Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Rin was walking home after a tiring day of work at the restaurant. He likes listening to music while walking but this time his eyes got this group of guys. 

“HA HA HA LOOK HOW THIS LITTLE SHITS ARE WRITHING IN PAIN HA HA HA”

The group seems just the same age as Rin. They were shooting pigeons with a crossbow and laughing as if that was something fun.  

“HEY, THE FUCK YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING” 

The guy holding the crossbow spoke in an irritated tone. “The fuck you care” But when he take a look at Rin. “Oh, hi there Okumura, we are having some fun, don’t you wanna come with us and enjoy and have a good time'' He was Reiji from school accompanied with others from his class all dressed like thugs.

DISGUSTING what is this prick thinking? Rin punched the delinquent’s face making him fall on his butt. That started a violent fight with the group resulting in Rin beating the shit out of them but resulting in him with some injuries on his hands and face. 

“This guy is nuts!” The delinquents flee the scene leaving Rin there covered in blood with some of his and more of them. That made him a little proud but now he was a disaster and will have some things to explain when he gets home. 

“I’m back!” Rin shouted as he stepped inside the Monastery. “Welcome back, where have you been?” Yukio received his brother with a smile. “Where did you get hurt like that?” Yukio frowned at the sight of his brother being covered in wounds. 

“It wasn’t my fault there were these guys killing the pigeons and I couldn't just walk away from that” Rin answered while holding the back of his neck. Yukio sighed, he can’t help but worry about his brother who is prone to start fights. 

“I’m just glad you are safe” Yukio took Rin’s hand to take a look at his injuries. “Come on this needs treatment” Rin was dragged by his younger brother to the kitchen. 

“OUCH” Rin complained. “Nii-san, calm down” The younger was really into getting the wound cleaned and bandaged them. 

“When are you going to start high school, Yukio?” Rin asked while admiring his brother’s work. “WOW, you’re already pretty good at this” 

“It’s starting soon and please try not to hurt your hands, I need them to cook for me” Yukio smirked, making Rin angry. The twins usually would make fun of each other in a fun way. 

Both of them were laughing and talking about their day. Rin liked to talk about how fun it is to listen to the elderly people who come to the restaurant while Yukio just evades talking about his day as much as possible, making Rin think that maybe his brother finally got a girlfriend. 

“RIN!, again picking up fights with others” Shiro appeared behind the twins, completely angry at the sight of his older son covered in wounds. “You punk when are you going to start behaving as someone of your age” The father, more than angry he was preoccupied about Rin’s wounds. 

Looking how well treated they were, Shiro sighs in relief “Well at least it’s not that bad” suddenly Shiro ruffles his son's hair “Kiddo, you really need to stop making me worry” he said with a bright smile. 

“Yeah yeah whatever” he then check on his watch “Oh shit” 

“LANGUAGE BRAT” Shiro yelled, throwing a spoon right directly to Rin’s head. 

“THAT HURT YOU OLD FART” Rin complained while rubbing his head but didn’t stop to reach the door. “Now where are you going at this time?” 

“I need to buy some school things, i'll be back later” Rin hurried to the entrance before being distracted by a little black insect flying close to his face but that didn’t make him stop. 

Yukio stand next to his father “Dad… he just” Shiro then interrupt “Yeah the seal can’t contain him anymore, SHIT” 

First thing noticed while he was walking on his way to the commercial district, hundreds, maybe thousands of littles black bugs. The hell are these. No one seems to care about them. Is there something wrong with my eyes? 

“OKUMURA” It was Reiji the guy with a crossbow. Is he back for a second round? Suddenly two guys grabbed Rin from his back forcing him into the floor of an empty alley. He tried to scream for help but they put a gag in his mouth preventing him from doing it. 

On the ground he took a look at the guy, HORNS??? The white haired guy had grown a pair of horns, a tail and the black insects were swarming round him. “You bastard, it’s time to repay you from what you did early” The leader said while holding a pocket knife close to Rin’s throat. Crazy fucker has he lost his fucking mind? Rin struggled to try to free himself from the vandals’ grasp without luck. 

The blade was right in front of his eyes which caused him to close them. There was a moment of silence before the teenager on the ground heard the screams. He opened his eyes to find that he was covered in blue flames and the other fleeing in terror except for the white haired one, that one walked closer and while kneeling he said “That blue fire is not other than the flame of Satan, YOU are his son”.

Rin stood up confused at what he was just told, he could only think of running away at that moment but he was also curious. “What do you mean I’m the son of Satan? What the hell does that mean? ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT ME?”

Reiji started laughing like crazy at the bombing of questions. Everything around was starting to rot and fungus was growing on everything. 

“THE HELL IS HAPPENING” Rin stood up on his feet finally after a while, he stared at his surroundings finding himself without escape routes. 

“There’s no time for explanations, Satan is waiting for you young master” 

“GET AWAY FROM ME, I’m not going anywhere you psycho” 

The horned lad grabbed Rin’s wrist causing him to fight back. The grip over his wrist hurt and trying to escape it caused more pain. 

Rin’s legs were shaking and barely keeping him standing. He has always been stronger than anyone he picked a fight with (they all deserve it). But this was different, no matter how much he struggled to free himself his opponent didn’t move, not even a millimeter. 

