I am currently laying my head on my arms, trying not to fall asleep as Yukio spoke. "All right, summer vacation is less than a month and a half away. But before the break, you'll take this year's Exwire Authorization Exam."

Eh? Another exam?

How lame. "Esquire? What's that?" Rin asked from next to me. "It's Exwire Rin. A candidate to become an Exorcist." Shiemi explained quietly on his other side.

Rin murmured thoughtfully at her words.

This is going to blow. I'm totally going to fail. The only subject I'm good at is demonology.

"Be aware; once you're promoted to Exwire you'll be subjected to more specialized combat training, so the exam won't be easy to pass."

Combat training? Combat. Combat. Ah! Fighting?!

Lucky!! If it's fighting then there's no way I'm going to fail! I sat up, instantly in a better mood over the news.

"Therefore next week we'll hold a week-long boot camp to prepare you for it."

Huh? "Boot camp?" Rin repeated. Yukio began to pass out papers.

"As the camp isn't mandatory, indicate if you'll be participating as well as the 'meister', or title, that you'd like to acquire and turn in the form by Monday." He instructed. This'll be easy.

I began to fill in the blanks, writing 'Knight' on the meister line.

Rin stood up and walked over to Ryuji and his two friends. "Hey, what's a meister?"

I sweat dropped, standing up myself and headed over. "Huh?" Ryuji asked, staring at me brother weirdly.

"Uh, I mean, clue me in man. Please." He grumbled the last part.

"You don't know that, and you say you're gonna become an Exorcist? Gimme a break!"

Shima laughed a bit. "Wow, Okumura. You really are clueless, huh?"

I patted Rin's shoulder and looked at them. "It's alright Nii-Chan. The only reason I know is because Yukio thought I might wanted to be a Knight and wanted to get me the proper weapon." I assured.

Rin looked confused. "Knight?" He asked.

I nodded, glancing at the sword over my shoulder. "You know, like a sword fighter!" I told him.

He nodded, accepting it. "Then what are the others?" Huh?

Others?

Hm. "Uh . . . uh . . . ah! Dragon!" Ryuji stood, smacking my head. "It's Dragoon!" He corrected. I rubbed my head and pouted.

Okay, so I forgot. Big deal.

"A meister is a technical qualification required to become an Exorcist and it's a title given to those proven to be highly skilled. Knight, Dragoon, Tamer, Aria, and Doctor. There are five titles in all, and as long as you've acquired at least one, you can become an Exorcist." Maru explained.

Rin and I sat down in front of them, facing their desk. "I see. I think I kinda get it." Rin said, staring at the paper.

"Hey, who said you could sit with us?" Ryuji asked.

I grinned cheekily at him. "Also, your combat style will vary greatly depending on which meister you get."

Rin smiled over at Maru. "Right. Hey, thanks Konekomaru. So what are you gonna go for?" He asked his new little friend. "Shima and I are going to try for Aria."

Rin and I glanced at each other and blinked before looking back at him. "Aria?" We questioned simultaneously.

"Aria are meister that battle demons by reciting the Bible and sacred scriptures." My eye twitched.

Memorizing? "While Bon here is all gung-ho, and is going for both Aria and Dragoon." Shima told us.

We looked at Ryuji in awe. "Wow, that's our Bon." Rin said.

Ryuji slammed his fists on the table. "Hey, don't call me Bon!" But we ignored him, yet again.

"Come to think of it, Okumura-Sensei has two as well- Doctor and Dragoon."

I blinked, glancing over at my little brother as he left the room. "Eh? Yuki huh? Well, the kid always did have talent." I said, shrugging my shoulders.

Rin looked up thoughtfully. "What should I go for? Actually, what's a Dragoon?" He asked aloud.

"It's the flying giant lizard." I stated.

Ryuji hit his fist on the table again. "For crying out loud! You two are such a pain! A Dragoon's a meister who fights with firearms!"

"Eh? Ryuji, you know how to shoot? Are you as good as Yukio?" I asked him curiously. "How should I know? And of course I do. I've been training."

Eh? I grinned. What an interesting guy. I chuckled. "Ryuji, you complain a lot but you sure are helpful." He turned red a bit. "I don't complain a lot!"

Liar~! "Oh, Yuko, you said a Knight fights with a sword?" Rin remembered.

I nodded, nodding to my sword. "Yep~! I can't wait till I get that title. I mean, how cool would it be? When someone asks 'what's your profession', you can say Knight. Like the good, olden days."

