Hello, people!

It's a miracle, I'm not dead yet.

I've been procrastinating these few months, plus with college? Well, life has been hectic for me. I'm also having a bad case of Writer's block and lost inspiration to continue my other stories. Sheesh, I need to write more.

I just need to get this idea out of my head!

During my Writer's block, I've watched Blue Exorcist and read the manga again. I also read my favorite DGM fanfics, like "Deviance" by Moyashi-neechan which was about Allen becoming a Bookman apprentice~.

Thus, the story was born.

I'll probably use a different approach on this one.

Anyways, Cross's first name will be Marian (just for the heck of it) instead of the other way around. There will also be hints of DGM's pilot chapter, ZONE. This is also Rin-centric.

Warning: Has no pairings at the moment, but if it had, it would be Yaoi.

~Prelude~

He Who Leapt Through Time

Rin, currently trapped in a four year-old body, glared at the crescent moon in the midst of the serene, pitch black night.

Literally, pitch black.

He couldn't see a damn thing but the clearing he was in and that stupid chunk of rock in the sky that seemed to glow even brighter, sympathizing with his demise.

Psh. Yeah, right.

For a split second, the moon looked as if it had a face with a crooked, sinister smile and eyes that mocked him. It might have been just a delusion of his weary mind, but he knew better. The half-demon trusted his instincts more than anything.

'Heh, half-demon… if I could still call myself as one.'

His hands trailed up to his ears which used to be pointed, and fangs that were no longer sharp. Because of the moonlight, he saw the shadow of his tail; and he had it not because of demon blood, but because of some rock called Innocence.

It wasn't his imagination, after all.

He was bloody all over, and star-shaped symbols started to appear on his pale skin. His own clothes were singed— it looks like he had also harmed himself from his previous outburst.

"Rin, I trust that you'll put this to good use."

Mephisto no longer had that usual smirk on his face. It meant that even he, didn't foresee the attack. He brought out a glowing green stone from his pocket. Somehow, the teen was enraptured by the sheer amount of power that it radiated.

"W-What's… that…?" Pentacles had also appeared on Rin's neck. It was strange on how slow the markings appeared compared to others. The same also happened with Yukio. The clown himself was also shot, but appeared to be immune. Maybe it was because of their demon blood.

"Innocence. This will hurt, but it'll be worth it, dear brother."

The principal had pressed the stone—Innocence—on the gaping wound on his abdomen. The poisoned bullet was already removed, but the effects lingered. A faint green glow encompassed the half-demon, and ghostly tendrils shot out from it, going inside the wound. Rin opened his mouth to scream, but he was out of energy, so no sound came out.

Slowly, the fragment of Innocence had disappeared from Mephisto's hand and his blood had a greenish tint on them, which also had started to fade— no matter how impossible that might be. His wound began to close and a slight smog came from Rin's body. His fangs and ears were back to normal. His tail, oddly, was still there. The clown hummed.

"Ah, looks like the Innocence gave you a demonic side-effect, but completely rid you of your demon blood."

Rin groaned as he sat up.

"Light your flames, Rin."

The teen, though exhausted and confused, did as told. Mephisto tapped his chin while he gathered energy in his other hand. "It also seemed to manifest your demonic capabilities. Oh well, not my problem~."

He had his usual smirk on his face. He was back to being one of the biggest banes in Rin's life, it seems. The older demon pressed his hand on the ex-demon's forehead. "As much as I would like to toy with the mastermind of my play's improvisions," He snarled. "I don't want to do the dirty work."

His smirk got bigger.

"So, you'll do it for me~." Before Rin could protest, Mephisto had already said the chants for his power to activate. "He who lives in the shades of gray, shall go to the origins in which the Earl plays. Ein, zwei, drei~!"

The clown tossed Yukio's pistols towards him.

"Mephisto, you—"

And he was gone.

Normally, when he remembered stuff like that, he would get angry. However, other events flashed in his mind and a grimace was set on his face. The raven-haired child stared at his hands; hands that were stained in blood—his twin's blood—just days ago. Rin bit his lower lip in worry.

Yukio…

His younger brother, his poor twin, had taken a bullet for him. A bullet coated in poison pierced through the other's body, spilling his blood everywhere, before his body was covered in pentacles and disappeared.

Yukio's body had disintegrated into dust right in front of him, and he fucking didn't do anything.

Though the images were forever carved in his mind, he couldn't bring himself to cry. Not anymore. Not now, because he no longer had tears to shed. Not ever, because he had already sobbed his eyes out.

He had remembered his last moment.