“Wh- What … mmm … all right” Reiji let go of Rin’s wrist while grumbling. 

As soon as he was free, Rin tried to run as fast as he could in direction to the church. But before, the demon had other plans for him or at least his leg. 

The demon nailed his claws deep into Rin’s right leg, the rot spread but that did not matter to the teen and he just got up as fast as he could.

On his way he crashed upon pedestrians, tripped over potholes and cracks in the street, but he just couldn’t stop running and running and running. He didn’t feel the corruption growing in his leg or maybe he couldn’t. 

It was until he was in front of the church that he felt relief. When he opened the door the others inside were in shock. Rips and slashes marred the surface of Rin’s clothes, revealing glimpses of skin beneath, he was covered in mud and scratches and he was panicking and  agitated. 

“D- D- DAD, THERE WAS A- A- MONSTER AND… and…” Rin collapsed on his knees and nearly fainted because of the fatigue. He took a look at his wounded leg.

“NII-SAN!!!!” “RIN!!!!” Yukio, Shiro and the rest of the residents of the monastery shouted worriedly. All of them hurried to aid Rin but they were stunned at the sight of these blue flames covering the thin body of Rin. 

Father Fujimoto was the first to come to his senses to help. “What happened? Kiddo?” When he saw the state of the wound in the right leg. He hurried to order his younger son to get weeds and some strange liquid.

Rin took some seconds to formulate words, he tried to explain what he went through in the alley and the little insects flying everywhere swarming around that guy with horns. His father then explained or at least tried to explain to his son about his heritage and showed.

Everyone seemed like they already knew, they just stood there watching.

Rin wanted to ask more, he wanted to know more because he barely believed that this was not a crazy dream, or some kind of nightmare but suddenly his head was burning in a fever and it hurt like hell making him lost consciousness. 

Chapter Text

When Rin woke up all he could see was the white ceiling of a hospital room. Yukio was sleeping right beside him. The room was adorned with flowers probably from his few friends from school, his coworkers at the restaurant and the priest of the monastery. His head was still hurting but less than when he fainted.

He moved the bed sheet to uncover his right leg now covered in bandages. Rin slowly took them off slowly, hoping, praying and begging that everything that happened was nothing but a bad dream. A nightmare that he had after having an accident may be at work or at the stairs of the monastery. But he finished taking the bandage and all his hopes died at what he saw.

His leg felt numb and was covered by a long black scar that ran from the side of his leg to his hip. When he touched the scar it felt like he was stinged by a freaking long needle right where he placed his finger. He grunted in pain biting his lower lip to make it more bearable and the sound woke up his twin brother. 

Rin rushed to hide the leg by covering it with the bed sheet. He didn’t want his dear little brother to look at the bad state of it. 

“NII-SAN, YOU ARE FINALLY AWAKE” Yukio shouted in relief and joy. He was truly happy now that his big brother regained consciousness. 

“Shhhhhhh  Idiot we are in a hospital, you can’t raise your voice like that” Rin smacked the back of the head of his brother who shouldn't be raising his voice in a place like a hospital.

“Sorry but you been in a coma for three days now, I’m just glad that you finally wake up” 

“THREE DAYS, HOLY SHIT” 

“Shhh” Yukio 

“Sorry, but no wonder I feel like shit” Rin felt another sting but this time more than a needle it felt like someone was stabbing his leg with a knife making him cringe in pain. 

Yukio hurried out of the room to find a doctor. In the meantime Rin was enduring anguish pain, he looked at the scar and black marks were growing from his leg and he couldn’t do anything but see and wait for help. 

Then a doctor hurried into the room along with a very worried Yukio and Fujimoto. he was injected with something that made the ache more bearable. When he calmed down after controlling his breath he noticed a man dressed like what he could described as a clown standing behind his father and brother. 

The clown started talking after making sure Rin was able to pay attention to him “Well, well, It’s an honor being in the presence of the bastard son of Satan itself” 

“Who are you and why are you dress like a clown” 

“RIN that is not nice, sorry for his behavior Sir Pheles” Shiro excused the behavior of his son.

“He is indeed dressed like a clown” Yukio mumbled, trying to keep a straight face which his father saw and smack him in the back of the head. 

“My name is Mephisto Pheles principal of the True Cross Academy and your new guardian, Mr. Okumura, I’ll give you shelter in my Academy as an student to hide you from your biological father” 

“Uh?” 

“As for your leg there is a deadly poison, courtesy of the King of Rot, Astaroth, before getting in the academy I prefer to get that under control”

“And exactly how are you planning to heal me?” Rin nervously asked, afraid of the possible solutions that could be.

“Easy, all you need to do is to draw the koma sword that has your flames sea” 

“MEPHISTO” A furious Shiro shouted at Sir Pheles, he looked clearly against the solution provided. 

“That is the only possible way I can think about, the healing powers sealed away are the only thing that can get rid of the poison”

“Wait, are you saying that I need to transform into a demon? The same thing that made me this” Rin moved aside the bed sheet to reveal his right leg that now was definitely worse than before just minutes ago. 

The doctor at this inspect the dark wound and advise that if there is a solution to what was inside the leg they really should hurry and act because no human medicine can cure that. 

