Chapter Text
Rin stretches out with a groan that's half a sigh of relief. “I'm all done!”
Kero looks up from the gag manga he is reading on Rin's bed and watches as Rin closes his final textbook and carefully puts all his summer homework in his schoolbag. “That's good Rin. Though didn't ya cut it close? It's the last day of summer vacation and you just finally finished while it's dark out.”
Rin frowns out at the dark sky he can see out the window, standing up to close the curtains. “Not my fault. Between my part-time job and Yukio not being around as much, it's hard to get all my homework done.”
Rin turns to Yukio's desk and bed at that, drooping a bit. Both are empty because Yukio's own part-time job is running late. With both boys having part-time jobs and Yukio's apparently even more crazy than Rin's, Rin wasn't able to spend time with Yukio like he wanted to this summer.
Kero sighs and closes the gag manga, grabbing it and flying over to put it back on the shelf. “If ya say so.”
“I do say so.” Rin frowns at Kero then, as he goes to stand, pauses and pulls open the bottom drawer of his desk, revealing the Sakura Book.
Rin stares down at the book and carefully lifts it out of there, taking it into his hands. 'It's been almost three months since that day...' Rin thinks, considering how he first met Yue as well as...
Hope looks down at him and her features soften. “Yes. Yes I do. You will make a fine master.”
“I don't...really understand this.” Rin looks down at his mug and flexes his fingers on it. Taking another sip to calm himself down, he looks back up. “Why me exactly?”
“There are many reasons, including hitsuzen.” Sakura tilts her head at that, a strange smile on her lips. “But in fact, it mostly has to do with the reasoning that you are the best successor I could find across the worlds. Not only are you suitable as a new master, you will need the strength in your future.” Sakura takes a sip from her mug. “Power should not be wasted.”
Rin frowns as he recalls those words of Sakura. 'Power should not be wasted...but I haven't had to use the Cards all summer...last time I had to use them was during that crazy summer festival...' Rin sighs then blinks as he notices the book is glowing.
“What the--?”
“Rin!” Kero cries out as the book blazes with light.
“My apologies for what troubles that will come. But I'm sure you can handle it. Everything will surely be alright.”
Rin slowly opens his eyes, as the light fades and stares.
The book no longer is pink, but a dark blue with black accents, and the gold designs have been replaced with a bright silver with only a few gold parts, like the sun design, left in place. Otherwise it is almost exactly the same book except for a few things...
“My name...” Rin stares at the banner at the top of the book. “My name is there.” There's also a slight change in design, with the winged star beneath the banner replaced with a silver flame surrounded by smaller stars.
Kero stares at the book and the label of RIN with confusion himself. “Uh...this...what is this?”
'This feels familiar...then again, wasn't the Sakura Book originally the Clow Book...' Kero frowns in thought then smacks himself up the head. “Aaaah, Ah can't remember!”
Rin looks at Kero. “Kero?”
“The book changin' means somethin'.” Kero groans and rubs his face. “But...not sure what.”
Rin turns to look at the book again. “Um...summer vacation is over then...”
Kero looks at Rin and has to silently agree. Summer vacation is over.
The question is what's next?
Chapter 1: The Transfer Student
Shirō looks up from his newspaper as he hears footsteps. “Rin. I'm surprised you are up already.” He comments as Rin enters the kitchen.
Rin makes a face at him. “Hey, I'm able to get up early...”
Shirō snorts. “Yeah, but usually it takes more than one alarm clock.”
Rin looks up from the open fridge and glares. “Oyaji!”
Shirō laughs, and it is to this scene that Yukio enters. “Nii-san...I was surprised to not see you in bed when I woke up.”
“Not you too!” Rin gripes as he starts getting things ready for making breakfast. “Yeesh, this isn't that weird.”
“It is.” Yukio sighs and settles down on the table and watches as Rin makes up breakfast. “Um...Nii-san, I need to warn you about something.”
“Uh?” Rin turns from chopping up vegetables for the omelets he's planning on making for breakfast.
“I got a special errand to run during lunch and I got another part-time job lined up after school.” Yukio shifts a bit guiltily at the lies he's telling to his brother.
“What? But...” Rin sighs. “Alright. It's okay, right?” Rin smiles at the end, a comforting one.
“You...aren't mad?” Yukio asks.
Rin turns back to making breakfast with an affronted huff. “Of course I'm mad! But you need the part-time jobs don't you? You really want to get into True Cross Academy right? I mean, you can definitely study your way in but you need money for other stuff.”
“That is true.” Yukio's smile is a bit shaky but Rin is focused on making the perfect omelets at this point, so doesn't notice.