The night sky was filled with balloon-like creatures, machines that seemed to be alive. The monsters had floated towards the gathering, their graduation. Rin, along with his fellow cram schoolmates, were officially Exorcists. His mentor, Kirigakure Shura, was out on a mission with the current Paladin, Arthur Auguste Angel. She wasn't able to attend, but it was still a joyous event. Their happiness was short-lived, unfortunately, when they were caught off-guard by the monsters.

The monsters had first appeared in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and it seemed that they chose Japan as their first target.

The exorcists, both old and new, had tried their best to destroy them. However, only the blue flames of the Okumura twins and the attacks from the demon familiars were effective. Even Holy Water did not do a thing to them!

Out of Rin's circle of friends, Shiemi was the first to fall down.

Her familiar, the Green Man Spirit, was covered in pentacles along with the blond-haired Tamer. They both turned into dust.

It was the first shot, and many bullets soon followed. One by one, the Exorcists plummeted to their doom.

Bon, along with Shima and Konekomaru, did their best but were stabbed by a humanoid monster. It called itself a Level 2.

Giant monsters with ebony bodies and pentacles on their foreheads had let loose rays of pure energy. Godaiin and Takara did not escape unscathed along with Kuro, Rin's familiar.

Izumo and Paku were killed by the monster with a halo on top of its head. It was the most human-like of them all.

Soon, it was just the twins left.

A fat man in a suit wearing a top hat had the biggest grin on his face, appearing in the middle of the wasteland. He hummed, looking very pleased with the destruction around him. The man's grin widened at the sight of the snarling half-demons. "I am the Millenium Earl, here to kill you pesky humans." He bowed before sending a wave of dark orbs towards them. The creatures' attacks also zeroed-in on them.

"Nii-san, watch out!" Yukio pushed Rin away, taking the full brunt of the attacks. A bullet from one of the monsters impaled the younger twin on his back and the dying brunet fell on his older brother's lap, staining Rin with his blood.

"I love you, Nii-san. You're the best… brother I… could ever have…" Pentacles appeared on the other's pale skin before he turned into dust. Rin could only stare at his bloody hands, rendered motionless. This gave the creature a chance to attack the half-demon. Another bullet was fired, and it was lodged on his chest.

That was enough to pull him back from his stupor.

"Yukio…!"

The world exploded in azure flames.

He didn't remember anything afterwards, except for that moment when Mephisto and Amaimon appeared and took him away. He vaguely realized that the green-haired demon had stayed behind to prevent the monsters from following.

Rin shut his eyes, but his tears were frozen. He felt numb, hurt, and exhausted. He stood up from his position and took a good look at himself. He was still wearing his clothes from the graduation, but the blood stains, the burns and rips were gone. His wound seemed to be healed. 'Probably because of that Innocence thing.'

He looked around and saw Yukio's pistols. He tried to fire it, but no bullets came out. Rin also checked his person to search for any belongings. All he found was a photo from his coat's inner pocket: a picture of him, Yukio, and Shiro from his childhood.

Rin felt dead when he saw them. He felt like a hand was squeezing his heart out. Clenching his fists, he returned the photos to their original place and pocketed his twin's weapons. He also checked his left wrist, which had blue squiggly lines around it; similar to the storage seals that Shura used. It was something he learned from the always-drunk woman to store Kurikara. After all, it was a hassle to carry it when demons can steal it from him before he could unsheath the sword.

There was no time to mope. Mephisto had sent him in the middle of nowhere to do his dirty work and defeat that fatso named Millenium Earl. Just thinking of the man made his blood boil in rage. Blue flames immediately covered his fists. Rin shook his head and the flames dissipated.

He felt lost.

Everybody was gone.

He had no idea where to start.

If Yukio was in his place, what would he have done? 'Yukio, please tell me what to do.'

It has been days since Rin decided to wander around the forest, wherever it was. It was no use being all depressed and angsty. It wouldn't have done any good.

He hunted animals using Yukio's guns. The raven-haired male learned how to channel his flames through mediums in cram school (courtesy of Shura). His aim still sucked, but it couldn't be helped since his meister was Knight and Tamer (for Kuro). The ex-halfling decided to search for an exit; proving it to be futile, much to his dismay.

However, it seemed that Lady Luck was giving him her blessing that faithful day.

He had finally gotten out of the forest. Not only that, he actually got to a town! The dirty raven-haired child ran to civilization with glee. Said glee was short-lived, though, because none of the people bat an eyelash towards the poor street rat. Another thing to boot, Rin had no idea what he was going to do now.

At times like this, he remembered the day back when he was just your regular teenager who dropped out of school to look for a job. 'That's it!'

But what kind of place would hire a four year-old kid? Rin didn't realize that fact until he had actually gone job-hunting and he was questioned on what he could do.