“Apparently we are out of time for this decision so I strongly recommend that Mr. Okumura makes his mind because the other option is that the poison rot inside out of your body and turns you into nothing but a nest of coal tar” Mephisto pointed with his can at one of those weird little black insects that Rin already figured were some kind of demon. “That or we could just amputate the leg in its entirety, you choose” 

His face was right in front of Rin that made him feel cornered. It's like he’s been forced to turn into a demon and make true what everyone he hates have been telling him. He hated feeling like this but he knows what he must do in order to keep his leg.

During his childhood he was called a demon by many who feared and bullied him for protecting his brother. Now he has to choose.

After some moments of reflection on the matter Rin made his mind. 

“Okay, I will draw the sword, just give it to me so I can turn into a damn demon” Rin finally answered in a very discouraged manner and with his eyes downward.

“Ni-san, you are still half human, not just a demon, you are my brother and we love you, me, father and everyone who knows you” Yukio tried to cheer up his brother which worked because that made Rin feel better. 

When his father bringed the sword with a nervous face that shows how he clearly doesn't agree with this method but it’s the only way that's left to follow. Rin has chosen as the best so he swallowed all the negative thoughts and handed the sword to his older son. 

When Rin unsheathed the sword his room was covered in blue flames, along with this he began exhibiting a long dark tail with fire on the tip, two horn like blue flames above his head, some long elven ears and his eyes have changed making his pupils slightly red. 

Rin panicked, sheathing back the sword that made his features change again. The tail was now quite furry, the ears reduced the length and now they were slightly pointed, his teeth now were less demonic, and just his fangs were larger making him look like a vampire. His skin was still pale and his body remained thin. 

“I don’t feel different, Is that normal?” Rin was truly confused about how to feel about his new changes and the extra limb which he couldn’t stop his desire to caress. 

“You are indeed something else I can sense it” Mephisto is admiring the view and his smile, his eyes were scanning Rin from head to toe not losing a single detail of the new form of the nephilim. 

“How is your leg Rin?” The doctor in the room approached to look at the feet. He made a full medical examination of the body and the affected leg. “I have to examine the samples but as I can see the leg is not recovering to a normal estate but at least is not getting any worse” 

“I already expect this, the rot of Astaroth is not something normal humans can survive, I don’t think you get worse only better but at some point it won’t” 

“I have another place to be, it was such a pleasure to meet you young man” 

“Rin… I'' Fujimoto clenched his fist looking down. He felt guilty he was his guardian yet he let this happen. His guilt for not being able to help his son was overwhelming his mind. 

Rin was speechless; his leg is supposed to recover from this, right? He could feel how the scratches and cuts around his body were already healed but his leg was still the same. The tremendous pain he’s been holding out is reducing slowly, so slowly, he can’t believe how much he’s been enduring it. But at some point it’ll stop going down and the pain will stay. Rin couldn’t keep it to himself anymore and burst into tears, his brother and father stood there by his side. 

Why is this happening to me? What have I done to deserve this? Is this because I am a demon? Were the fights? THEY DO MUCH WORST THINGS THAT I, SO WHY AM I THE ONLY ONE  THAT, tha, that… … … “why?” 

His mind was overwhelmed, he was physically and mentally tired. The news of him being the son of Satan, his leg, that he’s been lying to him his whole life by his own family and now having to abandon his home, his school, his friends, his work and everything else. 

But all he could do now was accept it as his new reality, as his new life. Rin is a kind person, always lending a hand to whoever needs it, always seeing the bright side of the darkest things, he won’t let this destroy him. But… is he going to resist this. After crying, Rin wiped the tears off his face, he can’t let himself get carried away by these emotions and he won’t. Right?

Days have passed. Rin, after getting used to walking with cane, was transferred to the True Cross Academy to the old building of the boy’s old dorm, where the only boys living there were him and his brother. Too dangerous to have more people there they said as if he was a danger to the rest, but what if they were right. Oh, and apparently he was enrolled in cram school to learn how to become an exorcist, something new to add to the list (he was getting annoyed that none of them were his choice). 

The entrance ceremony had passed, his brother was the representative student with the highest score on the entrance, that made Rin proud of his little brother. He can see how that little crybaby that he always defended from the bullies has now grown. And he was even more when he learned about his achievements as an exorcist. Rin was truly happy, he wasn’t the kind of person that is jealous of others accomplishments, he celebrated them with joy and with a delicious dinner prepared by his angelic hands (or demonic?). 

And now there he was getting explained by a dog (Mephisto) how to use the keys to get into cram school. 

“You just have to use it on a random door and you’ll be there” the dog said before disappearing and after informing that he’ll be watching him during his first day to see how it goes and keep an eye on him. 

Rin doesn’t want to be a threat to others, he has to get stronger, he doesn’t want something to happen to him, not again… “dammit stop thinking like that”, he slapped his cheeks with his palms to snap out of the intrusive thoughts drowning his mind. When he calmed down he got out the key to cram school from his pocket.

Rin inserted the key into the door lock and on the other side there was a large hall, he couldn’t see the end and if Mephisto hadn't told him the way he could easily get lost between the endless place. Oh, this is the classroom. 