Rin grinned widely as well. "Okay, then I'm gonna be a Knight too." He said determinately.

"Come to think of it, you two carry around swords. Fuyuko-San, you started to recently." Maru noted.

I nodded, smile never faltering. "I've always taken an interest in weapons. I actually have a large collection of swords, spears, and other weapons in storage. I guess I just like it all so much because I watched a lot of dramas from the Sengoku period." I said thoughtfully.

Rin chuckled at that. "Yeah, I remember in fifth grade you brought out a sword because the neighborhood bully was the 'evil lord'." I laughed as well at the memory.

We turned our attention to the three boys who watched us curiously.

"Ah, I don't do that anymore, I grew up. A bit." I added the last part thoughtfully.

Rin nodded. "And this is kind of a keepsake from my dad."

My smile faltered at the mention of dad, but I forced it back up.

However it seems Ryuji noticed. Uh-oh.

"Ah! Nii-Chan, if we're both Knights and Yukio is a Dragoon, does that make him Nobunaga and us his retainers?"

Rin gave me an incredulous look. "Why does that four eyed mole face get to be Nobunaga? I always played that part."

Huh? Well simple. "Because Yukio is a bit cooler in public then you now."

Rin turned to stone and his head fell to the desk.

Shima laughed at his reaction. "So cruel Yuko-Chan!" He laughed. Eh? Was I cruel?

The next class we had with our teacher with the eyepatch.

We were gathered around him as he drew a magic circle in chalk on the ground. "Alright. I will now summon a demon." He said.

Rin admired the outline and went to see it closer, but was stopped.

"Don't step on the drawing!" Rin jumped a bit, stepping back between me and Shiemi. "If the magic circle is broken, it will lose all effect."

He unravelled the bandage on his hand, poking it a bit so blood was drawn. "To summon a demon you will need a drop of your own blood and a suitable invocation."

Some of his blood dripped onto the circle. "Son of Typhoeus and Echidna, comply with my request and show yourself!"

A breeze took place, as did smoke. The familiar feeling of the summoning crossed me as a hellhound of sorts took form.

That's a- "Is that a Naberius?" Maru asked, staring at the demon wearily.

"I've never seen one." Ryuji admitted. Really? A whole bunch of these showed up . . . when the church was attacked.

"It smells like sulfur." Shima said, covering his mouth and nose.

"Few have the ability to summon a demon to use as a familiar. Not only do you need the immense willpower to tame a demon, but a natural aptitude is also indispensable." The teacher cast a discreet glance at Rin.

Huh? What was that about? "I shall now test to see if any of you have this aptitude."

I fidgeted nervously. I don't need paper to summon a demon. My own aura forms the circle. And all demons will assist me if I need it.

But he can't know that. Nobody can.

I don't want to be here.

The teacher pulled out small slips of paper and needles before passing it around. "Using the rough sketch of the Magic Circle I just passed out, place a drop of blood and chant whatever words come to your mind."

I held the needle and paper with care.

If I drop even a little of it on it, any demon nearby will come. I can't let that happen.

Kamiki Izumo poked her finger and placed a drop on two pieces of paper. "I humbly appeal to the goddess of Inari. I entreat you not to leave my prayers unfulfilled!'

Two Inari foxes appeared in a gust of wind. Ah, those are . . . "Whoa! What the heck? So cool!" Rin admired as he and Shiemi looked so amazed.

That's actually impressive. Those familiars aren't just for newbies.

"Not one, but two Byakko, white foxes. Splendid, Kamiki Izumo." The teacher praised, rather monotone like.

"That's amazing Izumo-Chan. I'm not having any luck." Paku said, staring at her piece of paper.

"Well, of course! I'm from a long line of shrine maidens!" Izumo said, an air of confidence about her.

I mean . . . I guess confidence is a good thing?

Everyone murmured how they're no good. "What about you, Yuko-Chan?" Shima asked.

I jumped a bit before forcing a smile. "It doesn't seem I have any talent." I told him, shoving the paper in my pocket.

Ugh, I wanna go back to the dorms. "L-Let me try too!" Shiemi threw her arm to the air.

Oh? She's trying to put herself out there. Good for her.

She let a small drop hit the paper. "Here boy, here boy. Just kidding." She seems like she can't find the right words.

Disappointment crossed her face but a green light emitted before a tiny little leaf man appeared and floated down to her paper.

