When in Gehenna

His Crowning Glory

Within days, Rin was summoned by his father.  

"You wished to see me, sire?" Rin bowed before the throne.  Even though they were the only two people in the room, Rin respected his father too much to not show him proper respect.  Their relationship had started off rocky, as Rin had a difficult time letting go of the hatred and mistrust he felt towards the man who caused Shiro's death.  Although he had come to terms with the fact that Shiro had done a poor job raising him, he still felt a lingering love towards the man who spared his life and raised the half demon.  Over time, as Satan continued to be patient and kind towards Rin, never showing anger or frustration when Rin was deliberately rude to him, Rin began to open up to his father.  Eventually, Rin had agreed to have lessons about the things he would have been taught had he been raised in Gehenna.  Unknown to him, the lessons had included things that were meant to prepare him to step up as his father's heir.  His status had never been deliberately hidden from him, but nobody had ever explained it to him either.  Most people assumed he already knew, and those who suspected Rin remained ignorant were waiting for the right time to tell him.  On some level, Rin was aware of his true status, but he subconsciously chose to ignore it.

"Rin, it is time for you to take your place in Gehenna.  You are my chosen heir, and the crown prince.  It is time for you to officially be crowned, as anything could happen in the war with the Vatican.  This way, there is a clear line of succession and you have more authority over the demon forces. I would like to hold the ceremony in three days."  

"Yes, father.  You have been very generous to give me so much time to adjust to life here and it is time for me to officially take my place."

"You have grown so much since you first came here.  I am proud of the demon you have become.  Our people already look to you as a leader and are willing to follow wherever you lead.  Even your brothers respect you as a leader and a demon.  Even though you had to go through much suffering in your young life, you have not let it make you bitter.  You have forgiven those who have wronged you and let go of those relationships that hurt you.  If anything ever happens to me, you will make a wonderful High King of Gehenna."  Satan gave his son a look of pride and  love.

"I hope you live for many more years father, but if and when the day comes that I must ascend to your throne, I will honor your memory and make you proud."

As Rin left the throne room, he was met by Amaimon wanting to know what their father spoke to Rin about.  

"He wants to officially make me the Crown Prince.  The ceremony will be in three days." Rin seemed slightly shocked, as though he was trying to come to terms with what happened.

"I am surprised you agreed so quickly.  Honestly, I expected you to try and stay in denial for as long as possible." Amaimon's eyes shone with mirth.

"If we weren't in the middle of a war, I might have.  However, it is important for us to have stability right now."

"I'm proud of you little brother.  Gehenna has been very good for you."

The two made their way to their rooms, ready to turn in for the night.  Rin was excited but also slightly apprehensive about his crowning in three days.

**********

Three days later, Rin was again standing in the throne room.  However, this time the room was full of higher level demons, the seven Demon Kings, and the representatives of the Seelie and UnSeelie courts.  As the ceremony progressed, Rin saw the admiration and devotion of the people in the room and felt his resolve strengthen.  No matter what happened, he was ready to defend his people and justify the faith they put in him.  As he came to this realization, his father finished speaking and lowered a silver circlet with a piece of turquoise on his brows.  Rin bowed towards his father before turning to face the audience, who in turn bowed to him.  After the ceremony finished, there was a reception.  Rin spoke with everyone who came up to congratulate him, and danced with all the single women in the room.  After a very long night, he was finally able to collapse into bed and fall into a dreamless sleep.

Over the next few days preparations continued and war was in the air.