“Then it's fine.” Rin smiles and turns from the frying eggs to quickly get out the plates to set the table. “You need that to get to the Academy right? So it's no problem.”
Yukio's smile firms up a bit more under that. “Thanks Nii-san.”
“Though really...when you go do that errand do not forget your bento.” Rin narrows a glare at Yukio who sweats a bit at that.
“Aaah...yes, of course.”
Shirō watches the twins from over the newspaper, then turns back to it once it's assured things are good, turning the page.
Izumi enters the kitchen, yawning. “Hmm...what smells good...? Eeeeh? Rin, you're awake.”
Rin glowers at him. “Why is everyone treating it like a big deal!?”
“But it's the first day of the second trimester...” Izumi points out, peering over Rin's shoulder and beaming at the omelets taking shape. “You always sleep in on the first day.”
Rin glares at Izumi. “No omelet for you.”
As Izumi protests that and does his best to plead for forgiveness from Rin, Shirō turns to look at the rather sad looking Yukio and gives him a nudge with his foot. When he looks back up, Shirō gives him an understanding smile that Yukio manages to shakily return.
'It's not really my fault...' Yukio sighs and looks over at Rin who is holding Izumi back casually with his super strength while still making up the omelets and the other half of the breakfast – bread in the toaster for toast, jam and other spreads for that, berries and other fruit for a fruit salad, and setting the coffee pot up for everyone other than Rin – grinning widely at how much Izumi is complaining.
These secrets are protecting Rin after all.
Rin sighs as he puts his shoes in the locker, looking out at the busy school. As usual, the space around him is rather mysteriously clear. 'They still are scared of me...then again last summer festival was...' Rin winces in memory of that, then moves on to his classroom.
Opening the door, Rin is greeted again with silence. But his class seems to have relaxed slightly which makes Rin look around with a bit of hope shining in him. Though they do seem wary of him, it's not as bad as in the beginning of the year.
'Maybe they will stop being so scared of me?' Rin wonders, only to turn as someone approaches the door and watch as they backpedal at the sight of him. 'Or maybe not...'
Rin settles down in his chosen seat anyways, focused on getting things ready for classes and doing his best to ignore the buzzing conversations and the worried air in the classroom.
The sound of the bell ringing has everyone settling in their seats and turning to the front, just as Sekki walks in. Rin meets her gaze and feels a warm smile spread on his face in response to her smile.
'Uh...I haven't spoken to Yue since I first met him...' Rin considers that random thought that flashed through his mind and his smile fades, getting Sekki's attention. Rin quickly returns the smile his face and shrugs at the teacher. 'I'll talk to Sekki during lunch about him.'
Sekki smiles back then looks out over the class. “Let's see...” Pulling out her attendance book, she quickly starts calling out names, making sure everyone is here.
Once she's done, she closes the book with a satisfied air. “Very good. Everyone managed to make it. Now, I have an important announcement to make.”
Murmurs rise up at that and even Rin can't help but be interested.
“We are getting a new classmate today. She just transferred here from Hong Kong--”
“Hong Kong!” Yamaguchi can't help the excited cry. “Really?”
Sekki smiles indulgently at him, as Yamaguchi realizes everyone is staring at him and he's standing up. As Yamaguchi sits down, now red and all flustered, Sekki continues, “Yes, she is. You may come in now.” She calls to the door and everyone watches eagerly as the door opens.
Rin at first isn't that interested, but as she walks in Rin finds himself drawn to look at her for some odd reason.
“Wow she's pretty...” Rin can hear one of the guys in the back say that, sounding rather surprised.
Rin wonders why he's surprised about that but has to admit he's right.
As Sekki writes her name on the board, Rin looks over the new transfer student. She is of average height he thinks, with long brown hair tied up in a side-ponytail. Her face is sweet natured and she's wearing her school uniform properly. She's still carrying her schoolbag in hand and looks straight ahead without any expression on her face. But ultimately Rin ends up drawn to her green eyes.
'Green eyes...I've seen that colour of green before...' Rin frowns in thought, not sure where.
“Everyone, I'd like you to meet Ruan Ying Hua.” Sekki announces, stepping back to reveal the characters used for her names.
Ying Hua smiles suddenly and bows to the class. “I'm Ruan Ying Hua and it is nice to meet you. I hope to enjoy my stay here in Japan. And I'm looking forward to getting to know you all.”
“Aaah...her Japanese is good...” Rin's not sure who said that, strangely caught by the new student. 'Strange...she feels familiar somehow.'
“Now...you need a seat and...” Sekki trails off as Ying Hua walks over towards Rin, who jumps a bit and stares up at her as she approaches his desk.
