IQ Exorcist

Part 32~Family

Rin scowled as he blew up another candle. At least there was a fire now.

"Stop 'Boom'ing it. Imagine more of a 'poof'." Shura leaned on her side as Rin cursed, lying down.

Rin jumped up, walking to the edge of the roof. "I need to cool off," Rin grumbled, muttering under his breath as he leapt from the ceiling, the candles lighting behind him as he did.

~~~

Rin stopped by the tap, pouring water over his head. Sighing contently, Rin sat back, shaking his head at the water when he heard the familiar voice.

"Father... mother... ancestors... I feel so helpless," Konekomura sat before the grave, his head bowed deeply. "What should I do?"

"Konekomura?" Rin tilted his head as he approached. Konekomura jumped up, stepping back as Rin hung his head. "Sorry. I'll go."

"Why?"

Rin paused, glancing back. "Why?"

"Why are you acting like this?! Why are you trying to tear them away? Why can't you stay away from Bon! He's really having a hard time!"

Rin gaped, his heart dropping. "I-I... I want to help him."

"Then leave him alone! Leave us all alone! I don't have anything! As you can see, I don't have parents or relatives! The people of Myodha raised me, and I want to pay them back! Someday, I want to serve Myodha! Myodha is the only place for me. Anyone who threatens that is my enemy!"

Rin chuckled, his smile growing. "I get it. Because I feel the same. You know that Father Fujimoto raised me and Yukio, but you don't know that he kicked me out. He decided I was too dangerous and so kicked me onto the streets." Rin took a soft breath.

"My mum- Etsu- she took me in. I was some random kid from the library, and she didn't have the space for me. Her wife, Kayo, was pregnant, and the only other room they had was going to the baby. Still, they took me in. When Mephisto contacted me, I was scared. I thought my presence put them in danger. Everything I've done is to keep them safe, to keep my family safe.

Bon. Shima. Toyoji. Sheimi. Izumo. They began part of my family too. I want to keep them safe. You're a part of my family, too, even if you hate me right now. I'm not your enemy, but until you see that, I'll stay away. I'm sorry for bothering you." Rin turned, pausing as he turned back. "Oh, and don't forget, you do have something." Rin grinned. "You have something important to you! Or someone to protect." Rin jumped away, landing on the roof.

Konekomura fell to his knees, struggling as the conversation rattled in his mind.

~~~

Rin cursed as he continued to fail. Shura laughed, watching Rin's hand twitch as he chewed his thumb. That boy was so easy to read.

"I need a drink." That was all Rin said before he jumped off the roof again.

"And that's a new record. Ten minutes to quit."

~~~

Bon paused, turning as he spotted Rin. He was sitting in a window, his legs dangling outside. "Are you going to jump?"

Rin screamed, almost falling out as Bon caught him, pulling him back up. "Don't do that," Rin hissed, forcing himself to breathe.

Bon smiled softly, sitting next to Rin. "What's on your mind?"

"Candles. You?"

"Traitors."

"You win. What's going on?" Rin turned, pulling Bon closer and running his fingers through Bon's hair.