the waves wouldn't bother them. "What is it?"

"Well, I was just wondering, what is it you want?"

"Hmmm? What do you mean, James-chan?" Rin glanced over her shoulder as James met her eyes.

"It's just... you know how everyone wants something in New York? Like how Centipede wants to see the bright lights and Miss Spider wants dark hiding places?"

"And how you want to make lots of friends with the kids there?"

"Yes! We all want something. But... you never said what you want, Rin. Don't you want to do something in New York?"

"Well, I definitely want to leap off the Empire State Building when a lot of people are watching!"

"Besides that!" James laughed.

"Well I..." Rin paused as she considered her little brother's question. "Huh, I don't really know what I want."

"You don't have a dream or anything you really want?" James's voice quickly lost its mirth.

"To be honest, what I really want to keep you safe and make sure you're happy."

"I know you do." James wrapped his arms around Rin's neck. "But don't you want anything just for you, Rin?"

"You know, I've never really thought about that before." Rin flapped her wings slowly, rising steadily higher into the sky. "I guess I've never had a reason to."

"Why not?"

Rin looked back at James with a smile. "Because as long as I was able to keep you safe, I was happy. And that's still all I want. I love you."

James hugged his sister's neck again. "I love you too. But I wish you had something to dream about."

"Well, maybe I'll find something in New York. It's not like I have to figure that out right away, right?"

"Right." James sat up a bit on Rin's back. "Maybe you'll meet other half-demons!"

"I don't know about that!"

"You might!"

"We'll see."

"And then you could form a team of half-demons and help people!"

"What?" Rin couldn't help laughing.

"No really!" James smiled eagerly at his sister. "You could be a special part of the police and help them find people who went missing when the police can't or if there's a fire or a falling building, you would be the ones who would save everyone!"

"That's quite a dream, James-chan."

"You could do it."

Well," Rin glanced up at her brother, "I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens when we get to New York. But so long as I can be with you, I'm happy."

James looked up at the stars shining down on him and his sister. "And you're happy with everyone else?"

"Hai I am. And I think they're pretty happy with us, all things considered."

"They love us the same way Mum and Dad did, don't they?"

"I think that's the best way to put it, James-chan."

"Then they're family."

"They are."

James was silent for a moment. "Are...?" His voice trailed off, but Rin understood.

"No, James-chan. Spiker and Sponge are not and have never been our family."

"Do you think we'll ever see them again?"

"We may. But believe me, neither I nor the rest of our family are going to let them get near you again." And Rin had little doubt her uncle would do a great deal more than that.

"I just want to stay with our family."

"We will. I'll make sure of it." Angling her wings to change direction, Rin asked,

"Ready to head back?"

"Yes."

"Alright. Let's go." Turning back toward the direction of the peach, Rin flew east as fast as she could. She wasn't worried but she had a feeling a little familial love was just what James needed at the moment. That, and Rin had a feeling that some of her new kin would be starting to worry about now. Might as well ease any fears about her and James getting lost.

"Rin?"

"Hmmm?"

"Do you think your uncle will like our new family?"

"Considering how kind they've been to us, I'm sure of it."

"That's good. I want both our families to like each other."

"I'm sure they will." How the rest of New York would react, on the other hand...

Never mind that, Rin told herself as she flew closer to the peach. She meant what she said; so long as she could keep James safe and happy, she couldn't care less about what her prospects in the so-called Big Apple would be. And, if Rin was being honest, that didn't bother her. Things like school, a career, a big dream, even, those were for people who were trying to find their place in the world. But Rin knew her place. She was a member of the great Kurosaki family and until the day she died, she would do everything in her power to uphold that.

A fresh surge of confidence swept through Rin as the voices of her kin came closer. Yes, she was a Kurosaki and as a Kurosaki, she would do anything to protect those she loved. So what if she was scared of what she might face in New York City? That wasn't going to stop her! Humans and their laws, what did they matter against the granddaughter of one of the most powerful demons to ever fly the skies above Japan? And what could a flawed human system do against the daughter of a demon who had given everything to save his family? Nothing! There was nothing that would stand in the way of Rin Kurosaki keeping her family safe!