As stated before, Lady Luck was on his side that day. A circus was in town. The raven-haired kid knew that places like the circus weren't picky about who (or even what, in some cases) they hire, as long as they get the job done. Circuses also tend to be fun, based on prior experience when he had gotten a part-time work as a crew member.

Rin headed for the town plaza where it was situated in.

"Yer sure you can work, lad?" A burly man had his arms crossed, scrutinizing the small Asian (at least he thinks so, he wasn't really sure what they looked like) kid in front of him. "We've got it rough 'ere. No offense, lad, but—" He took ahold of Rin's arm. "—yer a bit on 'ta scrawny side." The child pouted at that. Hey, he was scrawny, but he had discovered days ago that he still had his flames and his unnatural strength— meaning that he was no pushover. As a matter of fact, he had already gotten into a scuffle with some brats (he was mentally older) who thought they were some hotshot delinquents.

"Look," Rin was forever thankful to whatever deity was up there that the man spoke English and that Yukio drilled the language to his head. "I can do whatever you want. Carry stuff, help, clean, cook— especially cook!" He had snatched his arm away from the adult, and placed his hands on his hips. "I'll have you know that I'm very confident in my cooking skills!" The mole-eyed four-eyes did mention that it was his only talent, making him snort inwardly.

"Cooking, eh?" The adult had an interested glint in his eyes. "Yer really confident 'bout it?"

"Of course! I can make you anything, as long as you give me food and a place to stay."

The burly man tapped his chin for a while before grabbing Rin from the scruff of his collar, earning him a yelp from the boy. "Better make sure I ain't regrettin' ya joinin' the troupe."

Rin smirked. "You don't know who you're dealing with, old man."

Two years had passed since Rin was accepted by the burly man a.k.a his boss, named Frederick Gheisecht. The guy was actually the manager and main backbone of the circus's backstage crew. Not long after he was hired, Rin had stupefied everyone with his cooking prowess and inhuman strength; making him the official Cook (they didn't have one, settling with eating badly-made grub) and the second backbone of the backstage crew.

It wasn't long before Rin found out where or what time he was in. He was back in the beginning of the 19th century! It took him days before he had finally calmed down and became comfortable with the thought that he was alone (figuratively) and stuck in the past.

Anyways, back to the circus.

They had been travelling a lot. Rin first met the circus in Wales before they headed to the other European countries. Right now, they were in London, England. Roderick went to the market place since they had ran out of food supply and props. The raven-haired kid lazily glanced at his workmates.

They had Oliver Andrews, the English ringleader; Klaud Nyne, the blond-haired animal tamer with a creepy monkey named Lau Jimin; Yubel, Rina, and Charlotte Corvino as the contortionist triplets; there was also Ilda and Hyde—both with no surnames—along with Vlad Bosconovitch, Yuri Volkov, and Elma Karnikoff: the Russian acrobats. Their clowns were Renato and Martin, the coffee-obssessed Italians; Juviel, the overdramatic Australian and the first Auguste clown; Edward, the multi-tasking second Auguste clown and juggler; and Cosimov, the grumpy star of the show.

For the backstage crew, they had Frederick, Rin, and the mysterious Robin who had unnatural light-colored hair, a scar halfway down the left side of his face, and the one who always wore long-sleeved clothes and gloves— not that Rin cared, though (and so did Klaud). Rin, Klaud, and Robin were probably the most open-minded ones around the circus.

Still, the circus family may not be the most welcoming family, but they were family all the same— even if the raven-haired kid did not get along with some of them.

Anyways, from time to time, they do come across from the occassional 'for-hire' clowns and street performers— who join the circus for a few weeks at most.

Rin thought that their troupe would not get even bigger, since they haven't hired any permanent members since he came. Oh, how wrong he was. He probably met the most bizarre one out of them all.

It was just another day until his boss came from his shopping trip, bringing a boorish-looking brat with him. He wore tattered clothes and his auburn hair was sloppily tied in a ponytail. What made him odd was the kid's left arm: it was red, deformed, and a glowing green cross was embedded on the back of his hand. Rin would be lying if he didn't say he was baffled by the abnormal limb, but he didn't pay much attention to it. No matter how ugly it was, an arm is an arm (though personally, he found it badass and he'd seen worse).

He gazed at the others from his periferal view and saw their faces. Majority had faces of fear and disgust to indifference. Rin figured that he was of the latter ones. However, the most frightening face was Cosimov's— not only did he saw open repulsion, he also had a scary gleam in his eyes; those of sadism and interest. He didn't need to be as smart as his younger twin to know that the clown had plans for their new prospect; and he knew he wouldn't like it one bit.