Ying Hua smiles down at him. “This seat isn't taken, right?”
Rin slowly nods, nervous suddenly.
“That is good.” Ying Hua takes the desk right next to Rin. “You can see the board and teacher easily from this spot yes?”
Rin numbly nods, as the rest of the class is shocked silent. 'What...wait, someone is sitting next to me?!'
“WHAT?!” It seems his class agrees with him as they all yell in shock at that, a few standing up in their surprise.
Sekki even blinks, a bit surprised, then coughs pointedly to get the class's attention. “It is still homeroom and we have some other topics to cover...”
As Sekki begins to speak, Ying Hua turns to Rin. “Nice to meet you. What's your name?”
Rin sweats a bit nervously as he knows some of the students are staring and look either scared or angry. 'Aaah...this is so stressful.' “Um...Okumura Rin.”
“Okumura Rin...that's a lovely name Rin-kun. Like the element, right?”
Rin stares at her, surprised. 'How did she...' “Um...yes.”
“Quite an unusual name. Then I suppose my name is strange to you.” Ying Hua says conversationally.
“Um...no...I think it's a pretty name.” Rin licks his lips, a bit nervously.
“Thank you.” Ying Hua gives him one more pleasant smile before turning back to the front.
'Um...what just happened?' Rin wonders, feeling a bit dizzy.
Whoever she is, Ying Hua managed to really upend the status quo with just a simple decision and a very small conversation.
The lunch bell ringing is of great relief to Rin. He stands instantly, planning on heading to a remote place for lunch, then pauses as Ying Hua stands too.
“May I join you for lunch?” Ying Hua asks sweetly.
Rin twitches and notices everyone else is staring. “Um...you really shouldn't...
“Why not?” Ying Hua asks, sounding innocently curious.
“Aaah, Ruan-san!” One of the female students approaches and smiles at her, along with her friends. “Would you like to join us for lunch?”
Ying Hua blinks. “Is Rin-kun coming as well?”
All three girls blanch. “Um...but...that is...you really shouldn't...honestly you should change your seating before it's too late.” The first stutters out, looking between Rin and Ying Hua frantically.
“I don't understand. What is wrong with Rin-kun?” Ying Hua asks softly.
While the girl does her best to explain, Rin slips out behind Ying Hua and heads to the door.
“...see...um...Okumura doesn't...ah wait--!” She calls out, as Ying Hua slips around her and settles beside Rin. Rin stares at her, especially as she wraps her arm around his.
“I'm going to have lunch with my seatmate.” Ying Hua says sweetly, looking out at the classroom. “If you wish to join you may. Now, shall we go?”
Rin finds himself half dragged along with Ying Hua, surprised. “Oi! Really this isn't such a good idea. I'm not...I'm not...”
“I don't listen to rumours ever. Besides, I got a good feeling from you. You ever have those? Hunches that come true?” Ying Hua looks up at him, green eyes bright.
“Um...” Rin turns to look down at her, a little stunned. He knows there are plenty of people staring and as they exit the school after grabbing their outdoor shoes, Rin slowly nods. “Um, yeah.”
“Well I got that with you.” Ying Hua beams up at him. “So I wish to be friends. You may call me Ying Hua.”
Rin doesn't say anything for a time, just switches to leading Ying Hua to the tree he generally sits under for lunch. Ying Hua squeezes his arm happily as she sees the tree and settles down beneath it along with Rin.
Rin eyes her as she opens her bento then finds his attention grabbed by the food in there. “That looks good.”
“Hm, thank you. I hope I did it all correctly.” Ying Hua picks up one item with her chopsticks and, after a moment, pops it in her mouth. “Hmm...tasty.”
Rin opens his own bento at that and goes for his chopsticks.
“Aaah, that bento looks even better than mine!” Ying Hua leans over to peer into it. “May I try some? You can try some of my bento too.”
Rin looks over at Ying Hua's bento. He can recognize only some of the dishes and realizes it must be all Chinese food. “Um...sure.”
“Yay!” Ying Hua picks up a piece of chicken in the bento and chews. She sparkles at the taste. “This is amazing! Who made this?”
“Uh, I did.” Rin offers shyly, then blinks as Ying Hua holds out her bento.
“You are an amazing cook. Now, how about you try this.” Ying Hua points at a specific dish. Rin hesitantly tries it and blinks in surprise. It's a different taste but a good one.
“You like it? It's Yong tau foo, the traditional kind.” Ying Hua smiles.
“Yeah...it's quite good. You made this?” Rin asks again.
Ying Hua giggles. “Yup. It's just me and ze ze here after all.”
