Heli: Hello again! I apologize that this sequel took over a year for me to bring to you, but it would seen that November is the only time of year when I can properly create Hibari fics. Anyway, this story wasn't even supposed to happen. I'd given up on a realistic sequel long ago. That's when I found myself with writer's block while working on my Supernatural Fic and, instead of being helpful and brainstorming some ideas, Rhage hands me the plot for this wrapped up all nice and neat with a pretty bow.
Rhage: *wiggles eyebrows* I couldn't let my lovely readers down.
Heli: *sniffs angrily* I'm still mad at you. *waves hand* Moving on. This story is a lot shorter than The Hawk and Lark (only ten chapters long) and will be posted when I have access to internet, so maybe once or twice a week. Also, I try to update my profile to keep you guys up to date on what I'm trying to work on, so whenever you get time, pop by to take a look and see what I'm up to.
Rhage: *shoves Heli out of the way* Now on to the story and please enjoy, my lovely ladies!
Heli: Don't Own. Don't Sue. No Money.
Slumped in his desk chair, Hibari stared out his bedroom window at the dark, seemingly silent town of Namimori. As his eyes traced the familiar lines, he realized that the usual swell of pride was absent. His brows drew down while he examined the hole left behind. The feeling, Hibari admitted almost grudgingly to himself, had vanished several weeks ago after his battle with the man called Mukuro. He had let his beloved town down, shamed himself before the Prefects and, in anger, had pushed aside anyone who tried to stand with him in the aftermath.
Hibari's fingers curled tightly around the edges of the armrests, his nails digging into the soft leather as he glared out the window. He'd wanted nothing more than to be left alone; allowed to lick his wounded pride in private.
Closing his eyes, Hibari's jaw clenched when her face flashed briefly to the front of his mind. He could see the pain in her wide, dark eyes. The words he'd said to put that pain there echoed softly in his ears: I don't need you. He'd turned his back on her then and walked away. That was the last time he'd seen her.
Opening his eyes, he took a deep breath then held it. It was time to return to the streets, to the Prefects, and to her. He had used his self-imposed solitude to think and to train so that, never again, would he fall to an opponent. Hibari released his breath slowly before rising to his feet. He glided silently across the plush carpet towards his bedroom door, pausing long enough to pick up his coat. He studied the armband pinned to its sleeve before settling the coat on his shoulders. He knew who deserved the only apology he was going to make.
His steps echoed faintly as he walked through the alley to pause at its mouth, hidden in the shadows. Across the empty street was the park he'd taken her to over a year ago. He'd hoped to find her there enjoying the swarms of fireflies as she usually did and when he spotted the slim figure standing with its back towards him, face upturned towards the flickering lights, his heart fluttered. Hibari scowled at himself before forcing his feet to move.
She didn't turn when he approached though he knew she was aware of him by the slight tilt of her head; turning her ear towards him. Hibari felt the heat climb up the back of his neck when several minutes passed and he realized she would continue to ignore him until he spoke.
"Taka," he said softly. She turned then and Hibari's eyes dropped to the front of her white dress shirt. Drops of blood littered the fabric like rose petals scattered across freshly fallen snow. A curl of pride tried to yank the corner of his mouth up but he pushed it down when his eyes met hers. Her features were neutral but her gaze was frigid. Hibari clenched his fingers into fists as his throat tightened causing him to swallow; his heart beating a little harder in his chest. Would she forgive him?
They stood in silence watching each other while the fireflies floated lazily around them completely uncaring about the two stubborn lovers in their midst. His eyes narrowed when his fear was replaced with irritation and hers followed suit as she read his mood. Her lips curled back, teeth flashing in the dim light as she readied a sharp remark only to lose focus on him, her eyes flicking to the rustling bushes on her right. As one, they turned towards the noise. His tonfas clicked into place while she whipped her arm to the side, her telescopic baton extending fully.
A young man tumbled out, kicking away the tangle of vines that clung to his feet before he turned towards them; his mouth open in a grin, his breath coming in pants.
"Ma'am! There's-" he sucked in his words, his teeth clicking as his mouth snapped shut when he saw that Taka was not alone. Quickly, he bowed his head. "Head Chairman." His eyes were wide and darted between them when they relaxed, unsure of who to address.
"What info do you have, Shinichi?" Taka asked as she stepped towards him drawing his full attention.
He bowed again nervously. "The Yamashita are engaging Kusakabe and group three blocks south of Taiga Middle. He's requesting you join."
Taka smiled. "Alright. Rejoin them and gather as many reinforcements you can along the way. I'll be right there."
Shinichi gave a final, deep bow before dashing off, his voice calling out to his fellow Prefects. Taka watched him go before looking over her shoulder, her dark eyes sharp enough to leave marks in his skin.
"I don't know why you came here, but it'll have to wait. When you left, not only did you hurt those who care about you, but you started a war." Her lips twisted in a sneer. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go defend your territory." She was gone after that; her dark hair swirling around her shoulders as she leapt through the bushes to follow after Shinichi.
Heli: I want to apologize for any confusing punctuation. I, obviously, didn't pay attention in class the year we learned how we're supposed to use it properly and am seriously regretting it now. My irritation with it has gotten to the point that it bothers me to distraction while trying to write. I'm desperately trying to fix this problem to make things easier for you. Also, as I was browsing through my old story notes, I realized that there's a lot of little interesting facts about the stories I write that never get told. I've decided to add these in my ANs. If you're not interested, go ahead and skip them. Random Fact One: The Hawk and Lark took me 9 days to write from start to finish. The Sky Awaits took six months from conception, to forcing Rhage to write, to replanning, more forced writing, a long break, giving up, then finally: "God damn it, Rhage, we're finishing this story!"