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Half a year
Rin had a few new tricks up his sleeves.
For someone who’s barely able to pay attention in class for at least half of it he suddenly had an upper hand in some most unpredictable cases. And for some reason this sentence felt too difficult to digest in Ryuji’s mind. And he’s supposed to be “the smart one”.
There was no need for “exorcist exam” after they fought Lucifer and his organisation of freaks. The surviving fighters, Arch Knights and even Mephisto pitched in to just get “licenses” handed to the entirety of their friend group without questioning. “With honours”.
And to Ryuji it still felt ridiculous.
But there probably was more reasons to this decision and he was aware of them. After Sir Pheles lost his grip on his time seal around artificial Gehenna gate the whole planet descended into unbelievable madness. And now after so many people lost on “Ground Zero” of Satan’s deathbed the Knights of True Cross were short staffed even worse than after Blue night events.
Exorcists were needed everywhere. At every turn. Every single day. And Ryuji thought it would be hilarious to keep track of his eye bags size for a few days now. It wasn’t even 2 months past the catastrophe.
It was yet another mission, probably a fifth one today and he was lucky to get him teamed up not with Lightning but with Rin Okumura. Who for some reason looked suspiciously fresh for a guy needing to sleep at least 10 hours a day. And Ryuji knew Rin had even more missions than him these days because the Order needed him everywhere at once because of blue flames.
The thing he couldn’t understand was why they would call Rin on tamer related missions. Or even take him aside to actually ask for planning advice. Were they given the wrong impression because, well “he’s Satan’s spawn, he must be awesome!” or something? He saw that his friend didn’t pay much attention to whatever the group was discussing about the floor plans and assignments to everyone, just as he always does. Rin was looking over the building they had to clear and had this new “look” on his face like he actually was going over some mental gymnastics in his head. And then he was taken aside by the group captain and asked some questions.
“I mean- does it have to be that difficult? It’s like making the whole team jump and run around for no reason and then demanding them to push even harder- Shouldn’t we just work smarter..?” Ryuji was baffled by… sudden take from that side. Did he actually listen to the plan?
They took a couple more minutes, Rin made some rearrangements on the map and for some reason captain enthusiastically agreed with him.
Before they actually declared the start of the mission Suguro managed to get paired with Rin (out of precaution when everything goes south) and had his supplies ready. Somehow he felt nervous about the whole ordeal, the mission was classified as high risk and high level. Some really deadly bunch of demons possessed the most heinous criminals in this part of Japan and made this factory their nest. They said the demons were semi-sentient so this should be handled by tamers best. And Ryuji could not remember that being mentioned in his books.
And maybe he whispered that out loud because Rin playfully bumped him with his shoulder and actually giggled.
“Well, I thought you noticed it during fight with Satan. But on practical it never works as we taught by the books!”
“… in practice…” corrected Suguro. “Focus on the task now.”
They decided to put Rin’s senses of danger to use and find the one demon who probably led the whole nest. They were ravaging the good part of the city for a couple weeks and actually made people to evacuate in hurry. The streets around the factory were eerily quiet and unwelcoming.
“They are hungry.” Suddenly commented Rin from behind Ryuji. “Let me go ahead first. Maybe I can figure something out.”
“The second and third floors are clear. There’s a possibility of few ghouls judging by the bodies staked in a pile.” Hissed from a walkie-talkie right when Suguro turned to look at Rin with annoyance.
“Are you out of your mind?” He seethed while getting a better grip of his bazooka.
“I didn’t say I will go alone. I learned that one cool trick my mom used…” and just like that the halfling was already in front of him and looking up the dusty, ruined staircase. “I know for a fact ghouls can’t really smell these until they added to the potion.”
Rin took a handful of some dark berries out of his little belt bag. And right after a small bag of blood.
“But they can make them very obedient when squeezed into fresh blood. Then we can use Nightstand or Wolfsbane to exorcise them. I think the “sentient” ones are just three strong auras hiding in the boss’s restroom on last floor. They think they are hot stuff but they really don’t know what’s coming.”
Where did that all come from?
“But I need to open up this blood bag first and then add the juice. They’ll probably rush in the moment I will combine them. It’s like a demon drug or something. Watch my back for me? While we deal with this the rest of the group will be able to do that fancy circle they mentioned. Then I just burn their egos out or make them to let go of these people, preferably...”