There were already several students in the classrooms, the groups looked clear, the trio of boys, one with pink hair, a short one and a pink one, Rin found that… interesting. 

The rest were two girls talking to each other and two other boys at the back. 

Rin took a seat right in front of the trio, and placed his bag on his desk. The pink haired one approached Rin to introduce himself. 

“Hi there, the name’s Shima Renzo, this one that looks like a rooster is Suguro Ryuji and the bald one is Konekomaru Miwa, it looks like we are on the same class to be exorcist” 

Rin was surprised by the funny introduction. He let out a truly radiant smile accompanied with a shy giggle. “My name is Okumura Rin, nice to meet you” The guy named Bon approached the conversation to scold his pink haired friend and join the guys, then it was the last one named Konekomaru.

Father Fujimoto and Yukio entered the classroom, it looks like the instructors of anti-demon pharmacology are also his family. How should he react? Should he wave at them? Maybe pretend he doesn’t know them?

Everyone, including him, went to their seats and the classes began. He didn’t choose, he couldn’t. He thought, They are my family, I HAVE to forgive them. But Rin didn’t know what to think. They kept him in the dark for so long, it made him furious but they were still his family, so his mind over this subject was a complete mess. 

Rin snapped out of the thought when the hand of Shima who was sitting right behind him reached for his shoulder. “Hey are you fine? I saw you spacing out” 

Rin gave a fake smile “Oh, sorry I was just thinking about something, don’t worry, I’m okay” He tried to focus on the rest of the classes. He really wanted to learn more, he has to be stronger and if turning into an exorcist was the way, he is going to go for it. 

After classes he was getting his notebooks, it was more challenging than what he could think it was gonna be. It was like colliding with a new world full of different creatures and plants that had always been there but he couldn’t see. But now it was there it was part of his reality. 

The pink haired boy had lunch with him and his friends, yes, this was something Rin was finally able to enjoy. He was confined to that damn cane and his leg was aching. 

Shima noticed this and in an attempt to gain the cute guy’s favor. (Yes, he thought Rin was cute) He started a conversation with him, the other joined by themself 

Making new friends had been just added to the list of new things in Rin’s life and he felt it was on his control and not on the things that he was pushed into. 

The day ended with him changing numbers with the Tokyo trio. Shima was really friendly in Rin's eyes and somewhat funny. The other two were really nice, even if Suguro looked like some sort of delinquent he was a warmhearted guy, although he had a bad temper. 

And now he has made some new friends in this new place.  It was a glorious night of sleep, it was a nice day. Rin felt like maybe this new life won’t be so bad. Maybe tolerable. He felt… good.

Chapter Text

It was now Sunday, Rin had woken up before Yukio who was still asleep snoring from how tired he was. Rin left the bedroom in direction to the dining room where breakfast was already served and prepared to be eaten. By this point he was limping but at least he didn’t need anything to keep himself on his own feet.  

The last time he visited the hospital the doctor said that this was his leg limit, so that means he is not going to be able to run as fast as he could before the attack of Astaroth, but he was fine now, he was learning to live with it.

Now he took a seat after grabbing some food and started asking himself how he hasn’t given importance to who prepared the food in the dormitory since they live there they haven’t seen any other soul. He even asked Yukio who was also wondering, he also mentioned that everything is clean as if someone is cleaning everyday. 

“So weird” Rin mumbled while still having food in his mouth. He was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn’t see his brothers approaching his side. 

Yukio was still so sleepy that he stepped on the tail of his brother by accident. 

Rin gasped and fainted. He always keeps the tail hidden under his clothes so no one finds out he’s a demon. but in the dormitory he let it free since it feels more natural and he can’t help but to think of how cool he looks with a tail. 

After some minutes he woke up just to see the worried face of his twin. 

“YUKIO” Rin shouted to his brother. “ARE FUCKING BLIND?” 

“Sorry, sorry, it's just that I was still sleepy.” Yukio was trying to hold his laughter. “But you should have seen the face you showed” he then proceeded to show a picture taken while Rin was on the floor making a funny expression because of the tail stamp. 

Yukio’s fun ended when he received a call. After that he ended his breakfast in a hurry and walked to their bedroom. 

Rin followed the younger brother. “Are you going somewhere?” 

“A request came in, so I'm going out. I also have some shopping to do.” 

The eyes of Rin lit up “An exorcism? Can I come with you?” he said while wagging his tail. 

“You are still training, you are not cleared for battle.” 

“Come on, you own me after hurting your dear big bro.” 

“That was an accident and I have already apologized for that.” 

“I’ll make you sashimi for dinner” 

“I supposed you can come and observe” Yukio didn’t even blink an eye at the bribery that he couldn’t say no. (He is weak to food made by his brother)

After getting prepared the twins used a special key that transported them to a supply shop for exorcists. 

At the other side of the door there was a big wood building. Rin was amazed by the power of the keys and by the location of the shop which was really high. Looking around made him dizzy. 

Yukio explained about how the keys worked and how the power of Mephisto protected the entirety of the city to which Rin didn’t really understand everything. 

Now at the beginning of the shop stairs, Yukio told his brother to not move until he returns. Of course Rin tried to, but when he looked at the beautiful garden next to the shop, he couldn’t help but come closer to admire the place. 

