Over the next few weeks Rin made a conscious effort to remove some of the walls he had worked so hard to build over the years. At school he even became less standoffish and stopped trying to push his friends away. Although this made Leah very happy, Zel continued to grow more distant with Rin. At one point Zel even stopped eating lunch with Rin and Leah on the school's roof. He would murmur some excuse about wanting to study instead and would go to the school library alone.
"Do you think Zel is okay Rin?" Leah asked one day as her and Rin sat on the school roof eating their lunch.
With Rin letting his walls down, he and Leah had grown even closer and Rin was becoming more receptive to Leah's subtle advances. Swallowing his food Rin said, "Don't worry Leah, he's just being his usual moody self. He'll be fine."
"I know, it's just that I'm afraid we might make him feel a bit awkward now. He's our friend and it kind of seems like we've ditched him so you and I can have more time together," Leah said with a sad look.
It was true. Rin and Leah were nearly inseparable now. After school they would hang out at local spots or go to each other's homes to study. During the weekend they would go to festivals or go to see a movie. From Zel's perspective it would definitely seem like he was being left out.
Rin wrapped an arm around Leah and smiled when he said, "He'll get over it Leah, don't worry about him so much. He knows we are still his friends." And with that Leah smiled and continued to munch on her lunch happily.
Later after school, Rin was walking alongside Leah as she chatted about their plans for the weekend. Rin was happy to listen, giving Leah all of his attention. They were walking in the direction of Nessa's loft so Rin could have his usual weekly meetings with Nessa. They had started doing this after the night Nessa had fought Rin at the temple burial grounds. Nessa told Rin that he needed to train while also recovering his demonic powers. So three times a week Rin would meet up with Nessa to train and to further hone his powers. Naturally Leah didn't know about this fact, so Rin had to come up with an excuse as to why he was visiting Nessa.
"I think it's great that you contacted Ms. Vasile! They say she's one of the best Spiritualists so if your home truly has an evil spirit in it, she'll get rid of it in no time. Also, she's so nice!"
Rin had told Leah that Nessa was spot on the first time she came to his house declaring the home needed an exorcism. He told Leah he had called Nessa the day before to meet with her about what they should do next. He felt bad lying to Leah but he didn't want her caught up in any more of his trouble. She had been in danger before and he wouldn't allow it to happen a second time.
"Yeah, she's really nice," Rin said through gritted teeth. He didn't think Nessa was nice. During their training, he and Nessa would spar and she would attack him using all her power. After their "sparring" ended, Rin would be left with deep wounds and gashes that would take a while to heal. After battering him, she would then tease him and pat his head knowing it would piss him off.
They stopped in front of the stairs leading to her loft. Both of them lingered not wanting to say goodbye for the night. Had this been months ago, Rin would probably gag at the idea of doing something romantic, but over the weeks he was admittedly fond of Leah and protective of her.
Feeling the heat in his cheeks, he decided to say it first. The situation was getting too embarrassing. "I'll see you tomorrow, Leah. Have a good night." Leah smiled and stood on her toes, giving Rin a kiss on his red cheeks. "Good night, Rin. I hope you're able to get rid of that spirit!" Turning on her heel, Leah walked away.
Rin stared after her for a while before sighing and turning toward the stairs. As he reached the foot of the stairs he happened to look up into the face of Nessa. She was leaning against the rails at the top of the stairs wearing a grin from ear to ear. Rin wanted to smack that grin off of her face.
"Don't start," Rin muttered as he reached the top of the stairs. Not wanting to stop tormenting Rin she continued to tease him. With an exaggerated sigh she said, "My boy…He's growing up before my eyes. A mother couldn't be prouder."
Walking in her loft Rin rolled his eyes. "Nessa please, I'm more than a thousand years older than you. To me, you're little more than a child in my eyes. You certainly act like one."
Nessa chuckled as she followed Rin into the loft. Rin found his seat at her dining table while she went to make tea. This was becoming their routine. They would sit and chat before starting their training. Some days they would discuss certain strategies in the event one or the other was attacked by demons from the Demon Plane. According to Nessa, the Spiritualists still didn't know about Rin and so at least he could relax for now.
After serving the tea, Nessa sat down across from Rin and asked him about something she had been curious about for a while now.
"Rin, tell me. What are you exactly telling Kief that you are doing? Does he know you're with me most nights?"
Rin's eyebrows shot up at this inquiry. "You're interested in Kief? Didn't think he was your type, but if unemployed bums are what you go for, then he's your man." Nessa puffed out a laugh, but then looked to Rin expectantly.
Sighing, Rin answered her question. "I don't tell him much. I usually say I'm studying with Zel or Leah. As far as the bruises and wounds I get from you, I cover them up as best I can so he doesn't know." Rin shifted in his seat before continuing, "I don't know, he's been acting weird lately. He's moody and barely comes out of his room and when he does, he just snaps at me."