"He's so cute!" I squealed, rushing over to her so I can admire the adorable little creature in front of her.

Her own face lit up as well as she stared at the demon in awe. "That looks like an infant Greenman. Stupendous, Moriyama Shiemi."

I threw my arms around her neck and hugged her. "Awe, look at my talented little Shiemi." I cooed, making her blush furiously.

"Yuko, you're smothering her." Rin said, pulling me away a bit.

"H-Hello." She greeted the greenman. He jumped on and latched to her hair, climbing up. Shiemi giggled a bit, smiling at him fondly.

So cute~!

An idea formed on her face and she looked over at Izumo. "H-hey, Kamiki-San. I-I-I was able to summon my familiar too." She tried, initiating contact with her.

Izumo closed her eyes and smiled that fake smile. "Awesome, it's unbelievably tiny and adorable, like a peanut!" Her smile dropped as she stared down Shiemi.

Man this girl is a piece of work. "What? Awesome? Adorable? Thanks!" Shiemi smiled.

I nearly fell. Shiemi, she wasn't being friendly at all.

"It seems we have no shortage of Tamer candidates this year. Now then, the ability to manipulate demons during combat is extremely rare among Exorcists, so Tamers are highly valued. A demon will never obey a master weaker than itself. So if the master lacks confidence, it will turn on them and attack."

Does that apply to me too?

No, it doesn't.

Just because I can control them doesn't mean I'm strong. They show up on their own accord.

I'm not particularly strong minded.

"As I mentioned, breaking the circle will release the Familiar, causing it to vanish. So if you ever sense danger, tear up the sheet of paper."

He ran his foot across the circle, smudging the chalk and causing the demon to vanish.

The bell chimed, signalling the end. "That's all. Class is dismissed."

Izumo and Paku left, Shiemi following quickly behind. "Hey, hey! Ryuji, if you could summon a demon, would you want foxes or a greenman?" I asked him curiously.

He looked at me weirdly. "Huh? What are you talking about. I don't need a demon to help me."

Ah. But . . . I'm a demon. "I think I'd like the green man because he is so adorable! What about you, Nii-Chan?" I asked Rin as we grabbed our bags.

"Hm, I would much rather be able to summon the dog Sensei summoned."

Oh, he was cute.

Y'know, for the King or Rot's pet at least.

Ryuji and his friends left, Rin and I following. As we left, we glanced down the hall where the girls were.

Shiemi carrying Izumo's bag.

I see.

"What's with that? Shiemi's become Tiny Brow's servant?" Rin murmured.

I eyed the scene with distaste. "Tiny Brow?" Maru asked.

Shima chuckled. "He must mean Kamiki-San." He explained to him. "They're just messing around." Ryuji stated.

An image of the past flashed through my mind. "It's bullying." I said, my tone darker than usual, drawing their attention to me.

I glared at the girls. I never liked being friends with girls.

Because they toy with your mind, not caring if they break it. "Yuko?" Rin asked.

If I told her flat out, Shiemi would deny it since she's trying so hard. But I can't just let this happen.

Forcing a bright, cheery smile, I ran towards them. "Hey! Shiemi! Wait for me!" I cheered childishly.

The girls stopped, glancing back at me. "Yuko!" Shiemi smiled.

I eyed the bag Izumo gave her. "Why are you carrying it?" I asked. She just smiled widely. "Friends help each other out.

"Oh? Friends huh?" I glanced at Izumo, allowing my eyes to show some of my true emotions.

She glared at me before her and Paku continued. "I'll come with. Hey, we're friends, right?" I asked the two girls.

They looked at one another. "I guess." Izumo muttered, trying to figure out what I meant.

I beamed. "Great! Can you help me out and carry this?" I tossed her my bag, making her stumble a bit in surprise.

"Huh?!" She asked incredulous.

I smiled very slyly. "Friends help each other out." I repeated, making the two jump. "Why you . . !"

I plucked the bag. "Just kidding. I wouldn't want to force you to be my errand girl. No, that'd be despicable."

~

"I'm angry!" I shouted, kicking the wall ferociously.

Rin nodded from his position on the steps to our dorm. "That Shiemi . . . she's totally running around like an errand girl." He said.

I walked over, sitting on his shoulder.

My weight didn't seem to bother him, not that I thought he would, what with his outrageous strength.

Yukio glanced over at us, remaining standing. "What?"

We sighed, shaking our heads. "Nothing. Anyway, why are we holding the camp in our dorm?" Rin asked.