"Yer see 'ere—" Frederick pushed the boy towards them. "Tis gonna be one o' us. Brat begged me 'ta give 'im work." Said brat scoffed when the boss told them he 'begged'. He did not beg.

The burly man then stared pointedly at Rin. "Yer make sure he gets 'ta job done. I ain't keepin' useless little twats runnin' 'round 'ere." And the manager left, whispering about demon arm and ungrateful kids.

Once he was out of view, the crew burst into hushed small talks; how a kid with an inhuman arm was with them, how the kid was a freak and someone they needed to stay away from, and how he was obviously a demon spawn. The last one made Rin angry. Even if they were his new family now, that wasn't the way to talk about someone— especially if it was just a kid like him… and a newcomer, to boot!

Rin decided to approach the kid and held out his hand in front of him. "Nice to meet you, I'm Rin! What's your name?" That made everyone stop and stare at the two rugrats. The brunet seemed shocked and uncomfortable. "Dun' have one, dun' need one," He murmured, eyes looking at anywhere but the raven-haired boy.

"Hey, don't leave me hanging." He still had his hand in midair. The newcomer glanced at his left hand, ready for a shake. His eyes darted to his own left, deformed hand. Reluctantly, he shook hands with the bubbly kid; whose smile widened at his acceptance.

Rin paused thoughtfully as he broke contact with the other. "Well, if you don't have a name, I'll just call you Red—" He pointed at the other's limb. "like that cool-looking arm of yours!" The black-haired child really had to think of a better name; his naming sense sucks.

The newly-named 'Red' shyly peered at him. "Y-Yer really think it's cool?" No one had ever said that about his arm. To be honest, he himself loathed it. The Japanese boy chuckled. Red had a funny accent for a genuine English citizen, same with Frederick. Oliver was one too, but he didn't speak like them. Even Rin had a better grasp of speaking coherently, and he was Japanese.

"You bet, I do!"

A lot protested at that. "Why would you like that thing," The ringleader pointed his finger and sneered at the auburn-haired boy. "which is obviously a demon spawn!"

"He's got a point there, mate," Juviel agreed. "his arm gives me the heebie-jeebies!"

Most of them nodded at that statement. The raven-haired boy ignored the sickening churn in his stomach at his remark. Red was just a kid like him. He expected better of them. Their expressions pissed him off.

He slightly growled at them. "You don't seem to mind Robin with his scary scar, though." Rin glances at the light-colored helper. "No offense, you're awesome." Robin just snorted at that, but nodded in acknowledgment.

"Robin's different!" Charlotte all but whispered, standing up. When she felt eyes on her, she immediate blushed and sat back down. "I mean, he's nice and all that." There were murmurs of agreement.

Rin frowned. "Well, don't judge my new buddy Red!" He got angry, grabbed Red's left hand and dragged him out of the tent. The new kid had a confused expression but did not protest.

Klaud sighed and shared a look with Robin. They both shook their heads at the stubbornness of the troupe.

Outside of the tent, the raven-haired boy was still fuming. "What right do they have to say things like that?" The normally rude street brat had no idea what to say. He was caught dumbfounded by his new self-proclaimed 'friend'.

Rin stared at him. Blue clashed with gray. "You should stand up for yourself!"

He shrugged. "It's not somethin' I ain't used 'ta."

Rin's frowned even more. Somehow… Red reminded him of himself, all those years ago. They would call him demon—Satan's spawn, even! And it was true (not that they knew, though). People would shun him before they tried to know what he was really like. Wherever he went, he was looked at with anger, contempt, and fear. The only people who treated him differently were Shiro, Yukio, and the rest of the Church members.

"Well, you shouldn't be. Learn how to defend yourself," Red watched him speak in awe, though he tried to hide it. It was as if Rin spoke from experience (he has no idea how right he was). "and don't let them walk all over you. Don't give up because—"

The auburn-haired boy took over. "no matta' what, there will always be somethin' better out there." Red stared at the horizon. "Do ya… do ya think I'll fit in 'ere? 'Ey dun' seem 'ta like me."

"Those guys might be jerks," Rin jammed a thumb towards his back, where the tent was. "but Klaud and Robin are awesome. If they do try anything funny on you," He cracked his fists. "I'll be here to help."

The pair laughed heartily.

From that day on, a new friendship was born.

It wasn't long before Rin and Red became inseparable.

They were best friends; almost like brothers. The pair always had each other's backs. Though Red was still unwelcome in the circus, Rin was enough company for him. Not only that, they were a few people who had learned to love the stubborn, untrusting brunet: the animal tamer, Robin, and the contortionist triplets.