Nessa was listening intently at Rin but the entire time he was explaining, she had a peculiar look on her face that Rin couldn't place.
"Hmmm, I see," Nessa said taking a sip of her tea. "Maybe you should give him some space for now Rin. He could be going through something. Also, I think he worries about you when you stay out late. Be gentler with him and trust him." Nessa looked serious when she spoke to Rin and after a beat Rin nodded his head in agreement.
"Alright, enough chatting. Let's go." The two abandoned their tea and left to go train.
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After completing his training with Nessa, Rin was on his way home. It was nearly 10 p.m. so he knew Kief and the others had already finished dinner most likely. Walking into his home, he walked down the narrow hall and into the dining room. No one was around to greet him and so he figured everyone had gone to bed a little early that night. Turning around on his heel, he ran right into Cura, who was standing behind him.
"Shit Cura! Can you announce yourself?" Rin had been startled and was trying to recover.
"Apologies Rin, I just wanted to tell you that leftovers are in the kitchen. You'll just need to heat it up," Cura said unmoving from the spot where he stood.
"Ah, thanks," Rin muttered. It was beginning to become awkward. This was probably the longest conversation he had ever had with Cura and he didn't know what else to say.
Rin turned to walk to the kitchen, but then suddenly stopped. Looking at Cura he asked, "Do you know where Kief is? Has he already gone to bed?"
Cura shifted and waited a beat before answering. "Yeah, he complained about a headache earlier, he's resting now. I just wanted to make sure you got your leftovers. I'll be heading to bed as well. Goodnight Rin." And with that, Cura turned to walk out of the dining room. Before leaving the threshold he suddenly he came to a stop and with his back still turned to Rin he said, "He's worried about you. I know it seems as though he's being overbearing when he yells at you for coming home late, but he's just looking out for you, Rin."
Rin didn't say anything while he stared at Cura's back. Finally, Cura left out of the dining room without another word.
Rin felt uneasy about something but didn't want to dwell on it for too long. He reheated the leftovers and sat at the table alone. Occasionally, he would look up to Kief's closed bedroom door. Strange. He wanted to make sure Kief was well but didn't want to disturb him. Shaking his head he returned to his meal. Humans truly were too much work.
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In Heaven Realm, the streets were busier than usual. Gods walked with such urgency to different palaces and great halls to pass on messages and requests. The air was tinged with anticipation. Of course, everyone in the realm was preparing for war on Demon Plane.
In the palace of war god General Tasai, his soldiers were already assembled in the halls of the palace facing their general. Rows and rows of war gods could be seen and at the head of these rows stood Enis and Lyri. They were all listening to the war strategies being laid out before them by General Tasai. He had been the king's right hand for over two thousand years and was highly experienced in battle.
After returning from the palace of the king, that day they descended on to the Demon Plane, Enis and Lyri were finally able to debrief their findings to their general. Tasai was perturbed by their delay but did not punish them for it. He knew that a summons from the king was not to be taken lightly and decided to let it go much to the relief of Enis and Lyri. The two greatly respected their general and looked up to him more than they did their king.
General Tasai had taught the two everything they knew and raised them up to be as fierce as he was in battle. It was due to this training, under their master, that both Enis and Lyri were lauded as powerful war gods despite being General Tasai's junior attendants. They were greatly respected even as much as their general and the gods never doubted their skill. On Demon Plane, they had temples and shrines erected in their names and had a large following of worshippers.
Enis was known for his swiftness with a sword. He could cut down many demons in one slash of his sword and would do so with ease. Lyri, was known for her agile sword play. Using the sword given to her by her master, she could sneak up behind demons and take them down with such precision, that the demon would never know how and where it was cut before it finally fell. In addition to her sword, Lyri carried an enchanted flute. The weapon was imbued with spiritual powers and when played it would disorient her targets, making it easier for her comrades to charge and take out the enemy.
They stood at the front of the rows of war gods listening to the details of the battle plans when the door to the palace halls suddenly opened. The light blue robes were hard to miss amongst the rows and rows of armor-clad gods. It was a heavenly courier. He waited patiently by the doors not wanting to interrupt when Tasai looked up. Tasai, seeing the courier, motioned for him to approach him.
As the courier walked the aisle, the silence stretched on making the intrusion seem suddenly unwanted. A bead of sweat began to form on the courier's forehead as he approached the general. Tasai stood decked in all his armor with a pensive expression on his handsome face. When the courier reached Tasai, he leaned in and whispered something in his ear. A moment later a booming voice echoed throughout the hall, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE'S NOT IN HER PALACE?"
Tasai had yelled inches away from the courier's face and his face turned white as a ghost. Shaking, the courier stepped forward again and whispered into Tasai's ear. After a beat, another shout vibrated over the walls. Tasai's face was red as he pulled on the robes of the courier and shook him while he shouted, "SHE'S GONE???"