It's already time for the boot camp.

The three of us waited for the others arrival since we already live here.

"There's nobody else in this dorm but us, so it's fine if we cause a ruckus. It's just convenient." He explained.

"It kind of feels like a sleepover." I told him flatly.

He was about to respond, but footsteps brought our attention elsewhere.

Finally, our classmates arrived and examined the rundown building. I grinned, springing up and waving my hand. "Good morning~!" I sang cheerfully.

Shima held his hand up. "Good morning!"

The others were still staring at the dorm. "Listen, this place is like a ghost hotel or something!" Ryuji said, not at all impressed with the place.

"Eh? Are you afraid of ghosts, Ryuji?" I teased him. "Of course not!"

I laughed at his reaction. "Oh my gosh, this place is so creepy! Couldn't you find a better place than this?" Izumo asked.

I immediately scowled at her. "I don't know. Couldn't you have found a better personality then the one you have?" I bit back, making Shima slap his hand to his mouth to stop his laughter.

Izumo and I glared at each other before she turned away with a huff.

She turned to Shiemi. "Take this will you?" She said, thrusting her bag in her direction.

Like always, Shiemi smiled and took it without any hesitation.

This just agitated me further, along with Rin. "Moriyama-San, if you don't want to, just say so." Paku told her.

Oh? I guess she's not as cold as eyebrows over there. "What? I don't mind at all. I'm helping out a friend after all." She smiled widely.

Shiemi . . . you idiot.

We went inside and began doing worksheets.

I was already in a cruddy mood because of Izumo, this homework just put me in a even crappier mood. So I cheated since I sat across from Ryuji.

"Alright, times up. Turn your papers over and hand them in." Yukio instructed.

I let out a sigh of relief and did so. "I thought I was done for." I murmured, laying my head on the table. "Hey . . . I'm gonna go out and get some air."

Rin stood up, completely out of it, his brain probably as fried as mine. "Yeah, go cool off." Ryuji said as Rin walked away.

I glanced over at him. "Ryuji~. I think this is the end of me. I'm going to die." I rasped out dramatically.

Ryuji reached over and pat my head. "You're not going to die." He stated.

No, I definitely will. I just can't anymore. "Tomorrow, everyone be up by 6 A.M. We'll have an hour before class to go over the answers to this test."

Ghek. "Yukio, you're a beast, a beast I say!" I accused him.

He merely smiled and continued on his way. Four eyed bastard. Izumo stood. "Paku, let's go take a bath."

Paku smiled and nodded. Shiemi put down her papers and stood.

"Oh, me too!" The three of them walked out.

"Are you going to go with them Yuko-Chan?" Shima asked.

I frowned, laying my head across my arms. "No. Izumo and I don't really get along well." I told him, not at all trying to hide it.

He looked off in the direction they went, a sly grin coming onto his face. "Girls bath huh? Sounds good! Don't you think we need to get down there and have a peek?" He whispered to the guys.

But I heard him. He wasn't very discreet about it and my hearing is better than most.

"Shima! Don't forget you're a priest!" Ryuji shouted at his friend.

"Shima's falling into his bad habit again." Maru said with a sigh.

"Eh? Peeking? So cliche. Well, it's not that hard to peek into that place, it's not very secured anyway." I told him nonchalantly.

"Eh?! Oku-Fuyuko-San! You're a girl! Shouldn't you be upset by it?" Maru asked me incredulously.

I glanced at them. "Why should I? It's perfectly natural for teenagers to do things like that. It's not like it'll cause any harm. Besides, I'm pretty sure Izumo can destroy him if it comes down to it." I shrugged.

I mean, c'mon. Teenagers do this type of thing all the time.

"I think you should be a little more upset about it." Ryuji said, eye twitching.

I just shrugged. "Kindly remember that there's a teacher present." We all looked over to Yukio, who's in the corner, looking over some papers.

Shima got closer to him. "You're a teacher, but all in all, you're a first year too, right? You don't have to hold back." Shima patted him.

I mean, I don't think he should, but if Yukio wants to he might as well.

If he keeps it all built up he's going to age and not handsomely.

Ah-ah. The curse of being a teenager. "My policy is never to take part in reckless adventures." He said, adjusting his glasses.

"Yukio, you know you could always-"

My eyes widened and I stood quickly. "Huh? Yuko-Chan, what is it?" Shima asked as he, Ryuji, Maru, and Yukio looked at me curiously.