When he placed his hand in the gate a sensation of being electrocuted struck through his hand. A second later a blonde girl dressed in a kimono sitting on the ground screamed and the gate broke falling to the ground.

“D- D- Demon, GET AWAY FROM ME!!!” The girl looked terrified, her hands making a gesture that she was protecting herself. Rin found her words insulting, she was right, still that was insulting. 

“WHO ARE YOU CALLING A DEMON?” Rin reacted to what he felt were harsh words. 

“The gate is a ward against demons, it only reacts to them, so- so- LEAVE ME ALONE!” 

The girl crawled as fast as she could to the inside of the house but she tripped. Rin approached the girl, taking notice that there was something wrong with her legs. 

When Yukio entered the shop, the smell of all kinds of  herbs invaded his nose. It was a relaxing smell, this is the store he’s been visiting since several years ago when he became an exorcist. 

There was the woman in charge of the place sitting at the other side of the counter, smoking from a pipe like usual, she greeted the young man. 

“Oh, It’s the young instructor Mr. Okumura, How’s your father? Shiemi is in the garden if you were wondering.” 

“Goodmorning ma’am. I’m just here to restock my supplies, father has been busy.” Yukio nervously adjusted his glasses, he also was trying to hide his red face from the woman. “I’ll say hi to Shiemi later. How has she been?” 

“We haven’t been getting along lately, we had a fight and her legs have been getting worse every day without any explanation.” 

“What? Is she okay?” Yukio is really concerned about the well being of Shiemi. He always had a crush on her, he fell for her since the first day he saw her, her green eyes, her sweet voice, her precious blonde hair, there was nothing unattractive in the girl. That’s something both his father and the woman know very well. 

“Would you like to check on her? Come on, I’m sure she will be very happy with your visit.” The woman winked at the young boy with a smile on her face while dragging him to the garden where her daughter was. 

Rin agreed to help the girl take care of the garden. After he noticed her inability to move her legs, he couldn’t help but to offer himself to aid her and because he broke the gate. 

“Thank you so much, I hardly get anything done with my legs like this.” 

“Hmph, Even if you called me a demon, I’ll help you.” Rin really disliked that the girl called him that.

“Sorry about that, I was just surprised, shall we make up?” She raised her hand to him for a handshake. “I didn’t know you were such a nice guy.”

Rin gladly accepted when he heard what he described as nice, “I’m Okumura Rin.” 

“Moriyama Shiemi, nice to meet you.”

Shiemi and Rin had a good time while working on the garden, she told him stories about the garden of Amahara and how much she wanted to visit it as a child with her grandmother. 

She was spreading a strange smell. Ever since he released his demon powers he started noticing that he changed, at first he thought it was only his appearance but with the passing of each day. 

His sense of smell was more acute. People and demons give off a unique odor, he still can’t describe how they are but to give an example he really liked the smell of that Shima guy, his scent was fresh and sweet. 

Then his hearing was more sensitive, everything was louder than before and he couldn't control it. A good thing he has his earphones, they are quite useful in places flooded with people. Just thinking about that made him dizzy. 

Suddenly Yukio and a woman who looked really alike to Shiemi, that must be her mother, Rin guesses. 

“Rin! I told you to stay still.” 

“Hiya, Bro.” Rin smiled, waving his hand at his brother. 

“Yuki!” Shiemi’s face turned completely red. 

“You two know each other?”

“Shiemi is the owner’s daughter, we have been friends since then” Yukio's face was also as red as a tomato. 

While Shiemi and Yukio were talking, Rin approached the woman. 

“Nice to meet you ma’am, the name’s Rin.” He introduced himself to the woman.

“A pleasure, young man.” She smiled while holding her pipe. 

“So, umm, when did that start?” Rin pointed his finger in direction to the other two, they were lost in their own conversation. 

“They have been like that for a lot of time and i’m getting tired of how slowly the advance, so please if you could give them some help”

“I see, don’t worry I will help in what I can.” 

Yukio checked Shiemi’s legs, he explained that the marks were temptain and that they were the work of a low level demon somewhere in the garden. 

Her mother immediately interrupted, and ordered her daughter to abandon the garden. Shiemi argued with her mother, she refused to leave what her dear grandma had left her. She feels like it's her responsibility to protect it. Suddenly she lost consciousness.

After Shiemi woke up, she found Yukio. he took her mother’s side and she couldn't take it anymore. 

The garden was her grandma's and she promised to keep it safe, she even was visited by a garden spirit willing to help her at the cost of her energy. 

Shiemi burst into tears in his arms.  “She died… because of me, That's * sob* why I have to preserve her garden * sob *.” Tears were rolling down her cheeks uncontrollably. 

“Shiemi… Didn’t you once tell me how you and your grandma wanted to visit the garden of Amahara? She loved you a lot. I don’t think she would like to hear that her precious granddaughter is being harmed by her garden.” 

 Shiemi whipped her wet face trying to stop crying. “I’m so stupid. My legs won’t move anymore.” 

“You’ll be fine as long as we get rid of the demon” Yukio smiled at her trying to soothe the girl. 