“Burn their egos? Also, it’s “Nightshade” not a nightstand…” Ryuji still was a bit confused. But their captain already approved of this part of the plan. He might as well just go with it and see where it gets them. Whatever these unfamiliar berries were — if they make the ghouls to run away from their guarding spots will just be helpful for the rest of the team indeed.
“Yeah. I had to resort to that to save these kids in an orphanage. The mission Lightning took me on? He didn’t tell you what happened?” Rin found a small chunk of something shattered and carefully spilled a small bag of blood in a makeshift bowl.
“No? I mean- he said you burned the demons-“ Ryuji watched his friend pulling out some small empty vial before doing anything to the berries. “What’s this for?”
“I need to get my tears in there too. So, how do I make myself cry- YOW-HHH!! Not the tail, you—!” Now it was Ryuji’s turn to chuckle. He’ll be in trouble for that for a while later.
Growling and hissing Rin actually focused on collecting his sudden tears and adding them to mix with blood. Not without a heavy smack against Suguro’s side with his assaulted tail.
“Asshole. I’ll tell you later about that then. Get ready…” and with a deep breath Okumura squeezed the berries in his hand. They could already hear some scratching noises from around even before the berries were added to the mix. The fresh blood making ghouls uneasy and driving their instincts to investigate. But the moment a few drops landed into mix it was like Hell broke loose somewhere. The howling, screeching and other blood turning sounds was coming from all around getting closer really fast.
“Team D just saw at least 10 ghouls rushing to the east wing! That’s more than we expected!” Someone exclaimed through walkie-talkie. While Ryuji was getting ready to use any sutras or bazooka Rin smeared his hands with the bloody mix.
“Ok. I think we’ll handle it well. Let’s get in the open field to see everything better!” Rin said without looking at his friend and they both ran towards an open dusty field right as some demons started to flood the area around them.
“Rin said there’s three powerful auras in a restroom of the last floor. We’ll deal with the ghouls from here.” Announced Suguro and got into position.
“Roger that.”
No one expected there to be more than 15 of these mid level demons. Assuming they are mid level. But Ryuji felt some dread when he saw a few walking human corpses amongst these amalgamations. More than 40 ghouls at least now gathered around the two of them. This can be a problem. Simple use of some herbs might be useless here.
“I hope you know what you’re doing, Okumura!” Ryuji shot one of his grenades above the two of them and started a prayer to form a fire type barrier around them. And just in time as some of the demons started to run at Rin who looked unfazed.
Young Aria kept the chant going when he suddenly felt goosebumps forming all over his nape. He stole a glance at his friend to see Rin’s hair turning white as he slowly rose his arms above his head.
“Heed my command. Serve me. And I shall relieve your hunger.” Rin’s words sounded so low and powerful Ryuji almost lost his concentration. But in a couple seconds the ear piercing screams of demons came to a halt. An absolute silence with only Suguro’s chanting to fill the air. “Leave.”
And just like that at least two thirds of the demons slowly started to disintegrate to black ashes. Mostly the animalistic ones and maybe a few humanoid monsters. The strongest seemed to be resisting the obviously powerful command and now Ryuji felt like he understood why Rin was called to that mission. Not fully tho… but the higher ups probably knew more of nephilim’s abilities from all the missions he completed.
“Well…” Rin growled low from within his chest and gripping Kurikara while getting into a stance. “Let’s party!”
The two young exorcist moved easily in sync, keeping each other’s blind spots covered. The fighting ground soon covered in blue flames but Ryuji didn’t hesitate to use them as his advantage, passing through raging fire what gently licked over him in protective way. They heard other teams coordinating over the radio but was focused on their own task. It wasn’t a simple fight. Ryuji opted to few modified sutras he trained with his master and one summoning spirit that helped them to keep demons away from him while Rin took care of most dangerous ghouls left. In a few minutes they both were out of breath but they managed to exorcise all of these ghouls without a scratch.
“Whoo! Awesome! Amazing as always, Suguro!” Praised Rin with that admiring glimmer in his eyes and thumbs up. “I think you took out more demons than me too-“
“I… can’t believe this worked…” Ryuji allowed one end of his weapon to hit the ground and used it for support so he can catch a breath. “And are you just simply forgetting you exorcised more than a half of these things? Where did you learn that?”
“My mom was an awesome tamer. She knew when some demons can’t be talked with but found ways to make them go away without a fight. While stuck in the past I would sometimes act like I’m part of the team and tried to remember all the tricks exorcists used back then.” They both finally collected themselves and headed to the main factory building to help with the main headache of this mission.“
Sometimes there was nothing to do and see so I had to pass the time somehow while I waited for Mephisto to tell me more clues and directions. Can’t believe no one questioned who I was and what I was doing there. Nor did they recognise me after like… 5 years since anyone saw me last.”