“Ze ze?” Rin is pretty sure he just mangled that by Ying Hua's expression.
“Oh, right, you use Onee-san, right?” Ying Hua's eyes crinkle at the corner. “Perhaps you can meet her later.”
“Uh...sure...” Rin looks down at his bento and goes for another bite. He then turns as Ying Hua holds out her bento again and is obviously offering another taste of her bento.
“I rather like your cooking and I haven't had Japanese food in a while. Is it okay if we share?”
Rin stares at Ying Hua for a moment. “Sure...that sounds good...Ying Hua.”
Ying Hua beams at him and Rin flushes slightly, wondering what exactly he's feeling here with Ying Hua.
'It's so warm...' Rin thinks, as conversation turns to Hong Kong and Rin attempts to learn as much about Ying Hua's homeland as possible. Some parts of Hong Kong are similar but a good chunk of what it's like leaves Rin staring at her, trying to comprehend such a place.
The lunch hour thus suddenly seems much shorter today, as the bell appears to go off in no time at all. And for the first time in quite some time, Rin finds himself regretting how fast time passed during the school hours.
At the end of the day, as the last bell rings and everyone is leaving, Rin stands and focuses on Sekki. Ying Hua notices thanks to being next to him.
“Rin-kun?” Rin blinks at that and manages a smile.
“Oh, I just need to ask Tsukishiro-sensei something, that's all. You can go ahead. I don't think we live in the same neighbourhood anyways.”
“Hmmm...okay, see you tomorrow Rin-kun.” Ying Hua waves to him as she leaves.
“See you tomorrow.” Rin then turns to the front and, after everyone is gone, approaches Sekki. Sekki looks up at him.
“Rin-kun. I'm glad to see your first day has gone nicely.” Sekki laughs at the face Rin makes. “There's something you wish to speak to me about?”
“Um...yeah...uh...I was wondering how Yue is doing?” Rin asks softly.
Sekki blinks at that and unconsciously raises her hand to her heart. “Yue...hmm, he is doing quite well actually. He just hasn't seen the need to come out that's all.”
“I see...too bad I do wish to get to know him...” Rin droops a bit at that.
Sekki reaches out and gently lifts his head. “Yue having to come out generally means you have need of his services. He takes his duties seriously after all. Besides...hm, never mind. I'll see about convincing him to visit you. Is that good?”
Rin brightens at that. “Yes that's very good! Aah, I have to go now though. I got some chores to do tonight.”
“Have a good evening.” Sekki waves to Rin as he leaves her sight, then her smile takes on an amused twist. :I told you so Yue. Rin is not happy with you not speaking to him.:
Deep within, wings rustles and silver-blue eyes peer out of the darkness. :There is no need for me to make an appearance.:
:Yes there is...it is called making friends. Rin-kun does want to be friends with you. You should consider that a very good thing.: Sekki advises him as she begins packing up.
:Is it?:
:Why yes...: Sekki looks out the window at the nearby tree. :Rin-kun does not wish for friends. Not usually. To have him want to be friends with you is a good thing.:
There's silence for a long moment, thoughtful silence. As Sekki heads out the door, Yue finally speaks again.
:I will consider your words.:
“That's all I need...” Sekki murmurs, then cheerfully heads to the teachers' office.
The next day is much the same, though at lunch Rin is in a better mood. 'Yukio's here today!' He thinks cheerfully, then pauses as Ying Hua turns to him. “Would you like to have lunch with me again?”
Rin pauses and considers it for a moment, then smiles. 'Not going to shake her off.' “Sure, but it's not just us.”
“Hmmm...who else is there?” Ying Hua asks cheerfully, following Rin out the door and glancing behind her at the staring classmates.
Rin turns to her and pauses for a moment. 'Did she look upset for a moment...never mind.' “Someone important.” Rin says cheerfully.
Ying Hua raises her eyebrows at that but follows Rin nonetheless.
Rin brightens as soon as he sees Yukio. “Yukio!”
Yukio looks up and looks happy to see him too, though that might be because Rin just drove off the fans of Yukio. “Nii-san...hm? Who is this?”
“Um...let's get to the spot first. You gotta be hungry Yukio, you actually overslept this morning so had to rush through breakfast.” Rin grabs Yukio's arm and starts dragging him away, Yukio only protesting for show as Rin is correct that he is hungry.
Once everyone is under the tree and has gotten a few bites of their bento, Yukio turns to Ying Hua. “And you are...the new transfer student, right?”
“Yes.” Ying Hua holds out her hand to him. “Ruan Ying Hua. Nice to meet you.”
Yukio hesitates for a moment then accepts her hand. “Okumura Yukio.”