Rin observed the scene, he can see how much his brother cared about the girl. “You both are adorable but we have company.”

They were interrupted by the presence of a demon shaped like a plant with blue petals. Shiemi fainted again since her energy was being used by the demon, something that made angry Yukio who took out his guns. 

“Rin, please help me here.”

Rin unsheathed his sword, releasing his flames now covering his body and blade. 

“My poor little brother. Of course I’ll help you save your girlfriend.” 

“Sh- she is not my girlfriend.” 

Yukio shot at the being while Rin tried to cut it in half, as much as he tried the beast was faster than him. His leg prevented him from getting near it. He tripped several times, this made him receive several cuts all around his body thanks to the vines coming from the demon. The worst part of it was the demon mocking Rin. Yukio shot several times at the roots that were acting as feet making the damn plant fall.  At the end it  was reached by Rin’s sword, setting it on fire and soon into ashes. 

When Shiemi regained consciousness she and her mother apologized to each other in tears. 

“Aren’t you going to hug your girlfriend?” 

“She isn’t!” 

The brothers made their way home but when they were halfway to the dorms Rin’s leg stopped responding making him stumble. 

“Ni-san!, What happened?”

“The doctor warned me that this would happen if I overexerted myself. Anyways can you carry me on your back?” Rin rubbed his neck. He was acting calm but inside his mind he was freaking out. 

How am I going to become an exorcist in this condition?!!! Am I so weak that I can’t even kill a demon myself?!! Why the hell did this happen to me?! 

Yukio noticed how upset his brother was but he couldn't bring himself to speak since he didn’t know how to comfort him. They continue walking in silence. Rin looked up at the night sky, it was full of stars. “Such a beautiful sight. Hey Yukio, how is that even possible if we are in the middle of the city?” He asked while poking his brother’s cheek annoyingly. 

Yukio turned his head up to the sky “That’s Sir Pheles power, I heard that since he liked the stars he cast a spell that makes them visible no matter how much visual pollution there is.” 

“That’s… interesting…” Rin kept his eyes locked to the stars, an idea was growing slowly inside his mind. 

“Ni-san, you know, today you act like a true exorcist.” 

“How, all I do was being beaten up by a fucking demon, without you I would have failed!, I- I- I should have stayed back at the dorm” Rin buried his head on his brother's shoulder. He was ashamed for showing such a weak and deplorable performance. Inside he was blaming himself for being so weak.

“We still saved Shiemi, exorcists work in teams, without you I this could have been so much more difficult.” 

“Well, you could have shot that thing from the distance and-” 

“If I had been alone, I definitely would have lost without someone to cover my back. If the demon attacked, I wouldn’t have been able to protect Shiemi. Rin, you helped me a lot today. Thank you Rin for helping me save Shiemi.” 

Rin smiled at his brother’s praisings. Maybe he was right. Rin wasn’t useless, all he needed was another way to fight or a weapon to help him. The sword was something important and a great way to defend himself but with a disability like his, a sword is rather inconvenient. 

“You really are happy. Is it because we saved your girlfriend?” 

“Sh- shut up, she’s just a friend.” 

“Bro, she’s gonna find another guy if you don’t hurry.” 

“That won’t happen! I mean.. Why should I care?”

Under the midnight sky the brothers returned home. Rin made dinner and they talked about the day. Most of the talking was Rin asking Yukio about Shiemi. He was really curious although he already figured out that his brother has feelings for the blonde girl. The brothers went to sleep of course after Yukio made his big brother do his homework. 

Chapter Text

Shima Renzo yawned as he searched for his phone to look at the hour. It was early in the morning and normal classes won’t start for another two hours so he has plenty of time to get ready. His roommates and childhood friends, Bon and Konekomaru, are nowhere in the room. He remembered that yesterday they said that the two of them were called by a teacher to help move some boxes of materials for the cram school. 

They really like using us as their slaves. At least today wasn’t me.

Well, more time for himself without Bon's constant scolding about studying harder to become a good exorcist and monk for the temple. This had been the routine since they moved into the boys' dorm. Renzo took his time, enjoying a leisurely bath, reading some manga, and eating breakfast at the dining hall before heading off to his classes. He expected a peaceful day, but things didn’t go as planned.

On his way he was surprised by a hooded man. He was one of the illuminati agents. The young teen has been working for the Illuminati and Mephisto as a spy.

If that man is here, is definitely assigning me another mission. God! Again? Just last week I was tasked to copy some documents from the teachers room. That’s not an easy thing to do! 

Renzo is really good at his job as a spy but can’t he at least have some free time to enjoy his life as a student. He wants to be able to go on dates, have fun and other things yet to live before it’s too late. 

“Shima Renzo.” The hooded man is in charge of giving the young spy his missions. Renzo didn’t know his name, so he simply called him ‘sir’. 

Renzo sighed but straightened up and saluted. "Yes, sir." 

“Relax soldier, I’m just here to check on you. Everything is going as we planned up to now. But we cannot let our guard down. Contact us immediately if anything unusual happens.” 

The man disappeared before Renzo could speak to him. Well, it doesn't matter, nothing strange has happened and according to the man’s words, there’s nothing to do but to wait for new orders. Lucky me. 