Rin had new tricks in his sleeves. And Ruiji would say they were pretty clever.
The rest of the team managed to lock the three other possessed criminals in the magic circle. Some type of Oni. And Rin managed to talk with two, making them to let go of the vessels (and they used a few ancient prayers to make sure they won’t get possessed again) while third one chose to be scorched by Demon Prince’s flames - as the demon put that itself. The day was ending and the two of them were finally let go.
———
“So… is this how you dealt with the demons during your mission with Lightning?”
They went to the train station together. No one could send them back with the key. There were too many people and everyone was drained at the and of the mission, including Rin and Ryuji.
“Yeah.” Rin yawned lazily and rubbed at his eyes. “It’s kinda the same technique I used to burn away the rot back in Kyoto. Shima also gave me a few advices on how I can use my flames if someone is possessed. So now I’m more useful in this… whatever it is.”
Rin gestured wildly with his wrist in the air. Suguro hummed with amusement.
“Well, it was an actual exorcism. Congratulations, Rin. Seems you’re not so stupid after all.” He was whacked on the head instantly but still laughed and ducked the next hit Rin wanted to make at his shoulder.
“By the way, Suguro…”
“What?”
“Next time you pull my tail like that again…” Ryuji already started to cackle and took a few steps ahead. “Dude- I swear I will bite your face off. That was uncalled for!”
“I already apologised for that! You asked for tears and, well… How else do I make you cry this fast? Should I read you a sappy story next time?” Ryuji turned around to walk backwards and looked at his pouting friend. The sun almost set and pained the sky in different evening shades of pink. Yet Aria did notice a light shade of blush on Rin’s cheeks.
“Could’ve used a few drops of holy water. At least it heals fast. Now my whole back just screams in agony…” the halfling explained bitterly. That made Ryuji’s smile drop a little.
“Oh… sorry.” He said it with actual serenity in his tired voice this time. “It hurts that much?”
Sensing actual concern from his friend Rin perked up a little, tugging a reassuring smile.
“I’ll be fine by the morning. But yes. Imagine if someone dislocated your shoulder?” And Ryuji knew how that feels from recent experiences. He hissed and scratched the back of his neck.
“Damn… sorry.” Rin caught up to him on the path and bumped against his friend shoulder still wearing his soft smile.
“Alright. Apologies accepted. Are you going back to Kyoto branch today?”
“Yes… why?”
“I kinda miss your mom’s cooking. Can I crush in your inn for a couple days? Yuki is still in America and I don’t want to be in our dorm all alone…”
“I mean… sure? I think mom’s gonna be thrilled to see you. But what about Kuro?”
They were nearing the station and could see its lights beyond the trees. From there they’ll take the train to the closest supply camp of True Cross where they met for the mission. They’ll be able to send both of them to Kyoto with a key.
“Yuki took him for his mission too. The silence makes me uneasy after the war…” Rin admitted with some hesitancy.
“I see… well then. Hopefully you won’t fall asleep on me while we’re still on the train. Or else you can just ride to wherever the train takes you.”
“Aww, come on! Don’t be so harsh with me!” Whined Rin and tugged at Ryuji’s arm.
The two of them fell into their usual comfortable bantering.
———
The next day they hoped to really rest for a while from their long week. With all the chaos after artificial gate swallowed whole Assiah their studies in True Cross academy and Cram school was put on hold for a while, the rest of the regular students sent home as well. And with their new exorcist licenses they were required to attend missions around Japan at the very least.
Konekomaru and Shima joined them at the inn by the lunch time, entirely exhausted but still happy to see Rin as their guest.
Sadly their calm day was interrupted when suddenly a few exorcists rushed into the inn through key enchanted door, requesting help with injured people (there was a lot of civilians from neighbouring town near Kyoto). The four friends tried to navigate through the chaos and Ryuji felt strange sense of deja vu from past summer. But this time someone recognised Rin in the crowd and ushered him to join medics who treated worst injured people already brought in.
Rin was not a doctor…
The people were poisoned by some wasp type demons. There was so many children too and Ryuji felt his face paling because of that.
“We can help them quickly!” Offered Rin. “Is there anyone who can summon greenman and make me some lemon balm and Arnica flowers?”