“Aaah...I thought you were related. Twins hm? You must be the younger.” Ying Hua blinks down for a moment at Yukio's hand. Yukio stares at her as she does so, then Ying Hua smiles and lets go of his hand.
“Oh, you actually got it right.” Rin comments. “Most think Yukio is the elder...”
“Oh? That's silly, it is very obvious after all. Yukio-kun doesn't seem like the elder one at all.” Ying Hua winks at the both of them. “Very different from what an elder sibling is like.”
“I...see...” Yukio blinks, a bit confused, then turns back to his bento. “So you are in Nii-san's class right?”
“Yes, I'm sitting next to him even.” Ying Hua either doesn't or pretends not to see Yukio choke a bit at that. “That's why I figured we should be friends. Plus, I rather have a good impression of him already. He's a good guy.”
Rin flushes at that and ducks his head. But doesn't deny it, which makes Ying Hua's smile bigger and softer. As the conversation turns to other things, Yukio asking similar questions about Hong Kong to Ying Hua as his brother did, Rin wonders at the warm feeling as Ying Hua makes sure Rin is brought into the conversation as well, telling Yukio what he remembers from yesterday's lunch. Not to mention talk about Yukio's dream to be a doctor, which makes him flush as Ying Hua compliments him on that goal and how long he's been going after it.
'So warm this feeling...what is it...' Rin looks at Yukio for a moment and it clicks. 'Oh. That's right. I used to always feel this way around Yukio...'
Ying Hua notices Rin's sober mood and nudges him. “So, you make bento yes? What else can you make?”
As Rin cheerfully begins explaining what he can and cannot cook, and ending up comparing notes to Ying Hua's cooking skills, Yukio watches with a thoughtful expression on his face.
'Ruan Ying Hua...' Yukio frowns for a moment. 'I need to check this...it's probably just coincidence but someone, a transfer student at that, making friends with Nii-san so suddenly...I need to make sure she's not connect to the Order or worse.'
Ying Hua eyes Yukio sidelong for a moment before turning back to Rin with a smile on her face. But one that almost seems mischievous.
'So that's the brother...this should be interesting. You don't get hands like that from being a doctor after all...' Ying Hua keeps the smile on her face for quite some time, even as her mind whirls around. 'You might be the greatest problem here.'
And yet, for some reason, Ying Hua ends up dismissing her worries as anything more.
The lunch bell rings soon after and that quickly sends Yukio running back to his class, while Ying Hua and Rin return to their class at a more sedate pace. Still speaking of various things and slowly, but surely, does Ying Hua get through Rin's walls.
The almost ease at which she does so might have to do with how strangely familiar and trustworthy she seems to Rin's senses.
The last bell has various sighing in relief and cheerfully standing up to head home or to their club. Rin is in the former category and so is Ying Hua who stands up with him.
“We don't live in the same neighbourhood for certain but we can still say goodbye at the gates yes?” Ying Hua offers.
Rin has to smile at that. “Sure.”
Following Ying Hua outside, Rin meets up with Yukio as well, something that surprises him. “Uh? I thought you had your job again?”
“Aaah...no, not today.” Yukio gives a nervous smile at Rin. “I don't have anything to do today.”
“That's great! We can spend some time together, right?” Rin cheers as Yukio quietly agrees.
Rin then turns to see Ying Hua looking around. “Ying Hua?”
“Hmmm...she should be here soon...” Ying Hua glances at the clock on her cellphone before looking up.
“She who?” Rin wonders.
“YING HUA!” The excited shout is all the warning everyone gets before Ying Hua is tackle-hugged by a strange woman.
Yukio and Rin jump back, staring at the excited woman who is rubbing her cheek against Ying Hua's. She has long light auburn hair with one lock in a braid and bright brown eyes. She's wearing a short black miniskirt with white tights and a pink blouse that shows off her impressive cleavage, especially with the brown jacket thrown on top to account for the slowly cooling weather.
“I've missed you so much!” She steps back and beams at Ying Hua.
Ying Hua giggles. “It's only been less than a day Onee-san.”
The woman before her beams. “But it still feels so long...oh, who are these two?” She peers at Rin and Yukio, who twitch.
“Okumura Yukio and Rin.” Ying Hua offers, then turns to the twins. “Yukio-kun, Rin-kun, this is my elder sister, Ruan Dandan.”
“Hiiii! It's nice to meet friends of Ying Hua.” Dandan chirps cheerfully, then crouches in front of them. “Especially two cuties like you two! Gosh, you look so cute,” Her smile shifts slightly, taking on a strange edge. “I could eat you up...”
She pinches Yukio's cheek at that, which makes him blush. “Especially you...”