Beware, New York City, for I am coming! And you are not prepared for what it means to cross a demon of the Kurosaki family. I may only have half a demon in me, but it is more than enough for you to handle! Come for me, for I am Rin Kurosaki and I shall NOT be ruled by YOU!

Rin gave her wings a powerful sweep as the peach came into view. She heard the shouted greetings of her family as they spotted her and James. All six of the bugs were seated atop the peach, watching the skies and the waved to the siblings as Rin came level with the seagulls. Circling the peach once more, Rin slowed herself and landed lightly on her feet, furling her wings in the same smooth motion as James jumped down from her back.

"Looks like you two had fun," Centipede noted as James ran over to join them.

"We did." James was already wrapped in several arms, leaning into the group embrace. "We didn't see anything, but it was good just to be able to fly again."

"Indeed." Rin leaned forward on the balls of her feet, ears cocked forward. "And still quiet, thank goodness."

"Thank goodness for that indeed," Earthworm said with a relived sigh. "I haven't heard a single boat horn all evening."

"Most boats don't really go out this far at night," Rin explained. "We're not in sight of the shore, so we're probably till a fair distance away from the city yet."

"Then let's make the most of this." Mrs. Ladybug gestured at a spot in the center of the group close to James. "Come and join us, Rin, dear."

"If you insist," Rin sighed, though she couldn't keep the smile off her face. The half-demon strode over and settled down in the middle of the family, joining them as they looked up at the moonlit sky.

"Is that not a breathtaking sight?" Mr. Grasshopper asked with a smile.

"It is indeed." Mrs. Ladybug sighed in admiration of the sight. "And I must say, you were right, Miss Spider. The moonlight over the water is lovely."

"I am glad you think so. But I have never seen the moon from this height before. I am glad we had the chance to do so."

"You said it, Angel Fangs." Centipede pushed his hat back from his blue eyes. "Guess whoever said a bird's eye view of the world was the best was right."

"Who said that? Because they can keep a bird's eye view."

"Trust me, a bird's eye view is nothing compared to a bat demon's view."

"Well you can keep that too, Rin!" Earthworm replied indignantly.

"You sure? I could take you flying."

"Don't even think about it."

"Oh I thought about it!"

"Rin!"

"Don't worry, James-chan. I won't actually do it!"

"Thank Heaven for small mercies." Earthworm flopped onto the peach surface.

"Quite frankly, I think a better thing to be thankful for is that we're here together," Mr. Grasshopper said with a smile.

"Agreed."

"And... we'll always be together, won't we?" James asked softly, looking up at everyone. Rin nodded, looking over at the rest of the family.

"Of course, James." Miss Spider wrapped her arms around James's shoulders, pulling him close.

"Always," Mrs. Ladybug assured him.

"I do believe we made that clear earlier." Mr. Grasshopper put his own arm around James and placed another hand on Rin's shoulder. "You are our children. Now and for always."

"Yep, you're stuck with us for life now. Both of you."

"So we really are family now?"

"That we are, James, dear."

"Oh, lucky us."

"Rin." James looked up at his sister as he and the others held out their arms to her.

The half-demon sighed, rolling her eyes, but unable to keep the smile off her face. "Oh fine."

Immediately, Rin found herself wrapped in a many-armed embrace alongside her brother. She did feel a momentary urge to snarl, but it quickly passed. And, Rin had to admit, that being hugged this way wasn't quite so bad.

After all, it was nice to be wanted.

"So, you both okay with us callin' you our kids now?"

"Yes!"

"Just so long as- HEY! Not the ears! Not the ears!"

"Aww, c'mon, Rin-girl, they're cute!"'

"Hey!"

"You ears are rather charming, Rin."

"How? They're bat ears!"

"They're lovely, just like you are."

"Oh, don't start with-"

"Don't worry, Rin really likes having her ears rubbed!"

"James-chan!"

"Oh you do?"

"Don't even- hey, hey, aahahaha! Oh, come on!"
~

Okay, I admit it. I REALLY like having my ears rubbed! Just... don't tell my family how much. They do it enough as it is!