Someone quickly jumped to his side and offered some help with that. Ryuji’s mom also sprang to action, bringing some essential oils and little bowls to mix things. His dad was bringing warm water and asking something about stings from Yaozo.
“Okumura-kun. Are you sure it’s this species? Maybe we should wait for results?..” someone asked from behind Rin. Ryuji tried to take a closer look but also not to get in the way.
“Yes. Look at this sting. There are three stripes and they kind of zig- zigging? Zigzagged?.. Either way if this won’t make the poison go away by the evening it will still help until medical unit gets here… That’ll surely won’t let anyone die.” offered Rin and applied some of the potion his mother skilfully mixed into a paste. The little girl on the mat was shivering violently and even flinched after some of the paste made contact with her skin, reddened from the sting Okumura just removed. But after every attacked part of her hand was covered in this medicine she suddenly took a few deep breaths and instantly relaxed.
“It’s working! Get everyone this mix, they’ll be fine!” And now everyone felt less panicked and started to do the same process with the rest of injured people. They also made hot tea with these herbs, offering them to people who started to wake up and those who arrived still conscious“
What about the demons who caused this?” Asked Ryuji while applying medicine to one of the children.
“Officers said Beelzebub took care of the whole colony just in time.” He heard Juzou say from the mat beside him, also working with treating stings. “They said she was furious… poor children.”
Juzou let out a heavy sigh and went to the next patient right away.
They managed to treat everyone in under two hours. And by the third hour everyone who got here unconscious started to wake up. Medics arrived in the next 20 minutes after they started treatment and prised Myō Dha sect for quick thinking and offering correct herbs. After everything settled down they allowed the four young Exorcist to hide deeper into the inn. They decided to settle in the garden for a while and just breathe some fresh air of early spring.
“Rin, where did you learn about this treatment? Were you in similar situation with Yukio recently?”Curiously asked Konekomaru. Shima looked like he was about to pass out and Rin just was sitting calmly and examining one of the stings. “There’s like hundreds of species, and you just knew what to do…”
Rin breathed in deeply and lit the sting on fire.
“Nah… I saw my dad using it with sting poisons like that. If it doesn’t heal right away… at least they won’t die until medics arrive. The ones with zigzags on their stings can stop heart within an hour…”
“So… you learned it from Fujimoto?” Ryuji curiously pitched in. “When you were in the past?”
“Yeah. He really was cool like that. Also… making these potions is almost like cooking. But instead of taste and smell you need to remember what can help with what… Sometimes Mephisto would leave me in one spot and offer some “books” to read while I waited for something to happen. There wasn’t anything like internet back then and I couldn’t just leave or sleep at times like this. So I made some use of that too.”
“See — books do help!” Teased Suguro.
Rin just rolled his eyes at him.
“Nope! I mostly remember if anything happened in the moment. I told you I learn in action best!” The boy puffed out his chest and made a proud face. Shima giggled at his display.
“Just your luck that they didn’t make us go through this meister exams. But maybe you can take one next year if you keep going like that. You still planning on becoming the Paladin?” Lazily asked Shima.
Rin’s face lit up with a wide smile and he nodded.
“Still… it’s actually amazing, Rin. I heard from a lot of colleagues that you’re doing surprisingly well as an exorcist on field. Even Yukio prised you.” Softly offered Konekomaru. At the mention of his twin Rin became even more happy.
“Really?!” His delight instantly made his friends smile as well. Feeling warm from the sight of Rin’s toothy smile Ryuji spoke next.
“Seems your time travelling helped you more than expected.”
“Heh… yeah. A lot can change in half a year…” The halfling scratched his head and slumped a little from tiredness as if remembering what he went through.
And at this moment Ryuji realised… Rin really had half a year to learn from really powerful exorcist of the past. A real head start if you please. And probably a much needed one if he wanted to be treated seriously and achieve his goal.
———
By the end of the day all patients were released and sent home. No one needed hospitalisation and that made Ryuji feel relieved. They managed to help all these people and innocent kids.
Rin was on the phone with his twin, sharing the past couple of days and his successfully finished missions, including the sudden emergency at Suguro’s inn. They used a video call and Yukio looked as tired on the screen as he sounded. But at least he wasn’t hiding it now and finding comfort in his brother’s words and reassurances.