“Onee-san.” Ying Hua sounds endlessly patient at that.
Dandan turns to Ying Hua at that. “Oh, you know I'm just joking. But aaah, such lovely boys. I'm glad you got such friends.”
“Um...nice to meet you too.” Rin manages at that. “So you're Ying Hua's sister?”
“Yup! And acting as guardian while she's here in Japan too. I got a lovely job too...such a fun one. You can even drink on the job!” Dandan says cheerfully.
Yukio and Rin sweat at that. 'Um...she's not talking about what I think she's talking about, right?' Yukio thinks nervously.
“Onee-san, we need to go shopping right? That's why you are meeting me here.” Ying Hua gently reminds her sister.
“Oooh that's right.” Dandan claps her hands together. “Sorry to leave you two...we'll have to hang together later.”
She crouches next to Yukio. “We can even talk about the burden you are carrying, hm?” Dandan smiles dangerously at Yukio who stares up at her in shock. 'What...what did she just say?'
“Onee-san...” Ying Hua giggles again.
“Mooo. Alright. Talk to you two later!” Dandan cheerfully follows after Ying Hua as she starts walking away, leaving two very confused and lost Okumura twins behind them.
“She's uh...very energetic.” Rin settles on after a moment. He then glances over at Yukio. “Yukio?”
Yukio blinks and smiles at Rin. “Oh, yes, she is.”
Rin stares at him for a moment, concerned, then smiles. “Right, let's get home.”
“Yeah...don't want to worry anyone.” Yukio points out.
Rin nods in agreement then cheerfully follows Yukio as they turn the opposite way from Ying Hua and Dandan. He doesn't notice Yukio look back at where the Ruan sisters were last, a concerned look on his face.
“So how was school today?” Shirō asks just as everyone is diving into dinner.
Rin gets an annoyed look on his face, since he just stuffed his mouth, allowing Yukio to answer first.
“It was actually quite nice...met the new transfer student.” Yukio sounds a bit strange there, while Rin ends up choking a bit as he attempts to clear his mouth of food.
“Transfer student? Didn't your class get them, Rin?” Shirō turns to Rin, who is gulping down a glass of juice to clear his throat.
“Yes!” Rin coughs a bit, then turns to Shirō, setting the now empty glass down. “Her name's Ruan Ying Hua.”
“A foreign name.” Shirō notes.
“She's from Hong Kong.” Yukio tells him, getting Shirō's attention due to the tone in his voice. “Already made friends with Nii-san.”
“Hmmm? Is that right?” Shirō's voice gets a teasing edge. “Quite a catch there Rin.”
“Oi it's not like that...and I've only known her for like two days now so I'm not sure...though...” Rin looks down at his plate and pokes at his food for a moment. “Ying Hua does seem to really want to be friends.”
'Aha...and that's why Yukio is worried.' Shirō realizes. Out loud he merely says, “Well, that's a good thing right? You do need friends after all.”
“Um...yeah...” Rin manages a smile at that. “Friends are good.”
Shirō doesn't notice how hesitant Rin is about that, too busy meeting Yukio's gaze and slowly nodding. Yukio gives a sigh of relief at that and turns back to his meal. Rin also shakes himself out of his mood and focuses on finishing his meal.
'A transfer student uh...that is a bit suspicious...I'll have to see about getting her records.' Shirō makes a face at that thought, knowing the only way is to ask Mephisto. 'But it's for a good cause. Want to be sure she's not a spy sent from the Order. I don't think they have enough to investigate things, but best to be careful. It's just as likely she's from another society...'
Meanwhile, Rin considers Ying Hua himself. 'A friend...is that a good idea...I mean, there's no more Cards to worry about so...maybe I should see about a friend...' Rin gives a small smile at that. 'Besides, Ying Hua is nice. It should be okay.'
With that happy thought he stands up with his empty plate. “Gochisōsama.” He says quickly, then darts to the kitchen to grab some food for Kero. Including two of the puddings made. “I'm going to be in the game room.” Rin explains quickly before darting upstairs.
“Don't forget to do your homework too!” Shirō calls up, grinning at the groan that gets from Rin. “Heh...”
Shirō smile fades as he thinks about this Ruan Ying Hua and hopes that she isn't dangerous. Rin really does need friends after all.
Kero looks up from his dinner. “A transfer student from Hong Kong? Why am Ah only hearin' about that now?”
“Because you were so intent on finishing your game yesterday, right?” Rin points out, Kero rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment at having it pointed out. “I didn't want to interrupt your concentration.”
“Aaaah...thanks for that then. But Hong Kong...that sure brings back memories...” Kero finishes off his dinner and belches. “Been quite some time since Ah've been there.”