This presence . . . I glanced at the door. "Ghoul?" I whispered ever so softly. But they still heard it. "Huh? Ghoul?" Maru asked.

Suddenly, two screams sounded. "In the bathroom!" I shouted, taking off.

"Ah! Nee-San!" Yukio shouted. But I ignored him, taking off in a sprint.

I sensed the presence around the school, and even nearby, but it's malice only just appeared.

I rushed into the bathroom to see Paku, on the ground, Izumo in her underwear, and Rin and Shiemi, facing a large Ghoul.

With Izumo and Paku here, he can't draw his sword. "Nii-Chan! Shiemi!"

The two glanced at me. "Yuko! You and Rin draw the demon away while I attend to Paku-San!" She quickly rushed over to her.

I grabbed the sword off my back and took it out of the casing and unsheathed the steel blade.

Rin hit the Ghoul over it's head with his sheathed sword and I rushed over, slashing it across it's side. "My . . . young prince, princess."

It reached its hands out, grabbing us by our faces. He threw Rin to the side first and through the glass door separating the changing room from the actual bathroom.

"Tch! Let go of me!" I roared, bringing my leg up and striking it's face, forcing it to release me.

"Nii-Chan! Are you alright? Ah!" I tumbled away to avoid the Ghoul's strike.

"Rin! Yuko!" Shiemi shouted worriedly.

Rin quickly got up and we moved away from the Ghoul, leading it away from them. "Don't worry about us!" I jumped up and spun, kicking the Ghoul in the stomach harshly, making him skid back.

Rin hit it again and it swung, smacking down on us, wrapping its hands around our necks.

"Ack!" I shouted, gripping the fingers wrapped tightly around my neck. "Please forgive me. I only . . . do as my master . . . bids me." The Ghoul apologized.

I grit my teeth, allowing my power to build.

"LET GO!" I roared.

It screeched, loosening it's hold. Rin used that opportunity to punch him away from us.

Even if he was summoned, no demon can disobey my orders.

If it was Satan, my command wouldn't have worked. It was a humans doing.

Rin reached for his sword, debating on drawing it. I readied mine.

Rin can't draw that sword. Not in front of people. "Nee-San! Nii-San!" Yukio's shout cut through the air.

Rin suddenly tackled me to the ground as Yukio began firing at the Ghoul. "You won't get away!" He shouted as the Ghoul began to run.

It jumped high into the air and wall before crashing through a window and escaping. "Are you alright, Nii-San, Nee-San?"

Rin and I got up. I sheathed my own sword, putting it back in the cloth casing.

"You're late!" Rin shouted at our brother, but not really mad at all. "But I made it just in time. Shiemi-San, how is Paku-San?" Ah!

I got up and ran over, noticing the boys have gathered.

Seems Shiemi treated her. "Yuki-Chan . . .I . . ." Neee-Chan, her familiar, stood next to her, some green thing sprouting from him.

Ah, it's the same thing wrapped around Paku's arm and on her cheek.

"You've treated her correctly. Who knows what might have happened if you hadn't been here, Shiemi." Yukio told her.

I smiled, patting her head. "Good job, Shiemi." She blushed a bit, obviously surprised.

Her eyes then zoned in on my leg. "Yuko! Your leg!"

Huh? I looked down.

See, since I didn't need to wear school clothes, I wore black shorts and a simple t-shirt. So I could see glass sticking from it.

"Huh." I mused, going to pull it out. "Hey! Don't do that!" Ryuji rushed over, moving my arms up in a kind of headlock.

"Nice job Suguro-San. Nee-San, let's go get it treated." Yukio simply said.

"Huh?! But I don't need it!" I broke free from Ryuki and pointed at Paku. "She is the first priority, and then it's setting up some barrier to protect us!" I shouted, not wanting to be treated.

A moan is heard and we all looked over at Paku.

She gaining consciousness. "Paku-San!" Shiemi exclaimed.

Her eyes turned to Shiemi. "Moriyama-San . . . Thank you for saving me." She thanked weakly. Shiemi's eyes widened before she smiled brightly. "Yeah!"

Ah-ah. Well, all's well ends well. Ah, that's not true. That Ghoul . . . he was being controlled by a human.

He didn't disobey him until I gave the direct order. Meaning it's someone with a strong mind and spirit.

But why target us? Unless . . . My gaze wandered over to Rin, who dropped his shirt over Izumo before walking out.

Could it be . . . that someone's after Rin?