The teen then walked to the school building with a smile on his face. On his way he couldn’t stop thinking about what to do with his free time. As he was passing through the hallways he noticed his classmate, Okumura Rin, walking with a cane on hand clearly reluctantly. 

The guy was a complete mystery from the beginning. He wasn’t on the first list of students, he just showed up the first day of cram school. Not only that, he’s definitely the brother of the Okumura-sensei, the youngest person to ever become an exorcist. 

Could that be considered as ‘something unusual’? Perhaps this deserves to be investigated. 

“Okumura-kun! Good morning,” Shima shouted, waving to get Rin’s attention. Best way to get to know his secrets is befriending him. 

“Oh, good morning Shima,” Rin replied, yawning and covering his mouth. He looked exhausted, and classes hadn’t even begun.

The two of them had been getting along well lately since they were both in the same morning classes. But only during class time and when Renzo’s friends are not around, otherwise they don’t really speak. Their relationship was that of a classmate who you get along really well with but only during school. 

“Okumura, why do you look so wasted early in the morning?” 

“Oh, I couldn’t sleep almost all night, my brother had me studying for today’s test.” He rubbed the back of his head. “Well, let's just say that his teaching method is not the friendliest.” 

“Yeah, I get it, Bon is the same when we study together. And WAIT! you just said test? Shit! I totally forgot.” 

Rin chuckled. “Oh man, you are in trouble.” 

Shima had always been good at making friends, Rin seems like a good person. Spending more time with the raven haired boy and getting to know him better surely will be fun. 

As for Rin, since he had zero friends before, aside from the people at the monastery. He really wants to make friends with Shima, the first guy to be nice to him in a while. Rin feels that this school can be a new beginning, to forget about those years of being completely by himself. Sure he got along quite well with his coworkers and some guys tried to make friends with him, but most of them were just morons who thought that Rin liked to be some kind of delinquent. 

When the teacher entered the classroom everyone took their seats and started paying attention. The boys took seats next to each other as Rin placed his cane next to his chair. 

It was like any other day, full of boring teachers with boring lectures. Rin was fighting to not fall asleep but he could help but to doze off. At least Renzo was there to wake him up before the teacher notices. 

"Man, you’ve got some kind of superpower." Renzo teased.

“Shut up! I’m really trying not to.” 

“I wonder if you're gonna fall asleep at cram school too, and then be scolded by the teachers.” Renzo continued to tease. He thought that Rin’s reaction was really funny, it was so tempting to continue.

The pink haired teen was laughing while an angry Okumura started to growl furiously. He wasn’t really mad, the way he reacted was completely involuntary as if it was by instinct like times before when he got into fights with the folks who tried to bully him but ended with several bruises. 

Haha, now that’s a cute reaction. Wait… is he… growling? 

Rin growled furiously, sounding almost animal-like. Renzo was surprised, it sounded more like an angry cat or a wary dog than a human. Rin blushed furiously, relieved no one else noticed. Before he could explain, there was a commotion in the class.

“Ahhhhh!”

Godaiin Sei, a fellow student and classmate of the them, stood up from his seat frozen solid because of his fear. His gaze was glued to the strange figure on top of the teacher’s desk. It was a small demon that looked somehow like a lizard covered in dark scales, little horns that curl to the back of his head, and bright purple eyes. The eyes of the demon were stuck on the terrified teen looking at it.

“Godaiin-kun, are you feeling well?” The teacher asked stopping his class. 

No one could understand what made their classmate so frightened, no one except Renzo and Rin who were looking at the little demon that was clearly enjoying itself, a wide smile full of sharp teeths were showing on his mouth. 

The frightened student just shook his head and returned to his seat. “Sorry I must be tired, I guess.” 

The class continued with normality. But the little pesky demon started approaching Godain while shaking his tail enthusiastically and showing a face of satisfaction, the teen covered himself with both his hands trying to protect himself from the thing getting closer to him. 

This annoyed Renzo but he couldn’t do anything until the class was over, then he was gonna deal with him. Suddenly the demon stopped walking with a horror expression on his face while staring at Renzo… No, he’s looking beside me. He turned his head to see in Rin’s direction, blue eyes staring fiercely at the scared lizard causing him to flee, leaving Renzo now totally puzzled. 

Could Okumura-kun have demon blood? Doesn’t that mean Okumura-sensei too? There are exorcists in the order who have demon heritage. Should I inform the Illuminati? 

Classes ended, and students filled the halls. Rin was exhausted. "Yo, Okumura, want to head to the classroom early and study together? By the way um… I… I’m sorry for making fun of you." Shima nervously said. “Hey about that…”

“Er… Sorry, I… have to go.” Rin hurried walking away. 

God! Why did I react like that?! That was so embarrassing. 

There was no time to think about that, he had something else to do before making his way to the cram school classes which only by thinking in them made him even more exhausted. 

Rin headed out of the school building into the streets of True Cross. 

Mephisto, he’s a demon like me. I’m not sure if he would help me but what harm does it make trying. Maybe he can teach me to control my power, transform into animals, maybe… magic? Is that even possible, well whatever I can use to fight without ending collapsing on the floor or receiving all those hits from the demons. Rin was absorbed in his thoughts and didn’t pay attention to his surroundings. The little demon from earlier was now following him with an expression that showed repentance. 