That did not mean that he was completely protected from scorn and harm. People like Cosimov and Oliver had not taken kindly to the troupe's acceptance (albeit majority was indifferent about it). The ringleader would simply spat harsh words towards Red, but the clown would beat him up for his sick, twisted pleasure. Both had also bullied Rin around before, and it had just gotten worse.

And just a year after their friendship, Klaud had left with men dressed in long brown uniforms that covered their whole bodies; meaning they had less protection.

Still, no matter what went their way, they were attached to their hips.

They promised that they would be friends forever, and one will never abandon the other.

However, their friendship didn't last when a man named Mana Walker came to the troupe; when Allen was 7 and he was 8.

At first, Rin regarded him with indifference, since he was just a travelling clown who was Frederick's temporary hire. He liked to play with the man's dog, Allen, though.

Because of his talent and natural charisma, Mana took Cosimov's spot as the star of the show. The grumpy clown did not take it well. He had resorted to taking out his frustrations on the two kids of the circus— but mostly Red, since he despised the brunet's existence.

Then one day, Cosimov beated Allen to death. He had caught Red and Mana talking in front of the dog's makeshift grave. The raven-haired child may be book-dumb, but he was sensitive to emotions and gestures. He knew that gleam in the brunet's eyes; it was the same gleam that had brought them together as best friends. That gleam of acceptance and kinship— it was directed to the older man, even if Red tried to deny it.

Eventually, Red was beaten to the floor along with the clown and they left.

Rin knew it was childish, but he hated Mana Walker.

He hated how the man easily made everyone love him with his polite personality— though he wouldn't admit it, he had came to like the man.

He hated how he was warmly welcomed without a question; it wasn't fair, both he and Red were interrogated and met with suspicious gazes when they joined the circus.

He hated how Mana had swept his family away, one by one. Nobody had paid attention to him whenever Mana was in the vicinity; and that included his favorite big brother figure Robin.

He hated how jealous he was of him— from the way he dressed to the way he carried himself, from his talents to his personality, from his cleverness to charm.

He hated how hard it was to dislike the man; it was near impossible to despise him, unless you were Cosimov, who hated almost everything.

And most of all…

He hated how Mana took away his best friend within the blink of an eye; making Red throw away the name that Rin had given him, and making him break the only promise they shared.

So maybe he was jealous; petty, immature— but Rin couldn't help it.

It hurts.

It hurts that his best friend had discarded that precious endearment that he had bestowed upon him, like it was just a title.

It hurts that the brunet had left him for Mana, even though he swore that he would never abandon him; just like what he would do for the brunet.

It hurts that Red had replaced him with a man whom he didn't even know for a long time—

And he didn't even say goodbye, let alone spare him a single glance.

"Red!" Rin yelled. "Red!"

He ran towards the brown-haired child who was following the new clown, Mana. They were leaving the circus campsite.

The brunet simply ignored him, staring at his new guardian. The man smiled warmly at the child. "Let's go." He nodded and returned the man's smile. The raven-haired boy froze. Red never did that for anyone, only for him— and on rare occassions, too.

What was so special about Mana Walker that made the brunet act this way? He didn't understand.

"Red," He continued to run. "wait up!" He finally caught up to them, grabbing Red's left hand. Mana had walked a feet away to give them some space. "Where… where are you going? Let's go back with everyone! I can make them beg and apologize, you know."

His best friend did not turn, did not look at him. "M'name isn't Red," He started. "It's Allen, now." He pulled his hand from the other's grip and returned to Mana's side. The two left. Rin sunk down to his knees, staring at the pair as they walked off, never to come back.

Red, or 'Allen', hadn't said anything to him.

Why?

He felt betrayed, but the raven-haired boy willed himself not to feel anything. He bit his lower lip and tried to make sense of his friend's departure. "He's… he's found his 'something better'."

Rin smiled as tears silently fell from his face.

"And one day, I'll find mine."

However, when he stood up and turned away, he didn't see Mana carrying Allen in his arms— for the boy cried so hard that he couldn't walk forward. The brown-haired boy had bawled when he heard Rin spoke after he didn't say his farewell. He knew that he wouldn't be able to handle it if he said anything. He would cry so hard, and he didn't want the other to see him sad. It would just make the other miserable, too.

It hurts to know that Rin's life would be better without him. He knew that Cosimov and the others wouldn't treat him harshly anymore. It also hurts to leave your only friend in the world, but there was no other choice.

It was for the best.

And so, a bond was broken.

Rin was 9, when he decided that he's had enough of the loneliness, Cosimov and the circus.

He just couldn't bring himself to keep people close since Red—'Allen,' he berated himself—left him for good.