“You've been to Hong Kong?” Rin looks over at Kero. “When?”
“First time was with Clow and the second with Sakura...both times were fun though very different.” Kero crosses his arms and thinks. “And that punk was from Hong Kong too.”
“That punk?” Rin repeats, a question in his voice.
“Li Syaoran.” Kero explains. “A distant relative of Clow. Clow's mother was of the Li clan, a very prominent mage clan. Still was last I heard. Before I ended up in this world.”
“Oh, that's right...” Rin turns to look at his homework, making a face at the mess it is. “You are originally from another world...not Assiah.” 'Or Gehenna for that matter...though Gehenna's not as separate from Assiah to be another world...' Rin considers that a very interesting thing, considering how Kero explained that's actually not normal for most worlds.
“Rather like Assiah though.” Kero cheerfully goes for the pudding. “Quite fun!”
“I'm glad...oh, Syaoran's the guy that Sakura married right?” Rin recalls suddenly.
“Yeah...though didn't see that comin' when Ah first met the punk.” Kero takes a big bite out of the pudding. “Quite a jerk then.”
“Aaah...they looked very happy together when I met them...” Rin looks down at the table, but doesn't really register that. 'Such happiness...they have a bond that's amazing.'
“Always were. Though aaah...Ah did go to Hong Kong more than once with Sakura now that Ah think of it. And once with that punk too.” Kero remembers. “Argh, that time with the punk was the worst. Had to do a business thang there and couldn't take Sakura since she was very pregnant then. Punk's bad enough normally but an expectant father punk was even worse!”
Rin chuckles at that. “That sounds...interesting.”
“You don't know the half of it.” Kero sighs. “And Ah had to go. Yue couldn't really go and Ah'm more portable in my false form. Needed me there, in case somethin' happened with Sakura.”
“Did something happen?” Rin wonders, placing his chin in his hand.
“Nah. Well, nothin' to worry about that is.” Kero says cheerfully, taking another big spoonful of pudding. “Was all good.”
“That is good.” Rin agrees, humming to himself.
“So, what's the name of this transfer student?”
“Ying Hua. Ruan Ying Hua.” Rin says, thoughtfully.
“Ying Hua...that's an interestin' name to my ears.” Kero observes. “If it was in Japanese, it would be Sakura.”
“Oh? Oh, that's right, the characters did look similar.” Rin blinks, thinking back to the smile Ying Hua gave the class then when she was introduced. 'Does that mean anything?'
Rin then dismisses it in favour of tackling his homework. Only on the second day and already have so much homework to do, so unfair.
The next day is settling into a rhythm of “normal”, even with Ying Hua there. Rin is happy to accept both her and Yukio's company at lunch and Ying Hua is more than willing to help Rin in class as well, especially when he gets distracted and thus loses track of the teacher's words.
Dinner is good too, quiet and soothing to Rin. Despite the strange thing that happened a few days ago, Rin is starting to relax and return to his normal life.
So of course, it doesn't last.
Rin finds it hard to sleep that night, restless and irritable. To the point Rin gives up and decides to head downstairs.
'I'll make myself some warm milk...' Rin decides, rubbing his eyes. He then pauses as he gets to the kitchen. “Oyaji.”
Shirō looks up from the papers in front of him. “Rin.” Shirō carefully collects the papers back into the folder and closes it. “What are you doing up?”
“Can't sleep.” Rin says as he goes to the fridge and pulls out the milk. Shirō watches him as he collects spices and pulls out the cooking chocolate along with some honey for sweetness.
“Hmmm...is it because of the rain?” Shirō asks.
Rin blinks and looks out the window, to see rain pouring down. “Woah, where did that come from?”
“Beats me. Looks like it sneaked up on us all. Was looking to be sunny all week before this.” Shirō notes.
Rin stares out at the rain and starts a bit as the rain pours down a bit harder for a moment before receding slightly. 'This presence...magic?' Rin looks down at the stove top where he's heating up the milk, chocolate, and spices. 'This...it's not a Card, they all have been captured but...it feels strange.'
“Rin?”
Rin shakes himself out of his thoughts. “Oh, sorry.” He smiles at his father. “Do you want some too?”
“That sounds good. I really should be getting to bed myself.” Shirō gracefully accepts the mug Rin gives him after the hot drink is finished. “Thanks.”
“You're welcome.” Rin quickly sets the dishes in the sink for later, then grabs his own mug. “I'm gonna have this upstairs.”
“Go to sleep when you're done.” Shirō advises, then turns to the folder. Flipping it open he sighs in relief. “Glad he didn't ask about this...”