At this, Rin stopped at his steps and turned to take a look at the little one, using his cane to help him bend next to the demon. “You should be sorry. That wasn’t nice and you better apologize to him.” He said with an angry tone as he pointed with his index finger directly to the demon, one thing was a prank and another to scare someone and keep going with that. The demon better do as Rin says if he wants to be on his good side. 

‘ Sorry. ’ a voice echoed in his mind, confusing him but it didn’t take much to guess it was from the demon in front of him. 

“It’s fine… just… um… don’t scare people, okay? Pranks like that aren’t nice, you should calm down your pranks. Do you think you can make that?” 

The lizard demon nodded in understanding before crawling away from the raven haired boy, disappearing when turning around into another hall.

“Well I’m glad you understand.” He said as he was using the cane again to support himself to stand up.

He has to speak with Mephisto, later he’s gonna think about the fact that he just heard a demon voice in his head and maybe ask the demon clown about what other gifts he has yet to discover if he can help. 

Rin continued his trip to Mephisto's mansion without interruptions. 

After walking through the streets of True Cross. Rin finally was right in front of the damn big mansion of the demon Mephisto Pheles. Worst part of the trip, the distance, that fucking demon had decided to build his house at the top of the city and walking in a cane was not making it better. 

This place is huge! That stupid clown is for sure drowning in money. 

He stood in front of the door and before he could ring the doorbell a man. “Mr. Okumura, Sir Pheles was waiting for you, please follow me. ” The man said as he moved to the side to let the teen walk inside the mansion. 

Rin was now walking behind the man that was dressed as a butler and paying little attention to the man. Rin admired the colorful, anime-themed decor, though the pastel colors were overwhelming. I knew by just looking at his clothes that he was weird but… why is everything so pink. 

The walls, carpet and the decorations of the halls, ALL of them had pastel colors. Those colors were supposed to be cheerful but here they were suffocating the young half-demon. 

“Here’s Sir Pheles’s office where he’s waiting inside.” 

Rin walked inside the room to find the demon concentrated on a huge pile of papers well organized on his desk. 

“Okumura-kun, I’m honored to receive the prince of Gehena in my humble house.” Mephisto grinned in a way that made Rin uncomfortable but the way he referred to him was somehow nice. 

“How did you know that I was coming?” Rin crossed his arms while making an annoyed face for Mephisto.

“This is my domain, I know everything that happens inside. But let’s leave that aside and tell me why are you here?” 

Rin took a few seconds to think what to say. He still hasn’t figured out what he wants from the man or at least how to ask. But without thinking anymore he said. “I want to be your apprentice.” 

Mephisto bursted into laughter at the answer. “Now you really surprised me, young man. I didn’t expect something like that.” He placed his hand on his chin and after a moment of complete silence he answered with a creepy smile on his face. “Alright, I accept, but I’ll only teach you a few tricks.” 

“What?! A few tricks?! That 's all?!” 

“I’ll teach you about your demon powers but you have to discover the rest for yourself. As a special case you have to discover them by yourself.” 

“Eh? Why can’t you just teach me everything yourself?” 

“Because it’s not funny when you have help, simple right?” He said with a smug smirk. 

“Fuck, you are really annoying.” Rin growled. 

The demon then snapped his fingers making a small book appear out of a pink cloud of smoke right in front of Rin. “Take this with you, I’ll teach you another day. In the meantime this book will help you understand more about yourself, consider it a gift of my good will.” 

“What ‘s this? Some kind of help book for me?” The book fell lightly into his hands, it was slim, and the cover full red with no title or picture on the front and back. 

“Something like that. It’s a basic little guide about demon powers, hopefully you’ll be able to perform some of them. I can help you to understand more about your demon nature. But I refuse to do this for free of course.” Mephisto snapped his fingers once again making a paper appear in front of the half-demon. “My price is that from time to time you are going to make me some missions for me, the powers of the prince of Gehena and Satan’s son are quite special. Of course I need you to keep this a secret from your father and brother.” 

The paper was the contract, after reading it carefully for some minutes and checking that there was nothing weird, the two of them signed the contract. Mephisto wasn’t someone that deserved trust but he was the only one Rin and he was desperate for someone or something to help him figure out a way to fight demons. Sure his father and brother could help too but not the way he wanted and needed but Rin isn’t a fan of guns and the sword itself wasn’t useful for someone in his condition. 

“Now… About these ‘missions’.” 

“Just things that I’m too tired to take care of. I’ll call you when I have something for you. Now, I have other business to attend to, so if you’ll excuse me. Eins, zwei, drei.” Mephisto vanished in a pink cloud. 

"Fucking smoke!" Rin coughed. "I hope I don’t regret this."

The young student was left all alone with the little book. Fuck, I hate reading. He then proceeded to open the book to read the first pages. All of them were written in a strange language, he couldn’t recognize which though. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t read it. 

What? I… can understand this. The very first page explains it was written in Gehennan, Rin had never seen that language before and yet there he was reading it as if it was nothing. The teen closed the book and stored it inside his bag. Classes at cram school are about to start, luckily he has the key to get there.