He was in America with Lewin because apparently he asked to be punished before Satan got his new vessel. And this is why Ryuji was here in Japan instead of getting more training with his master. But he wouldn’t complain. They got Rin here now in exchange and he would be glad to have him here more than a couple of days. At least his cheerful attitude seemed to infect Myō Dha people just as much as their friends. And he was a great help to his mother in the kitchen. With him dinner was served earlier and it was so rich in flavour everyone hoped to get one more serving. Rin even considered Mamushi’s pregnancy and made her a special food and she slipped a comment how Okumura should stay with them longer. The halfling softly laughed with shyness and said he’ll think about it since there’s nowhere else for him to be at the moment (his old monastery at the very least but Ryuji understands why his friend hesitant to go back there yet). And he would appreciate some welcoming company too.
Rin never wakes up early. And all of them hit the pillow pretty late last night.
But here was Okumura, already helping with breakfast while his mom looked like she had some weight lifted off her shoulders.
“Morning, Rin…” yawned Ryuji. He was contemplating if he had enough energy to go on his morning run. He probably should run to not get into the habit of skipping it.
“Oh, hey Suguro! Your dad just left with Shima’s dad to Vatican! You missed them by a couple minutes!”
“Wow… is my old man actually started to consider becoming an exorcist, perhaps?” A hot cup of matcha won’t hurt him before his run so he stepped into the kitchen to make himself one. He did notice how Rin’s tail flicked with displeasure. Seems he doesn’t like people getting in a way in any kitchen if they’re not the cooks themselves. “I’m just getting matcha. How are you awake so early?”
“Ah… you know… hehe…” Suddenly Rin was all nervous and focused on chopping his ingredients.
“…Rin..?”
The boy sucked in his breath and fully turned his back to the table while bending forward to Suguro like he was about to tell some secret so Ryuji mimicked him.
“I always wondered how my old man was always able to get everything done on time… go check my room!” And with that he giggled and went back to cooking.
Ryuji blinked stupidly while he waited for water to boil but decided to do as suggested. The water will be hot when he’s back.
And he was back very quickly.
“Okumura! What-?!” He hissed at Okumura with as much of a whisper as he could master. “Is this some spell or something?!”
Rin just stiffened a laugh and showed his tongue out of pure joy. Even blushing.
“What??” Exclaimed Suguro.
“It was Mephisto’s idea! He said it’s my demon blood what’s making me sleep for so long and feel sleepy all the time if I don’t sleep how much I want. And it’s not a spell… just this.” Rin took out his Kamikakushi key from around his neck. “So, yeah. I’m actually still sleeping.”
And he looked proud of himself… Ryuji was about to protest when he actually realised how helpful it is to Rin with all the missions he has to endure. Using blue flames could still drain him if he’s not careful. And from what he heard Rin actually wasn’t falling asleep on meetings and missions… so… That’s a win for everyone, right..?
The kettle started to whistle and Ryuji crossed his arms around his chest.
“Cheater…” And he’s not taking that back.
“We can bunk together in the same room and you can sleep in a few times if you want!” Rin smiled mischievously at him, finishing another serving. And that idea made Suguro to take a deep breath and return to making his matcha.
“You shouldn’t use this key like that too much… but with how bad of a sleepyhead you are…”
“Your mom knows, I warned her last night. Just so no one stumbles upon me dead asleep after meeting me here or anywhere around.”
Well. At least his mom seemed happy when they met in the hall.
———
Rin spent most of the morning helping around the inn happily. Somehow he missed it during summer and on wedding celebration but his friend really got along with both of his parents very well. His mom was thrilled to have such a helping hand and Rin even saved his sorry ass a couple of times from her wrath somehow. He also was very good at getting answers out of people now (and it made Shima jealous), Ryuji’s dad wasn’t an exception to that. So that’s how he learned that yes, Tatsuma Suguro was considered becoming an exorcist so he can help more efficiently during these hard times. At least around Kyoto and its borders.
But later that day Rin had to leave for Vatican with Konekomaru. His childhood friend promised to make sure the halfling comes back here when he’s done with his work. But Ryuji wasn’t ready to receive the harsh news a few hours later.
Turns out the mission they suddenly sent him to involved Iblis. And that bitch was hell to deal with. Alas, no one actually considers it was the demon King of Fire at first. By mere miracle Rin managed to overpower her but he still was badly injured because he had to shield a small town in mountainous with himself a few times. Konekomaru said that their friend was fully healed by the time Iblis decided to ditch whatever she was trying to do and escaped in a magma crack in the ground. But Rin was really tired.
And he rejected to stay at hospital. So Koneko brought him back to the inn right away.