Robin was gone, too. He had left with a man named Marian Cross, who introduced himself as an Exorcist—whatever that was—wearing the robes of a priest underneath a coat with golden linings and a weird insignia. He also destroyed the image of priests for Rin because he was smoking and had a permanent scowl on his face. The man had long, wavy hair of the reddest shade he had ever seen. Red. Allen. It reminded him to much of the brunet.

The pair had gone off to travel the world and search for some weapon named Abaddon and Cross was muttering something about an 'innocence', 'black odor', 'acne', and something about an 'earl', whatever that was. Was he talking about Earl Grey tea, its smell, and how it gives Cross acne? And what was that small bit about 'innocence'? Was he planning on using the tea and its acne-inducing odor to deflower someone?

How the hell he came up with that conclusion, Rin could honestly say that he had no idea.

Yukio was right, he was an airhead with an insane imagination.

Anyways, Frederick hadn't liked the idea of him leaving, but there was nothing the man could do. He didn't have legal guardianship over Rin which he was thankful for, because he would be able to go wherever he wanted without anyone stopping him.

For Rin, one encounter, one chance.

Once you meet someone along the way, chances are: you'll never meet him or her ever again; unless they meet three times like in that show he used to watch in the future, that would simply be the work of Fate— even if he didn't believe in it.

He didn't foresee the likeliness that he would run into someone he hadn't seen for two years.

It was just a normal day for Rin. He had been doing his routine: eat, train, eat, train, work, wander, sleep. He had been taking all sorts of jobs ranging from cooking to playing messenger boy up to carrying things for people. He didn't expect to run into a balloon-like monster that killed people. Rin, of course, wouldn't let that slide. He had attacked it with his blue flames and Yukio's guns. However, it seemed to have called for back-up.

It was already hard to kill one, how about twenty more?

It was official.

He was gonna die, and he didn't even reach 10. However, a familiar face had saved him from his demise. Rin had no idea how to react on the other's appearance.

It was Klaud Nyne, with Lau Jimin perched on her shoulder, wearing the same gold-lining coat that Cross had. What was the likelihood of meeting the animal tamer again and discovering the fact that she was an Exorcist now?

None. Nada. Nai. Wala. Zilch.

And holy shit, her pet transformed and beated the crap out of the monsters.

The blond-haired woman had checked up on him, to see if he was harmed in any way.

"That. Was. Awesome!" Rin's eyes had sparkled back then. Typical. "How did you do that?"

He was 100% fine in Klaud's books, and that was all that mattered at the moment.

It was then and there that Rin had learned what it meant to be an Exorcist, what Innocence was (who came up with that term had bad naming sense, not that he was any better), what the Black Order did ("Oh, so that's what he meant by 'black odor'," He laughed. Klaud had given Rin a blank stare), Akuma, and the Millenium Earl. The ex-tamer had offered him to become her apprentice.

Hearing the name of the man he despised the most from their earlier chat, he had agreed immediately. He thought it was impossible to hate someone more than Satan, but it seems that the Earl guy (he now knows it wasn't tea) had taken arseholery—he had picked it up from Allen—to a whole new level.

"I have finally found my 'something better'," He murmured.

Rin was ready to learn how to kick the Earl's fat ass.

Three years had passed since he had entered apprenticeship under Klaud's wing.

Three years had passed since he was taught on how to master his Innocence.

Three years had passed since he was lectured about the many ways on how to pummel the fatso.

Three years had passed since he had finished his training.

And three years had passed since he had unofficially become an Exorcist.

"Klaud, don't go!" The twelve year-old Rin whined pathetically, clinging onto the General's legs. He didn't care if they were in public, let alone in a train station where everyone was looking at them. "I'm not ready to be an Exorcist yet!"

"Fool!" The blond-haired woman smacked him, making him loosen his hold abruptly. The raven-haired boy rubbed the back of his head, his eyes teary from the pain. "That really… friggin' hurt…"

"It wasn't my fault you were acting like a baby," Klaud huffed and crossed her arms as she watched the whining of her only student— she had other apprentices (assigned to her), but she taught none of them but Rin. The past years had been the longest three years of her life. She did everything she can for the boy she considered her son.

Rin had been stubborn and impatient, which was probably due to his young age, despite being a great student. He didn't learn very well when she taught him through lectures, but he excelled on practical lessons. He was the type to learn on impromptu, preferring to do hands-on training than to sit on a chair and listen to people babble about how things work.

He had also shown proficiency with swords and guns, making him a formidable foe in both melee and ranged combats; though he liked to use his own personal blade on strong opponents only, saying something about the sword being a present from his 'old man'. He had also mentioned once that the guns used to be his younger brother's, but he was long dead; and the look on his face made Klaud end their talk.

