Pandora's Box

Chapter 1: The Darkness

Yukio adjusted his glasses, staring at the papers he need to grade. He peered over the rims when soft snores reached his ears. His eyes drifted over the very few students who were Exorcists in training. Pencils scribbled away, taking down notes of the writings he had left on the chalk board.

His gaze settled on the only student whose head was on his desk, soft snores escaping him; they were quiet enough that they weren't distracting but loud enough to remind others that he remained. Yukio released a sigh. His older twin had fallen asleep, again.

Yukio glanced at the clock. As soon as class was done, he and Shura needed to take Rin to the training room to teach him to use his flames. If Shura didn't fall asleep on him, again. She had gotten in trouble with the headmaster the last time she did.

The Headmaster, Mephisto Pheles, had the tendency to appear at random times. Sometimes he'll sneak in as a cockroach or a dog. The last time he had come in as a dog was when Rin first joined Cram School. Yukio returned his gaze to his twin brother, wondering if he should wake the half-demon since class was almost over. He reached for a text book, rising to his feet.

Rin was a half-demon. Yes, Yukio was also a half-demon, but so far he didn't have any powers. Mephisto Pheles was their older half-brother. He was a full demon. His real name was Samael, Demon King of Time and Space. He was the second strongest demon. The very top demon being Satan himself. Shura says that Mephisto's not to be trusted no matter what he says . . . Even though he has been with the True Cross Order for 200 years.

Yukio had a feeling that Mephisto was playing some kind of game with his brother and the Exwire students, it almost felt like a game of chess. He wasn't the only one to notice.

He didn't pin Mephisto to the ground and question him. He valued his own life too much for that. Yukio had wondered if Shura wanted to remain alive much longer with the way she treated the demon king.

Yukio returned to his desk after slamming the text book on Rin's, making him jump. Yukio had flashed him a polite smile that said 'don't-fall-asleep-in-my-class'.

He stacked his papers when the bell rang, spying Shura approaching him from his peripheral vision. "Miss Kirigakure." A young male voice called her name. Yukio looked up to see a young man with pink hair approaching the Exorcist. He sighed at Shima's approach to the female teacher. Yukio knew that the monk was a bit perverted. He hoped he didn't do anything foolish to receive Shura's wrath.

Shura stared at a young man with fiery pink hair while Yukio finished gathering his papers, making his way to the door. He froze when Shima mentioned something about Pandora's Box. He spun around just as Shura stormed past him before pivoting and grabbing Shima's arm. Yukio watched Shura drag the young man out the door.

"Why are you taking me along?" Shima exclaimed in surprise as Shura shot him a glare over her shoulder.

"Cause I have a feelin' that ya know where it is." Shura growled as Shima's friends flashed him suspicious glances. Yukio knew that Shima's friends didn't really trust him still, except for Rin, with good reason too. "Come along Yukio." Shura called over her shoulder.

Yukio shook his head at the female Exorcist. He followed behind her after placing his papers back on his desk. He would get to them later.

Yukio didn't even know where Shima stood with Mephisto, he was the Honorary Knight's spy; he knew that. But that wouldn't stop the boy from siding with the Illuminati.

***

Yukio frowned in objection as he watched Shura stand behind Shima while he hacked away at the thickening branches twining in front. She was well aware of the other Exorcists disproval of making the young Exwire lead the way. He had even voiced his concern to her. She just waved him off.