Enis and Lyri looked at each other with furrowed brows. And before the courier was shaken into a puddle, Lyri stepped forward and placed her hands on the courier's shoulders effectively stopping the assault. "Master, what is the matter?"
Tasai was angry and panting. He closed his eyes and calmed his breathing. He was likely counting to ten. He slowly opened his eyes and said, "Sarra descended into Human Plane without permission! What was she thinking?!"
Enis and Lyri both looked shocked at this news. Sarra was not the defiant type. She always obeyed King Constantine and would never do anything to betray his trust. So hearing that she descended into Human Plane, while the heaven's were preparing for war with the Demon Plane was hard to fathom.
Tasai was finally calming down and decided to address the other war gods present. "Everyone, this is a sensitive matter and I'll need you all to keep your mouths shut about this. Not a word to anyone!" The gods nodded hesitantly. They were loyal to their general but if King Constantine found out, it would make the situation complicated.
Tasai turned to the courier whose knees were still shaking and said, "The same goes for you too. If I found out you told a single soul outside these halls, they won't find what's left of you after I'm done." The courier shook his head up and down and even blubbered a response. Enis looked a little amused at this while Lyri just shook her head.
Suddenly, the doors to the palace opened again. Everyone in the hall suddenly froze as if holding their breath. Walking leisurely into the palace and down the aisle was none other than King Constantine. As the king walked closer to the where Tasai and the courier stood the tension in the air had intensified by tenfold. The courier suddenly looked as though he was about to throw up and it was all he could do to not faint on the spot.
King Constantine stopped feet away from Tasai and the courier. He had a serene expression on his face and a small smile that normally soothed his subjects but now it made everyone a little afraid. Tasai finally remembered himself and bowed deeply before all the other war gods followed suit. "Your Majesty," they all said in unison.
Rising up, Tasai then spoke. "Your Majesty, we were just discussing our battle plans, what bri…"
"I heard the most interesting news just now. Sarra has defied me and descended into the Human Plane," King Constantine interrupted.
Tasai and his junior attendants stared in shock and then looked to the courier. The courier had his eyes closed and looked like he was whispering a silent prayer to any god that would hear him.
"No need to get angry with him. After all, I was the one who sent him here to inform you General," Constantine said before cocking his head and his small dropped a bit. "General, did you plan on not telling me about this incident?"
Tasai was lost for words. Seconds before Constantine had entered, he was informing the war gods to not tell anyone, including the imbecilic courier who didn't even bother to tell him that his palace was the courier's second stop.
"Your Majesty, my apologies. I wanted to fully verify the facts before I troubled you with this news. I simply did not want sensitive information to spread. That is all. I humbly apologize, Sire," Tasai said dropping to one knee.
After saying this, the silence stretched on for a while. It stretched on for so long that Tasai tentatively raised his head to look at his king. Constantine still had a smile on his face but looked a little perturbed at his subject.
"I suppose I'll have to forgive this one infraction. You are my most capable general and I trust you implicitly. You've done a great job in preparing our war gods, and I don't want to trouble you with other matters that may distract you. So I will ask that you forgive me as well, General."
"There is nothing to forgive, Your Majesty," Tasai said standing up. With this Constantine smiled again and motioned for the now traumatized courier to follow behind him. They both left the palace and when the doors closed everyone in the great hall sighed in relief.
Tasai was still shaking his head when Enis spoke, "General, what will we do about Lady Sarra?"
"Nothing. You heard His Majesty. She is beyond our help now. She defied the King and she'll have to deal with the consequences of her actions. Our job is to prepare for war and that is exactly what we'll do."
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On Demon Plane, high in the mountain of Akhlys was a grand palace. Tucked away in dense forests, it was very secluded and far from the reach of most humans. Beyond the large iron outer gates and through the courtyard there were stone steps that led to the inner doors of the palace. Through these doors sat three demons. There was demon god Maru and two other demons who were with him the night he slaughtered an entire village and devoured the people whole. Maru sat at the head of the large opulent room decorated in red silk and ornate golden treasures while sipping wine from a goblet. The other two demons sat with a pensive looks on their faces.
Out of the two demons, one looked to be a young boy who appeared to be no older than fourteen years old. The robes he wore were an elaborate pastel blue and the pants worn underneath were of the same color. A simple white sash was tied at his waste and at his side lay a short sword. His young face was very handsome and he wore his curly hair cropped short, stopping at his ears.
The other demon looked to be a young man in his mid to late twenties. He had long black hair that was tied in a low ponytail. His robes were just as elaborate as the one who sat next to him. The robes were a dark blue color with silver trimmings. He too, wore a simple white sash around his waist. However, this demon did not wear any weapons on his hip at all or anywhere on his body.
They both sat in silence waiting for Maru to finish his wine. Putting down his goblet, Maru finally spoke, "Leyth…Timon, it's almost time. Soon we will strike and shatter the heavens."