Despite his shortcomings and misgivings, she was proud of him.

Klaud Nyne was proud to know and teach Rin Okumura.

She could never have a better student than him.

"B-But—!" Rin pouted at her, but he won't admit that he did. He's stubborn like that. "Fine." He sat cross-legged on the ground. The pair had a staring contest before the raven-haired apprentice broke the silence.

"So… I'm going to the Order now?" He scratched his head and winced; Rin expected a bump would be there by tomorrow. "I'm gonna be an official Exorcist then."

His mentor's eyes softened. "Yes, if you think you are ready." She pulled him up and patted away imaginary dust from his clothes. "Being an Exorcist is a serious job, and it may very well be the cause of your death. That is why…" She trailed off.

"Why what?"

"That is why I will have you join the Order, but as a Finder." For now was not needed to be spoken. They had come to mutual understanding. Both of them knew that he hadn't made up his mind about participating in the Holy War. Was he ready to give up his freedom? Was he ready to make sacrifices for the sake of the Order? "Once you make up your mind, you can either accept it or back off— it's your choice, Rin."

"I get it." Though he really wants to get revenge on the Earl, being a part of the Holy War is no laughing matter. He has to be completely serious and dead-set on this if he wants to continue. Rin bows to Klaud. "It has been good being your student, Klaud-sensei." Rin only addressed Klaud as such when he's serious or when they're training. He didn't call her Teacher, Mentor, or Master because he had been accustomed to Japanese traditions; even if he lived 12 years of his life away from his Asian origins.

"You have done good, Grasshopper." It was running gag between them. Rin had once told Klaud about the Chinese way of the mentors to address their students that he watched from TV. The ex-half-demon gave a bright smile to his master. She was awesome, and she deserved every bit of respect he could give her.

The sound of a train approaching broke off their stare. They quickly exchanged nods before Rin turned and got on the transportation. The raven-haired Exorcist-to-be chose a window seat that was facing Klaud's side of the train. He waved at his mentor as the conductor had announced their departure. "Bye, Klaud!"

The blond-haired woman waved back. "I have already given a letter to the Order. Just ask for someone named Komui Lee and say that I sent you there. Good luck, Rin."

She watched as the train sped away.

Rin stared at the Black Order HQ, European branch. "Wow, that is one huge ass building. Do Exorcists even need that much space?" It was the biggest thing that he had ever seen; rivalling True Cross Academy and the giant Gehenna Gate back in his original time.

He smiled and walked towards the ominous infrastructure. Klaud said something about a waterway directly beneath the European branch.

It's showtime.

He enjoyed staying at the HQ, and quickly discovered that people there can see his tail.

Why?

It was because Rin met Komui Lee, the Head of the branch and psychotic scientist with a bad case of sister-complex, who was smart and composed when needed but was more trouble than what he was worth; as jokingly quoted by some of the scientists. Komui had done a survey, and it seemed that people exposed to or have Innocence (maybe even Dark Matter) could see it; meaning, everyone in the Order can. Rin doesn't need to hide his tail because of this fact; he used to think everyone could see it.

Reever Wenhamm, the Science department Head, also grumbled about Komui's lack of regard for work. Most of the time, he was doing all the paperwork along with the other scientists while the Chinese supervisor went off somewhere— doing experiments or building robots of mass destruction.

There was also Johnny Gill, Tapp Dopp, Number 65, Jake Russell, and many others that were friendly and reliable in the order. They were also, unfortunately, at the other end of Komui's mayhem more often than not.

Rin had befriended a few of the Exorcists there.

They had Lenalee Lee, Komui's precious darling, who used an Equip-type Innocence called Dark Boots. Though she was sweet and nice, she can also be scary; especially when something happened to her friends or when her brother did something stupid. More of the latter, though. She and Rin often got together on missions because he was one of the few finders around her age. Her brother stalked him because of this, and only got him off his tail when Lenalee confronted Komui herself.

He quickly became best buds with Daisya Barry, who used an Innocence named Charity Bell, which was attached to the end of his hair. He used this like a soccerball. Rin once asked why he did, and learned that Daisya's favorite sport was Soccer. The pair often played it in the training room when a certain grumpy samurai wasn't around, and he can keep up with the other because of his own Innocence (not that anyone knows; except for the Heads, Reever, and the Generals).

Noise Marie, a tall blind man with dark sin, used an Innocence named Noel Organon. He was quiet, calm, and probably one of the most patient people he has ever met. Rin usually talks with him when he wants to calm down, or during their tea time. He finds himself enjoying their tea-sharing sessions because it was relaxing to be with the older man's presence; he was all chillax and all that jazz. Don't make him angry— he can even be scarier than Lenalee. He got angry once, and just once. Rin didn't want a repeat of it.