Before Shirō lays the information Mephisto got him on Ruan Ying Hua. “She's not associated with the Order or other exorcist organizations. Or even things like other occult societies...” Shirō eyes her ID photo. “Apparently she's got Japanese blood though...other than that though she appears normal.”
Shirō closes the folder and goes for the mug set next to him on the table. He pauses in surprise at the first taste, not really expecting it. “This is quite good.” He stares at the mug and smiles.
“Definitely going to be able to get a good nights sleep with this...” Shirō muses, sipping at the spiced hot chocolate and turning to the file on Ying Hua. “And knowing that she's safe helps too.”
Outside, the rain keeps pouring down, without showing any sign of letting up.
Rin enters the gaming room, moving as quietly as possible. “Kero?”
Kero flies up. “Aaah. You felt it too didn't you?”
Rin nods, taking a gulp of his hot spiced chocolate milk. “Yeah...Kero, what is causing this?”
“Ah'm not sure but...definitely powerful magic.” Kero frowns as he looks out the window. “We can't leave it like that either. Could be dangerous.”
“Hm.” Rin agrees, going for the Book that he moved into the gaming room last night. “I'm glad I put this here...” Rin muses, pulling out the Cards.
“Ah don't think you should use magic to sneak out.” Kero suggests, his wings fluttering as he heads to the window. “If ya do, whoever did this will sense it.”
“Which means they'll know where I live...” Rin looks out the window. “Right. I'll wait an hour before leaving. We can wait that long, right?”
“Right.” Kero agrees, but he frowns as he looks out the window. 'This presence...I think I felt this before...'
Rin notices Kero's worried look and a worried one of his own crosses his face. 'This...' Rin looks down at his mug. 'Summer vacation is over now...so what has begun?' Rin wonders again, glancing at the changed Book that bares his name now.
A little over an hour later finds Rin in a nearby park, looking around. “You sure it's here?” Rin asks, shivering slightly from the cold and wet around him. He's currently wearing a raincoat since an umbrella would not serve here. Needs his hands free in this situation.
“Yeah...Ah'm certain.” Kero looks around the area, trying to pinpoint it. “This is where the magic is strongest.”
“Hmmm...but there's nothing here...” Rin notes, looking along with Kero.
High up and to the side of them, a figure smiles.
Rin and Kero's heads shoot up as magic increases above them, a large amount of the rainwater collecting and swirling together into a strange, giant spiral of water.
“What the...aah!” Rin cries out as a funnel of water forms and charges right at him.
“RIN!” Kero flies forward, his wings expanding and covering his body, before pulling back to reveal his true form, grabbing Rin by his hood and dragging him away from the attacking water.
“Thanks Kero...oh no...” Rin darts off running, as does Keroberos, as more water spouts start attacking, swirling like a tornado and slamming into the ground.
“Rin, your magic! Do magic!” Kero orders, breathing out fire to evaporate a spout coming after him.
“O-oh! Right.” Rin reaches into his collar and pulls out the Key. Closing his eyes in concentration, he holds out the Key on the chain. “Key that hides the power of the stars, show your true form before me. I, Rin, command you under our contract. Release!”
Rin then opens his eyes, and stares, shocked. Kero does as well.
The Key hadn't responded.
“RELEASE!” Rin insists again. “Release! Release...release?” Rin swallows. “Kero, it's not working!”
“The staff...” Kero looks around and frowns up at the swirling water above them. It has stopped attacking, for now. “Rin...we should retreat for now.”
“But Kero--”
“If the staff isn't working, you can't do powerful enough magic right?” Rin nods, shamefaced. “Then we should leave before anyone gets hurt.”
“Right...” Rin steps back, glancing back up at the sky, then, making a pained expression, runs out of the park, with Kero beside him.
“Tomorrow...Ah need you to come up with a reason for Sekki to visit.” Kero requests.
“Uh? Oh crap, we should have called Sekki-san...” Rin winces at that. 'Dammit...'
“Not her. Ah need to speak to Yue. This power Ah feel...” Kero looks up, solemn faced. “Ah need to ask for his opinion there...”
“Kero...wait, Kero, turn back already!” Rin waves his arms frantically. “You can't come home looking like that!”
Kero blinks, then looks ashamed as he realizes what Rin is talking about. “Oh...right.”
Golden-tinged wings spread out and cover Keroberos, before retreating to reveal his false form once more. “Almost fergot.”
Rin sighs in relief, then slows down, glancing back at the park before looking at the Key in his hands.
'Why...why didn't it work?' Rin feels like a hard rock is in his stomach. 'My magic...why doesn't it work?'
There is no answer for him.