Ryuji and Juuzou helped Rin to stumble back to the room he was staying in past couple nights. Even though Rin was covered in mud, dust and blood. Mamushi offered to clean him with wet towels and his dad helped to get the boy out of his ruined uniform.
“He went all out…” sombrely commented Konekomaru. “He was so worried about this town, he held her back viciously while we tried to evacuate everyone…”
The short monk took off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose, frowning from exhaustion.
“At least the Order now sees how priceless he is, right?” Koneko smiled weakly. But there was a hopeful glimmer in his eyes. More than half a year ago he was terrified to stand next to Rin after they learned about his heritage. And now he was one of the greatest inspirations to his childhood friend.
Rin managed to awaken before the sun started to go down. And the first thing he did was run back to Vatican with Konekomaru because apparently he had something important to tell to Grigori. And after one more hour he learned that Rin actually became good at stealth and knew how to gather some information. And he was lucky enough to get something out. Iblis slipped and said something about certain places where they could try and bring Lucifer back.
And that earned him a whole week of rest at Suguro’s inn. The “Demon Prince” was wasting it blissfully on making a tasty but financially economical new menu with Ryuji’s mother. And somehow it all warmed his heart even more…
On one of those days he found Rin in the kitchen again but it wasn’t time for preparing meals yet.
“Whatcha doing? I thought you and Ma were done with that menu?” Ryuji casually leaned over the counter with both of his hands and inspected the ingredients around Rin’s workspace. There was a book but reading its contents upside down was a bit uncomfortable.
“Alchemy.” Just as casually answered Rin. He grabbed one side of the book to show the cover and opened back on the same page.
For a few seconds Ryuji couldn’t even find what to say to that.
“Can’t believe I’m seeing you in action of learning something important…” he teased and Rin pouted.
“I can learn! I got this book from my monastery not so long ago! Dad used to make awesome things with it…” Rin almost sounded like an offended child saying that. “I already said that treating this stuff like cooking allows me to focus more easily! And it lets me memorise the process. Practice is better than just simply grinding a book, I need my hands to be busy with something…”
Ryuji hummed and watched Rin making a carving on a small wooden slab he got somewhere. He nailed the spelling and spacing of the alchemy circle perfectly. That was pretty commendable.
“These are reusable circles you’re doing?”
“Yeah. I want to get a few basic but powerful ones to use on field…” There was Rin’s small belt bag on the table as well. The boy reached inside to take out a small vial of bluish liquid. “You should drink this.”
Ryuji took the vial carefully with his fingers and took a better look. Alchemy was meant to be learned at second year of cram school and was considered advanced craft.
“Why? What is it?”
“I can smell your migraine starting. I tried to combine a few things to try and make a healing potion against that.”
“Huh…” Ryuji decided to check if Rin was right and looked at the bright light above them. He did saw a few dark spots in his peripheral vision. His migraine indeed was starting. Good thing he was done with his missions for today. “You can smell them?..”
Rin smiled softly while daring a short glance up at Ryuji’s face. The latter put the vial down on the counter for now and laid out his reports in front of himself.
“Maybe we should wait for the pain to kick in then.” Said Suguro and looked at where he last ended his work. He knew Rin wouldn’t mind his quiet presence while they both were busy with their tasks.
“You sure?..” Ryuji would lie if he said that little attention to his headaches didn’t make his heart skip a beat in appreciation.
“Yes. That way we will know if it’s good for getting rid of the pain if the migraine already spread.” And working on his reports will help to quicken this process.
Ryuji couldn’t remember if he ever heard of someone treating alchemy as some sort of cooking process. And there were reasons why everyone prised Rin’s cooking abilities. A true “let him cook” moment if you asked the young Aria.
The potion against migraines worked incredibly well when he felt his head finally splitting in two. After consuming it was gone in five minutes. The taste obviously wasn’t the greatest but it wasn’t important at this point. It actually worked well enough to save him next month without any headaches (and it even scared Lewin at some point… until his apprentice mentioned how Rin was exploring alchemy on his spare time).
It wouldn’t be the last time Ryuji becomes the witness of Rin’s simple but creative problem solving tricks. And the young Knight would apply for Tamer meister before he was taken overseas for a few years for practice purposes, making these small warm moments together more rare but also so much more important and priceless to Bon.
Rin had more tricks up his sleeves with time. And Suguro was really proud of him. They’ll be alright. And beat any dangers in the future. Together, just as they all promised each other.