Last was Suman Dark, whose Innocence was his right arm, he was a Parasitic-type like Rin. The man liked to talk about favorite pasttimes, Chess, and his daughter. He was the fatherly-type of guy, and the raven-haired male had fun chatting with him because his fatherly ways had reminded him of Shiro. To the untrained eye, Suman was the no-nonsense yet carefree kind of person, but Rin observed that he was depressed from time to time and that he was just a worry-wart forced to partake in the war. Rin had gritted his teeth in anger at that, knowing that he had to defeat the Earl so that Suman can return to his home.

Rin also encountered the other Generals in the building. Klaud was off somewhere and stated that she would drop by, and thus, he saw at least every other month. He met General Winters Sokaro once, and he'd rather not meet him again. He was scary. General Kevin Yeegar and Froi Tiedoll, like Suman, reminded him of Shiro. They were wise, always giving out advice and looking out for everyone. They were his favorite Generals after Klaud.

A few years ago, he learned from Klaud that the Generals wore golden-lining coats. He had asked her about Marian Cross, and she was fairly caught off-guard to know that he knew the man. Rin shared his encounter to her and the blond-haired woman said that Cross wasn't your typical Exorcist. He wasn't surprised to know about his womanizing, drunkard ways and his tendency to run off under the radar.

When he was 14, a pair of new exorcists had come. They were Bookmen, Komui once stated during their first meeting. The first was a short old man with hair that defied gravity and bags that reminded him of a panda, who introduced himself as Bookman. His companion was his very own apprentice, Bookman Jr or Lavi, as what they could call him. Bookman used Innocence called Heaven's Compass. Lavi used a hammer Innocence. Both were Equip-types.

Lavi was an all-around kind of person; he was friendly and easy to get along with. However, Rin suspected that it was just an act since their only reason for joining was to 'record the Holy War'. Although that may be true, there were some instances that the red-haired eyepatch-wearing teen showed his true emotions. The raven-haired teen had overheard that Bookmen were supposed to be unattached, and it seemed that Lavi was failing— which he didn't know if it was a good thing, because he can have friends without restraint; or a bad thing, because he'll fail as a Bookman.

There was one Exorcist that he shared mutual understanding but never friendship.

His name was Yuu Kanda. He was Japanese, just like him. The long-haired samurai with a stick up his ass was 2 years his senior; and they found kinship in the ways of the sword… and soba. Kanda would not admit it, but he enjoyed sparring with Rin (after he learned that the other could use a sword) and that the younger's cooking was on par with Jerry's (after Rin learned that he liked soba). Surprisingly, they got along; on the instance that Kanda was not annoyed. Rin may have been childish and brash at one point of his life, but his personality had mellowed down. He's still stubborn, but at least he learned to think before he should act. Kanda usually considered Finders beneath him, but had learned to not underestimate Rin over the years.

Besides the scientists and Exorcists, Rin didn't have others friends beside the Head Chef and a fellow Finder named Toma.

Jerry and he bonded over cuisine, no matter how wrong it sounds. The pair usually swapped recipes and taught each other how to cook food that the other doesn't know. Rin, whenever he's at HQ, helps Jerry out in the kitchen. He also learned that Jerry is not gay, just metrosexual.

Toma was the only Finder he befriended because he was cool, at least to Rin. Others were indifferent about him, hated him, or were uncomfortable with him. They were indifferent towards him because of the age or experience gap; Rin and majority of the Finders could not relate to each other. They hated him because a few Finders thought that he was sucking up to the higher-ups (especially since he seems to be on quite good terms with Kanda, despite his position). Last, they were uncomfortable around him because of his tail. Rin was a friendly guy, but seeing a tail was hardly normal. Only a few are like this to him.

Rin didn't think that his new mundane life in the Order would be disrupted by another familiar face.

After all, there's only one encounter, one chance for every person; as stated before.

Really, what were the odds that he would meet Red, now named Allen Walker, again in his life?

So, should I continue? And do you want pairings? Maybe I would put in some romance if you guys like Yaoi, hahaha. Possible yaoi pairings would be Yullen, Laven, Yuuvi, or any of the 3 boys/Rin. And maybe I'll pair Lenalee and Road with a guy that you people want as long as it's not Allen, Rin, Kanda, or Lavi (even the 2 girls together, if you prefer Yuri).

Gimme reviews, please. Tell me your opinions as I think about writing more because I won't update this unless you guys want more, and it'll take a long time. This is the reason why I won't put this story under the 'Complete' section.

Oh, and uhh… tell me if there are any mistakes.

Ciao ciao~! -Flonne.